WELCOME TO INDONESIA



INDONESIA, a country lying across between two continents: Asia and Australia and between two oceans namely Pacific in the north and Indian in the south. Indonesian archipelago is like a string of pearls strew across the tropical seas, consists of 17.508 islands with land surface of more than 5 million square kilometers among other Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes, Irian (western part), the world famous Bali and Java.



The Indonesian people calls proudly its beautiful country, "Tanah Air" (land and water, Indonesia) Its seas are sparkling blue and most part of its land are covered with green color of forest and rice-fields where mountains and over 30 volcanoes mostly active, dominate the country.



Jakarta, capital of Indonesia is located on Java's northwest coast. From a small village it has during the last hundred years grown to be one of the largest cities in South East Asia. The official number of inhabitants is about 8 million, but the correct number is probably 10-12 million, people from all over Indonesia come to this melting pot to try to make a living, and Jakarta is today an important center for trade and business.

The more famous volcanoes are Krakatau which the world has been shocked by its thunderous explosion in1883, the volcano itself vanished but ongoing eruptions "gave birth" to a new volcano called Anak Krakatau "The child of Krakatau".



Galunggung (West Java) The Galunggung with its continuous eruption in 1982 vomiting its debris and ash highly in the sky, blanketing many towns in West Java with thick ash. Kelud (east Java), Agung (Bali) and Merapi "The fire mountain" in Central Java. Among the Indonesia's more than 400 volcanoes, more than 30 volcanoes are very dangerous. But many people lives their entire lives in the slope of volcanoes, whilst the eruption is very perilous to human life, but the lava spitted from its crater give tremendous fertility to the soil.



This country is also called by its people NUSANTARA (Archipelago) is indeed very rich with its mineral resources – oil, charcoal, tin, copper, gold, and has very fertile soil where various crops and vegetables grows abundantly. The natural climate between 22-34 C or 78-94 F (cooler in the highland of mountainous area), divided to dry season (April – October) and wet season (October – April) where rain comes as tropical downpour, heaviest in January – February. In these "Islands in the Sun" – Indonesia, live peacefully and harmoniously 200 millions inhabitant.



This country has more than 300 ethnics, speaking in several different dialects and languages. Although the Javanese is the largest ethnic group with about 100 millions people speaking in its own language, but the official language adopted by this nation is Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language) spoken and understood in the whole archipelago.



The Basic of Bahasa Indonesia is Malay language and in the development enriched with words derived from other languages such as Javanese, Sundanese as well as from foreign languages such as Arabic, Spanish, Dutch, English etc. Thus become the modern Indonesian language.



The Indonesians enjoy the liberty to practice their belief to God Almighty in accordance with its own religion. The Muslims (majority) live peacefully side by side with communities of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. Local ancient beliefs, known as KEBATINAN – faith in one Supreme God – also still exist. The government protects the right of freedom of religion, which is enshrined in the state philosophy – PANCASILA.

Jakarta



The capital of Indonesia is the vibrant city of Jakarta. The capital of Indonesia is the major economic and political seat of the country. The capital City of Indonesia is an ultramodern city which accommodates over 10 million people. Jakarta which is the capital City of Indonesia is located in the island of Java.



This city is enjoying the honor of being the capital one of biggest south Asian country since its independence. This avant-garde city has skyscrapers in every corner. The high rises provide accommodation to the huge population of the city. The capital of Indonesia is also one of the most densely populated cities under the sun.



Jakarta boasts one of the best sights in all of South-East Asia: Sunda Kelapa, the old Dutch port, is awash with magnificent Makassar schooners (pinisi) and anyone who spends an early morning here will not forget the experience. Nearby Pasar Ikan, the early-morning fish market, is a colourful scene of busy, bartering crowds. Other sights include Old Batavia, an area of 18th-century houses and streets that are gradually being restored; the Gereja Sion church, which is the oldest in Jakarta; and the zoo with its Komodo dragons and orang-utans.



There are a number of interesting museums including the Indonesian National Museum, which houses an enormous collection of cultural objects from the country's various ethnic groups; and the Jakarta History Museum, which contains memorabilia from the Dutch colonial era. The city's public monuments include the fanciful National Monument (Monas) in Merdeka Square and the Statue of Welcome (known locally as 'Hansel and Gretel').



