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`Developing habits needed to support a green office'

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:26:00 +0000

Essentially linked to sustainability, to which natural resources conservation efforts commonly refer, office buildings are a potential contributor to global warming. The daily operation of office buildings, for instance, cannot help but consume energy, water and other natural resources. Efforts are now underway to promote the concept of a green office. But is it that easy? The following are comments from several executives:

Dharmesti Sindhunata

Associate Director - Marketing & Communications and Workplace Resources, Indonesia Cushman & Wakefield

I would gladly welcome the move if office buildings in Jakarta started to think about the concept of a green office. Global warming is a serious concern and it calls for mutual commitment to solve the problem.

I think many owners of office buildings in Jakarta are, as a rule, aware of the green office concept. However, it is difficult to implement it because it requires a big investment to build an office that adopts a green concept. It would be very helpful if efforts were made to promote this idea among building owners and tenants so that practical steps could be directly implemented in our daily work, to encourage existing buildings to be more "green". To make an office building more "green" is not only the responsibility of owners and management of the building.

We, as tenants of the building, should also have a high awareness of the issue and contribute by developing working habits that support the green office, for instance, by making sure that our computers and printers are turned off when not in use. Use recycled paper when possible. Bring empty food containers from home so that when we buy our lunch so it will not be necessary to have it packaged in Styrofoam and plastic bags. Bring a drink container from home so that it will reduce the number of glasses that need to be washed in our office. Put organic and non-organic trash in separate trash cabin and so forth.

Not much has been done in the office where I work. Several things that have been conducted in our entire building including a no-smoking rule in the lobby. We also use an automatic sensor for the flush system in our toilet.

Because it requires big investment, it is difficult for owners of the buildings to implement the green office concept, especially from the aspect of building structure. However, the building management can take the initiative or just a simple activity that supports the green concept along with the tenants.

Desmond Khoo

Director of Engineering, Green Team Committee Grand Hyatt Jakarta.

At Hyatt, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of those we touch every day. We strive to accomplish this with a strong commitment to the preservation of our natural environment, by giving back to local communities around the world and through the volunteer services of our employees.

To have the most significant impact, our social responsibility initiatives are centered on three core programs:

A. Hyatt Earth : We believe it is our shared responsibility to combine astute asset management with a passionate commitment to genuine and strategic stewardship of the environment.

B. Hyatt Community : Our company-wide philanthropic program awards grants to nonprofit groups to improve the environment in the communities where we live and work

C. Hyatt's Family of Responsible and Caring Employees (FORCE): A volunteer program that allows employees worldwide to participate in local community outreach and volunteer efforts on paid company time.

Through each of these programs, Hyatt applies a focused and strategic approach to its environmental sustainability, community development efforts and employee volunteerism.

The driving force behind this initiative is our Green Team, lead by our Director of Engineering, Desmond Khoo. Members of every department meet monthly to plan various short and long term environmental initiatives.

Some of these initiatives include in reducing energy and water consumption through investments in energy savings products; reducing hotel's waste by implementing a comprehensive recycling program, participating with tree planting campaigns and many more.

To date these efforts have produced impressive results toward savings for the hotel. Irma Nazar

Promotion Manager of PT Datascrip

The green office concept aims to reduce the negative impact on the environment caused by the working activities of an organization/company. Saving energy, reducing the volume of trash, minimizing the use of non-environmentally friendly office equipment and raising awareness of environmental sustainability among the employees are part of concrete actions toward creating a green office. As such it will only be possible if it is incorporated into the vision, mission, commitment and culture of the organization.

The office where I work has not yet taken any action in a comprehensive and systematic manner. However, several actions have been taken, which are included in our corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in which Datascrip is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. Initial steps have been taken by our company include energy-efficiency actions, especially when the cost of energy (fuel and electricity) increased at the end of 2008.

To take an initial step toward a Green Office, a common perception and commitment is needed at the level of top management. As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, we are obliged to report these issues every year. Actions that have been taken among other things:

Reducing the use of paper

Saving energy by turning off lights during lunch time

Adopting the latest technology by communicating internally using intra-web

Sorting different kind of trash

Promoting environmentally friendly technology products

The company is committed to the above measures and continues to promote these among members of the organization.

Other actions include incentives and sanctions.

Domestic tourists crowd city's culinary melting pots

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Do you want to try bebek tutu, baked duck filled with spices? Or seafood barbecue served with fresh vegetables and hot chili sauce? These treats are available at food stalls near the famous Muaya beach in Jimbaran, south of Denpasar.

