Aneka Indonesia No1 2009 / April

INDONESIA a ek

No. 1/ IV, April 2009

n A

Newsletter of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bern, Switzerland

The Art of an Indonesian Artist in Liechtenstein Indonesian Embassy, Elfenauweg 51, 3006 Bern Tel. +41 31 352 0983 Fax. +41 31 352 6565

Disclaimer: the views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors.

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

In this Issue News & Features

4

4

News Roundup

8

Celebrating Mother’s Day

10

The Art of Fauzie As’ad

12

Revitalitations of weaving Songket

15

Potentials and Oppurtunities



Business & Political Affairs 7

18

17

28

Indonesia Economic Outlook 2009 Heimtextil 2009

Destination Indonesia 20

South Sumatra

24

Recipe: Mpek-mpek Palembang

25

Quick tips for travelers

26

Calendar of Events

The Embassy 3

Message from the newsroom

9

About us

28

Activities

Front cover: The Art of Fauzie As’ad

Aneka Indonesia

From the Newsroom..... Dear readers, It’s spring time! Shiny and colorful, resembles our magazine Aneka Indonesia. We are hoping that you and your family are in good health to enjoy the upcoming summer. In this edition, we highlight the revitalization of Sumatra Songket weaving, one of the most fascinating handicraft from Sumatra, by a Swiss, whose desire is to revive the old motives of Songket Indonesia. In the tourist destination section, we invite you to take a closer look to the province of South Sumatra, which is not only famous for its Songket, but also for its bridge and its traditional cuisine, Pempek, which recipe you can try on page 24. Meanwhile, this spring edition of Aneka Indonesia will also provide the readers with a report on the painting exhibition of Indonesian famous artist in Switzerland, who currently lives in Liechtenstein, Fauzie As`ad, as well as a report on the second Indonesian Diashow in 9 cities across Switzerland and Germany, by Dominique Wirz, a Swiss, who has traveled almost all provinces in Indonesia and collected memorable impressions in Indonesia, from the marvelous island of Sumatra, then continued to the exotic island of Java, the paradise island of Bali, the solely island of Sulawesi and lastly to the surprising island of Papua. In this edition, we also bring you up to date on the situation in Indonesia, the Embassy’s activities and the progress of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Switzerland over the past four months. Last but by no means least, we would like to appeal to the readers to help improve Aneka Indonesia both in terms and contents and make it more enjoyable to read. Therefore please do not hesitate to send us your contributions and comments and we will endeavor to incorporate your ideas into future editions. Moreover, should you or your family and friends wish to receive the publications on a regular basis, please complete and return the subscription form on the last page. In the meantime, all of us here from the newsroom of Aneka Indonesia would like to take this opportunity to extend to you and your families, our best wishes.

The Editor Published by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Elfenauweg 51, Bern 3006, Switzerland. Tel: +41.31.352.0983-4 Fax: +41.31.351.6765 Website: www.indonesia-bern.org

2

3

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

News roundup US eyes Indonesia as key partner With its giant population and moderate brand of Islam, Indonesia is fast emerging as a cornerstone US partner for President Barack Obama’s administration, observers say, following the visit to Indonesia of the top US diplomat, Agence France-Presse reported. Obama spent four years of his childhood in Jakarta and his secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, took a nearly 6,000-km detour to Jakarta from 18 to 19 February 2009, between Tokyo and Seoul on her first official visit abroad. Clinton said the US is committed to building a “comprehensive partnership” with Indonesia. Clinton said in Jakarta, that Indonesia, being the largest Muslim nation in the world, the third-largest democracy, will play a leading role in the promotion of that shared future. In November, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also appealed during a visit to Washington for a “strategic relationship” with the United States. Jonah Blank, the chief policy adviser on South and Southeast Asia for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Obama had a “golden opportunity” to make Indonesia a pivotal US partner. Blank said there is greater optimism now than any other point since the founding of Indonesia as a modern nationstate. Lt. Col. Desmond Walton, who handles Southeast Asia policy at the Pentagon, said the US relationship with Indonesia

4

was “underdeveloped” considering the archipelago’s vast size and economic potential. The US is not the only country to heap more importance on relations with Indonesia. Prosperous Switzerland said last week it had chosen Indonesia as one of the priority countries in Asia for development of a new partnership, The Jakarta Post reported. Source: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Republic of Indonesia

Swiss-Indonesian relations soar to new heights Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Indonesia have never been better, particularly in the economic sector. Bilateral trade has reached record double-digit growth, helped by growing Swiss-Indonesian diplomatic

and business networks and initiatives. Some 75 Swiss companies are currently operating in Indonesia in sectors such as banking, chemicals, foodstuffs, insurance and pharmaceuticals, and many more are expressing an interest to join them. As a result, cumulative investments in Indonesia have, to date, reached US$ 2,2 billion, with increased growth expected in the future. Both countries are also debating the possibility of establishing a Joint Economic Commission to further strengthen the partnership. Things couldn’t get much better. Except they just have. Indeed, Switzerland has recently included Indonesia on its list of seven priority countries destined to benefit from increased cooperation from 2008-2012. The Swiss decision was motivated by Indonesia’s impressive economic

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

growth--which recorded 6.1 percent in 2008 despite the global slowdown--and its desire for greater integration in the global economy. Southeast Asia’s largest economy will therefore be joining those of Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Peru, South Africa and Vietnam in sharing some 800 million Swiss francs, which the Swiss Federal Council has already provided to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to implement the program. The latter will consist of mobilizing both domestic and foreign investment, strengthening competitiveness and trade diversification, as well as stabilizing basic economic conditions and improving basic infrastructure. Swiss investments in Indonesia are already much higher than in other Asian countries such as India, South Korea, Malaysia or Vietnam. Realized Swiss investments reached US$21 million for the first six months of 2008 and Swiss cumulative investments topped US$ 2,2 billion and are expected to continue growing. Bilateral trade has also increased. Indonesia imports mostly machinery, foodstuffs, chemicals, medicine and medical equipment from Switzerland, which in turn imports mainly furniture, textiles, garments and footwear, as well as products such as tea, coffee and cocoa from Indonesia. Imports of textiles, garments and footwear have seen the most significant increase, although Switzerland is also actively cooperating with Indonesia’s National Agency for Export Development, particularly in the areas of fishing and seafood, agricultural products, handicrafts, educational toys and furniture. Data from the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) show that bilateral trade jumped from US$339.38 million in 2003, to US$668.90 million in 2007. However, the year 2008 will remain a milestone in the trading history between the two countries, with trade increasing 64.4 percent in the first 10 months of 2008 to US$907.03 million, up from US$551.74 million during the same period in 2007.

