AAI Indonesian Advocates' Association
AAPMI Association of Indonesian Fashion Designers
ABRI Indonesian Armed Forces
ADRI Indonesian Army
AEI Indonesian Public Companies Association
AFA ASEAN Federation of Accountants
AICE Association of Indonesian Coffee Exporters
AICESSCC Indonesia-China Economic Social and Cultural Cooperation Association
AIMMI Association of Indonesian Edible Oil Industries
AIPI Association of Indonesian Political Scientists
AIPO ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization
AJI Alliance of Independent Journalists
AKABRI Armed Forces Academy
ALRI Indonesian Navy
Amdal The Environmental Impact Analysis
AMM ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
AMN National Military Academy
AMT Tangerang Military Academy
ANEX ASEAN News Exchange
AP3I Indonesian Retailers Association
APBN State Budget
APEC Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
APECC Asia Pacific Exhibition and Convention Council
APEI Indonesian Securities Companies
Apfindo Indonesian Meat Producers and Feedlot
APHI Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires
API Indonesian Textile Association 2nd ref association
Apindo Indonesian Employers Association
APJATI Association of Labor Export Companies
APKI Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association
Apkindo Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers
Apnatel Indonesian Telecommunications Association
Apodeti Prointegration group in East Timor
Aprindo Association of Indonesian Retailers
Arpindo Indonesian Association of Pager Operators
Askindo Indonesian Cocoa Association
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations
ASEAN CCI ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry
ASEM Asia-Europe Meeting
Asirevi Video Film Importers Association, 2nd ref association
ASIRI Recording Industry Association
ASITA Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies
Askes State-owned Health Insurance Company
Aspadin Association of Indonesian Producers of Packaged Drinking Water
Aspiluki Indonesian Computer Software Association
ASRI Indonesian Fine Arts Academy
Astek State insurance program
ATF ASEAN Tourism Forum
ATNI National Theater Academy of Indonesia
AURI Indonesian Air Force
Bapebti Indonesian Commodities Exchange Agency
Bakin State Intelligence Coordinating Board 2nd ref board
BAKN Institute of State Personnel Administration
Bakorlak An interdepartmental agency for drug control
Bakornas PB National Disaster Management Coordination Board
Bakorstanas Agency for the Coordination of Support for the Development of National Stability
Bakorstanasda The Jakarta Agency for the Coordination of Support for the Development of National Stability
Bakosurtanal Coordinating Body for Survey and National Charting Development Board
Bakom-PKB Coordinating Body for National Unity
Bamus House's Consultative Body
Bamus Betawi Native Jakartans Association
Bandungwangi Mutual Support for Friendship and Protection (a help group for Kramat Tunggak prostitutes)
Banpro Bandung Promotion Group (setup by leading Bdg hotels)
Bapedal Environmental Impact Management Agency, agency
Bapeka Supreme Audit Body
Bapeksta Export Service Facilitating Agency
Bapedalda Regional Environmental Impact Management Agency
Bapepam Capital Market Supervisory Agency,
Bapfida Film Control Agency or City Film Control Agency
Bapindo Indonesian Development Bank
Bappeda City's Development Planning Board
Bappebti Futures Exchange Supervisory Board
Bappenas National Development Planning Board
Batan National Atomic Energy Agency
BAZIS an (Islamic) board which oversees the collection of alms
Bepedti Commodities Trading Board
BIA Armed Forces Intelligence
BIDA Batam Industrial Development Authority
BIDSUS An agency responsible for fighting certain crimes, like subversion, corruption and smuggling
BIMP-EAGA East Asian Growth Area composed of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
BKKBN National Family Planning Board
BKKKS Social Welfare Coordinating Body
BKPM Investment Coordinating Board
BKPMD Regional Investment Coordinating Board
BKSDA Natural Resources Conservation Center a local natural conservation office
BKSP Greater Jakarta Coordination Board
BLHI Board of the Indonesian Environment Management
BMG Meteorology and Geophysics Agency
Bopunjur Bogor-Puncak-Cianjur
Botabek Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi
BP7 Referred to as: an agency for the study of the state-ideology Pancasila and Agency for the Propagation of Pancasila) OR an agency entrusted with the task of disseminating the state-ideology Pancasila
BPD Regional Development Bank
BPEN National Agency for Export Development, 2nd ref agency
BPHN Agency for National Legal Development
BPI The over-the-counter market, the Indonesian Parallel Bourse (stock exchange)
BPIS Strategic Industries Supervisory Agency whose 10 strategic industries also include rail, weapons, explosives and telecommunications companies.
BPK Supreme Audit Agency (was Bapeka)
BPKP Development Finance Controller
BPN National Land Agency
BPPC Clove Marketing and Buffer Stock Agency
BPPI Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board
BPPK An agency to supervise the affairs of national heroes and their widows
BPPKA Foreign Contractors Management Body
BPPT Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, chaired by State Minister of Research and Technology
BPS Central Bureau of Statistics
BPUT Land Affairs Office
BRIEF Business Review Indonesia Forum
BRN State Secrets Agency, later became Bakin
BSF See LSF
Bulog State Logistics Agency
BUMN State-owned enterprises
CBSA Indonesian "active learning method" education system
CESDA Center for the Study of Development and Democracy
CGI Consultative Group on Indonesia (was IGGI)
CIDES Center for Information and Development Studies
CIFOR Center for International Forestry Research
CNPPA-SEA Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas for South East Asia
CNRT Conselho National de Resistancia Timorese, an East Timor resistance movement (National Resistance Council for an Independent East Timor)
CPIS Center for Policy and Implementation Studies (of the Ministry of Finance)
CRP Community Recovery Program, an NGO entrusted with distributing safety net funds from foreign donors
DAMRI State-run bus company
Dekopin Indonesian Cooperatives Council
Depanri National Aeronautics and Aviation Council
DFN National Film Board
DIA Aceh Special Province
Dinas Autonomous agency offices under the governor or mayor/regent
DIY Yogyakarta Special Province
DKI Jakarta Special Province
DKP Officers Honor Council or Honorary Press Council
DKS Surabaya arts council
DLLAJ City Land Transportation Agency
DOM Military operation areas
DPA Supreme Advisory Council (this body advises the President on matters in various sectors)
DPIS Agency for the Supervision of Strategic Industry
DPKEKU Indonesian Economic and Finance Reselience Council
DPN National Productivity Council
DPR House of Representatives
DPRD I Provincial Legislative Council for provinces; City Council for cities
DPRD II Regional Legislative Council for provinces; City Council for cities
DRN National Research Council
DSN National Standardization Board (environmental)
EAGA East ASEAN Growth Area, encompassing Indonesian provinces of North Sumatra and Aceh, the western parts of Malaysia and Thailand's southern areas.
ECONIT Advisory Group on Economic Industry and Trade
EJIP East Jakarta Industrial Park
EKONID German-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
ELSAM Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy
ET (Ex-political prisoner/former political detainee
ETAN East Timor Alert Network
FASI Indonesian Aerosport Federation
FCHI A Hindu intellectual organization.
FEUI University of Indonesia's School of Economics
FISIP School of Social and Political Science of University of Indonesia
FKI Indonesia Working Forum
FKKP Forum of Communication for Counterbalance Group
FKPGA Communications Forum for Retired Garuda Employees
FKPPI Communication Forum of Indonesian Veterans' Children
FKSH Forum of Social and Humanistic Studies in Yogyakarta.
Foreri Forum for the Reconciliation of the Irian Jaya Community
Forki Indonesian Karate Federation
Fosko 66 Forum, Studi dan Komunikasi, a study and communication forum
FPMR Forum for Students and People Movement
FPR Reformed Entrepreneurs Forum
G30S Abortive coup by the Indonesian Communist Party on Sept. 30, 1965.
Gabsi Indonesian Contract Bridge Association
Gaikindo Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries
Gapensi Indonesian Builders Association
Gapkindo Indonesian Rubber Producers Association
Gappindo Association of Indonesian Fishing Companies
GAPPRI Association of Indonesian Cigarette Producers
GBHN State Policy Guidelines
GBSI Federation of Independent Trade Unions
GDN National discipline movement Gegana bomb squad
Gerkatin Organization For Care of the Deaf
Gestapu Gerakan 30 September (Sept. 30 Movement 1965)
Ginsi Indonesian Importers Association
GKBI Federation of Indonesian Batik Cooperatives
GKJ Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Playhouse)
GMF Garuda Maintenance Facility
GMKI Indonesian Christian Students Movement
GMNI The Indonesian Nationalist Students Movement
GNOTA National Foster Parents Movement
GOI Government of Indonesia
Golkar Golongan Karya (translates as functional group), the government-backed ruling political organization
Golput The acronym for Golongan Putih, literally meaning "white group", coined to describe people who refuse to vote during the general elections.
GPBSI All Indonesian Theater Organization
GPK The government term meaning peace-disturbing movement or security disturbance groups
GRM Marhaen's People Movement, an organization grouping disciples of the late president Sukarno
GUS Coordinating Agency for the Development of the Informal Sector(this agency registers street vendors and moves them to more "appropriate" places)
GUSK Small-scale business task force
Hankamnas National Defense and Security Board
Hati Hapus Hukuman Mati (ban capital punishment)
HGB Right of Building
Himasita Association of Students for Plant Protection
Himpala Association of Nature Lovers (in Uni)
Hiperkes The occupational health and safety program
Himni Indonesian Nuclear Society
Hipmi Association of Young Indonesian Businessmen
HIPPI Indonesian Indigenous Businessmen's Association
HKBP Congregation of Toba Batak Protestant Churches
HKI Indonesian Christian Church
HKTI Indonesian Farmers Association
HMI Association of Islamic Students
HMWI Indonesian Women Managers Association
HPPIA Association of Indonesian Researches and Students in Australia
HSBI Association of Islamic Art and Culture
HTI Industrial timber estate
IAI Indonesian Architects Association
IAIN State Islamic Institute or State Academy of Islamic Studies
IBF International Badminton Federation
IBI Indonesian Midwives Association
IBRA Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency
IBT Eastern part of Indonesia
ICEL Indonesian Center for Environmental Law
ICIP Indonesian Cleaner Industrial Production Program
ICMI Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals
ICW Indonesian Corruption Watch
ICWA Indonesian Council on World Affairs
IDI Indonesian Doctors Association
IDT Presidential instruction on least developed villages program
IGGI Inter-Governmental Group on Indonesia (now CGI)
IIEE Foundation Foundation of Indonesian Institute for Energy Economics
IIP Institute of Public Administration
IJEG Indonesian Japanese European Group
IJS Jakarta Social Institute
Ikadin Indonesian Bar Association
Ikapi Indonesian Publishers Association
Ikasi Indonesian Fencing Association
IKIP Teachers Training Institute
IKJ Jakarta Arts Institute
IKPM Indonesian Fashion Designers Association
IKPN Civil Servants Cooperatives Organization
IMAMI Indonesian Mosques Association
IMB Building permits
IMI Indonesia Motorsports Association
IMM Muhammadiyah Students Association
IMS-GT Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle
IMT-GT Indonesian-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle
INACA Indonesian Nati
Inkopar Federation of Employees Cooperative
INDRA Indonesian Debt Restructuring Agency
INFA Indonesian Forwarders Association
INFID International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development
INPI Indonesian NGOs Partners Initiatives
INPI-PACT Indonesian NGOs Partners Initiatives Private Agencies Collaborating Together
IGA Indonesian Gas Association
Inkopkar Workers' Central Cooperative
INPRES Presidential instruction program
INSA Indonesian National Shipowners Association
Insus An agricultural intensification program
INTI Chinese-Indonesians Association
IPA Indonesian Petroleum Association
IPB Bogor Institute of Agriculture
IPCOS Institute for Policy and Community Studies
IPHI Association of Indonesian Lawyers
IPKI Independence Vanguard Party
IPKIN Indonesian Association of Computer and Information Professionals
IPMI Indonesian Management Institute
IPMI Indonesian Fashion Designers Association
Ipoleksosbud Ideology, politics, economic, social and cultures
IPSI Indonesian Pencak Silat Association
IPTN Bandung-based PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara,
IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union
ISAI Institute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information
ISEI Indonesian Economists Association
ISHI Institute of Study on Human Interests
ISI Indonesian Fine Arts Institute
ISSI Indonesian Cycling Association (lnt 4/98)
ISWI Association of Indonesian Women Graduates
ITB Bandung Institute of Technology
ITI Indonesian Technical Institute
ITPB Indonesia Tourism Promotion Board different from BPPI ??