In addition to its natural beauty and rich arts and traditions, Bali is the perfect place for visitors to embark on culinary adventures. Just visit Kedonganan beach where lines of seafood cafes are always filled with hungry customers, especially at night.

"During this holiday season, we receive at least 2,000 food lovers," explained Wayan Merta, head of Kedonganan Beach Tourist Site agency, which overview around 24 cafes and restaurants in the area.

Each restaurant or food court belongs to local residents at Kedonganan beach. All sea products were procured from local fishermen. Most workers also come from nearby villages. "So, everybody here is almost involved in this small-scale business," Merta said.

Since Bali was opened to international visitors in early l960s and l970s, many hospitality industries including hotels, restaurants and cafes have been operated by large-scale investors coming from outside Bali.

"The majority of restaurant and caf* owners at Kedonganan feel so happy when holiday comes. June through September have always been our busiest months," one caf* owner said.

Most food establishments serve similar dishes like barbecued squid and prawns, lobsters and a large array of seafood. Denna Fahmi, a visitor from Yogyakarta, said she was addicted to the prawns and squid satays (grilled squid). Experiencing great food in Bali is easy. Kuta resort has been a food heaven for both foreign and domestic cuisines.

"You can find any food. Italian food, Japanese sushi, American burgers and local dishes like tahu campur *mixed tofu with vegetables and peanut sauce*," said Diah Listyowati, a Jakarta culinary expert.

Green map of Borobudur Temple released

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:55:00 +0000

Environment activists have released a green map on the Borobudur Temple and surrounding village of Magelang, Central Java, as part of efforts to conserve the site.

The soft launch of the map, held in Ngaran hamlet, Borobudur village, Magelang, on Monday, was marked with a discussion about the map, which consist of two sections: a green map of Borobudur Temple and a green map of Borobudur village.

The map also details the social condition and potential of the temple and surrounding areas, according to the Green Map organization, which organized the map.

Green Map coordinator Kristanti Wisnu Aji wardani said green mapping of the temple began in 2005, but the activity was temporarily halted, before being resumed in 2008.

Kristanti said the green map provided visitors with a comprehensive explanation of the Borobudur Temple, which is not only a tourism site, but also a social and environment spot.

Environmentalist M. Hatta said the map of Borobudur village shows that the social and environment impact of the Borobudur Temple had reached some 20 hamlets.

"We hope this map will become a reference for the government," Hatta said.

about the body shop

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:24:00 +0000

We believe there is only one way to beautiful, nature’s way. We’ve believed this for years and still do. We constantly seek out wonderful natural ingredients from all four corners of the globe, and we bring you products bursting with effectiveness to enhance your natural beauty and express your unique personality. And whilst we’re doing this, we always strive to protect this beautiful planet and the people who depend on it. We don’t do it this way because it’s fashionable. We do it because, to us, it’s the only way.

“I just want The Body Shop to be the best, most breathlessly exciting company – and one that changes the way business is carried out. That is my vision.”
Dame Anita Roddick.
Human Rights Activist.
Founder of The Body Shop.

Jakarta, conservationists receive environmental awards

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:21:00 +0000

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono presented Friday the annual Adipura and Kalpataru environmental awards to over 100 regions and 12 environmental figures to coincide with World Environment Day, which falls on June 5.

The Adipura awards were given to the country’s greenest and cleanest regions, which were divided into four categories: “metropolitan”, “big”, “medium” and “small” cities.

“Metropolitan cities” receiving the awards are Palembang, Surabaya, Semarang and five Jakarta municipalities: West Jakarta, North Jakarta, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta and South Jakarta.

“Big cities” granted with the awards are Pekanbaru, Malang, Balikpapan, Denpasar, Padang, Batam, Bandar Lampung and Yogyakarta.

Recipients in the third category consisted of 35 medium-sized cities and those in the fourth category consisted of 75 small cities.

The Kalpataru awards were also divided into four categories, comprising awards for “pioneers” in the preservation of environments, “environmental supporters”, “saviors of the environments” and “promoters of the environment”.

Awardees of the first category were Timotius Hindom (West Papua), Viktor Emanuel Raiyon (East Nusa Tenggara), Anyie Apuy (East Kalimantan), Alexander Ketaren (North Sumatra) and Kasmir Gindo Sutan (West Sumatra).