This will entitle Indonesian passport holders with a valid Schengen visa to enter Switzerland without the need for an additional Swiss visa, as well to enter all the other Schengen member states. The Indonesian Government, for its part, seeks to encourage Swiss visitors by including Switzerland on its list of twenty-one countries whose citizens benefit from the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy which it recently introduced. With both countries drawing ever closer on a number of fronts and bilateral relations at new heights, the time has therefore never been better to invest in or visit Indonesia.

Also in 2008, Switzerland became a member of the Schengen Area, entitling it to issue Schengen visas valid for up to three months.

5

Aneka Indonesia

Bandung declared most pleasant city Bandung has been elected the most pleasant city by an international survey institute, Mercer. “I was informed by Regional Administration Secretary Edi Siswadi that Bandung has been elected the most pleasant city by Mercer, an international survey institute,” Bandung Mayor, Dada Rosada, said here Thursday. He said that Mercer released the result of the survey on February 2, 2009 in Jakarta. The Mercer survey is unlike the data of the KPK (corruption eradication commission) that Bandung has the poorest public services. He said that unlike the KPK survey about public services, the Mercer survey covered the facilities of cities. (*)

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Aneka Indonesia

Indonesian Economic Outlook for 2009 The dynamics of the Indonesian economy are very closely interlinked with the global and regional economy and influenced by progress improvements in the investment climate, infrastructure, productivity, competitiveness and domestic supply constraints. Therefore, due to the recent global economic crisis, Indonesian government has revised its economic growth target downward to 4.7% from the previous level of 5% under the impact of slackening global demand for Indonesian products, according to Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on January 2009. “The worst-case scenario for Indonesia’s export growth would be zero expansion. The total value of exports could grow by 0% to 5%, much lower than the 9% to 10% in 2008,” she said. The initial growth target was no longer realistic as the decrease in export and import volumes has been biting since October 2008, earlier than expected, Indrawati said. Inflation for full-year 2008 was recorded at 9.17% and fell to 0.07% on-month in January, The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported. Exports slumped 9.57% month-onmonth in December, after falling 11.09% in November. On an annual basis, value dipped 20.56% in December, compared with a 2.36% fall in the previous month, BPS said. Import value fell 11.67% on a monthly basis in December, after falling 17.87% in November. Bank Indonesia Senior Deputy Governor, Miranda S. Goeltom confirmed the country’s economy might be expanding more slowly than expected. She said the fiscal stimulus prepared by the government could significantly boost public consumption and help to sustain the desired level of economic expansion. Both Goeltom and the finance minister said inflation was likely to come in at 5% in 2009, while Indrawati added that the rupiah had found a new equilibrium at around Rp 11,000

6

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

to the dollar, after weakening due to global factors. Bank Indonesia cut interest rates by 50 basis points from the current 8.75% to 8.25%, in line with analyst expectations. It was the third cut in as many months. The government meanwhile replaced Ari Soemarno as president director of state oil and gas company Pertamina, installing upstream director Karen Agustiawan in his place. Agustiawan pledged after her inauguration to increase oil production and to improve the distribution of oil products in the country.

2009 inflation estimated at 5%: BI Inflation in 2009 could be at the lower range of the Bank Indonesia (BI) projection of 5% to 7%, according to BI Senior Deputy Governor Miranda S. Goeltom. “BI’s latest assessment indicates inflation can be at the lower range of BI’s projection,” she told a hearing with House of Representatives Commission XI, which deals with financial affairs. She said that inflation could be curbed to a lower level of 5% as a result of reduced imported inflation and declining international commodity prices as well as minimal output gap pressures and controlled inflation.

Goeltom said that inflationary pressures as a result of administered commodity and volatile food prices would decline as well. “This will be in line with guaranteed supplies and food distribution in 2009,” she added. She said the impact of fuel oil cuts in December 2008 and January 2009 was reflected in the deflation recorded in the past two months. If this was followed by a cut in transport fares, inflationary pressures could be minimized. Goeltom said she was convinced that the inflation target set at 6.2% in the state budget would be achieved. “These conditions are expected to give a chance to BI to lower its rate and banks are also expected to follow suit, including BI’s three-month certificates (SBI),” she said. The Central Bureau of Statistics said that consumer prices rose 9.17% on-year in January and fell 0.07% on-month. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the result was “the best” in many years and put Indonesia on course for inflation of around 5% by August. Source : Trade and Investment News, Ministry Coordinator for. Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia

7

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Celebrating Mother’s Day On 20 December 2008, the Indonesian Embassy in Bern and Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI Bern (the Union of Indonesian Diplomat’s Wives, who stationed in Bern) organized its annual Mother’s Day which aimed at appreciating the role of mother in raising the children and taking a good care of the family not forgetting its role in supporting the husband as a Diplomat. The event was held in Petruskirche Gemeinde, Bern, from 12 pm until noon, which were attended by nearly 200 guests. The Ambassador, H.E. Lucia H. Rustam delivered her speech at the ceremony which marked the opening of this event. After the ceremony, Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI Bern, performed Indonesian popular songs, such as Antara Anyer dan Jakarta and Jali – jali and salsa dance. The children were also participated in the event by playing Angklung and perfomed Indonesian modern dances. Lastly, the visitors were allowed to enjoy Indonesian cuisines, prepared by Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI Bern, and musical entertainment by Mr. Candra Darusman, Indonesian famous singer.