ITTO International Tropical Timber Organization
Jabotabek Jakarta-Bogor-Tangerang-Bekasi (Greater Jakarta)
Jakprom Jakarta Tourism Promotion Board
JATS Jakarta Automated Trading System
Jibor Jakarta interbank offered rate
JITC Jakarta International Trade Fair Corporation
JSX Jakarta Stock Exchange
Kadin Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
KABI Association for Action of Indonesian Workers
KAMI Indonesian Students Action Front
KAMMI Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front
Kamra People's Security
KAMURRI Students Action Front for Reformation
Kanwil District offices of the central government located in the provinces
Kapci Committee of Indonesian Advocates for the Disabled
Kapet Biak Integrated Economic Development Zone
KARMA Action Coalition of Acehnese Students
KCBI Indonesian Buddhists Association
KDEI Indonesian Securities Central Depository
KDF District development fund
KFT Indonesian Television Workers Association
KIP Kampong Improvement Program
KIPP Independent Election Monitoring Committee
KISDI Indonesian Committee for World Muslems Solidarity
KISS Coordination, Integration, Synchronization and Simplification (system)
KITAS Temporary Stay Permit
KMHDI Association of Indonesian Hindu Students
KMPAN Nusantara Youths-Students Committee
KNIP Indonesian National Central Committee
KNPI Indonesian National Youth Committee
Kodiklat Military Education and Training Command in Bandung
Kodim District military command
Komnasham National Commission on Human Rights
KONI National Sports Council
Konphalindo National Consortium for Nature and Forest Conservation in Indonesia
Kontras Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence
Kopassus The Army's Special Force (red berets)
Kopkamtib Operational Command for the Restoration of Security and Order a now defunct internal security agency
Kopti Indonesian Soybean Curd and Soybean Cake Cooperative
Korem Military command post
Korpri Indonesian Civil Servants Corps
Kosgoro Multipurpose Cooperative of Mutual Assistance
Kostrad Army Strategic Reserves Command (green berets)
Kowani Indonesian Women's Congress
KPB State Joint Marketing Office
KPLP Indonesian Coast and Sea Guard Unit
KPPRI Indonesian Successors Struggle Association
KPR Housing loan/home loan
KTI Indonesian Boxing Committee
KUD Village cooperatives
KUHAP Criminal Code Procedures
KUHP Criminal Code
KUHPer or KUH Perdata Civil Law Code
KUK Credit for small enterprises
Kukesra People's Prosperity Business Credit (antipoverty drive)
KPU General Elections Commission (name changed from National Elections Committee March 1999)
KUT Credit for farmers
KWI Bishop Council of Indonesia
KWK Koperasi Wahana Kalpika, a bus cooperative established in 1996
LAKA Aceh Custom and Culture Institute
Lamindo Latin America-Indonesia trading firm
LAN National Institute of Administration
Lapan National Space and Aviation Agency
LBH Legal Aid Institute , also see YLBHI
LEI Indonesian Ecolabeling Foundation
Lekra People's Cultural Institute
Lemhannas National Resilience Institute
LIPI National Institute of Sciences
LKMD Community Welfare Organization, at village level
LP2K Institute for Consumers' Protection and Fostering
LP3ES Institute of Research, Education and Information of Social and Economic Affairs
LP3M Institute of Rural, Coast and Societal Studies
LPSI Institute for Strategic Studies of Indonesia,
LPU General Elections Institute
LSAF Institute of Religious and Philosophical Studies
LSF Film Censorship Institute, formerly called the Film Censorship Board (BSF)
LUBER Langsung, umum, bebas, rahasia (direct, public, free and secret {elections})
LVRI Indonesian Veterans Legion
MA Supreme Justice
MANI Anti-Nuclear Society
MARA Council for People's Mandate
Masyumi Indonesian Muslim Congregation)
Masjumi Defunct Islamic political party Majelis Syurro Muslimin Indonesia
MCK Mandi, cuci, kakus — public bathing, washing and toilet facilities
Menwa University military group, recruited and trained by ABRI
MIPPA Indonesian Society for Alternative Press (Australia-based)
MKGR Musyawarah Kekeluargaan Gotong Royong, a mass organization affiliated to Golkar which broke away in May 1998
Mobnas National car
Monas The National Monument in Medan Merdeka Square, Centra Jakarta
MPI Indonesian Forestry Society
MPR People's Consultative Assembly
MPRS Provisional People's Consultative Assembly
MUI Indonesian Ulemas Council
NAFED National Agency for Export Development
NCO Nusantara Chamber Orchestra
NEM Grade point average from the final school exam
NERIC Natural Resources Information Center
NU Nahdlatul Ulama, a 30-million-strong Muslim organization.
OIC Organization of Islamic Conference
ONH Haj pilgrimage fund
OPM Free Papua Movement
Organda Organization of Land Transportation Owners
Ormas Mass organizations
Orsos Social organizations
Orpol Political organizations
OT Organisasi terlarang, (prohibited organization)
OTB Organisasi tanpa bentuk (formless organizations)
P3DT Infrastructure development program in less-developed villages
P3M Indonesian Society for Pesantren and Community Development
P4 Guidelines for the comprehension and practical application of Pancasila
P4D Regional Committee for the Settlement of Labor Disputes (attached to the Ministry of Manpower)
PABBSI Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association
Panwaslak or Panwaslakpus Election Supervisory Committee
Pantura Java's northern coast (pantai utara)
Parkindo Ddefunct Indonesian Christian Party
PASI Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association
Paskas Air Force's special force
Paspampres Presidential Security Detail (old acronym was Paswalpres)
PBB (Indonesian acronym for) United Nations
PBHI Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association
PBI Indonesian Bowling Association
PBSI Badminton Association of Indonesia
PBVSI Indonesian Volleyball Association
PCPP Association of Intellectuals for Pancasila Development
PDBI Indonesian Business Data Center
PDI Indonesian Democratic Party (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia)
PDII-LIPI Center for Scientific Documentation and Information at the Indonesian Science Institute
Pefindo PT Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia, the state (bond) rating agency,
Pelindo PT Pelabuhan Indonesia, a state-owned company assigned to managed several seaports in West Java,
Pelti Indonesian Tennis Association
PEPABRI Armed Forces Veterans Association
Peradah Association of Hindu Youths
Peradin Association of Indonesian Advocates
Perbakin Indonesian Target Shooting and Hunting Association
Perbanas Federation of Private Domestic Banks
Perbasi Indonesian Basketball Association
Perbasasi Indonesian Baseball and Softball Association
Percasi Indonesian Chess Association
Perhapi Association of Indonesian Mining Professionals
Perhepi Association of Agriculture Experts
Perkemi Indonesian Kempo Association
Perpani Indonesian Archery Association
Perpobin Indonesian Power Boating Association
Persagi Indonesian Nutrition Association
Persani Indonesian Gymnastics Association
Persetasi Indonesian Sepaktakraw Association
Persija Jakarta Soccer Association
Persis Persatuan Islam
Persit Association of wives of servicemen
Pertina Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association
Perum State company
Perumka State railway company Perusahaan Umum Kereta Api
Perumnas State Housing Company
Peruri State-owned securities paper and bank note printing company
Pesti Indonesian Soft Tennis Association
PETA Pembela Tanah Air (Defenders of the Fatherland), the militia set up during the Japanese occupation in 1942. PETA was one of several militias that were incorporated, after the proclamation of independence in August 1945, to become the Badan Keamanan Rakyat (People's Security Corps). The BKR later became the republic's military, now known as the Armed Forces (ABRI), which was established on Oct. 5, 1945.
PFN State-owned Movie Industry
PGI Indonesian Communion of Churches (Protestant)
PGI Indonesian Golf Association
PGN PT Perusahaan Gas Negara
PGRI Indonesian Teachers Union
PGSI Indonesian Wrestling Association
PHDI Indonesian Hindu Religious Council
PHRI Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association
PHSI Indonesian Hockey Association
PIFA Portugal-Indonesia Friendship Association
PII Institute of Indonesian Engineers
Pijar Center of Information and Action Network for Reform (an NGO)
PIKI Association of Protestant Intelligentsia
PIN National Immunization Week
Pindad Army Industrial Affairs Center (includes its weaponry industry)
PIPM Three stock market outlets established by JSX or capital market information centers
PIR Smallholders estate
PJKA Old name of state railway company, now Perumka
PJSI Indonesian Judo Association (lnt 4/98)
PKBI Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association
PKI (Defunct) Indonesia Communist Party
PKK Family Welfare Movement, a community family welfare organization
PKWA American Studies Center (at the University of Indonesia)
PLN PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara, state-owned electricity company
PLTN Nuclear Power Plant
PMI Indonesian Red Cross
PMII Indonesian Quality Management/Control Association also Indonesian Islamic Students Movement
PMKRI Association of Catholic Students
PMPD Pro-Democracy Students Party, established by a group of Hasanuddin
University (Ujungpandang) students in 1996
PMU Project Management Unit (for Jakarta subway)
PN State company
PNI Indonesian National Unity established Oct. 1995 also Indonesian National Party
PNRI State-owned Printing Company
PPK/S District/Subdistrict Polling Committees
PODSI Indonesian Rowing Association
POGI Indonesian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
POLRI National Police
POMG Parent-teacher association
PON National Games
Poperi The Association of Indonesian Lawyers Organizations: AAI and five lawyers' organizations — IPHI, LBPH Kosgoro, BPKH MKGR, LKBH Trisula and LPPH — joined forces to establish Poperi
Pordasi Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing Association
Porlasi Indonesian Yachting Association
Porserosi Indonesian Roller Skating Association
Posindo PT Pos Indonesia, state-owned postal service company
POSSI Indonesian Diving Association
PPBI Center for Indonesian Workers Struggle
PPD State-run city or municipal bus company
PPFI Indonesian Film Company Organization
PPI Indonesian Workers Party
PPD I Provincial Elections Committee
PPD II Regional Elections Committee
PPIP Portugal-Indonesia Friendship Association
PPS Polling Committee
PPMKI Vintage Car Lovers Association
PPN Value-added tax (VAT)
PPP United Development Party
PPPM The Association for the Development of Pesantren (traditional Islamic schools) and Society
PPSK Center for Strategy and Policy Studies
PPTI Organization for Eradication of Tuberculosis
PPW-LIPI Center for Political and Regional Studies, Indonesian Institute of Sciences
PRD Democratic People's Party
Prokasih Clean River Program
PRSI Indonesian Swimming Association
PSASI Indonesia Water Skiing Association
PSI Indonesian Socialist Party (defunct)
PSI Indonesian Squash Assoc
PSPI Center for the Study of Indonesian Property
PSRSI Indonesian Squash Association
PSSI All Indonesian Football Federation,
PTIK Police Staff College
PTMSI Indonesian Table Tennis Association
PTO Entertainment tax
PTPN State plantation company
PTS Systematic Land Registration
PTTUN State Administrative High Court
PTUN State Administrative Court
PUDI Indonesian Democratic Union Party
Puskopau Indonesian Air Force Cooperative
PWI Indonesian Journalists Association
REI Indonesian Real Estate Developers Association,
Repelita, Pelita Rencana Pembangungan Lima Tahun (Five-Year Development Plan). Pelita stands for Pembangunan Lima Tahun (Five-Year Development Program.) Repelita is the plan, Pelita is the finished program. Do not interchange, e.g. the current Sixth Five-Year Development Plan will end on March 31, 1999. The Fourth Five-Year Development Program was considered successful.
RKL Environmental Management Plan
RMS South Maluku Republic (a separatist movement quashed in the 1950s)
RPL Environmental Monitoring Plan
RSCM Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital
RSUD City hospitals
RT Neighborhood unit
RW Community unit
SARA Tribal affiliations, religion, race and societal groups
Satgasus Special Jakarta traffic police squad
SBIs /SBI Bank Indonesia promissory notes
SBKRI Evidence of Indonesian Citizenship certificate (for Chinese Indonesians only. The law which requires SBKRI was abolished in 1996)
SBSI Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union
SCBD Sudirman Center for Business Development
SD Kindergarten
SD IMBAS Satellite schools (of a Gugus Sekolah) (school affiliation)
SDSB Now defunct government-sponsored lottery Sumbangan Dana Sosial Berhadiah (Social Philanthropic Contributions with Prizes)
Sembako The nine basic comodities
Sesko Staff and command colleges
Seskoad Army Staff and Command School (not College, not SESKOAD)
SGP Indonesian Press and Graphics Association
SHS State-owned Perum Sang Hyang Seri rice seed company
Sijori Triangle of growth involving Indonesia's Riau province, Singapore and Johor, Malaysia.
Sipora Foreigners Control Coordination
SIPPT Land-use permit
Siskamling Neighborhood watch
SIUPP Surat Ijin Usaha Penerbitan Pers (publishing license) issued by the Ministry of Information
SKEPHI Network for Forest Conservation in Indonesia
SKU General Agency Permit for shipping
SMI Indonesian Independent Union
SMID Indonesian Students Solidarity for Democracy
SMP Senior high school
SMPI Indonesian Press Solidarity Society
SNI Indonesian National Standards (environmental standards)
Somaka Students Solidarity for Aceh Cases
SPP Educational Management Contribution
SPS Newspaper Publishers Union
SPSI All-Indonesia Workers Union
FSPSI All-Indonesia Workers Union Federation
SPT Yearly tax assessment
SRI Survey Research Indonesia
SSE Surabaya Stock Exchange
STO Automatic telephone system
STSI Indonesian Arts High School
Supersemar An abbreviation of the March 11 Indonesian (Presidential) Executive Order signed on March 11, 1966 by president Sukarno when the political turmoil in the country reached its peak following the abortive communist coup attempt the previous September.
Taperum Civil Servants Housing Savings
Taspen Civil Servants Pension Fund
TIM Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center
TIME Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo
TNI Indonesian Military
TUK Card operated public telephone (telefon umum kartu)
UDT Timorese Democratic Union
UGM Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta
UI University of Indonesia in Jakarta
UKI Christian University of Indonesia
UKSW Satya Wacana Christian University in Salatiga, Central Java
Unfrel University Network for Free and Fair Elections (a poll watchdog)
URC The police's rapid reaction unit
Walhi Indonesian Forum for Environment
Walubi Council of Buddhist Communities
Wanhankamnas National Defense and Security Council
Wanra People's Resistance
Wapam Warung Pasar Modal
Wasantaranet Wawasan Nusantara Network, Posindo's Internet service,
WCFSD World Commission on Forests and Substainable Development
WI Indonesian Wushu Association
WIB Indonesian Western Time Zone
WIT Indonesian Eastern Time Zone
WITA Indonesian Central Time Zone
WKS Compulsory posting for university graduates
WPI Indonesian Women in Development
Yasco Scorpio Foundation
YKAI Indonesian Children's Welfare Foundation
YKCI Indonesian Creativity Foundation
YKPK National Brotherhood Foundation
YLBHI Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute
YLKI Indonesian Consumers Foundation
YLLI Yayasan Laut Lestari Indonesia, an environmental organization
YPAC Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children.