Those in the “environmental supporters” category were Kadis S.P. (West Nusa Tenggara), Djoni (West Sumatra) and Makaampo Ratundulage Madonsa (North Sulawesi).

Dayak Wahea Cultural Institution (East Kalimantan) and Negeri Enam Tanjung ninik mamak (customary leaders) of Riau received the “saviors of the environments” awards.

WALHI records 359 natural disaster in 2008

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:18:00 +0000

More than 350 natural disasters took place in Indonesia last year, according to data from the Indonesia Forum for the Environment (Walhi).

This was a significant jump from the 205 which occurred in 2007, Walhi executive director Berry Nahdian Furkon said in Jakarta on Friday.

“This was just the number of disasters registered with Walhi. The figure could actually be much higher than that,” Berri said. The increase in natural disasters, such as landslides, floods, earthquakes and others, was mainly due to environmental neglect by the government, he said.

Some disasters occurred due to a massive surge in deforestation, with two million hectares of forests converted for various purposes every year, Berri added.

Sail Indonesia Rally - then Sail Bunaken

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:52:00 +0000

The Sail Indonesia Rally, which departs Darwin in Australia on July 18 and already has 130 registered yachts, will see an amazing maritime spectacle when they arrive in Bunaken, located at the north of the island of Sulawesi.

Some 42 countries have confirmed their participation in Sail Bunaken 2009, which will be organized in Manado and Bitung, August 15-18, 2009.

In Bunaken another 15 yachts are joining the rally boats from Darwin, but Sail Bunaken is not only about yachts, having a much broader naval perspective.

Activities of 'Sail Bunaken' will include 'Indonesian Fleet Review 2009' consisting of a sailing pass parade to be participated in by warships, traditional ships, state ships, tall ships, yachts, and open ships.

'Forty-two countries have confirmed their participation. They will send their naval chiefs of staff and some deputy chiefs of staff,' First Admiral Willem Rampangilei, commander of the Indonesian Navy`s Main Base VIII, said in a meeting on preparations for the Sail Bunaken 2009 here on Tuesday.

Sail Bunaken was aimed at building a sense of seamen`s brotherhood and enhancing international relations, he said.

For full details of the route, the Indonesian expectations and the other tricky aspects of this favourite cruising route, go the the Sail Indonesia web page. For more information about Sail Bunaken, go to their website

Activists mark anti-tobacco day with rally

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Dozens of activists, mostly women, rallied in Surabaya on Sunday to commemorate the world's anti-tobacco day, tempointeraktif.com reported.

The activists paraded at Bungkul park on Jl. Raya Darmo, Surabaya's main thoroughfare, bringing along with them a giant cigarette stick.

They wore white T-shirts with writing "tobacco health warning" and carried a big "No Tobacco" poster.

“We celebrate no tobacco day by calling on the people to respect the rights of those who do not smoke and also warning the public about the danger of smoking to our health," Maulizar, the rally coordinator, said.

Every year, Maulizar said, 427,948 Indonesians died from smoking.

Similar anti-tobacco rally is scheduled to take place in Jakarta, at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle.

Source : http://www.thejakartapost.com

Illegal logging sharply declines in Indonesia: Minister

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:27:00 +0000

Indonesian Minister of Forestry MS Kaban claims that illegal logging cases have continued to decline across the archipelago in the last four years because of the decrease in large-scale illegal logging thanks to intensive law enforcement.

"Our data shows a decline of illegal logging cases, especially those of larger scale," Kaban told a forest conference in Bali on Thursday.

The two-day conference organized jointly by the Asia Forest Partnership (AFP) and the Center for International Forestry Research (Cifor) was attended by about 275 participants from 50 countries. The 8th meeting of the AFP focused on topics of illegal logging and REDD.

Kaban said in the 1990s, there were 9,600 cases of illegal logging compared to only a few hundred in the last four years.

"While we still need to keep an eye on large-scale illegal logging, emphasis should now be given to smaller scale cases which are greater in number. Even more worrying is the increasing trend in illegal trafficking of wild animals," he said.

Illegal logging has long been the main cause of forest degradation in Indonesia, as the world's third-largest forest country, with about 120 million hectares.

Forest degradation contributes about 20 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change has been the vehicle that has returned forestry to center stage of the international agenda for the past three years, with the climate change conference in Bali in 2007 adopting the reduction of emissions from reforestation and forest degradation (REDD) mechanism as an alternative way of cutting emissions from forests.

