a great moment in a peaceful environment

Indonesia, Bali, Java, Bali Hotels, Bali Indonesia, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Maluku, Papua, Nusa Tenggara

2011-08-28T11:41:00.000+07:00

Indonesia, Bali, Java, Bali Hotels, Bali Indonesia, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Maluku, Papua, Nusa Tenggara

All About Jogja

2011-08-15T20:46:00.003+07:00

About Bali Island

2011-06-23T23:04:00.004+07:00

Bali is one of the 13,667 islands of Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world. It is located 8 degrees south of the equator, is to separate the island of Java by a strait from Bali, Lombok is an island nearby, and take two hours per jet powered sea shuttle crossing the Strait of Lombok. Bali sea border in the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Total area of Bali is 5632 km square. There are about 14 and two volcanoes, which stretches from east to west of the island with Batukaru Mountain (2240 m) to the west, Batur volcano (1717 m) in the center, and Agung volcano (3142 m) to the east. This link mountain divides the island into two plains, the north and south. The north is much narrower than the south. In the north of Bali, the coast is swampy in the west, alternately sandy and full of pebbles and rocks in the center to the east.

To the northwest of Bali is mountainous and dry, so there is no culture of upland rice is possible, but this place was the island of Menjangan, the best place for diving. East of Bali, in coastal areas is so dry, so people have to go miles of water. The southern tip of the island is as dry as there is no river that due to the peninsula of limestone, but thousands of teak trees growing there. The central part of the island is more fertile, like all tropical plants, including fruits, spices, rice and grow there. The dominant feature of the landscape is terraced rice field, the region is called the rice belt of the island, and almost 80% living in this part and work as farmers.

Slide Joglo Tour And Travel

2010-02-10T00:19:00.008+07:00

For detail information please visit joglo tour and travel

2010-02-10T00:19:00.005+07:00

My Club

2009-03-20T21:15:00.002+07:00

There is a joy, a relaxation, a friendship, a team work even never flat!Be there with us!

2009-03-19T01:42:00.002+07:00

Elevation
2,914 metres (9,560 ft)
Location Border of Central Java / Yogyakarta (Indonesia)

Coordinates
7°32′S 110°26′ECoordinates: 7°32′S 110°26′E

Type
Stratovolcano

Age of rock
400,000 years
Last eruption
2006

Translation of Merapi :Mountain of Fire (Indonesian)

MERAPI VOLCANO

Location: 7.5S, 110.4E
Elevation: 9,548 feet (2,911 m)

“Merapi” A Mount of Fire, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located in central java, Indonesia. It is controversial when volcanologist assumed that this will explode, it didn’t. When the government tried to move the villagers, they wouldn’t, since their chief said, there is no instruction from the God. And there are many stories of the “perfect shaped-cone volcano”.

Merapi stratovolcano in central Java is capped by an unvegetated, growing lava-dome complex. Merapi is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. Periodic collapse of its growing lava dome has produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that have devastated populated areas below the volcano.

Like most of the volcanoes in Indonesia, Merapi is stratovolcano. It is tall (2.8 km or 1.7 miles high) and has steep slopes. The top of the volcano sometimes has a normal crater, but usually a broad mound of pasty lava -- called a dome -- fills the crater. The dome plugs up the volcano, making it difficult for other lava and ash to escape. A broad gouge funnels lava and ash flows from the top of Merapi to the south slopes of the volcano. The top of the mountain has no vegetation because erupted ash often falls there. Dense vegetation covers the flanks of the volcano. Many farmers live in villages around the volcano. The volcanic ash makes rich soil for growing crops, but it is a dangerous place to live.

Merapi is located ~30 km immediately north of Yogyakarta, a city with a population of 500,000. Merapi has the unfortunate distinction of producing more nuee ardentes than any other volcano on Earth. The nuee ardentes result from collapse of the lava dome at the summit. Of the 67 historic eruptions 32 have had nuee ardentes associated with them. Eleven of these eruptions resulted in fatalities. Merapi is closely monitored by the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia. Shortly before the Koyanagi photograph below was taken, Merapi was generating up to 40 nuee ardentes per day.