The capital of Indonesia , Jakarta, is the major seat of administration, media and education of the country. Yogyakarta another city is also known as the cultural capital of Indonesia . This city has exquisite traces of the rich history and culture of the country. Jakarta officially the capital of Indonesia is visited by numerous tourists who come from around the world. This city is a threshold to the exotic landscape, rich indigenous culture and rare fauna of the country which the visitors come to explore.



It has to be mentioned that Jakarta also has a number of tourist’s destinations which can be explored. Like any big city Jakarta is not devoid of problems, floods have in recent years caused harassment for the people of the city. Jakarta is not only the capital of Indonesia but is one of the most important cities of Asia.

Borobudur Buddhist Temple



Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.



The structure, composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock is erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.



For each direction there are ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues and 1,460 relief scenes. The lowest level has 160 reliefs depicting cause and effect; the middle level contains various stories of the Buddha's life from the Jataka Tales; the highest level has no reliefs or decorations whatsoever but has a balcony, square in shape with round walls: a circle without beginning or end. Here is the place of the ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas tucked into small stupas.



Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions: east, with the mudra of calling the earth to witness; south, with the hand position of blessing; west, with the gesture of meditation; north, the mudra of fearlessness; and the centre with the gesture of teaching.



Besides being the highest symbol of Buddhism, the Borobodur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolises the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, in which man's world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; the middle level, the world in which man has control of his negative impulses and uses his positive impulses; the highest level, in which the world of man is no longer bounded by physical and worldly ancient desire.

Komodo National Park



Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer.



Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.



Threats to terrestrial biodiversity include the increasing pressure on forest cover and water resources as the local human population has increased 800% over the past 60 years. In addition, the Timor deer population, the preferred prey source for the endangered Komodo dragon, is still being poached. Destructive fishing practices such as dynamite-, cyanide, and compressor fishing severely threaten the Park's marine resources by destroying both the habitat (coral reefs) and the resource itself (fish and invertebrate stocks).



The present situation in the Park is characterized by reduced but continuing destructive fishing practices primarily by immigrant fishers, and high pressure on demersal stocks like lobsters, shellfish, groupers and napoleon wrasse. Pollution inputs, ranging from raw sewage to chemicals, are increasing and may pose a major threat in the future.

Prambanan Temple



Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Soaring up to 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, among an area that now functions as beautiful park.



There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time.



The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.



Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.



Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that - in Hindu - the tree is considered tree of life, eternity and environment harmony. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking a lion. The presence of this tree makes experts consider that Javanese society in the ninth century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Bromo Tengger National Park



This National Park is one of the most beautiful places of interest in East Java. The beauties of mountain covered, give a special and characteristic green plants, arousing great interest



Tenggerese traditional farming also makes this famous place being more interesting and attractive. In addition, cool and breezy wind always blows freshly giving ever visitor special deep impression a unforgettable memories.The accessibility has no problem and very reachable (via Malang, Pasuruan, Probolinggo or Lumajang).



Surely, different access give different characteristics scenery landscape. The elevation reaches about 2.392 meter sea level above and the temperature varies from 3 up to 20 degrees centigrade.
Facilities: Star Hotels, home-stays, restaurants, and many others that visitors needed can be found.



The people who live in this area are supposed to be descended from Majapahit Kingdom about six hundred years ago. The belonged to Tenggerese Hinduism with old traditional.



That tradition still survives up to now. Every year, they always carry out the traditional and religious ceremonies, and the most popular ones is Yadnya Kasada, an offering ceremony held at the edge of the crater on the top of mount Bromo.

B]Taman Sari Water Castle[/B]



Formerly Tamansari was a recreation garden or a resting house for the Sultan and Family. The other resting houses including Warungboto, Manukberi, Ambarbingun, and Ambarrukmo functioned for the vacation and meditation for the royal family. The other function is used as hiding place for royal family to defend against the enemy assault.



Taman Sari means beautiful park. It is about ten minutes walk from the Sultan's Palace south-west ward. Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1757 built this park. He created a new style that was a combination and a mixture of Javanese and Portuguese architecture. Taman sari was once a beautiful and sophisticated water-park.