Source : http://www.thejakartapost.com

Six people receive Kehati biodiversity awards

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000

The Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation (Kehati) granted environmental awards to six people pioneering in protecting the country’s biodiversity.

The six receivers are Sudiyo, a traditional group leader from Gunung Kidul regency in Yogyakarta; Sofyan Hadi, a civil servant from Rokan Hilir, Riau; Maryono, a herbal businessman from Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta; Saein SP, a farmer from Purbalingga, Central Java, Sanca Rini an artist from Pamulang, Banten and a 12-year old Junior High School Adeline Tiffanie Suwana from Kelapa Gading Permai, Jakarta.

The winners receive Kehati trophies, cash money and study trips.

The six people were chosen from about 90 proposals of individuals and groups that protect biodiversity.

“We hope their efforts could boost public awareness to protect the rich biodiversity in the country,” Damayanti Buchori, executive director of Kehati said on Tuesday.

Bali Arts Festival to offer up to 180 performances

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:12:00 +0000

As part of his tight campaign schedule, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to open the annual Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar on June 13.

The month-long festival will feature 180 art performances from 12 provinces in Indonesia and eight foreign countries - South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, India, China and Mexico and the United States.

Made Santha, secretary of the festival organizing committee, said Monday the opening of the art festival usually drew thousands of spectators, so the colorful art parade would be relocated from Puputan Badung Square to the Denpasar Art Center, as was the original concept eight years ago.

In the past few years, the opening of the festival took place at Puputan Margarana Square in Renon, Denpasar, which could not accommodate all participants at the festival. This year's budget for the festival is Rp 3.9 billion (US$381,900), which comes from the Bali provincial budget.

For 31 years, the art festival has been Bali's cultural landmark, attracting both local and foreign artists and visitors.

Source : http://www.tourismindonesia.com

ANGKLUNG: A Bamboo Beat

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Traditionally, Sundanese dance and music have grown alongside the strata of a strictly hierarchical society. Dances such as the ketak tilu and provocative jaipongan were for the entertainment of the masses, whereas the more refined song poetry (tembang Sunda) and certain forms of gamelan were the preserve of the aristocracy.
These days the differences are fading as art forms follow social trends and feudal systems gradually disappear. Far from being diminished, however, Sundanese performing arts are flourishing, enhanced by an ever widening circle of influences.

Whilst the differing forms of gamelan music may sound rather similar to the inexperienced ear, Sundanese music is usually distinguishable from its Javanese and Balinese cousins by the presence of a clear melody in the foreground. Gamelan degung, traditionally played for the aristocracy, is led by the haunting tones of the suling, a bamboo flute. The more upbeat gamelan salendro - traditional "pop" gamelan - is led by a small, two-stringed fiddle, known as the rebab. Both are carried on the bubbling stream of the gamelan orchestra, a set of bronze percussion instruments producing sounds ranging from the pretty and xylophonic to deep, solemn gongs.

The most distinctive Sundanese sounds, however, come from the angklung - a wooden percussion instrument made from bamboo pipes of differing length and pitch. These are fixed loosely to a small wooden frame and shaken to produce a tremolo. Since each instrument only produces one or two different notes, an angklung group can consist of between 60 - 160 people. These are often children, for whom the angklung group is considered a means of self expression and education. Accompanied by the dog-dog (small drum), the bedug (large drum) and various bamboo glockenspiel-like instruments know as gambang, the combined effect of well-coordinated, interdependent individuals is a unique and magical sound.

The angklung originates from the Badui people of West Java, where it was first used to rouse soldiers' spirits as they went into battle. However, angklung instruments are used for many purposes, accompanying a variety of traditional and Islamic ceremonies ranging from weddings and circumcisions to planting ceremonies, where it is believed the music stimulates growth of newly sown seeds. They provide the entertainment at parties, school graduation ceremonies and anniversary celebrations, or any other modern social function at which a traditional Sundanese flavour is desired.

Deep in the kampungs off Jl. Padasuka in east Bandung lies Indonesia's most renowned centre of Sundanese music and dance. The Saung Angklung Pak Udjo (Pak Udjo's Angklung House) is a partially open air bamboo and thatch auditorium nestled within groves of tall, yellow and green bamboo plants. The front outer wall of the theatre is adorned with Arabic characters reflecting the devotions of a Sundanese community committed to gotong royong working together in harmony.