Merapi is a stratovolcano in central Java. Merapi has had 68 historic eruptions since 1548. The current eruption began in 1987. Because of Merapi's violent past and its close proximity to Yogyakarta it was designated a Decade Volcano and is the target of increased research efforts.

Lava dome at the summit of Merapi. During 1982, the lava dome was growing about 80,000-100,000 cubic meters per month. The dome collapsed in late November, creating nuee ardentes. Photo by Jack Lockwood, U.S. Geological Survey, October 17, 1982.
Like all volcanoes, Merapi has eruptions of different sizes. Small eruptions happen every 2-3 years, bigger ones every 10-15 years, and very large ones every 50-60 years. The biggest eruptions occurred in the years 1006, 1786, 1822, 1872 and 1930. The eruption of 1006 spread ash all over the central part of the island of Java. Here is a graph that shows how many eruptions of Merapi are known during the last 500 years.

In late November of 1994, collapse of a lava dome at Merapi generated pyroclastic flows and surges that travelled as far as 5 miles (7.5 km) from the summit. The flows and surges killed 43 people. The plume associated with the dome collapse rose 6 miles (10 km) above the volcano. Over 6,000 people were evacuate
This article is about Mount Merapi in Central Java.

The Nine Temples "Gedong Songo"

2009-03-19T00:15:00.002+07:00

To get there – it’s preferred to leave early as there many trucks traveling this route.
The “ Nine Building ‘, 9 being the number of orifices in the human body has great significance in Javanese Culture; are amongst the earliest antiquities in Java. These Hindu Siva temples, built early in the 8th century by the Wangsa Sanjaya dynasty, are similar in form to the Dieng Temples, 60 kilometers to the east.

They are probably the most beautifully sited of all Java’s temples. Set high on the southern slope of Gunung Ungaran they enjoy awe-inspiring views over Central Java, and in the clear dawn light an endless line of volcanoes may be seen.

Consider waking up early and setting off while it is still dark. You will then reach the mountain resort of Bandungan just as its flower market bursts into life. Tempted as you may be do not stop, but carry on to Gedong Song itself and catch the light as its ephemeral best.

You can walk or ride round the 9 temples – the 2-hour trek meanders past pine glades, terraced orchards, rose gardens clinging to the step slopes, ridges spongy with peat moss and steaming sulfur springs.

Later go back to Bandungan to enjoy a delicious and well-earned bowl of noodles in one of many warungs next to the famed vegetable and flower market.

The return drive to your hotel is stunning; it is Java at its best. Your driver will take you high up into the mysterious mountain land surrounding Mt. Merbabu, and down tiny lanes past waterfalls and timeless scenes of man’s struggle against nature.

REMEMBER: to bring jacket, sun block and handkerchief
Saturday and Sunday normally are very busy

Yogya Most Directory

2009-03-17T15:32:00.001+07:00

HOTEL & RESORT LIST
• Grand Mercure 0274 566617 (*5)
• Amanjiwo Resort 0293 788333 (*5)
• Melia Purosani 0274 589521 (*5)
• Hyatt Regency 0274 869123 (*5)
• The Cangkringan Villa & Spa 0274 898180 (*5)
• Novotel 0274 580930 (*4)
• Ibis Malioboro 0274 516974 (*3)
• Yogyakarta Plaza 0274 584222 (*4)
• Santika 0274 563036 (*4)
• The Jayakarta Hotel & Spa 0274 488418 (4*)
• Istana Batik 0274 587012 (*)
• Blue Saphir 0274 562589 (*)
• Dusun Yogya Village Inn 0274 373031 (*3)
• Hotel Duta Wisata I 0274 512380 (*)
• Hotel Indah Palace 0274 383738 (*)
• Wisma Djoglo 0274 489109 (*)

MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES
• Sono Budoyo State Provincial
Museum 0274 376775
• Biology Museum 0274 376571
• Perjuangan Museum 0274 387576
• Diponegoro Museum 0274 513068
• Puppet museum 0274 108
• Batik museum 0274 108
• Yogya fine art gallery 0274 7411933 / 085868230479
www.yogyafineartgallery.com
http://yogyafinestartgallery.blogbisnis.com

