Archive for February, 2008
Plane Delayed, You Get Paid
What is it with Garuda Indonesia? They are an excellent airline to fly with, and, now they are in the black after so long in the red, you‘d think they would get their flights out on time. I talked to a lot of Australians holidaying in Bali whilst I was over on the island and they complained bitterly about flight delays (Garuda Indonesia flies 27 times from Australia to Bali per week (23 times direct to Bali, plus 4 times a week via Jakarta with flights departing from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin). However, if they don’t get things right soon then the passengers could be in for a bonus. Here’s an excellent article from Bali Discovery about the possible compensation.
Date: February 29th, 2008 |
No Comments
Traditional Floating Market: Kuin River, South Kalimantan
The Kuin River in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, is an age old river that functions as a market for traders. The Kuin River, which is located on the mouth of the vast Barito River, has been the heart of the Banjarmasin community for hundreds of years.The traders deal with each other while on top of their vessels, which are known as jukung. The market starts getting busy just before sunrise until sunrise, or from 5 to 7 A.M. Tourists may enjoy the panoramic view from the vessels accompanied with hot cups of coffee or tea according …
Date: February 29th, 2008 |
No Comments
Indonesians in Focus: Djiwo Diharjo
The Javanese traditional kris — a wavy, double-blade dagger, sometimes spelt keris — has a significance that goes beyond its role as a weapon. A kris can be a symbol of a man’s social status and power. Some kris are believed to possess supernatural qualities and only certain people are allowed to make them. Only master craftsmen are believed to have the skills and knowledge required to make a kris with special magical powers. Banyu Sumurup kampong is famous for producing kris — both souvenir kris and kris that possess magical powers. The kampong, which is located in Imogiri, Bantul, 25 kilometers south of Yogyakarta city, is home to 70-year-old master craftsman Djiwo Diharjo. Djiwo is well known, not only among government officials around Indonesia, but also with foreigners.
Date: February 29th, 2008 |
No Comments
Blackouts in Bali and Java
Sudden blackouts on two key Indonesian islands last week may be just the start of a spiralling two-year power crisis that could stymie economic growth, curtail resource exports and trigger social unrest.
Date: February 29th, 2008 |
No Comments
Is Gamelan Music Dying?
Gamelan are found in the islands of Java, Madura, Bali, and Lombok and other Sunda Islands and come in a wide variety of ensemble sizes and formations. The word “gamelan” comes from the Javanese word “gamel”. A gamelan is a kind of musical ensemble of Indonesia typically featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings, and vocalists may also be included. The term refers more to the set of instruments than the players of those instruments. Though gamelan music is still played throughout Indonesia - …
Date: February 28th, 2008 |
No Comments
Capgomeh - The Localization of Chinese Culture
Traditionally, Imlek, Indonesian for Chinese New Year, celebrations last for 15 days. This year Imlek fell on Feb. 7. The first day is usually reserved for welcoming gods. Over the next few days, people pray to gods and visit relatives. The fifth day is usually spent at home to commemorate the god of wealth, while, on the eighth day, people pray for happiness and luck. The 14th day is spent in preparation for the final day of Imlek celebrations.
Date: February 29th, 2008 |
1 comment
Tomini Bay Development: Central Sulawesi
At a time when poverty remains prevalent in almost 200 out of over 450 regencies and municipalities in the country, Tomini Bay has been introduced as a future hub of economic growth in East Indonesia, following in the footsteps of Batam in the West. Long before regional autonomy shifted into full gear on the heels of the fall of New Order regime in 1998, the government had named Batam in Riau Islands, Tomini Bay and Bone Bay in Sulawesi, and Sabang in Aceh as the engines of economic development for their respective neighboring areas.
Date: February 29th, 2008 |
No Comments
Deep Sea Fishing – Banten, West Java
A stone’s throw away from Jakarta, Banten’s Binuangeun waters are heaven for anglers. In addition to being the natural habitat for jumbo-sized fish like Marlin and Sailfish, the clear blue waters are home to a clusters of islets as Arief Suhardiman explained. Deli and Tinjil islands with their lush green trees providing breathtaking scenery. Usually the Binuangeun waters is the venue for the annual President Cup national angler competition. Fishing hobbyists drawn from across the country competed for a prestigious trophy.
Date: February 29th, 2008 |
No Comments
New Bali Forum
There is an excellent new addition to the Baliblog site- the Baliblog Forum. As most of you know Baliblog was made famous by a good friend of many years, Nick O’Neil. The forum has only just started and already has attracted a lot of visitors. You will have to log-in to make comments or post new topics. It will prove challenging to a lot of the already established Bali forums that you will find on the internet. So, get all the up-to-date information you need for your upcoming trip to Bali or if you want, ask a question!.
Date: February 28th, 2008 |
5 comments
Lombok: West Nusa Tenggara
A perfectly round sun in glaring hues of red and orange was sinking behind the horizon between the islands of Gili Air and Gili Meno in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Cruising on a boat that was moving into the sunset, I sat dreamily, watching the sky turn from grayish-blue to purplish-pink. The sun was reflected in the rippling water, giving it a golden glimmer according to Prodita Sabarini. I’ve always dreamed of watching the perfect sunset by the beach — like the one so eloquently depicted in Seno Gumira Ajidarma’s collection of short stories Sepotong Senja Untuk Pacarku (A piece of dusk for my love).
Date: February 28th, 2008 |
No Comments