8

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

About Us

The Embassy details Address: Opening hours: Telephone: Telefax: Email: Website:

Elfenauweg 51, 2006 Bern, Switzerland 09.00—12.00 (consular section) + 44 (0) 31 352 0983-5 + 44 (0) 31 351 6765 [email protected] www.indonesia-bern.org

INDONESIAN EMBASSY OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS FOR 2009

1.

Friday, 10 April,

Good Friday (Wafat Yesus Kristus)

2.

Monday, 13 April,

Easter Monday, Ostermontag

3.

Saturday, 9 May,

Birthday Anniversary of Buddha (Hari Raya Waisak 2553)

4.

Thursday, 21 May,

Ascension Day of Jesus Christ (Kenaikan Isa Almasih)

5.

Monday, 1 June,

Whitemonday, Pfingsmontag

6.

Monday, 20 July,

Ascension Day of Prophet Muhammad (Isra Mi’raj Nabi



Muhammad)

9

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

The Art of Fauzie As`Ad Fauzie`s Statement “I have no doubt that Art is an international Language for human beings to exchange emotion and express universalities. Art has given me the possibilities of combining the clear and definite north geometric lines with free and dynamic flow of south organic forms, as well as uniting the east and west energetic influences in my work until when I am working I can not see the borderlines between the north, east, south and west.”

PaintingExhibitioninBrunnen From February 1 to March 8, 2009, Fauzie As`ad, Indonesian artist living in Liechtenstein, has conducted his painting exhibition at the Galerie am Leewasser, Brunnen, Switzerland, with theme: Kunst ist Grenzenlos möglich/ Art knows no limit, which were attended by many arts lovers in Switzerland, curators, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Bern, H.E. Mrs. Lucia H. Rustam. Many of his paintings, which price ranging from 999 Swiss francs to more than 18000 Swiss francs, are sold out within a week. His sculptures are to be seen at the centre of Vaduz, Liechtenstein, making Fauzie As`ad, one of Indonesian artist with international reputation, we should be proud of.

Biography Born: September 1st. 1968 in Bekasi, West-Java, Indonesia. Living and Working since 1995 as an Artist in Principality of Liechtenstein.

10

Education

Workshops, Culture Exchange and Symposium

1974-1987 School in Bekasi and TasikSite Specific Art, Art Collaboration Indonesian-Australian in Yogyakarta (1993). malaya, West-Java, Indonesia. 1987-1988 Student at the Academy of Experimental Art at Duta Plaza Bekasi, Bekasi West-Java (1993). Interior Design in Jakarta, Indonesia. Workshops at social work Program for Underdeveloped Village in Wonosari Yogyakarta 1989-1994 Study at Indonesian Art Insti- 0(1994). tute of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Workshops-Art Collaboration with Militansi Seni Rupa Soboman 219 for Jogja Biennale 1997 Study How to work with Marble at VII (2005). “Laboratorio Scultura Luigi Corsanini” in Artist Exchange Liechtenstein-Senegal (1998). Carrara, Italy.

Scholarships

Artist Exchange Liechtenstein-Indonesien (2002).

Skulpturenwoche Bellevue-Quai Brunnen, Swiss (1999). 1987-1988 Scholarship from Pro Patria Foundation at the Academy of Interior DeInternationales Bildhauersymposion Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany(2001). sign, Jakarta. Internationales Bildhauersymposion in Mühlendorf-Teltow, Germany (2001). 1990-1993 Scholarship from Department Dielsdorfer sKULpTUR Werkstadt, Zürich, Swiss (2003). of Culture and Education of Indonesian Government. 7th. China Changchun International Sculpture Symposium, Jilin Province, China (2004). 1997 VP Bank- Cultural Scholarship from VP Bank Vaduz, Liechtenstein. “Man ist was man isst” Art Collaboration mit MSR S219 in Bukit Menoreh Yogyakarta, Indonesia (2005). 2000-2001 Culture Scholarship from The Government of Liechtenstein; Study tour, Museums and Galleries Visit in Berlin, Paris and London.

11

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Revitalization of songket weaving in West Sumatra

Bernhard Bart was born in 1947 in Bern. After having completed the regular schools in Bern he studied architecture at the Technical High School in Burgdorf and then worked as architect at different places in Switzerland until 1996. His only daughter from his first marriage died from cancer in 2006. He has a grandson aged 12 years. Together with his second wife he, now lives most of the year in Batutaba near Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, and visits Switzerland from time to time.

12

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

During extensive travels in Asia together with his wife, Bernhard Bart’s attention was drawn to the weaving handicrafts, especially the art of making textiles, the different techniques as well as the patterns and motifs of textiles. During six months (1977/78) they travelled from Medan eastwards all through Indonesia till Ambon and were overwhelmed by the many different kinds of textiles produced: From the west - the famous ulos of the Bataks in North Sumatra - till far to the east - the tie-dyed cloth called ikat on Tanimbar Island in South East Maluku. In 1996 he went to Padang, West Sumatra, in order to learn Bahasa Indonesia. He not only learnt the language, but also learnt a lot about the special weaving technique called “songket” of the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra. Songket is a kind of “brocade”. It is woven in supplementary weft technique, which means that the supplementary, usually metallic gold and silver threads form the patterns. In books he read that songket weaving in West Sumatra almost completely stopped with the Japanese occupation in 1942. The know-how of the old techniques, the knowledge about traditional patterns and pattern arrangements was no longer handed down from one generation to the other and therefore was already almost lost when, after independence, the production started again. But the fineness and extreme variety of the old motifs was never reached again. He noticed that today’s weavers no longer reproduce the old motifs because old cloths, which could serve as objects of reference and comparison, are very hard to find. Besides, the weaving of the old, very intricate motifs and patterns is more difficult, requires higher skills from the weavers and, above all, is much more time consuming than the weaving of contemporary patterns. In West Sumatra, he found only three weavers at two places who still knew about the traditional way of songket weaving. When he saw the poor quality textiles available on the market and compared them with the richness and fineness of the old songket

textiles he found in museums and antique shops he knew something had to be done in order to keep alive the knowledge about this old artistic handicraft.

fore World War II) have been photographically documented and more than eight hundred patterns have been computerized and are ready to be woven again.