"You hear - you forget; you see - you remember; you do - you understand." Such is the philosophy underpinning Pak Udjo's educational art. "Through music, we educate people in the art of humanism." Audiences are invited to participate in his angklung performances, whether the music be traditional Sundanese or an angklung rendition of Strauss' The Blue Danube. "By playing the instruments," asserts Pak Udjo, "audiences gain a deeper insight into the nature of the music."
While audience participation and modern adaptations of the traditional musical ensemble reflect the Bandung of today, it is not a gimmick for the tourists. "I began my Saung Angklung to develop and preserve Sundanese art, music and dance," affirms Pak Udjo, a dignified patriarch in the midst of an elegant array of bronze and bamboo instruments. "Then comes Indonesian music; finally, Western music. My children do not perform just for the audiences - they play for themselves. I will make everybody happy for the future of our beautiful country."

Ambitious as this claim may seem, experiencing the musical ensemble in all its rich colour is one of Bandung's finest treats. Performances take place daily from 3.30 pm to approximately 5.30 pm, and the theatre has seating for over two hundred guests. As a prelude, there is a brief "Wayang Golek" puppet performance of key scenes from the Ramayana which will give you a taste of the full, nine-hour performances. The entrance fee is Rp 10,000 for weekdays, Rp 12,500 at weekends. The instruments are also made in the village, under the guidance of Pak Udjo, and individual pieces or whole sets can be bought at a range of prices.

"Many people come for the first time few come for the last," claims Pak Udjo with a knowing smile beneath his long white beard. Indeed, he has seen the trancelike effect of his work on tens of thousands of people in his Saung Angklung; he has been invited to perform for the King of Thailand, delighted audiences at the Edinburgh Festival, received an award from President Soeharto and gained adulation from Indonesia's film and rock idols. He has no doubts of the musical charms of the angklung.

Angklung and gamelan music can also be heard in many of Bandung's leading hotels. To experience the now popular jaipongan dance, which evolved from the more traditional ketuk tilu Sundanese performances, you can visit the Museum of West Java at 638 Jl. Otista. Performances are held regularly, in addition to cultural performances which are held every Sunday. If your feet won't keep still and you want to join in, visit Pak Baun Jaipong on the same road. Likewise you can join in the ketuk tilu dance (performed to gamelan music) at the Sanggar Langan Selna at 541 A Jl. Otista. Alternatively, the Institute of Fine Arts, ASTI, often stages performances of various Sundanese music and dances, or you can visit at any time to watch the students practice. Performance schedules are available at theTourist Information Office.

Source : http://www.tourismindonesia.com

SambaSunda is a spicy cultural mix

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:36:00 +0000

The clash of certain atoms can produce unexpected bursts of energy. In the same way, the clash of musical cultures has the power to produce new entities no one could have imagined before.

Bollywood and Latin hip hop are two popular examples of hybrid musical culture. But that's only the tip of the sonic iceberg.

One that should be new to most Torontonians is a mix of dancefloor and gamelan from Indonesia.

On Monday night, SambaSunda crashes the Latin-friendly doors of Lula Lounge with an infectious mix of tradition and modernity rooted in the old cultures of Java, yet influenced by Latin and North America as well.

SambaSunda's Toronto visit is part of Summerworld, a festival of forward-thinking world music evenings running to Thursday at Lula Lounge and Supermarket.

A gamelan band of one- to two-dozen players that germinated in the early 1990s under a variety of different names, SambaSunda has recorded prolifically, gained widespread popularity in Asia, and toured Europe and Australia.

Indonesia unites dozens of vastly different ethnic and religious groups – the biggest three being Javanese, Sundanese and Malay. Located in the mountains on the island of Java, Bandung shares much of its culture with the Indonesian capital city of Jakarta, a 175-km drive toward the Java Sea.

The musical instruments of a gamelan orchestra cross the ethnic boundaries in Java.

Source : http://www.tourismindonesia.com

Bandung's irresistible culinary treats

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Bandung, which is located some 140 kilometers south east of Jakarta, boasts a rich and seemingly inexhaustible culinary wealth.

Food lovers in Bandung have long come up with innovative gourmet surprises -- ranging from steamed brownies or fried cassava with cheese, to a "recent" and popular culinary innovation; grilled sandwiches and burgers.

People are willing to queue for hours, even in the scorching sun, to get their hands on Bandung's tasty treats. Take steamed brownies, for example. As there are a great number of buyers, customers often have to take a queuing number first and then join a queue, sometimes for hours, before they can finally buy the brownies.