YPSDMI Foundation of Indonesian Human Resources Development
Senin, 23 Februari 2009
United Indonesia Cabinet
President : Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Vice President : Jusuf Kalla
Coordinating Ministers
1. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs : Adm. (ret) Widodo A.S.
2. Coordinating Minister for the Economy : Boediono
3. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare : Aburizal Bakrie
Ministers
4. Home Minister : Mardiyanto
5. Foreign Minister : Hassan Wirayuda
6. Defense Minister : Juwono Sudarsono
7. Finance Minister : Sri Mulyani Indrawati
8. Religious Affairs Minister : M. Maftuh Basyuni
9. Agriculture Minister : Anton Apriyantono
10. Education Minister : Bambang Soedibyo
11. Health Minister : Siti Fadilah Supari
12. Social Services Minister : Bachtiar Chamsyah
13. Transportation Minister : Jusman Syafii Djamal
14. Manpower and Transmigration Minister : Erman Suparno
15. Industry Minister : Fahmi Idris
16. Trade Minister : Mari E. Pangestu
17. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister : Purnomo Yusgiantoro
18. Justice and Human Rights Minister : Andi Mattalata
19. Public Housing Minister : Muhammad Yusuf Asy'ari
20. Forestry Minister : M.S. Ka'ban
21. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister : Freddy Numberi
22. Public Works Minister : Joko Kirmanto
23. Culture and Tourism Minister : Jero Wacik
24. Information and Communication Minister : Muhammad Nuh
State Ministers
25. State Minister for Women Empowerment : Meutia Farida Hatta Swasono
26. State Minister for Administrative Reforms : Taufik Effendi
27. State Minister for State Enterprises : Sofyan A. Djalil
28. State Minister of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Board chairman : Paskah Suzetta
29. State Minister for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises : Suryadarma
30. State Minister for the Environment : Rachmat Nadi Witoelar Kartaadipoetra
31. State Minister Research and Technology : Kusmayanto Kadiman
32. State Minister for Development of Disadvantaged Regions : Muhammad Lukman Edy
33. State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs : Adyaksa Dault
OTHER VIPS
34. State Secretary : Hatta Radjasa
35. Cabinet Secretary : Sudi Silalahi
36. People's Consultatives Speaker : Hidayat Nurwahid
37. House of Representatives Speaker : Agung Laksono
38. Attorney General : Hendarman Supandji
39. Supreme Court Chief Justice : Bagir Manan
40. Constitutional Court president : Jimly Asshidiqie
41. Bank Indonesia Governor : Burhanuddin Abdullah
42. TNI Chief : Marshal Djoko Suyanto
May 7, 2007
Vice President : Jusuf Kalla
Coordinating Ministers
1. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs : Adm. (ret) Widodo A.S.
2. Coordinating Minister for the Economy : Boediono
3. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare : Aburizal Bakrie
Ministers
4. Home Minister : Mardiyanto
5. Foreign Minister : Hassan Wirayuda
6. Defense Minister : Juwono Sudarsono
7. Finance Minister : Sri Mulyani Indrawati
8. Religious Affairs Minister : M. Maftuh Basyuni
9. Agriculture Minister : Anton Apriyantono
10. Education Minister : Bambang Soedibyo
11. Health Minister : Siti Fadilah Supari
12. Social Services Minister : Bachtiar Chamsyah
13. Transportation Minister : Jusman Syafii Djamal
14. Manpower and Transmigration Minister : Erman Suparno
15. Industry Minister : Fahmi Idris
16. Trade Minister : Mari E. Pangestu
17. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister : Purnomo Yusgiantoro
18. Justice and Human Rights Minister : Andi Mattalata
19. Public Housing Minister : Muhammad Yusuf Asy'ari
20. Forestry Minister : M.S. Ka'ban
21. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister : Freddy Numberi
22. Public Works Minister : Joko Kirmanto
23. Culture and Tourism Minister : Jero Wacik
24. Information and Communication Minister : Muhammad Nuh
State Ministers
25. State Minister for Women Empowerment : Meutia Farida Hatta Swasono
26. State Minister for Administrative Reforms : Taufik Effendi
27. State Minister for State Enterprises : Sofyan A. Djalil
28. State Minister of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Board chairman : Paskah Suzetta
29. State Minister for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises : Suryadarma
30. State Minister for the Environment : Rachmat Nadi Witoelar Kartaadipoetra
31. State Minister Research and Technology : Kusmayanto Kadiman
32. State Minister for Development of Disadvantaged Regions : Muhammad Lukman Edy
33. State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs : Adyaksa Dault
OTHER VIPS
34. State Secretary : Hatta Radjasa
35. Cabinet Secretary : Sudi Silalahi
36. People's Consultatives Speaker : Hidayat Nurwahid
37. House of Representatives Speaker : Agung Laksono
38. Attorney General : Hendarman Supandji
39. Supreme Court Chief Justice : Bagir Manan
40. Constitutional Court president : Jimly Asshidiqie
41. Bank Indonesia Governor : Burhanuddin Abdullah
42. TNI Chief : Marshal Djoko Suyanto
May 7, 2007
Indonesia, a Nation in Transition
Although hundreds of ethnic groups have been known as the indigenous of Indonesia for hundreds and thousands of years, Indonesia did not exist in its present form until the turn of the 20th century.
Of the so-called natives of Indonesia, archaeologists have speculated that the first people to populate Indonesia migrated from mainland China some 1,000 years ago and inhabited a stretch of islands along the equator, later known as Nusantara.
Over the centuries they built and refined their statecraft in the form of kingdoms and principalities. Sharing similar characteristics with other Southeast Asian kingdoms, these Nusantara kingdoms based their conception of state more on people than on space or territory. But intercourse with the western world changed the course of history in Nusantara.
In 1511, the Portuguese conquered Malacca, located on the Malay peninsula, which was then still an inseparable part of Nusantara. The Dutch followed in 1512 and landed on Banten shore in Java. At first, the Dutch came more as traders under the trading umbrella of the Royal East Indies Company (Vereniging Oost Indische Compagnie, VOC). For the next two centuries, the Dutch conducted business with the natives, although in many cases the trade was not on equal terms. Often, trade was accompanied by violent pacification processes.
Then the VOC went bankrupt and the Dutch government took over the business in Nusantara (called the East Indies by the Dutch). Starting from about the mid-seventh century and lasting until the arrival of the Japanese in 1942, was the "real colonization" called "high colonialism" in literature. The period was disrupted briefly when the British took over colonial rule in 1811 to 1814. Among other things that the natives learned from colonization was statecraft based on territorial conception rather than on people.
In the early 20th century, the natives of Nusantara learned that as diverse as their ethnicities were, they could imagine themselves as a unified community. A nationalism had grown in a process that Benedict Anderson, a doyen of Indonesian studies, calls an "imagined community". During the first half of 20th century Nusantara, its people built an imaginary nation called Indonesia -- the name itself was borrowed from the West. By the end of the 1930s, it was clear that the end of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia was only a matter of time.
During World War II, 1942-1945, the Japanese occupied Indonesia. Although short-lived, the occupation enabled Indonesians to arm themselves for the very first time. Shortly after Japan's defeat in WWII, Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed Indonesia an independent state, and they became the founding fathers of the new country. The largest archipelago in the world, with over 17,000 islands -- only 3,000 of which are inhabited -- has emerged into a new Indonesia.
When the Dutch returned and tried to reestablish colonial rule, armed Indonesians resisted. The Dutch were forced to recognize an independent Indonesia in 1949.
The new Indonesia adopted a federal system of governance for a short time. But for a longer period, within a five-year span (1950-1955), leaders of the new country were eager to adopt a liberal system of government. Although there is no proof that the system ruined the economy, it was clear that the elite's political stability was shaky. The longest serving prime minister was only two years in office.
The government then held a general election in 1955, the first and only democratic general election Indonesia ever had. But feeling that the country was still unstable two years after the election, president Sukarno, backed by the Army, declared the 1950 Provisional Constitution void and reintroduced the 1945 Constitution. The latter provided an ample opportunity for Sukarno, popularly known as Bung Karno (Comrade Sukarno), to balance three political powers -- the Indonesian Communist Party, the Army and himself.
In the first half of the 1960s, Bung Karno leaned toward the left. On domestic politics, he was trying hard to balance the communists and the Army; on the international stage he was establishing himself as leader of a new world, free from Cold War antagonism. But economic decline and mounting conflicts, especially between communists and noncommunists, the latter of which was backed by the Army, caused him to lose control over the situation.
On Sept. 30, 1965, an abortive coup occurred. There are two conflicting versions of events surrounding the attempted coup. The official Army version insists that the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) was behind the coup attempt, while the communist version asserts that the coup was an internal matter of the Army. In fact, several members of PKI's central bureau were involved, as well as many Army officers and personnel.
The abortive coup cost Indonesia dearly. It took the lives of seven high-ranking Army generals, followed by a pogrom of communists -- a moderate estimate ranges between 300 thousand and 500 thousand alleged members of PKI. Soeharto, who then was a major general and commander of the Army Strategic Reserves Command, took over leadership and deposed Bung Karno from his presidential seat.
In 1966, Soeharto received a letter known as the March 11 Letter of Instruction which reportedly transferred state power from Sukarno to him.
In 1967, Soeharto unseated Sukarno as president in the special session of the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS).
Consolidating his power under a new regime called the New Order, Soeharto launched a "regime cleansing" against the Old Order.
Together with Hamengkubuwono IX, the sultan of Yogyakarta, and Adam Malik -- the three were known as the triumvirate -- Soeharto divided the tasks for economic and political reconstruction. Sultan Hamengkubuwono was assigned to lead efforts for economic recovery, Adam Malik was assigned to redirect Indonesia's foreign policy toward the West, and Soeharto himself was "assigned" to rebuild the lamentable domestic politics.
Soeharto was determined to change Indonesia's course, from its emphasis on politics to prioritizing economic development. He set up the trilogy of development: political stability, economic growth and equality.
To gain political legitimacy, perceived as a prerequisite to economic growth, the government conducted a general election in 1971. The election, however, was far from democratic. Soeharto introduced the "floating mass" concept that banned political parties from operating at village level.
From the 1971 election and throughout the New Order period, the Functional Group (Golongan Karya, or Golkar) served as Soeharto's main political machinery. Golkar legally operated not as a political party, although in fact it was a party. Golkar ran in the 1971 elections against 10 other political parties -- including PKI and Masyumi which were two of the four biggest parties in 1955 but which had been out of political scene -- and won 62 percent of the vote.
In 1974, Soeharto forced all political parties to merge into three: Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Again, legally speaking Golkar was not a political party. Five more elections were conducted every five years. During those years, Soeharto tightly controlled politics; not even the slightest room was available for opposition.
There were several cases of serious opposition during the New Order regime. The first came rather as a blow in 1974, when students protested against Japanese investments. Added by political rivalry between Gen. Soemitro and Maj. Gen. Ali Moertopo, student protests in Jakarta turned into riots. The movement ended with the removal of Soemitro from his powerful position as deputy commander of the Armed Forces and chief of staff of the Operation Command for the Restoration of Security and Order (Kopkamtib).
The second serious opposition movement came in 1978. Again it came from students, who protested Soeharto's bid for a second term in office, which would be decided upon by the People's Consultative Assembly in its General Session in March 1978.
Several retired Army officers backed the students, while factionalism was apparent within the Armed Forces. Soeharto moved fast to crush the movement. Hundreds of opposition and student leaders were arrested, dozens of newspapers and magazines were closed down. The movement lost its momentum, and after that Soeharto enjoyed an incontestable position.
If Golkar served as Soeharto's main political machinery, the Army functioned as guardian of the state. And since the state was personalized around Soeharto alone, the Army also served to protect him. Under its dual function role doctrine -- the doctrine argues that the duties of a professional Indonesian Armed Forces includes attending to nonmilitary business, especially if it has to do with politics -- the military intervened in almost all sectors of public life. At its peak, the number of military personnel serving in nonmilitary affairs reached over 40,000. Later, history witnessed excesses of the doctrine.
Some businesspeople, many of whom were of Chinese descent, enjoyed state protection and sometimes two-digit economic growth; some grew to become tycoons and magnates. The privileges that these businesspeople enjoyed sparked resentment from other communities. As a result, racial tension grew.
But Chinese businesspeople were not the only ones to enjoy state protection and preference. Some indigenous businesspeople also enjoyed similar privileges. In general, what Kunio Yoshihara calls "ersatz capitalism", or pseudocapitalism, grew. Those "capitalists" were not real capitalists.
Then the financial crisis came. It first hit in mid-1997, and many believe it was a direct result of Thailand's economic crisis. The crisis worsen with the scheduling of the People's Consultative Assembly's General Session in March 1998, with the main agenda being to "elect" a "new" national leadership. It eventually turned into a political crisis too. But Soeharto was determined to run for his seventh consecutive five-year term in office. Supported by his political machine, Soeharto, as expected, became president again.
The economic and political crises made the political climate like a house of cards. Lacking sensitivity, Soeharto filled his new Cabinet with cronies, and appointed one of his daughters minister of social affairs. Less than two months after the formation of the new Cabinet, political tension mounted to an unbearable level. On May 12, four Trisakti University students were shot dead following a peaceful demonstration.