He began to collect data about Minangkabau songket - the patterns, the pattern arrangements, the materials used - wherever and whenever he could. At first, the main task was to photograph the old patterns and to transform them into computer patterns, which could then be used as templates for the weavers. Up to now, more than one thousand two hundred old Minangkabau textiles (woven be-

By the way, his collection of songket textiles consists mostly of photographs and he has only very few pieces of real textiles which he keeps as objects of reference for his work. In his opinion, these old textiles, witnesses of a former time, should not be sold but kept in the families.

13

Aneka Indonesia

Another task was to look for the right materials and he found it quite difficult to obtain threads - cotton, silk and gold and silver threads - of the same fine quality as used in former times. He also had to construct new looms and to engage and instruct the weavers. In 2005, together with Indonesian friends, he founded the Studio Songket ErikaRianti to support him in his efforts and finally, in November 2006, the Studio Songket ErikaRianti exhibited 46 cloths which are replicas of old Minangkabau songkets in the “Galeri 6 Cemara”, Jakarta. It also published a book entitled “Revitalisasi Songket Lama Minangkabau”, telling about this process of revitalising the weaving of old Minangkabau songket. What was the reason for Bernhard Bart to keep these traditional motifs alive, to encourage their re-weaving and to revitalize the ones already lost? First it was the wish to preserve

14

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

or revive something beautiful, a fascinating handicraft, including the techniques and materials used in former times. But then, through his Indonesian friends, he became aware that it was also an important tool to strengthen the identity of the matrilineal Minangkabau people in view of the invasion by economical and cultural globalization, because each motif has a specific philosophical meaning and does not only serve as an ornament as in other regions. Each motif also has a name and represents an object, which is a symbol for an adat saying. Thus, the songket motifs are a means to preserve the culture and the identity of the Minangkabau people, and they are as well a medium to transmit the teaching of the adat, since the Minangkabau tradition is not left on record. Besides of producing replicas of traditional songket textiles, the Studio Songket ErikaRianti also tries to transform the traditional motifs used in wood carving in such a way, that they can be used in songket weaving. Another goal is to create fashionable, contemporary songkets but still using the traditional Minangkabau motifs, thus bringing their philosophical meaning into a modern context. Also, Bernhard Bart copied textile motifs carved in stone on statues from the 13th century found in Indonesia. For the first time such a carved “stone textile” has now been woven with threads. Near Bukittinggi in the highlands of West Sumatra he has designed and built a weaving atelier for the Studio Songket ErikaRianti and a home for his friends and himself and his wife, which has just been completed. When produc-

tion at this place will have started again and is working well, he hopes to be able to have another exhibition.

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Potentials and Opportunities

Tradition is still quite strong in West Sumatra and he is convinced that, as long as the adat is the basic foundation of the daily life of the Minangkabau people, as long as certain textiles are worn at certain occasions, and, above all, as long as people are conscious of the meaningfulness of these textiles, his project will successfully go on and the art of weaving sophisticated Minangakabau songkets will endure. But on the other hand, he wishes more private initiative: Indonesia is very rich at raw materials (wood, rattan, gambir, palm oil, gas, rubber, and many more), which should not just be exported as done today, but processed first, thus creating more labour and income. Then it would be possible, for instance, to obtain silk “made in Indonesia”, which is quite difficult at the moment. When asked why he - as an architect - is so fascinated by the weaving techniques he answers: “There are many similarities between architecture and the weaving handicraft: Whether building a house or creating a woven textile, you have to consider the habits of the people you work for. The house as well as the cloth has to be designed and calculated, and everything has to be planned in advance. You have to know about the materials and their special qualities, about the different techniques and the colours. Building a house is creating a home for people, weaving a cloth is creating a home for the body”. Studio Songket ErikaRianti Komplek SMKN 1 Jorong Panca, Batutaba Kec. Ampek Angkek, Kab. Agam West Sumatra, Indonesia Website: www.songketminang.com E-mail: [email protected]

Bernhard Bart, when was the first time that you came to Indonesia? I visited Indonesia for the first time in 1977. Together with my wife I travelled during 6 months from Medan eastwards all through Indonesia till Ambon, using public transport like buses, ships, and the railway. Already then I was overwhelmed by the many different kinds of woven textiles produced.

Second, the history: In the relatively small area of the highlands of West Sumatra, the heartland of the Minangkabau people, there used to be many different weaving centres (for example Koto Gadang, Limapuluh Kota, Tanjung Sungayang, Batusangkar, Ampek Angkek, Pandai Sikek, Silungkang, Solok, Muara Labuh, Lintau, Padang Magek, Pitalah) and each centre had its own very distinctive typical motifs and pattern arrangements.

What makes songket so interesting for you?

What is your favourite songket? From which province? And why?

There are two reasons: First, the technique. Unlike other techniques - for example batik where the pattern is created on an already woven cloth, or ikat where the pattern is made before weaving - in songket weaving the pattern develops during the process of weaving.

In Indonesia, songkets with metallic threads were woven in Sumatra, West Kalimantan and Bali. My favourite songket textiles are the ones from the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra. Within this area the old songkets from Koto Gadang show the finest and most intricate motifs. I think the old songkets from

West Sumatra are the finest in Indonesia and belong to the finest hand-woven brocade textiles of the world. Besides, for the Minangkabau people each motif on a songket cloth has a specific philosophical meaning and does not only serve as an ornament as in other regions. Most Minangkabau motifs have three meanings (a literal, an implied and a hidden meaning), which I shall explain by means of the following example, the motif “bada mudiak” (fish swimming upstream): 1. Literally, this motif is a symbol of courage and determination, since it requires courage to swim against the current. Also, the fish are doing this in a swarm, which obviously means that difficulties can be overcome more easily by acting together as members of the community.