People have even been known to leave home at midnight just to try the famous perkedel, or fried mince-meat balls. In short, people are willing to do just about anything to get their hands on some of Bandung's delicacies.

The spreading popularity of these unique foods is inseparable from the role of domestic tourists in this city. Scores of people visit Bandung to enjoy the city's cooler weather and shop at one of the many factory outlets. For Jakarta residents, Bandung can be reached in just 2 hours thanks to the Cipularang toll road.

According to Sienny Lauws, -- a Bandung member of Jalansutra, a mailing-list for people fond of eating and exploring the culinary dishes of a particular region -- the fact that many domestic tourists visit Bandung may indeed account for the great number of unique foods found in Bandung today.

"See, the domestic tourists are usually the same people and of course they will get bored easily if they see the same foods every time they come to Bandung. Especially if they come to Bandung often, like twice a month or even once a week," she said.

Therefore, she said, those involved in Bandung's food industry try to offer something new to continue to attract these tourists.

Source : http://www.tourismindonesia.com

Taking A Break In Bali

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:15:00 +0000

If you are looking to get away from tensions of daily life and for a relaxing vacation, Bali is definitely your spot. Admittedly enough, it's a little out there and the flight from Thailand alone is about 10 hours or so but once you get here you will know that this was completely worth the trip and wait.

There are a range of three to five star hotels by the beach with a beautiful oceanic view with plenty of amenities to drown in like huge swimming pools, luxurious breakfasts, hot tubs, spas and much more, you will never want to leave the premises of your hotel
However the hot tubs and spas will have to wait. Bali is a beautiful place with much more to offer like beautiful beaches, romantic sunset, a cultural experience, a number of water sports and massive shopping malls. Way too much to give up spending all the time in the hot tubs or at spas.

Bali, even though small but it’s not something you would want to roam around in a single day and just get done. If you are still in the process of planning your trip out here you might want to make sure you spend atleast two weeks here. A quick getaway on a ferry to the peaceful island of Lombok is definitely worth a recommendation aswell.

During your stay here you need three to four days to roam the street markets for bargain shopping. These markets are filled with a lot of clothes and native ornaments. You might want to be careful though or atleast know that some of the big brand names sold in these markets are actually rip offs. Personally though they are so cheap it’s still temping to buy them. Bargaining room is unbelievable, almost to the extend that you can get the price down to 30% of the original asking price.

You might want to plan a few dinners out there. This place is filled with sea food restaurants which you have to try. On the top of my list Bubba Gump. By far one the best ones I’ve visited to date. But you might also want to leave some room some native food. The perfect place to try out some native delicacies is Poppies. A nicely setup restaurant with food to die for.

There are a number of beaches here in Bali that you might want to spend some time on. Considering that the weather here is perfect almost every day, quality time on the beach is highly recommended. For a nice, peaceful and relaxing day in the sun you might want to Kuta or Seminyak beach. If you like going to crowded beaches Nusa Dua is the place to be. And if you are looking to get into some water sports you definitely want to hit the Jimbaran beach.

After all is set and done you can come back and spend some quality time in your room ordering in food every now and then or hit the hot tubs and spas. One tip though before I close. Most of the pool, spas and hot tub close early so you want to make sure you make it back to the hotel in time.

Article by Joshua Soros.
Source : http://www.tourismindonesia.com/

Anak Krakatau on alert, surrounding area sealed off

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:32:00 +0000

In response to increasing seismic activity around Mt. Anak Krakatau, trekking and hiking activities have been banned in the area.

A Mt. Anak Krakatau monitoring team official said Sunday that the mountain, which has experienced increasing seismic activity since April, has been erupting on a daily basis.

"We advise tourists, fishermen, to stay clear of the mount's three-kilometer radius area," Anton Tripambudi said, as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

According to reports made by the team that is stationed in Pasauran, Serang, Banten, there has been a total of 85 eruptions, six internal vulcanic quakes and 18 tremors within the last 12 hours.

"The three kilometer radius area surrounding the mount is unsafe, as there are strong indications of increasing seismic activities including the emission of hazardous gas," Anton said.

In April this year, observers have put Mt. Anak Krakatau on high alert.