The shootings immediately sparked the emotions of the masses. To the majority of people, the New Order regime had become soulless. Within a week, Indonesia experienced one of its most tumultuous periods in history. For three days, from May 13 through to May 15, six of the country's largest cities were hit by massive riots, probably the largest riots in Indonesia's history. Days later, hundreds of thousand students and members of the public poured into the streets. Chanting and demanding total reform, thousands marched to the legislative building in Jakarta and occupied it for several days.
This forced Soeharto to step down. Instead of returning the presidential mandate to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) he gave the mandate to vice president B.J. Habibie. The new president is weak, but his weakness is one of his strengths. Everyone close to him feels that they can use him, and thus balancing the power is everyone's interest. The government scheduled another general election on June 7, 1999, only two years after the last election.
Forty-eight political parties, instead of three, competed for 462 seats in the House of Representatives, with the remaining 38 seats going to the military. The election was the first democratic poll since 1955, and the results should have a long-term effect on domestic political stability. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) won a majority in the House (DPR) with 35 percent of seats, followed by Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP), the National Awakening Party (PKB), the Crescent and Stars Party (PBB) and the National Mandate Party (PAN).
Despite its position as a simple majority party, PDI Perjuangan lost the political battle to install chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri as president. In a tight race against a strategic coalition of Golkar and the Axis Force, a coalition of various Islamic parties, PDI Perjuangan also lost the strategic posts of speakers of the House and People's Consultative Assembly. After losing out on the presidency, Megawati was elected as vice president.
Garuda predicted to resume Europe flights in June
By Eliswan Azly
One-and-half years have gone by since the European Union (EU) in July 2007 imposed a flight ban on all Indonesian airline companies to fly to Europe.
But brighter prospects will come to this world largest archipelagic country in mid-2009 after the visit of Vice President Jusuf Kalla to Europe last week which seemed to have brought a good prospect to a possible resumption of flight service to European Space.
Upon his arrival in the country, Kalla said national flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia would possibly resume its flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in June this year.
"We hope Garuda will start flying to Europe again in June this year," Kalla said earlier this week.
Garuda had suspended its flights to Europe, including to Schippol airport in Amsterdam, following a ban imposed by the European Union on Indonesian airline flights in July 2007.
Kalla said, when the EU flight ban was declared, Garuda was required to make improvements on 60 flight safety points but now the list had shrunk to 10 points.
"It would be good for us to make a self-assessment. The remaining 10 points can be improved in the next two months," the vice president said, adding that Garuda had purchased several new aircrafts for the Jakarta-Amsterdam route.
Kalla said aircraft prices had dropped, so Garuda could buy several new ones for its Jakarta-Europe services.
Earlier, Julian Wilson, the head of the EC delegation to Indonesia during a courtesy call on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono last month, mentioned that the European Union would likely lift the flight ban, imposed in 2007, in March or June this year.
Wilson also conveyed EU`s appreciation over the enactment of the aviation law on flight safety by the House of Representatives (DPR), according to presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal. He said the EU considered the aviation law as a key factor for an earlier lifting of the flight ban.
Meanwhile, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono welcomed the plan to lift the flight ban as it had hampered the growth of the Indonesian aviation industry and the promotion of Indonesian tourism in Europe.
In response to the possible lifting of the flight ban, Transportation Minister Djusman Syafei Djamal said there was no reason for the EU to extend the flight ban as the DPR had enacted the aviation law on December 17, 2008.
"In our latest meeting, the EU representative said that if the aviation law has been issued, the flight ban might be lifted. Now we have enacted this law, and therefore there is no more any reason for the EU to delay the lifting of the flight ban," the minister said.
As to Wilson`s promise to lift the ban during the meeting with the president, the minister said he still was not so sure that the ban would he lifed not later than June 2009
Since European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso came to Indonesia in November 2008, Djusman said, the EU has several times promised to lift the flight ban.
"I only believe in 50 percent of the truth of the pledge, because it had often been made in the past, but still no result," the minister said.
The minister added that in March 2009 the European Union planned to hold a meeting in Brussels, capital of Belgium, which will also be attended by an Indonesian delegation, to discuss the flight ban on Indonesian airline companies to fly to Europe.
The meeting will focus on the stipulations and implementation of the aviation law to guarantee flight safety, and supervision of the airline companies` operations.
Actually, Indonesia has already implemented a program on the national flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia meeting EU standards, as well as Mandala Airlines and Airfast doing the same thing. This received a boost in May when Garuda passed a safety audit by the International Air Transport Association.
"The Indonesian authorities still have not developed and implemented an efficient oversight program on any of the carriers under their regulatory control," said the EU Air Safety Committee when rejecting the three airlines` request for permission to return to the EU. It was also stated that Indonesia had no effective oversight program and that the International Civil Aviation Organisation was unable to assess recent changes.
The committee also noted that inspectors did not have the power to ground substandard aircraft and urged Indonesia to increase its inspection. A report from the Indonesian director-general of civil aviation said that, from January to April, Garuda had conducted only nine of the 56 mandatory surveys, while Mandala conducted only two out of 27.
The committee admitted that the three airline companies had made some improvements, but was unanimous in rejecting their request to have the ban lifted.
Teuku Faizasyah, spokesman for the Indonesian foreign ministry, expressed disappointment at the result and questioned the reasons behind the extension of the flight ban.
"We are disappointed with the prolonged ban. We`ve made some improvements, so we do hope that these will be taken into consideration," he told reporters. "The way we see it, the EU always puts their actions (in terms of) technicality issues. But we question if there are political motivations behind the decision."
The ban was imposed in 2007 following deregulation in the 1990s that triggered a string of aviation accidents. On New Year`s Day in 2007, 102 people were killed when an Adam Air Boeing 737 crashed into the ocean near Sulawesi. This was followed in March by a Garuda 737 overshooting the runway at Yogyakarta Internataional Airport with 21 fatalities.
Adam Air has since been grounded, while Captain Marwoto Komar, pilot of the Garuda jet, went on trial on charges of a range of alleged offences, the most serious of which could see him imprisoned for life
One-and-half years have gone by since the European Union (EU) in July 2007 imposed a flight ban on all Indonesian airline companies to fly to Europe.
But brighter prospects will come to this world largest archipelagic country in mid-2009 after the visit of Vice President Jusuf Kalla to Europe last week which seemed to have brought a good prospect to a possible resumption of flight service to European Space.
Upon his arrival in the country, Kalla said national flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia would possibly resume its flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in June this year.
"We hope Garuda will start flying to Europe again in June this year," Kalla said earlier this week.
Garuda had suspended its flights to Europe, including to Schippol airport in Amsterdam, following a ban imposed by the European Union on Indonesian airline flights in July 2007.
Kalla said, when the EU flight ban was declared, Garuda was required to make improvements on 60 flight safety points but now the list had shrunk to 10 points.
"It would be good for us to make a self-assessment. The remaining 10 points can be improved in the next two months," the vice president said, adding that Garuda had purchased several new aircrafts for the Jakarta-Amsterdam route.
Kalla said aircraft prices had dropped, so Garuda could buy several new ones for its Jakarta-Europe services.
Earlier, Julian Wilson, the head of the EC delegation to Indonesia during a courtesy call on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono last month, mentioned that the European Union would likely lift the flight ban, imposed in 2007, in March or June this year.
Wilson also conveyed EU`s appreciation over the enactment of the aviation law on flight safety by the House of Representatives (DPR), according to presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal. He said the EU considered the aviation law as a key factor for an earlier lifting of the flight ban.
Meanwhile, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono welcomed the plan to lift the flight ban as it had hampered the growth of the Indonesian aviation industry and the promotion of Indonesian tourism in Europe.
In response to the possible lifting of the flight ban, Transportation Minister Djusman Syafei Djamal said there was no reason for the EU to extend the flight ban as the DPR had enacted the aviation law on December 17, 2008.
"In our latest meeting, the EU representative said that if the aviation law has been issued, the flight ban might be lifted. Now we have enacted this law, and therefore there is no more any reason for the EU to delay the lifting of the flight ban," the minister said.
As to Wilson`s promise to lift the ban during the meeting with the president, the minister said he still was not so sure that the ban would he lifed not later than June 2009
Since European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso came to Indonesia in November 2008, Djusman said, the EU has several times promised to lift the flight ban.
"I only believe in 50 percent of the truth of the pledge, because it had often been made in the past, but still no result," the minister said.
The minister added that in March 2009 the European Union planned to hold a meeting in Brussels, capital of Belgium, which will also be attended by an Indonesian delegation, to discuss the flight ban on Indonesian airline companies to fly to Europe.
The meeting will focus on the stipulations and implementation of the aviation law to guarantee flight safety, and supervision of the airline companies` operations.
Actually, Indonesia has already implemented a program on the national flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia meeting EU standards, as well as Mandala Airlines and Airfast doing the same thing. This received a boost in May when Garuda passed a safety audit by the International Air Transport Association.
"The Indonesian authorities still have not developed and implemented an efficient oversight program on any of the carriers under their regulatory control," said the EU Air Safety Committee when rejecting the three airlines` request for permission to return to the EU. It was also stated that Indonesia had no effective oversight program and that the International Civil Aviation Organisation was unable to assess recent changes.
The committee also noted that inspectors did not have the power to ground substandard aircraft and urged Indonesia to increase its inspection. A report from the Indonesian director-general of civil aviation said that, from January to April, Garuda had conducted only nine of the 56 mandatory surveys, while Mandala conducted only two out of 27.
The committee admitted that the three airline companies had made some improvements, but was unanimous in rejecting their request to have the ban lifted.
Teuku Faizasyah, spokesman for the Indonesian foreign ministry, expressed disappointment at the result and questioned the reasons behind the extension of the flight ban.
"We are disappointed with the prolonged ban. We`ve made some improvements, so we do hope that these will be taken into consideration," he told reporters. "The way we see it, the EU always puts their actions (in terms of) technicality issues. But we question if there are political motivations behind the decision."
The ban was imposed in 2007 following deregulation in the 1990s that triggered a string of aviation accidents. On New Year`s Day in 2007, 102 people were killed when an Adam Air Boeing 737 crashed into the ocean near Sulawesi. This was followed in March by a Garuda 737 overshooting the runway at Yogyakarta Internataional Airport with 21 fatalities.
Adam Air has since been grounded, while Captain Marwoto Komar, pilot of the Garuda jet, went on trial on charges of a range of alleged offences, the most serious of which could see him imprisoned for life
Indonesia has potential to become world biofuel producer
Indonesia, along with Brazil, has the potential to become a world bio-fuel producer, an Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) leader said.
Indonesia had a vast land territory, a great number of workers, a good domestic and international market that could support its efforts to develop ethanol production and jatropha curcas plantations, Siswono Yudohusodo, chairman of HKTI`s advisory board, said here Saturday.
"What is needed is a government policy which would enable villagers in rural areas to produce alternative energy," he said.
The former transmigration minister said that so far farmers only used jatroph curcas as fence plants for house yards and rice fields.
Siswono said that based on a research, alternative energy that could be produced from Jatropha curcas has quality equal to diesel oil. The research was done by the Bandung-based Institute of Technology (ITB) in cooperation with the Mitsubishi Research Institute.
In 2006, a team has also conducted a test on the use of jatropha curcas oil as fuel for motor vehicles and it found that this alternative energy was able to support a trip of more than 3,000 km from Atambua in East Nusa Tenggara province to Jakarta.
Siswono, who is also former HKTI chairman said that jatropha curcas nuts had 30 to 35 percent oil content so that each three kgs of nuts are able to yield one liter of bio-diesel.
Seen from the economic aspect, he said, the price of bio-diesel which was produced from jatropha cucas nuts was about Rp4,500 per liter, cheaper than the rice of diesel oil and premium gasoline.
Indonesia had a vast land territory, a great number of workers, a good domestic and international market that could support its efforts to develop ethanol production and jatropha curcas plantations, Siswono Yudohusodo, chairman of HKTI`s advisory board, said here Saturday.
"What is needed is a government policy which would enable villagers in rural areas to produce alternative energy," he said.
The former transmigration minister said that so far farmers only used jatroph curcas as fence plants for house yards and rice fields.
Siswono said that based on a research, alternative energy that could be produced from Jatropha curcas has quality equal to diesel oil. The research was done by the Bandung-based Institute of Technology (ITB) in cooperation with the Mitsubishi Research Institute.
In 2006, a team has also conducted a test on the use of jatropha curcas oil as fuel for motor vehicles and it found that this alternative energy was able to support a trip of more than 3,000 km from Atambua in East Nusa Tenggara province to Jakarta.
Siswono, who is also former HKTI chairman said that jatropha curcas nuts had 30 to 35 percent oil content so that each three kgs of nuts are able to yield one liter of bio-diesel.
Seen from the economic aspect, he said, the price of bio-diesel which was produced from jatropha cucas nuts was about Rp4,500 per liter, cheaper than the rice of diesel oil and premium gasoline.
Artist, journalists plant coral, release turtles at Sikuai
Some film artists including Christine Hakim, West Sumatra tourism officials and foreign journalists planted coral reefs and released a number of young green turtles at Sikuai Island beach here on Friday.
The event took place at the New Sikuai Island Resort, one of West Sumatra's tourist destinations, about one hour by boat from Padang, capital of West Sumatra province.
The group who included movie actress Christine Hakim and some foreign journalists were making a six-day visit to West Sumatra at the invitation of the provincial branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and the local tourist office, starting from Friday (Feb.20).
In addition, Rikwan, the Sikuai Island owner and several officials of the local tourist office also participated in the social activities.
The artists and journalist left the Dermaga Bahari for the Sikuai Island, about 50 hectares wide and 400 meters high, by boat.
The Sikuai Island resort is about three miles from Padang beach.