Tamansari is located about 2 km south of Yogyakarta Palace. Built by Portuguese architect in European aquatic construction adorned with Javanese Symbolize ornaments.



Tamansari was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I period in the end of XVII Century. Tamansari not only just a recreation, but it's also a compound of bathing pool, canals, rooms and extremerly large swimming pool (if the canals opened).



Tamansari is an interesting place to visit. Besides the location is very closed to the Sultan palace, Tamansari has it owned speciality in attraction reflecting in some unimpaired ancient building and its atmosphere as the main tourist object of Yogyakarta.

Raja Ampat Islands National Marine Park



Raja Ampat Island is the most western district of the Indonesian province of Papua. Raja Ampat consists of an area surrounding four major island off the western coast of Birds Head Panisula of New Guinea Island. The western half of which is Indonesia and the eastern half, Papua New Guinea. The province was called Irian Jaya, and its a cluster of over 1500 small Islands.



Raja Ampat is the most bio-diverse location in the world more than 3000 species of fishes and over 300 species of corals have been identified here, in a single one and half hour dive you can identified more than 282 fish species and more than 400 species.



As stunningly beautiful above water as it is below, Raja Ampat (which literally translates as “The Four Kings”) has a startling diversity of habitats to explore. Each of these – from the stark wave-pounded slopes that drop away beneath the karst cliffs of Wayag and Uranie to the deep, nutrient-rich bays of Mayalibit, Kabui and Aljui to the “blue water mangrove” channels of Kofiau and Gam to the plankton-rich upwelling areas of Misool and the Dampier Strait – are home to unique assemblages of species that, when taken together, add to produce the most impressive species lists ever compiled for a coral reef system of this size.



Marine tourism, as a sustainable alternative to overfishing, mining, and logging, has the potential to play a key role in the conservation of Raja Ampat’s spectacular underwater realm, while also creating real benefits for the local communities. This website was designed as part of a larger effort to support the growth of sustainable marine tourism in Raja Ampat and the conservation of these magical islands.

Mount Kawi Temple



An archaeological complex, one of the oldest religious places in Bali. It lies on gorge of Pakerisan River. To reach the complex visitors must walk about 600 metres from the parking area to the ticket counter than walked down on 315 stone steps. Before take a cross on the bridge at the bottom of the valley make a turn to the left to see the first stone monument. Another group of stone monument is located on the left side of the main temple across of the river. The scenery around the complex is pretty with rice fields in view and local women washing their clothing in the small stream as you pass.



The monuments are hewn in relief on a solid rock hill commonly call candi. There are shaped like burial towers found all over Central and East Java. There are many theories telling identity of the royal personages honoured here. One very credible theory suggests the five ‘candi’ in the main group were built for King Udayana, his Javanese queen Gunapriya, his concubine, his eldest son Airlangga who ruled over East Java, and his youngest son Anak Wungsu. Reigning over Bali from AD 1050 to 1077, Anak Wungsu is believed to have given up his kingdom to become a religious hermit. However, archeologists have never found any evidence that anyone was actually buried at Gunung Kawi, the candi which were all complete with false doors possibly just an indicator that proper observance had been undertaken. Gunung Kawi is not just a temple but is a fascinating early Balinese religious site.



In the right of the main ensemble of temples is a cloister with five cells carved out of rock. The cloister inmates most likely were caretakers of the ‘candi’. There’s a second hermitage near the main cloister, consisting of niches around a central courtyard, which might have served as sleeping quarters for visiting pilgrims. To get into this part of the temple visitors must take of their shoes.



Should you have a spare time, a walk up north of the temple complex could be a short nice walking along the rice field and river stream. The path leads to a small waterfall after 800 meters away and about 1,5 kilometers to Mengening Temple.

Wow!!!
I knew thats my country is the most beautiful place in world and I proud of to be Indonesian people.
Samuel .. I couldn't say anything when I saw your post about Indonesia. Amazing!!!
I really proud of you that my country has a people like you who can tell and descripe my country very well.
I wait another post of Indonesia specially Bali.
All the best and happy travel!
(Z)