15

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

2. What is the reason the fish are swimming upstream? On its way to the sea the river gets contaminated, therefore, the clearest water is found at its source. This implies that in order to solve a problem you have to find and examine its source.

How is the Studio Songket ErikaRianti progressing and what are your plans for the future? In November 2006 the Studio Songket ErikaRianti had an exhibition in the “Galeri 6 Cemara” in Jakarta, showing 46 cloths which are replicas of old Minangkabau songkets. The originals which served as models for these replicas are to be admired in the Museum der Kulturen in Basel, in the Fowler Museum in Los Angeles, in the Museum Adityawarman in Padang and in private collections. This was the first step: To prove that it is still possible to produce songkets of the same high quality and as fine and complex as they were woven long ago.

What does this mean “Songket Revitalization”? Today, only two weaving centres are left, Silungkang and Pandai Sikek, and the former richness of different typical patterns is lost. The Pandai Sikek patterns have spread all over West Sumatra and nowadays the majority of songkets is woven in Pandai Sikek style. Therefore, songket revitalization means to produce sophisticated textiles which show the same fineness, the richness and extreme variety of patterns and the same intricate motifs as they were woven about 100 years ago. Moreover, by its production of replicas of old traditional songket textiles the Studio Songket ErikaRianti returns the significance to these textiles, returns the meanings to the motifs, revives one of the many local “colours” of the Minangkabau cultural heritage, which is unique in the world.

Together with Indonesian friends I founded the Studio Songket ErikaRianti in 2005. First it was difficult to find high quality metallic thread (gold and silver) as well as high quality silk thread. This problem has now been solved but it is still very difficult to work together with

Having reached this goal the Studio Songket ErikaRianti tries to produce fashionable contemporary songkets still using the traditional Minangkabau motifs. It also adapted traditional motifs used in woodcarving and motifs found on a stone statue in East Java (13th century) in such a way that they could be used in songket weaving.

local suppliers of threads and weaving tools since they often sell wholesale only. Still another problem is to find weavers, which possess the high skills to weave the demanding, very complicated old patterns and, on top, have the patience to work on the same cloth for 2 - 3 months. A simple cloth as it is woven today is usually finished in only 2 weeks.

Do you sell your songket collection as well? My songket collection consists mainly of photographs. I possess only a few pieces of real textiles which serve as objects of reference for my work and as teaching material for our weavers, and are not for sale. The replicas produced by the Studio Songket

16

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

ErikaRianti are intended for the market in order to keep up the traditional handicraft of songket weaving. Quite many Minangkabau people living in Jakarta admire and purchase our products and therefore support our efforts to revitalise songket weaving.

3. Only very few old Minangkabau people still know that there is a third, a theological meaning hidden behind these values: seeking for the pure truth, you have to go back to the supreme source which is the truth of God.

You founded the Studio Songket ErikaRianti, what kind of difficulties you’ve found so far in operating the weaving studio?

Aneka Indonesia

At the moment the Studio Songket ErikaRianti is training local people to weave these sophisticated songkets in order to restore this traditional handicraft to a centre (Ampek Angkek) where songket weaving was once flourishing. Do you have any plans to promote Minangkabau Songkets in Switzerland? Not really. The typical Minangkabau songkets (that is our replicas) are intended for the Minangkabau people; they do belong to their

culture. Certainly, I would like to show and make known this handicraft product to the Swiss people, since they are in general interested in foreign cultures. But I don’t think that there will be a big market for songket because Swiss people don’t have a tradition to wear textiles showing such a lot of gold. Do you think Minangkabau Songket can get the attention of the international market? Certainly. Especially the Arab countries like golden textiles. But the Studio Songket ErikaRianti is too small a firm to produce for an international market. Lastly, what is your hope for Minangkabau Songket? I hope that the richness and variety of songket textiles, the fine and complex patterns of former times and the know-how of the different techniques can be restored again, thus

building the basis for further development. Moreover, when the patterns are still woven the knowledge about their meanings is kept alive. Tradition has to live and as long as the adat (custom) is the basic foundation of the daily life of the Minangkabau people and as long as people are conscious about the meaningfulness of these textiles, the art of weaving sophisticated Minangkabau songkets will endure. To achieve this it is important to further the Indonesian people to take pride in their own cultural heritage.

17

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Heimtextil 2009 Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO), facilitated three of Indonesian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs); Aneka Tusma, PT Piviko Manunggal and PT Retota Sakti to participate in a collective stand, together with 4 Vietnamese companies at the International Trade Fair, Heimtextil, Frankfurt on January 14-17 2009. At the invitation of SIPPO, Indonesian Ambassador to Switzerland, H. E. Mrs. Lucia H. Rustam on January 15-16 2009 were visiting the exhibition. HEIMTEXTIL is the world’s largest international trade fair for home and contract textiles. The Heimtextil presents the latest developments from the fields of fashion, design and architecture for exhibitors and visitors. This year’s fair featured a total of 2,700 exhibitors from 60 countries. Swiss Import Promotion Programme is a mandate from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO), carried out by Osec. The programme supports SMEs from emerging markets and markets in transition to access the Swiss and European markets. Due to an increasing demand for home-textile products in the international market, since 1999 SIPPO has been participating every year at the Heimtextil. SIPPO has also been supporting Indonesian SMEs in several European International Fairs for many times now. Participation in these fairs is a good chance for Indonesian SMEs to enlarge their relationship and promote their products within European buyers. The products of Indonesian SMEs that were exhibited in HEIMTEXTIL 2009 including tablewares, interior accessories, upholstery, handbags, baskets & boxes, housewares, fashion accessories, gifts & accessories, which are made of textile and various fibres such as mendong, pandan leaf, enceng gondok and seaweed.