The artists and journalists were also scheduled to attend the launching of a tourist train on Saturday (Feb 21) which will be operated by the provincial administration in a bid to lure more tourists to the province.
The event took place at the New Sikuai Island Resort, one of West Sumatra's tourist destinations, about one hour by boat from Padang, capital of West Sumatra province.
The group who included movie actress Christine Hakim and some foreign journalists were making a six-day visit to West Sumatra at the invitation of the provincial branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and the local tourist office, starting from Friday (Feb.20).
In addition, Rikwan, the Sikuai Island owner and several officials of the local tourist office also participated in the social activities.
The artists and journalist left the Dermaga Bahari for the Sikuai Island, about 50 hectares wide and 400 meters high, by boat.
The Sikuai Island resort is about three miles from Padang beach.
The artists and journalists were also scheduled to attend the launching of a tourist train on Saturday (Feb 21) which will be operated by the provincial administration in a bid to lure more tourists to the province.
Australia assists Yogyakarta Museum in disaster preparedness
A 10-day disaster preparedness training program sponsored by the Australian Government for museum staff in Yogyakarta and Gadjah Mada University ended last week with participants receiving hands-on experience including through a simulated disaster recovery operation, an Australian Embassy media release said on Tuesday.
"The training program contributed to safeguarding invaluable and irreplaceable public heritage collections, ensuring their longevity so future generations of Indonesians can learn about their heritage," Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said.
"This aspect of caring for Indonesian museum collections is critical, especially in light of the frequency of earth tremors and earthquakes that have affected central Java in recent years," he added.
The training program, from 27 January to 5 February, was delivered by the Northern Territory Government`s Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), a public cultural institution located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
With its close proximity to Indonesia, the MAGNT has a strong reputation as an active contributor to the delivery of museum training programs in Southeast Asia.
"Delivering this important training program in Yogyakarta, with the aim of fostering the improved care of Javanese museum cultural collections, was an exciting opportunity for our Museum," said Ms Joanna Barrkman, MAGNT Curator of Southeast Asian Art and Material Culture.
Stage One of the program, Museum Disaster Preparedness Training, was delivered at Sonobudoyo Museum and provided a "hands on" experience to show museum staff how to conduct a hazard assessment of their collections and how to develop and document a counter-disaster plan.
Participants also undertook a simulated disaster recovery operation.
Stage Two, Museum Collection Management and Storage Procedures Training, explored practical approaches to upgrading the storage conditions of the Sonobudoyo Museum`s ceramic collection. Ms Sandra Yee and Ms Kristin Phillips, professional museum conservators, delivered the program.
The project was sponsored by the Australian Government through the Australia International Cultural Council (AICC) under IN2OZ: Creative Australia aimed at strengthening bilateral cultural links and understanding.
Papua - Irian Jaya
Papua is the largest province of Indonesia, comprising a majority part of the western half of the island of New Guinea and nearby islands (see also Western New Guinea). The province originally covered the entire western half of New Guinea, but in 2003, the western portion of the province, on the Bird's Head Peninsula, was declared by the Indonesian Government as a separate province named West Irian Jaya (now West Papua). The legality of this separation has been disputed as it appears to conflict with the conditions of the Special Autonomy status awarded to Papua in the year 2000, but it has already resolved as of early 2007.
"Papua" is the official Indonesian and internationally recognised name for the province. During the Dutch colonial era the region was known as part of "Dutch New Guinea" or "Netherlands New Guinea". The province was known as "West Irian" or "Irian Barat" from 1969 to 1973, and then renamed "Irian Jaya" (roughly translated, "Glorious Irian") by the Suharto administration. This was the official name until "Papua" was adopted in 2002. Today, natives of this province prefer to call themselves Papuans rather than Irianese. This may be due to etymology (variously identified as a real etymology or a folk etymology) of the name Irian which stems from the acronym Ikut Republik Indonesia, Anti Nederland (join/follow the Republic of Indonesia, rejecting The Netherlands).
The name "West Papua" was adopted in 1961 by the New Guinea Council until the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) transferred administration to the Republic of Indonesia in 1963. "West Papua" has since been used among Papuan separatists and usually refers to the whole of the Indonesian portion of New Guinea. The other Indonesian province that shares New Guinea, West Irian Jaya, has been officially renamed as "West Papua".
Indonesia structures regions by regencies and subdistricts within those. Though names and areas of control of these regional structures can vary over time in accord with changing political and other requirements, in 2005 Papua province consisted of 19 regencies (kabupaten).
The regencies ("kabupaten") are: Asmat; Biak-Numfor; Boven Digoel; Jayapura; Jayawijaya; Keerom; Mappi; Merauke; Mimika; Nabire; Paniai; Pegunungan Bintang; Puncak Jaya; Sarmi; Supiori; Tolikara; Waropen; Yahukimo and Yapen Waropen. In addition to these, the city of Jayapura also has the status of a regency.
Jayapura, founded on 7 March 1910 as Hollandia, had by 1962 developed into a city with modern civil, educational, and medical services. Since Indonesian administration these services have been replaced by Indonesian equivalents such as the TNI (the army) replacing the Papua Battalion. The name of the city has been changed to Kotabaru, then to Sukarnopura and finally to its current official name. Among ethnic Papuans, it is also known as Port Numbai, the former name before the arrival of immigrants.
Jayapura is the largest city, boasting a small but active tourism industry, it is built on a slope overlooking the bay. Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) campus at Abepura houses the University Museum. Both Tanjung Ria beach, near the market at Hamadi—site of the 22 April 1944 Allied invasion during World War II—and the site of General Douglas MacArthur's World War II headquarters at Ifar Gunung have monuments commemorating the events.
A central east-west mountain range dominates the geography of New Guinea, over 1600 km in total length. The western section is around 600 km long and 100 km across. The province contains the highest mountains between the Himalayas and the Andes, rising up to 4884 m high, and ensuring a steady supply of rain from the tropical atmosphere. The tree line is around 4000 m elevation and the tallest peaks contain permanent equatorial glaciers, increasingly melting due to a changing climate. Various other smaller mountain ranges occur both north and west of the central ranges. Except in high elevations, most areas possess a warm humid climate throughout the year, with some seasonal variation associated with the northeast monsoon season.
The third major habitat feature are the vast southern and northern lowlands. Stretching for hundreds of kilometers, these include lowland rainforests, extensive wetlands, savanna grasslands, and some of the largest expanses of mangrove forest in the world. The southern lowlands are the site of Lorentz National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mamberamo river, sometimes referred to as the "Amazon of Papua" is the province's largest river which winds through the northern part of the province. The result is a large area of lakes and rivers known as the Lakes Plains region. The famous Baliem Valley, home of the Dani people is a tableland 1600 m above sea level in the midst of the central mountain range; Puncak Jaya, sometimes known by its former Dutch name Carstensz Pyramid, is a mist covered limestone mountain peak 4884 m above sea level.
"Papua" is the official Indonesian and internationally recognised name for the province. During the Dutch colonial era the region was known as part of "Dutch New Guinea" or "Netherlands New Guinea". The province was known as "West Irian" or "Irian Barat" from 1969 to 1973, and then renamed "Irian Jaya" (roughly translated, "Glorious Irian") by the Suharto administration. This was the official name until "Papua" was adopted in 2002. Today, natives of this province prefer to call themselves Papuans rather than Irianese. This may be due to etymology (variously identified as a real etymology or a folk etymology) of the name Irian which stems from the acronym Ikut Republik Indonesia, Anti Nederland (join/follow the Republic of Indonesia, rejecting The Netherlands).
The name "West Papua" was adopted in 1961 by the New Guinea Council until the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) transferred administration to the Republic of Indonesia in 1963. "West Papua" has since been used among Papuan separatists and usually refers to the whole of the Indonesian portion of New Guinea. The other Indonesian province that shares New Guinea, West Irian Jaya, has been officially renamed as "West Papua".
Indonesia structures regions by regencies and subdistricts within those. Though names and areas of control of these regional structures can vary over time in accord with changing political and other requirements, in 2005 Papua province consisted of 19 regencies (kabupaten).
The regencies ("kabupaten") are: Asmat; Biak-Numfor; Boven Digoel; Jayapura; Jayawijaya; Keerom; Mappi; Merauke; Mimika; Nabire; Paniai; Pegunungan Bintang; Puncak Jaya; Sarmi; Supiori; Tolikara; Waropen; Yahukimo and Yapen Waropen. In addition to these, the city of Jayapura also has the status of a regency.
Jayapura, founded on 7 March 1910 as Hollandia, had by 1962 developed into a city with modern civil, educational, and medical services. Since Indonesian administration these services have been replaced by Indonesian equivalents such as the TNI (the army) replacing the Papua Battalion. The name of the city has been changed to Kotabaru, then to Sukarnopura and finally to its current official name. Among ethnic Papuans, it is also known as Port Numbai, the former name before the arrival of immigrants.
Jayapura is the largest city, boasting a small but active tourism industry, it is built on a slope overlooking the bay. Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) campus at Abepura houses the University Museum. Both Tanjung Ria beach, near the market at Hamadi—site of the 22 April 1944 Allied invasion during World War II—and the site of General Douglas MacArthur's World War II headquarters at Ifar Gunung have monuments commemorating the events.
A central east-west mountain range dominates the geography of New Guinea, over 1600 km in total length. The western section is around 600 km long and 100 km across. The province contains the highest mountains between the Himalayas and the Andes, rising up to 4884 m high, and ensuring a steady supply of rain from the tropical atmosphere. The tree line is around 4000 m elevation and the tallest peaks contain permanent equatorial glaciers, increasingly melting due to a changing climate. Various other smaller mountain ranges occur both north and west of the central ranges. Except in high elevations, most areas possess a warm humid climate throughout the year, with some seasonal variation associated with the northeast monsoon season.
The third major habitat feature are the vast southern and northern lowlands. Stretching for hundreds of kilometers, these include lowland rainforests, extensive wetlands, savanna grasslands, and some of the largest expanses of mangrove forest in the world. The southern lowlands are the site of Lorentz National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mamberamo river, sometimes referred to as the "Amazon of Papua" is the province's largest river which winds through the northern part of the province. The result is a large area of lakes and rivers known as the Lakes Plains region. The famous Baliem Valley, home of the Dani people is a tableland 1600 m above sea level in the midst of the central mountain range; Puncak Jaya, sometimes known by its former Dutch name Carstensz Pyramid, is a mist covered limestone mountain peak 4884 m above sea level.
Southeast Sulawesi
The Southeast Sulawesi Province is populated by more than 1.2 million people, in five diverse and interesting cultural groups: The Tolaki, Morunene, Buton, Muna (locally called the Wuna), and the Bajo. All offer the visitor a glimpse of life styles which have survived man's rush to modernization while using much of today's technology to their advantage. Most of the beauty of the region has been preserved for prosperity by declaring it "National Parks" and "Nature Preserve".
The entire province is inhabited by wonereous animals, living freely, easily seen and appreciated by visitor. Deer, Wild Pigs, Small Rodent- like animals called Kus-Kus, Monkey, Snakes, Anoa (Small Buffalo) and numerous varieties of bird abound. But the hunting of animals is forbidden in national parks and preserves and carefully controlled by local government, in other areas. The warmth of the Sulawesi people, the local flora, fauna, and untouched beaches, are the highlights of this unique loacale. It is truly one of the world's last remaining natural habitants waiting so show off for the visitor who can appreciate such natural beauty and the people who live in it.
The population of the province is 1.771,951 (in 2000 Census), most of which is centered on Buton island of the Sulawesi south coast, and around Kendari. From the seventeenth century until the early twentieth century, the region was the site of the Buton (Butung) sultanate.Most of the land area of southeast Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood, which are used for local handicraft and contribute to the local economy. Much of the beauty of the region has been preserved for prosperity by declaring it "National Parks" and "Nature Preserve.
Wonereous animals, living freely, easily seen and appreciated by visitors, inhabit the entire province. Deer, Wild Pigs, Small Rodent-Like animals called Kus-Kus, Monkey, Snakes, Anoa (small buffalo) and numerous varieties of birds abound. But the hunting of animals is forbidden in national parks preserves and carefully controlled by local government, in other areas.
The friendly of the Sulawesi People, the local flora, fauna, and untouched beaches, are the highlights of this unique located. It is truly one of the world's last remaining. Natural habitats are waiting to show for the visitor who can appreciate such natural beauty and the people who live in it.
Central Sulawesi
Central Sulawesi Province is beautiful region with its mountain; lakes and dales decorate this area. All the things are tourism potency that becomes a fascination for tourist to visit it. The fascination of main tourism in Central Sulawesi is megalith omission area of historic epoch, which stay in Bada and Besoa, however the natural beauty and sociability of its public become valuable asset for the tourism expansion in this area. Central Sulawesi is one of regional in Indonesia that has compatible solidarity between natural beauties, cultural properties and long history.
GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AREA
With the Government system development and people demand in Reformation era who wish the spin-offs of the region become regency, hence the Central government release policy through the constitution number 11 in 2000 about the change of the constitution number 51 in 1999 about the forming of Buol regency, Morowali regency and Banggai Island. Then through the constitution number 10 in 2002 by Central government had formed new regency in Central Sulawesi Province named Parigi Moutong regency. Thereby finite, based on the spin-offs of regency area in Central Sulawesi Propinsi, Become nine region named:
1. Donggala Regency in Donggala
2. Poso Regency in Poso
3. Banggai Regency in Luwuk
4. Toli-toli Regency in Toli-toli
5. Palu city domicile in Palu
6. Buol Regency in Buol
7. Morowali Regency in Kolonodale
8. Banggai Archipelago Regency in Banggai
9. Parigi Moutong Regency in Parigi
GEOGRAPHICALLY
Central Sulawesi Province being formed with the constitution number 13 in 1964 laying between 2022' North Latitude and 3048' South Latitude and 119022' East Longitudes.