• Cemeti contemporary gallery 0274 371015
•
SPA, MASSAGE & BEAUTY TREATMENTS

POLICE SERVICE
• Police Head Quarter 0274 512511
• Highway Patrol 0274 513237
08001333464
• Tourist Police 0274 566000

HOSPITAL & MEDICAL SERVICE
• Jogja International Hospital 0274 4463535
• Mitra Medica 0274 444444 / 377019
• UST Medical Center 0274 774633
• Eyes Hospital DR Yap 0274 562054
• Saint Elizabeth 0274 367502
• Bethesda 0274 586688
• Islamic Hospital Hidayatullah 0274 389194

INDONESIAN RED CROSS
• PMI 0274 380677 / 868900 / 367987

FIRE BRIGADE
• PMK 0274 7474704 / 587101

FOODS & BEVERAGES
• Sekar Kedhaton 0274 388317
• Joglo Catering 0274 6902678 / 413858
• Bale Raos 0274 415550
• Gudeg Wijilan Ibu Lies 0274 108

AIRPORT & STATION
• Adisucipto 0274 484260 /484261
• Train Station Tugu 0274 589685
• Bus Station 0274 410015 / 410016

AIRLINES
• Garuda Indonesia 0274 551515
• Batavia Air 0274 547373
• Sriwijaya Air 0274 489339
• Lion Air 0274 487850
• Merpati Nusantara 0274 514272

SHIPPING COMPANY
• DHL 0274 544241
• RITRA CARGO 0274 379643
• MSA CARGO 0274 379460
• FEDEX 0274 620372

ADVERTISING
• Media Print 0274 7892345 / 6902771

LAUNDRY SERVICE
• Anggie’s 0274 379956
• Central 0274 489300 / 487700

CAR & BIKE RENTAL
• Jogtrans 0274 7411933 / 0274 6665353
http://jogtrans.blogspot.com

OUT-DOOR EQUIPMENTS
• Owen’s 0274 6620755

COMPUTER & NOTE BOOK
• NSC 0274 7442345
• Maga Computer 0274 560892 / 7841258

WEDDING CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
• Atik Sawo’s 0274 7151758 / 08121557459
•

CONSULTANT & INVESTMENT
• Yogya Youth Club 0274 7411933 / 08122736887 / 0818466933
www.yogyayouthclub.com
•

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICITY SERVICE
• Ardy’s Electro 0274 789345 / 0274 413858

A Family Car

2009-03-17T13:53:00.002+07:00

This type is a family car, which can load 5-6 adults and efficient with your budget. Tys type is Suzuki APV.

Art Folk Dance

2009-03-17T13:13:00.002+07:00

There are many types of folk dances in Indonesia. What a colorful country it is with hundreds of people's art and cultural creations. Jathilan trance dance, Reog folk dance, court perfomances and other cultural attractions.

River Rafting in Java

2009-03-17T13:09:00.002+07:00

What a relax and challenging activity ! Try the second grade for you who is a beginner, to whom experienced why don't try the wilder river?Are you brave enough?

MORE ABOUT TRIPS

2009-03-17T12:20:00.003+07:00

A Mystical & Spiritual Moment in Borobudur

2009-01-31T09:22:00.003+07:00

BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

2009-01-31T09:07:00.003+07:00

It is generally agreed that Borobudur was constructed some time between late 8th and early 9th century. No documents or inscriptions relating specifically to Borobudur have yet been found. While its exact purpose is not known, it is understood to be a Monument of instruction in Mahayana Buddhism.

Borobudur is not temple, but a monument or “Stupa’. It is not a closed structure; it has no inner cellar or chamber. It is a stone encasement on a hill. Like a nine-tired mountain it is 34.5 meters high, it has a total of 1,500 magnificently carved panels and 500 statues of Buddha.

The ground plan of Borobudur is often compared to a Mandala, meaning a circle in Sanskrit. It is a cosmic diagram of the world and describes both the material and non-material realities. It can be used as an object of meditation, which with practice can bring the initiate to higher levels of consciousness.

Stylistically Borobudur belongs to the Classic Central Javanese period. Basically the Indian artistic tradition is adhered too, although there are definite Javanese elements. The construction was Javanese, built according to the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine.