18

This year’s exhibition was dominated by three Asian countries : India, Pakistan and China. Whereas for Europe, was mostly dominated by Germany as the host country, followed by Italy and Spain. Products that were exhibited was grouped into: 1. Window, consists of : fabrics, curtains, tex tile curtains accessories; 2. Upholstery, consists of : upholstery fabrics, upholstery leather, decorative cush ion; 3. Floor, consists of : carpets, floor covering; 4. Sun, consists of : sun protection systems (internal and external sun protection systems), non-textile curtain accessories; 5. Wall, consists of : wallpapers, wall coverings, accessories; 6. Decor, consists of : Non-textile and coated table coverings, films and foils, colours, varnishes, wall design; After coming to Frankfurt under the shadow of the worldwide economic downturn and a sense of crisis, numerous exhibitors found their expectations of the fair to have been

exceeded by a significant margin. The wide range of products and themes covered at Heimtextil 2009 was also well received on the visitor side with 91 percent of visitors from home and abroad saying they were highly satisfied with the results of the fair and praised the quality of the innovations and marketing incentives offered by exhibitors for the coming season. Although Heimtextil 2009 attracted fewer visitors than in 2008 (74,000 from 121 countries), SIPPO reported that their collective stand were able to receive valuable new contacts and they were especially satisfied with the customer frequentation on the second day. In total the companies made 205 new contacts. Several offers and even orders could be noted directly at the fair. The followup consists in preparation of 60 offers and the companies hope to establish approximately 25 new business-relations within the next 7 months. The visitor profile of the exhibition included purchasers, retailers, hotel and restaurant,

designers, interior design and decorators. The top ten visitor nations after Germany are: Italy, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, France, Belgium, Turkey, Poland, Greece and the USA. Against the trend, some African countries, such as Egypt and Algeria, registered an increase in visitor numbers, albeit a very small one. According to the three Indonesian SMEs that joined HEIMTEXTIL 2009, their appointment by SIPPO not only because of their experience in the field of fashion, the size of company’s export, and activity in product development and design; but also because their companies utilize a lot of manpower from the local inhabitants, and the use of environmentally friendly material in their production. These three SMEs employ approximately 100 – 600 people, and have also exported their products to the United States, Japan and several European countries (Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland). Beside the trio, there were actually two other Indonesian companies participated at the exhibition at their own expense, i.e. PT Indah Jaya from Jati Uwung Tangerang-Banten and PT Paberik Tekstil Kassrie from Pandaan-East Java. They have participated in the Heimtextil many times before, and this year both companies exhibited towels.

Apart from the exhibition, this event was also accompanied by seminars and workshops that covered the latest development and trend of design, colour, etc., which offer visions for design in the coming season. In these regard, participation of Indonesian exhibitors, related government officials, and private sector leaders would be an excellent opportunity to acquire an in-depth knowledge on latest developments in the textile sector, obstacles facing the sector and means to overcome them, which in turn will improve the development of textile industry in Indonesia. Other Trade Fairs which will be supported by SIPPO in 2009 are : • CEBIT – Information Technology (IT), Han nover, March 3-8, 2009 • Hannover Messe - Technical Products, Metal Processing, Automation Hannover, April 20-24, 2009. Indonesian SME which will be participated in the event is ATMI from Surakarta, a man ufacturer of plastic injection molds for their molast and thermoset, plastic injection parts, precision parts (automotive, elec tronic and medical parts), and automation engineering.

sel, April 28-30 2009 • Vitafoods International - Nutraceutical, Cos meceutical and Functional Food Ingredients industry, Geneva, May 5-7 2009 • Interzum - event for suppliers of the fur niture industry, exhibited Wooden Products, Parquet, Panelling, Doors, Windows, SemiFinished Products, Köln, May 13-16 2009. Two Indonesian SMEs will be participated in the exhibition. • Tendence Lifestyle Decorate Life – Inter national consumer goods fair for the au tumn, winter and Christmas, Frankfurt, July 3-7 2009 • CPD – Womenswear, Düsseldorf, July 26-28 2009 • Spoga – Garden Furniture, Köln, August 30– September 1, 2009 • Travel Trade Workshop (TTW) in Montreux, November 4-6 2009 • FiE - Food Ingredients Europe und NiNatural Ingredients Europe, Frankfurt, November 17-19 2009

• European Seafood Exposition (ESE), Brus-

19

Aneka Indonesia

Aneka Indonesia

Destination

Dream destination

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

southernmost rim of the South China Sea and close to one of world’s busiest sealanes linking the Far East with Europe, the region’s historical background is undoubtedly rich and colorful. Once the very site of the Buddhist Kingdom of Sriwijaya, it practiced a bustling trade with then ancient China during its era dynasties. Inevitable of course, were the interacting forces of the two different cultures at the time, which nowadays are still noticeable as consequences of the past. The visitors can easily reach South Sumatra by air through four major airports at Palembang, Pangkal Pinang, Bangka and Belitung islands, all having direct connections with Medan, Batam, Padang, Jakarta, and not long from now with Singapore too. Air-conditioned buses from points North and West of Palembang are regularly available, as well as from cities on Java and Bali. Geographically Geographically, South Sumatra province is located between 1o and 4o South Latitude and between 102o and 108o East Longitude.

SOUTH SUMATRA One of the greatest kingdoms in Indonesian history, the Buddhist Empire of Sriwijaya, prospered along the banks of Musi River in South Sumatra over a thousand years ago. Located on the southern-most rim of the South China Sea, close to the one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes linking the Far East with Europe, the Region’s historical background is rich and colourful. The Sriwijaya kingdom practised a bustling and incrative trade with ancient China during its era of powerful dynasties. In 672 the Chinese scholar, I Tsing, recorded that a thousand monks and scholars could be seen translating and studying Sanskrit in Palembang. Few relics of this memorable are remain. Stretching

20

from the foothills of the mighty Bukit Barisan mountain range, this province is relatively flat but very fertile, with numerous rivers cutting across the landscape and meandering their way to the sea. Coffee and tea plantations are scattered across the province, but area’s enormous wealth comes from oil, natural gas, coal, tin and quartz reserves. South Sumatra Province is situated on the eastern side of Bukit Barisan mountain range South Sumatra province is relatively flat, nevertheless fertile, as numerous rivers crisscross and meander through out the region. Palembang is its capital city and as the gateway to the province, lies right on the banks of the great Musi River, 60 km upstream

and navigable by oceangoing vessels. No wonder that most major social and economic activities should center in Palembang and Musi River where the region’s pride, Ampera Bridge, is found as well. South Sumatra is famous for Songket wearing which are made of silk thread combined with gold thread. Palembang also famous for its wood carving motifs which are influenced by the chinese and Buddhist. The carving are dominated by decorations in the form of jasmine flower and lotus that can be seen in the furnitures and lacquers. Palembang’s famous fruits are pineaple and duku (Lansium domisticum). Because of its sheer location on the