Its region Boundaries is:
North side: Gorontalo Province
Eastside: Maluku Province
Side South: South Sulawesi Province and South-East Sulawesi Province.
Westside: Makassar Strait
DEMOGRAPHY
The area wide of Central Sulawesi Province is 68033 Km2. Administratively, Central Sulawesi Province divided into eight regencies and one town with 85 Districts dan1432 village with number of residents' 2.215.449 men and density of average level is 29 men/Km2. While the resident growth rate equal to 2,59%. While the resident of Central Sulawesi Province who resided in settlement area of hinterland is 30% coastal area is 60% and archipelago area is 10%.
GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AREA
With the Government system development and people demand in Reformation era who wish the spin-offs of the region become regency, hence the Central government release policy through the constitution number 11 in 2000 about the change of the constitution number 51 in 1999 about the forming of Buol regency, Morowali regency and Banggai Island. Then through the constitution number 10 in 2002 by Central government had formed new regency in Central Sulawesi Province named Parigi Moutong regency. Thereby finite, based on the spin-offs of regency area in Central Sulawesi Propinsi, Become nine region named:
1. Donggala Regency in Donggala
2. Poso Regency in Poso
3. Banggai Regency in Luwuk
4. Toli-toli Regency in Toli-toli
5. Palu city domicile in Palu
6. Buol Regency in Buol
7. Morowali Regency in Kolonodale
8. Banggai Archipelago Regency in Banggai
9. Parigi Moutong Regency in Parigi
GEOGRAPHICALLY
Central Sulawesi Province being formed with the constitution number 13 in 1964 laying between 2022' North Latitude and 3048' South Latitude and 119022' East Longitudes.
Its region Boundaries is:
North side: Gorontalo Province
Eastside: Maluku Province
Side South: South Sulawesi Province and South-East Sulawesi Province.
Westside: Makassar Strait
DEMOGRAPHY
The area wide of Central Sulawesi Province is 68033 Km2. Administratively, Central Sulawesi Province divided into eight regencies and one town with 85 Districts dan1432 village with number of residents' 2.215.449 men and density of average level is 29 men/Km2. While the resident growth rate equal to 2,59%. While the resident of Central Sulawesi Province who resided in settlement area of hinterland is 30% coastal area is 60% and archipelago area is 10%.
South Sulawesi
The strange orchid-shaped island of Sulawesi, can be recognised at first glance on any map of Indonesia. No other island is quite like it. The result of ancient geological upheavals, Sulawesi's twisted, elongated limbs have given rise to unique landscapes and an abundance of nature. Home to diverse and fascinating cultures, it is a land of exciting travel experiences.
The scenic seacoasts, rugged mountains and verdant rice-growing plains of South Sulawesi have their own unique fascination. With few sites of historical or artistic importance, the charm of the region lies in well-kept towns, and the extensive seacoasts where master shipbuilders construct massive wooden schooners, essentially Portuguese galleons, using only simple hand-tools and designs passed down by rote through the centuries.
The area around Ujung Pandang holds several sites of interest, from a spectacular coral reef and blinding white beaches offshore, to colorful highland market towns and the evocative ruins of vanished kingdoms.
The road leading up the west coast from Ujung Pandang to Pare-Pare is filled with awe-inspiring scenery and glimpses of Sulawesi's venerable traditions. A limestone range dominates this area, marked by intricate patterns of ridges and sheer cliffs honeycombed with caves.
The South Coast is the homeland of the Makassarese, the proud, indefatigable master seafarers who once regarded piracy as an honourable profession. The beaches are a forest of masts from the hundreds of fishing boats drawn up on the sand. The fortunate may witness exciting boat races and festivals to mark the departure of the fishing fleet. The sense of lost time is still felt in the rows of sturdy pinisi hulls being erected on the beaches.
Remnants of the great Bugis kingdoms of the pre-European era are found in Sulawesi's central fertile plain. Scattered throughout the region are reconstructed wooden palaces and gravesites, but the greatest attraction is the area itself, with verdant fields, attractive, colorful towns and glimpses of net fishing, buffalo-powered field preparation, hand threshing and other ageless activities of rural life.
Hanging like a teardrop off the southern tip of the peninsula, Selayar Island offers fine beaches and a glimpse of colonial life in the preserved Dutch architecture and general preindustrial ambiance of the towns and villages. A splendid 2000-year-old Vietnamese DongSon drum, perhaps washed up from a nearby shipwreck, is kept in a wooden shed near a former royal palace.
Luwu, the horseshoe-shaped region capping the Gulf of Bone, is at once the most ancient and most modern region in South Sulawesi. Believed the site of the first Bugis kingdom, Luwu became an open frontier. with Javanese and Balinese transmigrants mixing with long-isolated local tribes to generate _ fascinating mixture of peoples and cultures. The most incongruous addition to the region is a relocated Canadian mining town at Soroako, built for expatriate mining experts but now populated mostly by Indonesian managers and professionals. The nickel mine and associated facilities have brought good roads and other modern facilities to Luwu, but the air of an untamed land, reinforced by the looming presence of the Central Sulawesi mountain range, remains.
UJUNG PANDANG
The gateway to Sulawesi is the historic port of Ujung Pandang. Long known as Makassar, Ujung Pandang is one of the few Indonesian cities to embrace the sea. The focus of the town is a long esplanade curling along the bay, with swaying palms, wide sidewalks and colourful shophouses their second-storey terraces offering a commanding view of the beach, bay and tropical sunsets. While this growing city has sprawled into the surrounding hills during recent decades, commercial and social activity remains centered within a few blocks of the waterfront. In the late afternoon and early evening hours most of the population seems to gather along the esplanade, strolling and chatting, snacking at any of the scores of teashops and roving food stalls, or simply enjoying the fresh sea breeze as the setting sun touches the horizon, silhouetting the masts and billowing sails of the schooners cruising the bay.
In modern Indonesia, Ujung Pandang has become the primary port and airline hub of the eastern archipelago, the thousands of remote islands being developed and incorporated into the mainstream of Indonesian society and economy. As in previous centuries, when Makassar was the commercial heart of Southeast Asian trade, Indonesians, other Asians and Europeans rub shoulders in the narrow alleys and jostle in the shops and markets. A trained ear will pick out dozens of languages on the streets, and a casual browse through the shops on Jalan Sumba Opu will reveal goods, handicrafts and antiques from all corners of the archipelago. More than any other Indonesian city, Ujung Pandang evokes the great age of maritime discovery, trade and adventure.
Makassar was for centuries the main port of call for spice carrying ships. This harbour town most famous in the 15th century, has lost none of its allure. Today renamed as Ujung Pandang, this colourful now modern city is the capital of the Province of South Sulawesi, has first class hotels and is the entrance to many attractions in its hinterland.
For centuries the name Makassar has conjured up images of all that is exotic, of sailing ships and spice traders, and fortunes made and lost, of gold and bloody wars. It is home to the buccaneering Bugis, master shipbuilders whose elegant pinisi schooners can be seen in many harbours of Indonesia. These navigators and fearless sailors roamed as far as Australia and Madagascar long before their history was recorded.
TORAJA
Hidden away in verdant mountains is the fabled Tana Toraja, or Torajaland, where phenomenal funeral ceremonies draw visitors from around the world. While further south. where the hospitable and staunch Muslim Bugis are the largest population group, older pre-lslamic Hindu traditions surface in elaborate wedding rituals and their customs. Around the Bugis heartland of Bone, Soppeng and Sengkang, women sit at handlooms fashioning hand-processed silk into dramatic checked textiles of iridescent pinks, luminous greens, golds, yellows startling combination that seems to work magnificently well together.
The long drive from the lowlands to the mountain stronghold of Tana Toraja opens up a breath-taking new world. The rugged mountains and verdant valleys are home to a people whose love of religious spectacle is equaled only by their hospitality. With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi.
Upgraded roads, an airport and several star-rated hotels have opened the Toraja highlands to visitors of all interests, budgets and schedules. The essence of the Toraja beliefs and way of life can be experienced without undue effort, as many interesting sites are clustered around the town of Rantepao, easily accessible by road.
A few minutes from Rantepao, artisans at Kete Kusu, a model Toraja settlement, produce bamboo carvings and other traditional handicrafts. The village itself has several well maintained tongkonan houses and rice barns.
Visitors unsure about the propriety of tramping around someone's village will be relieved to know that Kete Kusu has been converted into a living museum with the express purpose of displaying Toraja architecture and daily life. Other villages within sight of the roads, often sitting in an emerald sea of ricefields, display the Toraja penchant for baroque architectural adornment.
If the Toraja way of life is interesting, the way of death is a fascinating mix of ritual custom and spectacle. For the Toraja, the dead are as much a part of society as the living. At Lemo, cliffs rise precipitously from the ricefields like stonework condominiums. Crypts carved with prodigious manual labor high into the solid rock house the mortal remains of Toraja nobility. Set amongst the crypts, the striking tau-tau, wooden effigies representing the deceased, look impassively on the world below.
At Londa, a network of coffin-filled caves reaches deep into the limestone hills. Visitors expecting a solemn, well-kept grotto are often shocked and disturbed by skeletons tumbling out of rotten coffins, skulls and bones arranged, to Western eyes, according to some gruesome aesthetic. But the Toraja feel that since their ancestor's souls are residing in heaven, ensuring continued fertility in farm and field, it is appropriate that their earthly remains be on display for the pleasure of honored foreign guests.
While the valley between Rantepao and Makale provides a glimpse of Toraja life, the real Toraja lies in the surrounding mountains, accessible only on foot. In treks ranging from an easy day to a strenuous week, those with a moderate capacity for adventure can experience authentic Toraja village life in charming mountain hamlets. Even in the most remote mountain villages, visitors are welcomed openly. Long accustomed to foreigners stumbling unannounced into their settlements, village leaders will generally arrange overnight accommodation with a local family for a modest contribution.
South Sulawesi's natural beauty is a paradise of white sand beaches and undisturbed coral reefs, cool highlands and rushing waterfalls flecked with the technicolour yellows and shimmering blues of wild butterflies. The upland lush forests, filled with endemic species are made for trekking and thrilling white water rafting expeditions along the Sa'dan or the Lore Lindu rivers. Deep in the interior of the island are mist-swathed primeval mountains where clear and placid lakes are concealed within majestic highland forests
South Sulawesi is part of a huge island with so much to discover While two or three days is enough to see some amazing sights, here, more time is definitely advised.
West Sulawesi
West Sulawesi or Sulawesi Barat (short form Sulbar) is the 33rd province of Indonesia, created in 2004. It is sited on the island of Sulawesi (or Celebes) and includes the regencies (kabupaten) of Polewali Mandar, Mamasa, Majene, Mamuju, and Mamuju Utara, which were formerly part of South Sulawesi. The area of the province is 16,796.19 km².
Its economy consists mainly of mining, agriculture and fishing. Its capital is Mamuju.
Sulawesi Barat is divided into the following regencies :
Mamuju
Mamuju Utara
Majene
Polewali-Mandar
Mamasa
Its economy consists mainly of mining, agriculture and fishing. Its capital is Mamuju.
Sulawesi Barat is divided into the following regencies :
Mamuju
Mamuju Utara
Majene
Polewali-Mandar
Mamasa
North Sulawesi
North Sulawesi (Indonesian: Sulawesi Utara) is a province of Indonesia. It is on the island of Sulawesi, and borders the province of Gorontalo to the west (originally a part of North Sulawesi until 2001 when it became its own province). The islands of Sangihe and Talaud form the northern part of the province, which border the Philippines.
The capital and largest city in North Sulawesi is Manado. With a population of about 2 million (As of 2006[update][1]), the region is predominantly Christian (70%) with Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist minorities, which is an exception in this predominantly Muslim country. The largest ethnic group is Minahasan.
North Sulawesi is divided into nine regencies (Indonesian: kabupaten) and four cities (Indonesian: kotamadya).
Regencies (seat):
Bolaang Mongondow (Kotamobagu)
Minahasa (Tondano)
North Bolaang Mongondow (Boroko)
North Minahasa (Airmadidi)
Sangihe Islands (Tahuna)
Sitaro Islands (Ondong)
South Minahasa (Amurang)
Southeast Minahasa (Ratahan)
Talaud Islands (Melonguane)
Cities:
Bitung
Kotamobagu
Manado
Tomohon
First contact with European traders came in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, and with them they brought Christianity. It wasn't until the arrival of the Dutch that Christianity became the predominant religion of the area. The provincial capital of Manado is one of the international gateways into Indonesia.
Regular flights to all parts of the Indonesia archipelago service this beautiful town, as well as the smaller airports of Gorontalo, Tahuna and Talaud.
Gorontalo
Gorontalo City is the capital of the new Gorontalo Province and nestles on the calm waters of the northern shoreline of Tomini Bay, on the southern fringe of Sulawesi's protective northern arm. Here the weather is balmy and equatorial, the landscape punctuated by chains of mountains.
Being the main gateway to the travel mecca of the Togian Islands and only a one hour flight from Manado, Gorontalo is easily reached and often passed through. However, stop to have a look around and you may be surprised by what Gorontalo has to offer, besides the unique diving environment.
Life here is quiet and simple, like a clean and friendly, rural country town. Tourists are virtually unknown in town, so you can experience the cultural, daily workings of a Sulawesi town, unaffected by the tourist buck. No one here trying to sell you a suit or fake tourist knock-offs.