Two important dynasties ruled in Java during the 8th to 10th centuries:
The Buddhist Sailendra’s who are associated with Borobudur, and the Hindu Sanjaya. They lived in relatively peaceful co-existence.

With the shift of political power from Central to East Java in 10th century, Borobudur gradually fell into decline, was abandoned and further destroyed by earthquakes. Stamford Raffles, who later founded Singapore in 1814, rediscovered it.

The Dutch undertook the first major restoration at the beginning of 1900, followed by UNESCO’s largest restoration project, which commenced in 1973 and took 10 years to complete. All the square terraces were dismantled, involving the remova1l of 1 million pieces of stone.

Mahayana Buddhism: Often called the “Greater Vehicle” or Mysterious
Buddhism began around A.D, 600, as opposed to the earlier Hinayana tradition. Although these two doctrines are theoretically different, in practice they were combined.

“Stupa”. The term, originating in pre-Buddhist India, refers to a burial tumulus or hemispheric half-dome mound. After Buddha’s cremation his ashes were distributed in eight different stupas in various locations, they became the supreme symbol of Buddhism. Borobudur in its entirety is a “Stupa”, and contains many smaller stupas.

“Candi”, is a pre-Islamic Indonesian term used to describe the abodes of the Gods, or a monument for a deceased king. Borobudur not incorrectly, is sometimes refereed to as a “Candi”.

“Caitya” can also refer to a “Stupa”. While in Sri Lanka term “Dagoh” is preferred.

The Nine temple

2009-01-31T08:50:00.006+07:00

"GEDONG SONGO" The nine temple

To get there – it’s preferred to leave early as there many trucks traveling this route.
The “ Nine Building ‘, 9 being the number of orifices in the human body has great significance in Javanese Culture; are amongst the earliest antiquities in Java. These Hindu Siva temples, built early in the 8th century by the Wangsa Sanjaya dynasty, are similar in form to the Dieng Temples, 60 kilometers to the east.

They are probably the most beautifully sited of all Java’s temples. Set high on the southern slope of Gunung Ungaran they enjoy awe-inspiring views over Central Java, and in the clear dawn light an endless line of volcanoes may be seen.

Consider waking up early and setting off while it is still dark. You will then reach the mountain resort of Bandungan just as its flower market bursts into life. Tempted as you may be do not stop, but carry on to Gedong Song itself and catch the light as its ephemeral best.

You can walk or ride round the 9 temples – the 2-hour trek meanders past pine glades, terraced orchards, rose gardens clinging to the step slopes, ridges spongy with peat moss and steaming sulfur springs.

Later go back to Bandungan to enjoy a delicious and well-earned bowl of noodles in one of many warungs next to the famed vegetable and flower market.

The return drive to Amanjiwo is stunning; it is Java at its best. Your driver will take you high up into the mysterious mountain land surrounding Mt. Merbabu, and down tiny lanes past waterfalls and timeless scenes of man’s struggle against nature.

REMEMBER: to bring jacket, sun block and handkerchief
Saturday and Sunday normally are very busy

MERAPI VOLCANO

2009-01-31T08:34:00.005+07:00

MERAPI VOLCANO

Location: 7.5S, 110.4E
Elevation: 9,548 feet (2,911 m)

“Merapi” A Mount of Fire, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located in central java, Indonesia. It is controversial when volcanologist assumed that this will explode, it didn’t. When the government tried to move the villagers, they wouldn’t, since their chief said, there is no instruction from the God. And there are many stories of the “perfect shaped-cone volcano”.

Merapi stratovolcano in central Java is capped by an unvegetated, growing lava-dome complex. Merapi is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. Periodic collapse of its growing lava dome has produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that have devastated populated areas below the volcano.

Like most of the volcanoes in Indonesia, Merapi is stratovolcano. It is tall (2.8 km or 1.7 miles high) and has steep slopes. The top of the volcano sometimes has a normal crater, but usually a broad mound of pasty lava -- called a dome -- fills the crater. The dome plugs up the volcano, making it difficult for other lava and ash to escape. A broad gouge funnels lava and ash flows from the top of Merapi to the south slopes of the volcano. The top of the mountain has no vegetation because erupted ash often falls there. Dense vegetation covers the flanks of the volcano. Many farmers live in villages around the volcano. The volcanic ash makes rich soil for growing crops, but it is a dangerous place to live.