The boundaries of the area is: North side: South China Sea West side: Jambi Province and Bengkulu Province South side: Lampung Province East side: Java Sea Administratively South Sumatra Province is divided among 8 regencies, 2 municipals and 3 administrative towns with Palempang as its capital city. Temperature The humidity of south Sumatra province is 78%. The rainfall range is variation between 2,000 - 3,000 mm per year and an average wind velocity of 3.23 km per hour. And the temperature ranges between 21.8o C and 32.2o C.

21

Aneka Indonesia

Dream destination

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

A migration flow to this province is supported by the existence of heavy plantation exertion, mining and transmigration program. The population density of this province is 58,8 people per Km2 (1994). Compared to the average national population growth amounted to 2.144% per year, this province was on the lower level with 1.10% per year. Wide Area

In 1942 - 1945 during Japanese expansion, this building ruled by Japanese armies and handed over to Palembangnese after the independence proclaimed in 1945. In 1949, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum renovated and punctuated the function as Sriwijaya II Toritorium and used as central rezimen of Sriwijaya IV. Based on the research conducted by National Archeological team in 1988, the Kuto Lama brick foundation found under the scalded wooden-block.

The area of south Sumatra province is 103,688 sq. km width. Medan and other towns of North Sumatra. Its largest groups are Chinese and Indian, being naturalized Indonesian citizens. Other Indonesian tribes like Acehnese, Minangkabau, Javanese, etc. also live in many parts here. Each of the mentioned tribes as well as the ethnic groups has its own dialect, religion, beliefs, traditional customs, etc. Arts and cultures make this region, a paradise for social scientists. Among the ancient Indonesian cultures which can be seen at Samosir island are the centuries old tombs of Batak Toba kings and a stone-table with its benches, where meetings were formerly held by the Siallagan chiefs.

3. Water Tower Office This building was founded in 1982 and previously used Syuco office during Japanese era in 1942-1945 and then used as city hall untuil 1956. This building provided water treatment supplies for public office. In 1963 Water Tower Office changed into Palembang Government Central Office. 4. Ampera Bridge

HERITAGE SITE in Palembang, South Sumatra 1. Kuto Besak Fortress

It has 288,75m length, 183, 75 m width, 9.99 m height and 1.99 m thick. Each

22

Dream

destination

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

In 1821, this palace attacked by the Dutch Colony and in October 17th, 1823 demolished under Dutch Commissaries requirement, I.L Van Seven House as the revenge to Sultanate who burnt Aur rive Loji. The museum rebuilt in 1825 and become Dutch government secretariat and resident.

Demography

An interesting fact about this museum is that it took 17 years to build it, started in 1780 and inaugurated to use it in Monda 21st Februari 1797. The idea of f this fortress development was Mahmud Badaruddin Sultanate I (1724 - 1758).

Aneka Indonesia

corner provide entrance, the Northwest side entrance is different with three others. The same 3 entrances represent the characteristic of Kuto Besak Fortress. The main entrance, Lawang Kuto allowed visitors to look out to Musi River. While the entrance in the back door called Lawang Buritan. This fortress has become Palembangnese proud since its the biggest and the only fortress made-up from stone wall and strongly

related as the witness of their successes fought against European enemy. 2.SultanMahmudBadaruddinMuseum This museum was the former Kuto Lama Fortress where the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jayo Wikramo and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I (1724 - 1758) stated their Keraton (palace).

Built above Musi River which has 1.777 m length, 22 m width and 11.50 m height funded from war confiscation of Japanese Government by Soekarno instruction, Indonesia President started in April 1962 and finished 1964. Previously named Musi Bridge then changed to Ampera Bridge since it operated on New Era period. AMPERA word stands for Amanat Penderitaan Rakyat (Message of Folks Tribulation). Before 1970, the center part of Ampera Bridge could be lift up and passed by big ship with 44.50 m height on maximum. Now days, for maintenance reason ship isnt allowed to cross over. 5. Limas Traditional House Built along the river banks, facing away from

the water so daily household activities can be done in privacy. These very ornate wooden houses are raised on stills, and usually 15-20 meters in width and from 30-60 meters, from Colums; door and window frames to ventilation panels are intricately carved. Natural Beauty of South Sumatra Curup Tenang Waterfall Curup Tenang Waterfall is 2 hours drive from Palembang. It is a land of rivers and waterfalls, where the water cascades from a height of 90 meters into deep pool. Putri Cave Putri Cave is situated at the edge of Padang Windu Village, 35 Km from Baturaja. It is 156 m long and 8-20 m wide. The maximum height is 20 m. In the cave there are many stalagtites and stalagmites and a stream which empties into River Ogan. Ranau Lake Ranau Lake is 125 Km from Baturaja. It is 8x16 sq km and surrounded hills and valleys in Mount Seminung. Mount Dempo Mount Dempo. On the skirt of Mt. Dempo

there are a complete facilities to see the natural tea plantation in Pagar Alam it is the highest peak in South Sumatra and might be reached directly from Palembang city by car about 6 hours drive (295 kilometers). Enjoy the mountain bike, camping, tea walk and hiking. Sembilang National Park Sembilang National Park. has a 45.000 sq hectares wildlife reserve. It is a paradise for various kinds of birds (pelican, hornbill, milky stork, etc) there are two kinds of Sumatran Crocodile and numpback dolphins.