History of GorontaloIn 1525, three small rock forts were built overlooking the waters of Lake Limboto with Portuguese assistance. Still in place today, the Fort Otonaha complex provides wonderful views.The Spanish also entered the area in limited numbers via the Philippines during the mid-1500s. They introduced corn, tomatoes, chilli peppers, horses, and the afternoon siesta to Gorontalo, all of which are an integral part life today.
The Dutch under the aegis of the United East India Company (VOC) worked to wrest control of the lucrative spice trade away from the Sultanate of Ternate and push out all other European competitors. Gradually, the Dutch gained political control here and ended the power of the local kings.
The people of Gorontalo are very proud of the fact that they actually achieved independence from Dutch rule in 1942 - three years before the rest of Indonesia. This was partly through the efforts of the guerrilla/freedom fighter and local hero Nani Wartabone, who forced out the occupying Japanese during World War II.
Since the city escaped Allied bombing during the war, a number of Dutch-era buildings are still standing. Although many are in poor repair, Gorontalo City has a distinctive colonial appearance.
Sulawesi
The fabled island of Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical orchid, each "petal" a peninsula, ridged with lofty mountains and surrounded by coral reefs.
The Island is Indonesia's third-largest island, with an area of 172,000 square km. Like all of Indonesia there is much cultural diversity here comprised of four major ethnic groups. It truly is a delightful potpourri of people and cultures ranging from the mysterious Toraja, who live in the mountainous center of the Sulawesi orchid, to the friendly folk of the lush northern region of Manado-Minahasa. The intriguing Bugis and Makassarese people from peninsular South Sulawesi are the stuff legends are made of. (The 'bogey' man of our childhood fears is rumoured to have started his career as a Bugis pirate!).
The topographical variety is complete, offering spectacular mountains, scenic coastline, lakes, rice patties, and dense jungles making Sulawesi one of the few islands where a traveler can experience such cultural and marine diversity without having to travel to another country.
Sulawesi straddles Wallace's Line meaning that it has a mix of both Asian and Australasian species. However, the majority of Sulawesi's wildlife belongs to the Australasia region. 2,290 km² of the island is devoted to Lore Lindu National Park.
There are 127 known mammalian species in Sulawesi. A large percentage of these mammals, 62% (79 species) are endemic, meaning that they are found nowhere else in Indonesia or the world. The largest native mammal in Sulawesi is the dwarf buffalo, locally known as the anoa. Other mammalian species inhabiting Sulawesi are the babirusa, a pig-like animal, the Sulawesi palm civet, several species of cuscus (S. rufoniger, S. celebensis and A. ursinus), and primates including a number of tarsiers (the spectral, Dian's, Lariang and pygmy varieties) and several species of macaque, including the crested black macaque, the moor macaque and the booted macaque.
By contrast, because many birds can fly between islands, Sulawesian bird species tend to be found on other nearby islands as well, such as Borneo; only 34% of Sulawesi's birds are found nowhere else. One endemic bird is the largely ground-dwelling, chicken-sized maleo, which reproduces like no other bird: taking advantage of the hot sand produced by the island's volcanic vents, they dig holes in the sand, lay their eggs, and promptly leave the scene. There are known 1450 bird species in Sulawesi. The Togian White-eye is another endemic that was described in 2008. An international partnership of conservationists, donors, and local people have formed the Alliance for Tompotika Conservation, in an effort to raise awareness and protect the nesting grounds of these birds on the central-eastern arm of the island.
A Djampea Rainbow
Sulawesi also has several endemic species of freshwater fish, such as those in the genus Nomorhamphus, a species flock of livebearing freshwater halfbeaks containing at least 19 distinct species, most of which are only found on Sulawesi.
There are also many species of freshwater shrimp that are endemic to Sulawesi. Several of these species have become very popular in the aquarium hobby. They are considered some of the most beautiful freshwater shrimp species to be found and are not found anywhere else in the world. Several of these shrimp species are found only in specific lakes in Sulawesi, making them even more rare .
Orange Delight Shrimp
Freshwater snails endemic to Sulawesi are also extremely beautiful and like the shrimp are endemic to Sulawesi . The snails and shrimp from Sulawesi have made a wonderful addition to the freshwater aquarium invertebrate hobby. However, there must be careful attention placed to conserve and protect these species as well as many others. Due to the small habitat and unique environment it is critical that all freshwater species from Sulawesi be conserved properly. An expedition was conducted by Mimbon Aquarium to the island of Sulawesi to document and collect some of the species of fish, shrimp and snails mentioned. There are several photos of the landscape, underwater habitat and some of the collected specimens from the expedition journal.
The island was recently the subject of an Ecoregional Conservation Assessment, coordinated by the Nature Conservancy. Detailed reports about the vegetation of the island are available. The assessment produced a detailed and annotated list of 'conservation portfolio' sites . This information was widely distributed to local government agencies and non governmental organizations. Detailed conservation priorities have also been outlined in a recent publication.
The lowland forests on the island are, unfortunately, almost gone. Because of the relative geological youth of the island and its dramatic and sharp topography, the lowland areas are naturally limited in their extent. The past decade has seen dramatic conversion of this rare and endangered habitat. The island also possesses one of the largest outcrops of Serpentine soil in the world, which support an unusual and large community of specialized plant species. Overall, the flora and fauna of this unique center of global biodiversity is very poorly documented and understood and remains critically threatened.
Sulawesi is the world's eleventh-largest island, covering an area of 174,600 km². The island is surrounded by Borneo to the west, by the Philippines to the north, by Maluku to the east, and by Flores and Timor to the south. It has a distinctive shape, dominated by four large peninsulas: the Semenanjung Minahassa; the East Peninsula; the South Peninsula; and the South-east Peninsula. The central part of the island is ruggedly mountainous, such that the island's peninsulas have traditionally been remote from each other, with better connections by sea than by road.
The island is subdivided into six provinces:
Gorontalo
West Sulawesi
South Sulawesi
Central Sulawesi
Southeast Sulawesi
North Sulawesi
West Sulawesi is a new province, created in 2004 from part of South Sulawesi. The largest cities on the island are Makassar, on the southwestern coast of the island, and Manado, on the northern tip.
The Island is Indonesia's third-largest island, with an area of 172,000 square km. Like all of Indonesia there is much cultural diversity here comprised of four major ethnic groups. It truly is a delightful potpourri of people and cultures ranging from the mysterious Toraja, who live in the mountainous center of the Sulawesi orchid, to the friendly folk of the lush northern region of Manado-Minahasa. The intriguing Bugis and Makassarese people from peninsular South Sulawesi are the stuff legends are made of. (The 'bogey' man of our childhood fears is rumoured to have started his career as a Bugis pirate!).
The topographical variety is complete, offering spectacular mountains, scenic coastline, lakes, rice patties, and dense jungles making Sulawesi one of the few islands where a traveler can experience such cultural and marine diversity without having to travel to another country.
Sulawesi straddles Wallace's Line meaning that it has a mix of both Asian and Australasian species. However, the majority of Sulawesi's wildlife belongs to the Australasia region. 2,290 km² of the island is devoted to Lore Lindu National Park.
There are 127 known mammalian species in Sulawesi. A large percentage of these mammals, 62% (79 species) are endemic, meaning that they are found nowhere else in Indonesia or the world. The largest native mammal in Sulawesi is the dwarf buffalo, locally known as the anoa. Other mammalian species inhabiting Sulawesi are the babirusa, a pig-like animal, the Sulawesi palm civet, several species of cuscus (S. rufoniger, S. celebensis and A. ursinus), and primates including a number of tarsiers (the spectral, Dian's, Lariang and pygmy varieties) and several species of macaque, including the crested black macaque, the moor macaque and the booted macaque.
By contrast, because many birds can fly between islands, Sulawesian bird species tend to be found on other nearby islands as well, such as Borneo; only 34% of Sulawesi's birds are found nowhere else. One endemic bird is the largely ground-dwelling, chicken-sized maleo, which reproduces like no other bird: taking advantage of the hot sand produced by the island's volcanic vents, they dig holes in the sand, lay their eggs, and promptly leave the scene. There are known 1450 bird species in Sulawesi. The Togian White-eye is another endemic that was described in 2008. An international partnership of conservationists, donors, and local people have formed the Alliance for Tompotika Conservation, in an effort to raise awareness and protect the nesting grounds of these birds on the central-eastern arm of the island.
A Djampea Rainbow
Sulawesi also has several endemic species of freshwater fish, such as those in the genus Nomorhamphus, a species flock of livebearing freshwater halfbeaks containing at least 19 distinct species, most of which are only found on Sulawesi.
There are also many species of freshwater shrimp that are endemic to Sulawesi. Several of these species have become very popular in the aquarium hobby. They are considered some of the most beautiful freshwater shrimp species to be found and are not found anywhere else in the world. Several of these shrimp species are found only in specific lakes in Sulawesi, making them even more rare .
Orange Delight Shrimp
Freshwater snails endemic to Sulawesi are also extremely beautiful and like the shrimp are endemic to Sulawesi . The snails and shrimp from Sulawesi have made a wonderful addition to the freshwater aquarium invertebrate hobby. However, there must be careful attention placed to conserve and protect these species as well as many others. Due to the small habitat and unique environment it is critical that all freshwater species from Sulawesi be conserved properly. An expedition was conducted by Mimbon Aquarium to the island of Sulawesi to document and collect some of the species of fish, shrimp and snails mentioned. There are several photos of the landscape, underwater habitat and some of the collected specimens from the expedition journal.
The island was recently the subject of an Ecoregional Conservation Assessment, coordinated by the Nature Conservancy. Detailed reports about the vegetation of the island are available. The assessment produced a detailed and annotated list of 'conservation portfolio' sites . This information was widely distributed to local government agencies and non governmental organizations. Detailed conservation priorities have also been outlined in a recent publication.
The lowland forests on the island are, unfortunately, almost gone. Because of the relative geological youth of the island and its dramatic and sharp topography, the lowland areas are naturally limited in their extent. The past decade has seen dramatic conversion of this rare and endangered habitat. The island also possesses one of the largest outcrops of Serpentine soil in the world, which support an unusual and large community of specialized plant species. Overall, the flora and fauna of this unique center of global biodiversity is very poorly documented and understood and remains critically threatened.
Sulawesi is the world's eleventh-largest island, covering an area of 174,600 km². The island is surrounded by Borneo to the west, by the Philippines to the north, by Maluku to the east, and by Flores and Timor to the south. It has a distinctive shape, dominated by four large peninsulas: the Semenanjung Minahassa; the East Peninsula; the South Peninsula; and the South-east Peninsula. The central part of the island is ruggedly mountainous, such that the island's peninsulas have traditionally been remote from each other, with better connections by sea than by road.
The island is subdivided into six provinces:
Gorontalo
West Sulawesi
South Sulawesi
Central Sulawesi
Southeast Sulawesi
North Sulawesi
West Sulawesi is a new province, created in 2004 from part of South Sulawesi. The largest cities on the island are Makassar, on the southwestern coast of the island, and Manado, on the northern tip.
Central Kalimantan
Central Kalimantan is the biggest province on the island, covering 153,800 square kilometers, most of which is jungle. The northern area is mountainous and difficult to reach. The central area is dense tropical forest. more
Palangkaraya. In the local Dayak language, Palangkaraya means ‘holy container’. Palang¬karaya can easily be reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan and other points on the island by air. The town has become the center of government, trade and education of the province. The Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan.
Kuala Kapuas
Kuala Kapuas. It is located at Kapuas River, 40 km from Banjarmasin. A well-known tourist attraction is Telo Island, a pleasant fishing village and port. For the adventurer, white-water rafter and nature lovers, there is Gohong Rawai, known for its beatiful and challenging rapids. The gold mines of Teweh and Batu Api, Rungan district, are also interesting sites to be visited. In this region, gold mining is a major source of livelihood for the people, who pan for the valuable metal using the old traditional method.
Tanjung Puting National Park
The Tanjung Puting National Park is a well-known nature and wildlife reserve in lowland and swamp forests, inha¬bited by orang utans, owa-owa, bekantan and other primates. One can visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Tanjung Isuy
Tanjung Isuy. This litle settlement around Lake Jempang, in the lake-studded East Kalimantan hinterland, has a traditional Da¬yak longhouse which has been turned into lodges for visitors. The grave of a Benuaq Dayak chief lies aside the hamlets’s only only road. Visitors are usually given a traditional Dayak Benuaq welcome. The trip over Tanjung Isuy over the Mahakam River is along but interesting one past floating village and forest scenery. See the magic dance of the “belian” a Dayak tribe‘s doctor. Dressed in skirt of leaves, cures his patients at night by performing the rites prescribed by ancestors to the frenzied accompaniment of gongs and drums. Many Benuaq Dayaks still prefer the old cures to the modern ones at the government public health centers which are nearby.
West Kalimantan
West Kalimantan is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air. One of its main attractions is the culture of its Dayak ethnic groups.
Most Dayaks live in long houses along rivers which crisscross the land. This province covers an area of 146,807 square km. Its low plains are swampy with more than 100 rivers playing a vital role in communications and the economy.
Scattered across the swamps are several lakes and villages, often linked by bridges. The provincial capital, Pontianak lies exactly on the Equator. It is a fast growing city divided into three parts by the Kapuas and Landak rivers. Pontianak is the main gate to enter this province through Supadio Airport, 18 km from the city.
The Kapuas river, about 1,143 km, is one of the longest river in Indonesia, connecting Pontianak with the Sanggau, Sintang and Kapuas Hulu Regencies. Among the branches of the Kapuas river are the Landak, Kubu, Punggur, Melawi and Sekayam rivers.
The population of West Kalimantan consist of the Dayaks, Malays, Chinese and some other Indonesian ethnic groups.