Merapi is located ~30 km immediately north of Yogyakarta, a city with a population of 500,000. Merapi has the unfortunate distinction of producing more nuee ardentes than any other volcano on Earth. The nuee ardentes result from collapse of the lava dome at the summit. Of the 67 historic eruptions 32 have had nuee ardentes associated with them. Eleven of these eruptions resulted in fatalities. Merapi is closely monitored by the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia. Shortly before the Koyanagi photograph below was taken, Merapi was generating up to 40 nuee ardentes per day.

Merapi is a stratovolcano in central Java. Merapi has had 68 historic eruptions since 1548. The current eruption began in 1987. Because of Merapi's violent past and its close proximity to Yogyakarta it was designated a Decade Volcano and is the target of increased research efforts.

Lava dome at the summit of Merapi. During 1982, the lava dome was growing about 80,000-100,000 cubic meters per month. The dome collapsed in late November, creating nuee ardentes. Photo by Jack Lockwood, U.S. Geological Survey, October 17, 1982.
Like all volcanoes, Merapi has eruptions of different sizes. Small eruptions happen every 2-3 years, bigger ones every 10-15 years, and very large ones every 50-60 years. The biggest eruptions occurred in the years 1006, 1786, 1822, 1872 and 1930. The eruption of 1006 spread ash all over the central part of the island of Java. Here is a graph that shows how many eruptions of Merapi are known during the last 500 years.

In late November of 1994, collapse of a lava dome at Merapi generated pyroclastic flows and surges that travelled as far as 5 miles (7.5 km) from the summit. The flows and surges killed 43 people. The plume associated with the dome collapse rose 6 miles (10 km) above the volcano. Over 6,000 people were evacuate

POINTS OF INTEREST

2009-01-30T21:01:00.003+07:00

Visit Yogyakarta / Jogja

2009-01-27T20:23:00.000+07:00

Rice terrace

2009-01-25T01:50:00.005+07:00

The Art of agriculture in java “ Rice terraces” a natural design of the cultural landscape of the javanese farmers , creating the identity of java with beautifull mountainous area that makes you to be a part of the nature .

The whole trip will take you about 4 hours, 50 minutes drive on scenic road, and to explore the area we need to have an easy walk through the huge rice terraces, the end of the walk is small hindu temple called Selogriyo.
To do this trip is better in the morning or late afternoon.

As an agriculture country, Java is the most fertile island and produces one third of the food’s need in Indonesia. Rice and crops grow very well both in dry and rainy season. The whole landscape is lush with vegetations and rice fields.

What a beautiful country !

2009-01-22T19:05:00.003+07:00

Indonesia, a tropical country in south east Asia, is a country who has a plenty of natural sourches, rich of cultures, a friendly climate, a fertile soil and beautiful-green and lush landscape. He has been taking a part to Asia and even to the world in many aspects since the first century. Trading, sosio-politic interactions and some other points becomes the comodity.

The prooves of the ancient's trading and sosio-politic interaction between indonesian and other people in the world such as Chinese and Indian can be found in many literatures, artefacts and folks stories which lied on the panels of both Hinddus and Buddhist temples. They tell us how people intracted, how people create a culture, how people did a goverment and even how they conquer to each other.

Borobudur temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temple which has thousands stories of how people did centuries ago. The Buddhist and javanese philosophy also written on the panels. The "karmavibangga" a story of "karma" law in Buddhism has more than hundred panels, the story of "Ramayana" is also written in the Largest Hinddus temple "prambanan".