Bali receives fresh supply of Tamiflu

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:26:00 +0000

The Bali Health Agency received an additional 4,000 doses of Tamiflu in anticipation of any possible cases of the H1N1 influenza, a senior official has said.
“The supply comes from the Ministry of Health,” agency head Nyoman Sutedja said Sunday, adding that it was the second additional supply the island has received.
“The first additional supply comprised of 300 doses of Tamiflu.”
The first extra batch arrived in Bali in the days following the initial outbreak of H1N1 flu in Mexico.
“Even before the arrival of the second supply we had already prepared to deal with H1N1 flu,” he stressed.
The 4,000 dosages of Tamiflu, Sutedja said, will be soon distributed to state-run hospitals and community health centers (Puskesmas) across the island. Bali has one state-run central hospital, nine regional hospitals and a total of 112 Puskesmas.
“The distribution will commence early this week and be carried out by the respective regional health agencies,” he said.
Private clinics and hospitals are advised to acquire Tamiflu from a state-run hospital the moment they encounter any suspected cases of H1N1 influenza.
In conjunction with the distribution of the Tamiflu, the health authority will begin recalling old stocks of Tamiflu that have reached their expiration dates.
“We estimate there are around 2,000 doses of Tamiflu that have reached their expiration dates,” Sutedja said.
The stocks were part of a huge supply of Tamiflu distributed on the island in 2007 to cope with ongoing cases of bird flu.
“The supply arrived in August 2007 following the first reported case of bird flu in a human,” Sutedja said.
In order to prevent any possible confusion or mix-up, the health agency will complete the recall of expired Tamiflu before distributing the fresh supply.
“We don’t want the fresh supply to be mixed up with the expired ones,” Sutedja stressed.
So far the resort island has yet to record a confirmed case of H1N1.
Last week, a woman from Holland was taken to Sanglah General Hospital upon her arrival at the Ngurah Rai International Airport after she displayed symptoms of an influenza like illness (ILI) during her flight. Blood tests cleared her of H1N1.
Sanglah Hospital, the largest medical facility in Bali, has repeatedly stated its readiness to deal with any cases of the H1N1 flu.
The hospital has set up a special team to deal with H1N1 and has established a specially equipped ward to treat H1N1 patients.
“We are ready to deal with H1N1 anytime it occurs,” the head of hospital’s flu mitigation team, Ken Wirasandhi, said.

Bali wins best island award yet again

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:22:00 +0000

Bali has again been recognized by a distinguished travel magazine as the best island in the Asia-Pacific region for 2009, Antara has reported.

"Bali has been honored as The Best Island in Asia Pacific 2009 by DestinAsian Magazine in Hong Kong," Culture and Tourism Ministry's director for promotion facilities Esthy Reko Astuty said Thursday.

She said Bali won the honor through a poll in DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards in a survey which sought readers' opinions on their favorite destinations, hotels, and airlines in the Asia-Pacific region and announced every February.

"Bali has been chosen four times consecutively as the Best Island in Asia Pacific by DestinAsia Magazine since 2006," she said.

According to Bali Tourism Office records, Bali has garnered at least 25 awards from various international magazines and countries since 1998. Most of the awards were given to Bali for its unique destination and natural beauty found nowhere else in the world.

Australian tourists to Bali up 14 pct

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:20:00 +0000

The number of Australian tourists visiting Bali in the first quarter of 2009 rose 24.85 percent to 71,970 from 57,647 in the same period last year.

"The Australian tourists accounted for 14.67 percent of the total tourists coming to the Island of Paradise in the first quarter which reached 490.454," Head of the Bali Office of the Central Statistics Board (BPS) Ida Komang Wisnu said here on Sunday.

The figure placed Australia in the second place after Japan with 83,470 tourists, he said.

China came in third with 56,030 tourists, followed by Malaysia with 29,971 tourists, he said.

He said 71,199 of the Australian tourists came to Bali via Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar and the remaining 771 through the city`s seaport.

Last year, a total of 313,313 Australian tourists visited Bali, jumping 52.68 percent from the year before when the figure was 205,205, he said.

He said Bali which was geographically not too far from Australia was the "second home" for many Australian tourists.

Only recently, Bali received an award as The Best Island in Asia Pacific 2009 from the Hong Kong-based DestinAsia Magazine.

88% surge in Chinese tourists to Bali

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:18:00 +0000

China is set to become one of Bali's biggest contributors to the tourism industry following a significant surge in the number of Chinese tourists who visited the resort island over the last couple of months.

In March, the number of Chinese tourists reached 21,492, a whopping 88.16 percent increase compared to the number recorded in February. The increase is expected to continue in the following months.