Dayak dances express respect, heroism, welcome and cure. It is recommended to take a river trip and make overnight stops at villages where dance performances are organized on advance notice.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Pontianak
As the capital of West Kalimantan, there are some interesting places to visit, among others theEquator Monument, Kadariah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak Bridges with a river view and floating market. You can also simply relax in the recreational park Tirta Ria. The beach resort of Kijing and Temajoh Island are good places for diving, fishing and sailing.
Betang (Long House)
On the outskirts of Pontianak is a Dayak traditional long house at Saham village, 158 km from Pontianak. The measures of this long house are: 186 m long, 6 m wide, in habited by 269 people. There is no accommodation here.
Pasir Panjang
It lies 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency. There is a beach resort, ideal for swimming. Comfortable cottages are available equipped with a tennis court. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng hill resort with its fresh air is a good place for nature lovers.
National Park and Nature Reserve
The Gunung (Mount) Palung National Park located in the Ketapang regency is home to miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also interesting to visit to see the Rafflesia or the Giant Flower.
Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature reserves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang Regency. While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang
ACCOMMODATION
West Kalimantan has recently been developed for tourist traffic, however, Pontianak has two three-star hotels, each with modern amenities and also facilities for conventions.
Two and one-star hotels have air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, telephones, TV and restaurants. Several moderate accommodation, such as lodges and inns are common in every regency.
Most Dayaks live in long houses along rivers which crisscross the land. This province covers an area of 146,807 square km. Its low plains are swampy with more than 100 rivers playing a vital role in communications and the economy.
Scattered across the swamps are several lakes and villages, often linked by bridges. The provincial capital, Pontianak lies exactly on the Equator. It is a fast growing city divided into three parts by the Kapuas and Landak rivers. Pontianak is the main gate to enter this province through Supadio Airport, 18 km from the city.
The Kapuas river, about 1,143 km, is one of the longest river in Indonesia, connecting Pontianak with the Sanggau, Sintang and Kapuas Hulu Regencies. Among the branches of the Kapuas river are the Landak, Kubu, Punggur, Melawi and Sekayam rivers.
The population of West Kalimantan consist of the Dayaks, Malays, Chinese and some other Indonesian ethnic groups.
Dayak dances express respect, heroism, welcome and cure. It is recommended to take a river trip and make overnight stops at villages where dance performances are organized on advance notice.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Pontianak
As the capital of West Kalimantan, there are some interesting places to visit, among others theEquator Monument, Kadariah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak Bridges with a river view and floating market. You can also simply relax in the recreational park Tirta Ria. The beach resort of Kijing and Temajoh Island are good places for diving, fishing and sailing.
Betang (Long House)
On the outskirts of Pontianak is a Dayak traditional long house at Saham village, 158 km from Pontianak. The measures of this long house are: 186 m long, 6 m wide, in habited by 269 people. There is no accommodation here.
Pasir Panjang
It lies 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency. There is a beach resort, ideal for swimming. Comfortable cottages are available equipped with a tennis court. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng hill resort with its fresh air is a good place for nature lovers.
National Park and Nature Reserve
The Gunung (Mount) Palung National Park located in the Ketapang regency is home to miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also interesting to visit to see the Rafflesia or the Giant Flower.
Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature reserves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang Regency. While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang
ACCOMMODATION
West Kalimantan has recently been developed for tourist traffic, however, Pontianak has two three-star hotels, each with modern amenities and also facilities for conventions.
Two and one-star hotels have air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, telephones, TV and restaurants. Several moderate accommodation, such as lodges and inns are common in every regency.
East Kalimantan
East Kalimantan (Indonesian: Kalimantan Timur abbrv. Kaltim) is the second largest Indonesian province, located on the Kalimantan region on the east of Borneo island.
The resource-rich province has two major cities, Samarinda (the capital and a center for timber product) and Balikpapan (a petroleum center with oil refinery). Ever since Indonesia opened its mineral and natural resources for foreign investment in 1970s, East Kalimantan province has experienced major boost of timber, petroleum and other exotic forest products. The state-owned petroleum company Pertamina has been operating in the area since it took control oil refinery from the Royal Dutch Shell company in 1965.
The population is a mixture of people from the Indonesian archipelago with Dayaks and Kutai as indigenous ethnic groups living in rural areas. Other prominent migrant ethnic groups include Javanese, Chinese, Banjarese, Bugis and Malays, who mostly live in coastal areas.
This province is the location of the oldest Hindu kingdom in Indonesia, Kutai, the existence of which is attested to by a stone manuscript, or Prasasti, which is now kept in the National Museum in Jakarta. The manuscript is written in the Pallava alphabet and the Sanskrit language. The replica of this manuscript can be seen in the Governor's Office in Samarinda.
Inscriptions on seven stone pillars (yupa posts) erected in the fifth century BCE on the command of a local ruler, King Mulavarman, records his victories, his generosity to brahmins, his princely genealogy.[3]
East Kalimantan is divided into 10 regencies and 4 cities.
The regencies are:
Pasir Regency (Tanah Grogot)
Penajam Paser Utara Regency (Penajam)
Kutai Kartanegara Regency (Tenggarong)
West Kutai Regency (Sendawar)
East Kutai Regency (Sangatta)
Bulungan Regency (Tanjung Selor)
Berau Regency (Tanjung Redeb)
Malinau Regency (Malinau)
Nunukan Regency (Nunukan)
Tana Tidung Regency
The cities are:
Balikpapan
Samarinda
Bontang
Tarakan
PLACES OF INTEREST
Samarinda
Samarinda is known for its fine sarong cloth. The city shows some signs of being the capital of a prosperous province. New government offices and public buildings are rising everywhere. Samarinda has a number of modest but comfortable hotels.
Balikpapan
Balikpapan, the center of Kalimantan's oil industry is also the gateway to East Kalimantan with air and sea connections to Jakarta and other major points in Indonesia. Even the trip to Samarinda, begins in Balikpapan. Living up to its importance, Balikpapan has a number of good hotels, including one of international standard, as well as recreation facilities. It has the second busiest airport in the nation after Jakarta, due to its strategic position.
Berau and Marine Tourism on Derawan island
Found here are the remains of a king called the Keraton Gunung Tambur and The Keraton Sambaliung. Historic objects can be seen here. Derawan island is about 3 hours by a long boat from Tanjung Redep (The Capital of Berau Regency) or via Tarakan.
There are many rare animals such as the green turtle, the scarlet turtle, star fruit turtle and sea cow.
Other things are rare species of marine plants, coral reefs, iguanas, sea birds, crab and the location for pearl diving.
It is also good for scuba diving, fishing, swimming, and other water sports.
Bontang
Located in the regency of Kutai with an area of about 200,000 ha, Bontang has a rare flora and fauna. The Kutai National Park near Bontang is worth visiting to see sceneries especially those at Beras Basah.
Bulungan
It is one place for the adventure-seeking visitors. Things of historic value and ancient remains, art collections and traditional ceremonies, with a background of beautiful panoramas of the jungle and mountains are to be found here.
Tanah Merah Indah - Lempake
This is a recreational park called Tanah Merah Indah-Lempake with a waterfall, located about 16 km from downtown Samarinda. It can be reached by car or public transportation
Tenggarong
Tenggarong, up the Mahakam river from Samarinda, is the capital of the Kutai regency and was once the seat of the Kutai sultanate. The Sultan's palace on the riverside is now a museum where the old royal paraphernalia are kept, as well as an excellent collection of antique Chinese ceramics. Dayak statues can be admired in the yard. A curious thing about the royal paraphernalia is that they display a strong resemblance with Java's court traditions.
Every 24th of September, the former palace becomes a stage of dance and music performances given to celebrate the town's anniversary.
Tanjung Isuy
This little settlement around Lake Jempang in the lake-studded East Kalimantan hinterland, has a traditional Dayak long-house which has been turned into lodges for visitors. The grave of a Benuaq Dayak chief lies aside the hamlet's only road. Visitors are usually given a traditional Benuaq Dayak welcome. The trip to Tanjung Isuy over the Mahakam river is a long but interesting one past floating villages and forest scenery. If you are lucky, you can watch a belian, or witch doctor, dressed in his skirt of leaves, cures his patients at night by performing the rites prescribed by ancestors to the frenzied accompaniment of gongs and drums. Many Benuaq Dayaks still prefer the old cures to the modern ones at government public health centers which are nearby.
Melak - Kersik Luway
Melak is a little village further upstream on the Mahakam river in the heart of the land of Tanjung Dayak. Not far from the village is the Kersik Luway nature reserve, where the "Black Orchid grows."
Muara Ancalong - Muara Wahau
Dances of the Kenyah Dayak are often performed here for visitors at a traditional long-house. Also various handicrafts can be seen and purchased.
The resource-rich province has two major cities, Samarinda (the capital and a center for timber product) and Balikpapan (a petroleum center with oil refinery). Ever since Indonesia opened its mineral and natural resources for foreign investment in 1970s, East Kalimantan province has experienced major boost of timber, petroleum and other exotic forest products. The state-owned petroleum company Pertamina has been operating in the area since it took control oil refinery from the Royal Dutch Shell company in 1965.
The population is a mixture of people from the Indonesian archipelago with Dayaks and Kutai as indigenous ethnic groups living in rural areas. Other prominent migrant ethnic groups include Javanese, Chinese, Banjarese, Bugis and Malays, who mostly live in coastal areas.
This province is the location of the oldest Hindu kingdom in Indonesia, Kutai, the existence of which is attested to by a stone manuscript, or Prasasti, which is now kept in the National Museum in Jakarta. The manuscript is written in the Pallava alphabet and the Sanskrit language. The replica of this manuscript can be seen in the Governor's Office in Samarinda.
Inscriptions on seven stone pillars (yupa posts) erected in the fifth century BCE on the command of a local ruler, King Mulavarman, records his victories, his generosity to brahmins, his princely genealogy.[3]
East Kalimantan is divided into 10 regencies and 4 cities.
The regencies are:
Pasir Regency (Tanah Grogot)
Penajam Paser Utara Regency (Penajam)
Kutai Kartanegara Regency (Tenggarong)
West Kutai Regency (Sendawar)
East Kutai Regency (Sangatta)
Bulungan Regency (Tanjung Selor)
Berau Regency (Tanjung Redeb)
Malinau Regency (Malinau)
Nunukan Regency (Nunukan)
Tana Tidung Regency
The cities are:
Balikpapan
Samarinda
Bontang
Tarakan
PLACES OF INTEREST
Samarinda
Samarinda is known for its fine sarong cloth. The city shows some signs of being the capital of a prosperous province. New government offices and public buildings are rising everywhere. Samarinda has a number of modest but comfortable hotels.
Balikpapan
Balikpapan, the center of Kalimantan's oil industry is also the gateway to East Kalimantan with air and sea connections to Jakarta and other major points in Indonesia. Even the trip to Samarinda, begins in Balikpapan. Living up to its importance, Balikpapan has a number of good hotels, including one of international standard, as well as recreation facilities. It has the second busiest airport in the nation after Jakarta, due to its strategic position.
Berau and Marine Tourism on Derawan island
Found here are the remains of a king called the Keraton Gunung Tambur and The Keraton Sambaliung. Historic objects can be seen here. Derawan island is about 3 hours by a long boat from Tanjung Redep (The Capital of Berau Regency) or via Tarakan.
There are many rare animals such as the green turtle, the scarlet turtle, star fruit turtle and sea cow.
Other things are rare species of marine plants, coral reefs, iguanas, sea birds, crab and the location for pearl diving.
It is also good for scuba diving, fishing, swimming, and other water sports.
Bontang
Located in the regency of Kutai with an area of about 200,000 ha, Bontang has a rare flora and fauna. The Kutai National Park near Bontang is worth visiting to see sceneries especially those at Beras Basah.
Bulungan
It is one place for the adventure-seeking visitors. Things of historic value and ancient remains, art collections and traditional ceremonies, with a background of beautiful panoramas of the jungle and mountains are to be found here.
Tanah Merah Indah - Lempake
This is a recreational park called Tanah Merah Indah-Lempake with a waterfall, located about 16 km from downtown Samarinda. It can be reached by car or public transportation
Tenggarong
Tenggarong, up the Mahakam river from Samarinda, is the capital of the Kutai regency and was once the seat of the Kutai sultanate. The Sultan's palace on the riverside is now a museum where the old royal paraphernalia are kept, as well as an excellent collection of antique Chinese ceramics. Dayak statues can be admired in the yard. A curious thing about the royal paraphernalia is that they display a strong resemblance with Java's court traditions.
Every 24th of September, the former palace becomes a stage of dance and music performances given to celebrate the town's anniversary.
Tanjung Isuy
This little settlement around Lake Jempang in the lake-studded East Kalimantan hinterland, has a traditional Dayak long-house which has been turned into lodges for visitors. The grave of a Benuaq Dayak chief lies aside the hamlet's only road. Visitors are usually given a traditional Benuaq Dayak welcome. The trip to Tanjung Isuy over the Mahakam river is a long but interesting one past floating villages and forest scenery. If you are lucky, you can watch a belian, or witch doctor, dressed in his skirt of leaves, cures his patients at night by performing the rites prescribed by ancestors to the frenzied accompaniment of gongs and drums. Many Benuaq Dayaks still prefer the old cures to the modern ones at government public health centers which are nearby.
Melak - Kersik Luway
Melak is a little village further upstream on the Mahakam river in the heart of the land of Tanjung Dayak. Not far from the village is the Kersik Luway nature reserve, where the "Black Orchid grows."
Muara Ancalong - Muara Wahau
Dances of the Kenyah Dayak are often performed here for visitors at a traditional long-house. Also various handicrafts can be seen and purchased.
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