Javanese Beliefs and Religion

2009-01-22T12:42:00.001+07:00

Javanese beliefs (Kebatinan or Kejawen) have principles embodying a "search for inner self" but at the core is the concept of Peace Of Mind.
Although Kejawen is not a religious category, it addresses ethical and spiritual values as inspired by Javanese tradition. It is not a religion in usual sense of the word, like Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. There are no scriptures such as the Bible or the Qur'an, nor are there prophets. There is no emphasis on eschatology (ie. life after death, heaven or hell, devils or angels).
Kebatinan is a metaphysical search for harmony within one's inner self, connection with the universe, and with an Almighty God. Javanese beliefs are a combination of occultism, metaphysics, mysticism and other esoteric doctrines, exemplifying a Javanese tendency for synthesis. The Javanese system is so flexible that syncresis in all manifestations is attainable, even that which is in conflict. Javanese ideals combine human wisdom (wicaksana), psyche (waskita) and perfection (sempurna). The follower must control his/her passions, eschewing earthly riches and comforts, so that he/she may one day reach enlightened harmony and union with the spirit of the universe.
Generally speaking, the Kebatinan follower believes in the existence of a super-consciousness in the cosmic world which is beyond humankind's comprehension, yet controls and guides humans' affairs and destiny. This Superconciousness is believed to be contacted via meditation. There are several meditation techniques (tapas): tapa kalong (meditation by hanging from a tree), Tapa Geni (avoiding fire or light for a day or days), Tapa Senen (fasting on Monday), Tapa Mutih (abstention from eating anything that is salted) and Tapa Ngablek (isolating oneself in dark rooms). Fasting is a common practice employed by Javanese spiritualists in order to attain discipline of mind and body to get rid of material and emotional desires. Many Kebatinan followers meditate in their own way to seek spiritual and emotional relief. These practices are not performed in churches or mosques, but at home or in caves or on mountain perches. Meditation in Javanese culture is a search for inner self wisdom and to gain physical strength. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation.
Javanese spiritualism entails a never ending search for wonder and surprise. It has some foreign influences.
The Javanese tend to be flexible and pragmatic as far as one's spiritual life is concerned. The complexity is perhaps the result of Java's complicated cultural background and its myriad cultural influences. But basically, Javanese spiritualism is individualistic in approach, something typically Javanese. The approach is person-to-person or person-to-guru. One on one.

Kebatinan and kejawen practices are extensively written about in texts that are held in the Sanabudaya library, in Yogyakarta, and the main Kraton Libraries of Solo and Yogyakarta. Many of the texts are deliberately elliptical so that those who do not work with either initiates or teachers are unable to ascertain or understand the esoteric doctrines and practices. In quite a few cases codified texts with secret systems to "unlock" the meanings are employed.
Some Javanese texts relate stories about Syekh Siti Jenar who had conflicts with wali, the nine Islamic scholars in Java, and the Sultanate of Demak. Although Syekh Siti Jenar was a sufi whose teaching were similar with Al-Hallaj, most of his followers (i.e Ki Kebo Kenanga) come from Kebatinan. Some historians have doubted the existence of Syekh Siti Jenar (also known as Syekh Lemah Abang), suggesting the stories represent conflicts between Kebatinan and Islam in the past.

History of java

2009-01-22T11:41:00.001+07:00

Early Javanese Society

Javanese society in AD 800 produced enough surplus food and labor to support a great deal of activity which did not produce direct economy benefits. The Javanese must have had abundant manpower to haul the stones, skilled craftsmen to carve them, and well organized institutions to coordinate such an ambitious and complex project.

All about the Javanese society can be learn from the panels in Borobudur temple and many other ancient’s temples in Java. There hundreds temples and archeological sites scattered in the island.
Traders along the silk route introduced Buddhism to China during the first centuries AD, and the new religion soon acquired a firm foothold beside the indigenous Chinese belief of Taoism and Confucianism. A sea link between India and China was forged around AD 400. This new route was opened by Indonesian sailors who had several centuries of experience in maritime trade with other parts of Southeast Asia and India. Buddhist pilgrims voyaged with increasing frequency through the archipelago during the 7th and 8th centuries. The records they have left tell us that java and Sumatra were major centers of International Buddhist scholarship during this period.

Above all, it is highly significant that they choose to devote a major portion of their resources to the constructions of a monument which, although it perhaps served several purposes, was principally a visual aid for teaching a gentle philosophy of life. Certainly this qualifies ancient Java as one of the most humanistic societies in history.