Head of the Bali Statistic Office Ida Komang Wisnu said the increase has placed China as one of the top three contributors of tourists to Bali, behind Japan and Australia. Japan and Australia have been the traditional market of tourists since the Bali tourism boom of the mid-80s. China represents one of the island's new markets.

"The increase *in Chinese tourists* is influenced by the opening up of direct flights from Bali to several cities in China," he said.

Moreover, the unstable security situation in Thailand, long known as one of Bali's strongest competitors, has led many potential holidaymakers to opt for Bali.

Travel Tips

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Fri, 15 May 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Be a responsible traveller...

· Dispose your waste properly, separate organic and non-organic trash.

· Leave what you find. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Take only pictures, leave only footprints..

· Observe wildlife from a distance, do not follow or approach animals except that you are conducting scientific research.

· When walking in forest, walk in small group and stay on the path, as you can reduce damaged of ground plants and animals in forest cause by your foot steps.

· Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages health and alters natural behaviors.

· Wear clothes that do not incite offense, suspicion or envy among local people. Avoid wearing tank tops, short shorts, clothes with a military appearances, or jewelry.

· Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid making noise.

· Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.

· When meeting villagers, greet them politely.

· Do not give money to villagers, unless it’s to compensate them for assistance for their assistance they have provided.

· Avoid purchasing product made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artifacts

· Use local resources - you'll discover more about local culture and lives. Remember that by spending locally, you’ll do more that aid the local economy – you will also enrich your journey because of your increased interaction with local.

"Culturally and environmentally responsible tourism can be a powerful force for conservation and community development"
The Earth Preservation Fund

Kalimantan's orangutan population decreases significantly: COP

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:11:00 +0000

The Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) has recorded a significant decrease in the population of the morio (Pongo Pygmaeus Morio) orangutan in Kutai National Park, East Kalimantan.

The National Forest is currently home to between 30 and 60 orangutans of the sub-species, down from 600 recorded in 2004, COP Habitat Campaign Manager, Yon Thayrun, said to state news agency Antara.

According to Yon, politicians and state officials were to blame for letting and even supporting the constant illegal deforestation in the park.

In 2002, The East Kalimantan government, with the permission of the Forestry Ministry, built the 60 kilometer long Bontang-Sengata road, which cuts across the park, Yon said.

He added that the construction of the road destroyed the habitat of orangutans and lead to widescale deforestation. Between 22,000 and 70,000 people have contributed to the deforestation of 23,712 acres of the Kutai National Park.

Yon said the park was turning into a city, with an airport, gas stations, and red light district.

The COP has urged the Corruption Erradication Commission to enforce the law in order to preserve endangered orangutans in the Kutai National Forest.

“The best solution is to seize and put the corrupt politicians and officials to jail. This will make their supporters leave the forest and stop all illegal activities,” he said.

Airlangga University ready to develop swine flu vaccine

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Having developed bird flue vaccine, researchers from Airlangga University in Surabaya, Central Java, are now ready to develop a vaccine for swine flu.
“Developing the vaccine for the H1N1 virus is very feasible since we already have the experience in developing the vaccine for bird flu,” Airlangga University’s deputy rector Soetjipto was quoted by Antara news agency as saying on Monday.
“In addition, developing the vaccine for swine flu is easier than developing one for bird flu. The virus is not as vicious as the bird flu virus,” he added.

He noted that the university would start developing the swine flue only when it got an order from the government.

The university, together with state pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma, has been working on bird flu vaccine following a request from Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari.

“The development is almost 100 percent complete. (The vaccine) can be produced starting this year,” he said.

Earlier this year, the university inaugurated a Rp 120 billion (US$11.6 million) special laboratory for virus research with funding from the Indonesia and Japan governments.

(www.thejakartapost.com/news)

Meet the reptiles

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:58:00 +0000

A student from Assalam Elementary school plays with a turtle in an activity held on Thursday by the Bandung Reptile Community (KRB). The event was aimed to educate children on the variety of reptiles that exist in Indonesia. (Antara/Agus Bebeng)

(Source http://www.thejakartapost.com/)

Swine spray

dedi.suhendi@yahoo.com (sang pengembara) — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:56:00 +0000

An official from the local Agriculture, Marine, and Fisheries agency sprays disinfectant at a pigpen in West Pagutan, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara on Thursday. The agency conducted spraying to anticipate and prevent the spread of swine flu. (Antara/Ahmad Subaidi)

(source http://www.thejakartapost.com)