No traces of ancient palaces or even cities have been found in central Java, leading historians to believe that the Javanese lived in villages of approximately equal size, and that most of the inhabitants made their living as farmers. The fertile soil and plentiful water of the Kedu plain surrounding Borobudur must have supported a prosperous farming population, and this may have been what attracted the monument’s builders to this site. Buddhist sanctuaries usually included monasteries whose monks depended for the food on contributions from the surrounding populations.

Archeological evidence shows that flourishing community of laymen, as well clergy, lived in Borobudur’s environment.

THE DRAGON ISLAND

2009-01-22T08:02:00.000+07:00

KOMODO ISLAND ECOTOURISM

The Nature Conservancy and partners have helped Komodo National Park — one of Earth's great natural treasures — reverses environmental degradation from human activity.A company funded by the Conservancy and the World Bank manages the park's ecotourism sustainable.All company revenues go to protecting biodiversity and developing sustainable livelihoods, with impressive results for both people and coral reef protection.Indonesia's Komodo National Park — made up of three rugged volcanic islands — is the last remaining natural habitat of the famed Komodo dragon, of which only 3,000 remain. The Indonesian government established Komodo National Park in 1980 to protect the dragon
The park was on the brink of depletion from human activity just over a decade ago. But The Nature Conservancy and its partners have employed creative strategies at Komodo National Park that protect biodiversity and enable people to benefit from the park in sustainable ways — including ecotourism and alternative livelihoods.The 500,000 acre reserve encompasses sparsely grassed mountains, tropical savannas, dense woodlands and white sandy beaches — and its boundaries today extend to coral reefs and sea grass beds that provide habitat for more than 1,000 species of fish.This is the heart of the Coral Triangle, the richest marine region on Earth.But the park was on a collision course by the mid-1990s despite its protected status. Over fishing, blast fishing, over hunting, unregulated tourism development — the park’s life-sustaining resources was being depleted at a rate and scale that simply could not continue without permanent, irreparable loss.It was clear that a balance had to be struck between the current and future needs of the people who depend on the park’s natural resources, while also protecting the natural heritage that is a keen source of pride for all Indonesians.Rigorous Science and Local PartnershipsIn 1996, the Indonesian government invited The Nature Conservancy to help. Drawing on decades of experience with protected area management, the Conservancy focused its efforts in Komodo on rigorous scientific research and close collaboration with local partners and communities.Today the Conservancy and its partners are employing creative strategies that protect biodiversity and enable people to benefit from the park in sustainable ways: Carefully managed ecotourism; Alternative livelihoods for local people; andCollaborative protection strategies, such as anti-poaching patrols.Jobs, Schools, Doctors — and Nature on the ReboundSo the Conservancy and Indonesian partners recognized the need for an enterprise solely charged with increasing and improving sustainable ecotourism at the park. The Conservancy joined with the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) to create Putri Naga Komodo (PNK). This new company was sanctioned by the Indonesian government to manage ecotourism in the park and use all revenues to steward biodiversity and to develop alternative, sustainable livelihoods so that local people have genuine options other than destructive practices.The Conservancy and GEF each pledged $5 million in funding to launch the joint venture and carry it through 2012, when the venture is expected to be self-sustaining.PNK has already made dramatic progress:New state-of-the-art facilitiesPNK created a low-impact, eco-friendly visitor’s center on Komodo Island with trails and information panels.A restaurant and market for local handicrafts were also completed in 2007. Construction will begin soon on similar facilities on Rinca Island.Tourism has increased almost 30 percent over the last year.New funding for conservationPNK has raised more than $500,000 since May 2006 by levying a modest conservation fee on park visitors.New lines of merchandise and the auction of Komodo-inspired artworks from an upcoming Indonesia National Art Gallery exhibition will bring in even more revenue for conservation and sustainable community development programs.New jobsPNK has created new jobs in the park — including naturalist guides, dive buddies and souvenir producers.New businessesPNK has allocated more than $1 million thus far to help people living in the park develop legal and reliable sources of income, including wood carving and textile weaving.PNK has provided seeds and technical assistance to help local people establish sustainable seaweed farms. It has also built a facility to breed high-value reef fish — such as grouper and wrasse — as an alternative to fishing threatened wild fish populations.Plans are in the works for a souvenir production facility that will generate new lines of eco-friendly merchandise — and more jobs for local people.New schools and doctorsPNK allocated funds to build five new schools, dig three new wells and launch a free mobile doctor service for villagers living in and around the park. 1,000 people have already received medical care from this initiative.A new community forumPNK established the Forum for Community Communications in 2008 under the guidance of local government. Forty-nine community representatives now have a formal opportunity to assist in park management.Blast Fishing Down, Coral Reefs RecoveringThrough PNK, the Conservancy is also helping Indonesian partners protect the spectacular coral reefs that attract tourism income and harbor fish that sustain the region’s residents:The Indonesian government has banned fishing with dynamite, cyanide and gill nets — which indiscriminately strip whole swaths of ocean habitat. It has also banned the use of compressors and steel bars to shatter coral reefs in order to extract abalone.And using data provided by Conservancy scientists, the government has established no-take zones to protect fish spawning areas, giving species room to regenerate and replenish populations even beyond the park’s waters.Local people are permitted to engage in low-impact fishing for subsistence and commercial take in designated zones.To ensure that the government’s regulations are followed, the Conservancy organizes teams of partners — park rangers, local police and members of the Indonesian Navy — to patrol the park weekly by speedboat. Larger “floating ranger station” boats, funded by PNK, provide a more permanent presence at vulnerable sites.The results of these efforts? Blast fishing has been reduced by more than 90 percent and coral reefs have recovered by more than 60 percent, according to monitoring of 185 sites by Conservancy scientists. Creating Hope for the Coral TriangleThe exciting progress at Komodo National Park offers great promise for our work throughout the Coral Triangle. With creativity, close partnerships and an unwavering commitment to meet the needs of people, as well as nature, our communities can thrive alongside the wild beauty, plants and animals that sustain and inspire us

TOURISM BASED ON COMMUNITY AND AGRICULTURE

2009-01-22T07:56:00.001+07:00

Indonesia, a tropical country in south East Asia, a developing country with more than 200 million people who lives in suburban area mostly, is one of the big countries in the world. Based on agricultures the country can afford the food himself, export the products of agricultures such as rubber, clove, coffee, rice and other crops. It seems the season, rainy season and dry season, and volcanoes which stretching from west to the east on the islands, contribute the land to be fertile. There are more than 30 active volcanoes standing on the islands; Sumatra, Java, Bali, Celebes and other small islands. These rings of fire give the land nutrition and make the land, even the most fertile land in the world. The main food of the nation is rice which we can see the rice fields in more than a half area of the country. It grows all the time depend on the season and type. There some specific type of rice which grows in the rainy season either in the dry season. Crops also cultivates in between the rice season, after the harvesting and before the next rice planting.

Since the country has more than 200 million people inhabitant, they have a colorful cultures which have been developing through the era. Even the modernity touches the country; the cultures keep alive with some modifications without abandoning the characteristic of the local customs. There are more than 200 different dialogues used by different ethnical-group people. In java itself there are five different ethnic group which are divided into; Betawi who lives in part of West part of West of Java, Sundanese lives in most of West java, Javanese who lives in the whole of central Java and part of East Java area, Tenggerese who lives in a part of East java area and Madurese who inhabitant in an island (northern of east Java – part of Java).

Tourism industry became the alternative income of the country since 80’s. The booming of the foreign tourist was in the 1990 and it gives an income to the people. Bali is still the main gate for the tourist until today. While Java becomes the second gate, even the island is the main gate for trading, because Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, lies in the island. Hotels, Resorts and infrastructures have been built by government to support the industry. Today, People are more creative to put agricultures and cultures altogether to support the tourism industry. Agriculture is the main part of the daily life, while culture is a character of the people who entertain the community, also becomes part of people’s dedication to the environment. Therefore, people always maintain and keep their creativity to make the local traditions and custom a live.

Tourism should support the people movement by giving an appreciation through the visit and other contributions. Even, we can not avoid the negative effects which emerged from the business. The local wisdom and custom will be eliminating the obstacles. Since the social regulations live along the generations, people and community always keep the regulations, taken from ancestors’ rules and social laws.