23

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Cuisine

MPEK MPEK PALEMBANG

Quick tips for travellers

Serves: 6 persons Ingredients: • 300 g flesh of Spanish mackerels, grinded • 100 cc warm water • 1 tsp salt • 200 g sago palm flour • 100 g wheat flour • 6 eggs, broke into a bowl Sauce: • 750 cc water • 5 cloves garlic, crushed • 5 chilies, chopped • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 150 g sugar • 150 g brown sugar • 1 tsp salt • 3 tbsp vinegar • 2 cucumbers cut into cube sized pieces • 100 g wet noodles • 150 g dried shrimps, grinded Directions: 1. Mix flesh of fish, warm water and salt. Add sago palm flour and wheat flour little by little while mixing until it is mixed.

24

2.

Form it oval (about 75 g); make a hole in the middle by point finger. Then turn it around while pressed until it becomes a pocket and put some broke raw egg in. Shut and close the hole tightly.

3. 4.

Boil some water and put pempek one by one. Wait pempek until it floats at the surface. Take them out and drained. Soup: Boil some water. Put in garlic, chilies, soy sauce, sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Boil them and sugar was soluble. Filter the dregs. Add vinegar and mix it.

5.

Fry pempek in much oil enough. Take them out and drain when they are brownish.

6.

Serving: Cut fried pempek into bite sized pieces and put in a plate. Add noodles and cucumbers above them and pour the soup. Pempek kapal selam is ready to be offered.

Traditional canoes, Bali

Rice paddies, Ubud, Bali

Senggigi Beach, Lombok

Great Mosque, Medan Photos by Jill Gocher and Bambang Wijanarko

Immigration

Customs and border regulations

Foreigners planning to visit Indonesia should be aware of recent developments in the laws, regulations and procedures concerning visas that have been set by the Indonesian Government, such as the new immigration regulations concerning the new Index of Visa and Visa on Arrival.

Before entering Indonesia, be sure to respect Indonesian Government customs regulations. A maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco, and a reasonable amount of perfume are allowed per entry, per adult. Cameras, video cameras, portable radios and cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are allowed provided they are taken out on departure. They must also be declared at customs. Firearms, narcotics, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones are prohibited. The penalties for smuggling drugs are severe and include the death penalty. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board. While there are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currencies and travellers checks, the import and export of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited.

As of 12 June 2006, the nationals from the following 52 countries can apply for visas on arrival for short visits (tourist purposes): Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The visa on arrival facility is valid for a maximum of 30 days and costs US$ 10 for 7 days and US$ 30 for 25 days. The visa can be obtained from all major airports and seaports across Indonesia. In addition to the visa, all visitors to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months and have proof of onward passage.

Transport Metered taxis exist in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali and Lampung. Although the fares fluctuate with the price of oil, they range from Rp.3,0005,000 for hailing an air-conditioned cab (approximately Rp. 2,800 for each additional kilometer) to Rp. 6,000 for Silverbird taxis.

Rental car rates vary from area to area—ask at your local hotel for more information on rates and distances. Other forms of transport in Indonesia are the bajaj for two passengers, the becak, and small buses and vans plying regular routes—all of which require advanced bargaining in order to come to a mutually accepted fare. Buses are very crowded, particularly in the cities. Trains are available on the island of Java and in parts of Sumatra. To cut down on travel time, Garuda Indonesia flies daily to all major cities of the archipelago. Other companies such as Merpati Nusantara, Bouraq, and Mandala, Lion Air, Awair and Pelita also have an extensive network of domestic routes. Airport authorities levy airport taxes of Rp. 50,000 for travellers on international routes and Rp. 11,000 for those on domestic routes. Visitors arriving in Soekarno-Hatta airport should be aware of the fact that taxi drivers add road tolls of Rp. 7,000 and surcharges ranging from Rp. 7,500 to Rp. 14,000 depending on the destination within Jakarta. Buses also run from the airport to five destinations within Jakarta every 20 minutes and charge Rp, 5,000 per person plus luggage. At other airports there are transport counters with fixed fares for taxis. Communication and electricity Long Distance, IDD, facsimile and internet services are available in all major cities and

25

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Calender of Events Lombok Sunset

hotels, as well as in the telecommunications offices (Wartel). While most hotels in big cities use 220 volts and a two-pronged plug, a number of establishments in the provinces may still use 110 volts, so it is better to check before using an appliance. Weather The dry season in Indonesia lasts from June to October and the rainy season lasts from November to March. The temperature fluctuates between 33°C (62°F) and 21°C (41°F) and humidity is high at all times. Tipping and bargaining A service charge of 10% is added to the bill in most hotels. Tips of between 5 to 10% are deemed reasonable in restaurants where no service charge has been added. Airport or hotel porters expect to receive Rp. 5,000 per bag. Tipping taxi drivers or leaving the change is appreciated but not mandatory—make sure to carry small change as taxi drivers frequently run out. Shops and department stores in the big cities have fixed prices and are open from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. everyday, including sometimes Sunday, but be prepared to bargain in smaller shops. Food and drink Restaurants specialising in European, American and Oriental cuisine including fast food restaurants can be found across Indonesia. Many of Indonesia’s traditional dishes are hot and spicy; be sure to ask both how hot and how much they will cost before ordering. Imported and local beverages are widely available, stick to bottled drinks when in doubt.

26

May Waisak Festival at Borobudur Indonesians celebrate the Waisak Festival, remembering the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, at Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument. The five-mile pilgrimage from Mendut to the serene sitting Buddha on the top of Borobodur is walked by hundreds of monks in saffron robes carrying offerings of flowers and candles. As the moon rises over the horizon, throwing white light onto the smooth stone exterior of the ancient temple, candles are lit and the monks begin praying, meditating and chanting well into the evening, a vision guaranteed to remain with you forever. Borobodur is an amazing place at any time of year, but the holiness of the site is particularly apparent during this important religious festival.

ISEM MULANG A DAYAK ART AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL Isen Mulang is an Art and Cultural Event, it is the representation of the Dayak art and culture, it is also the blending of Indonesian art and culture under the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity). It is an annual agenda in Central Kalimantan province that is always conducted in the spirit of simplicity and away from the glamorous living. Be yourself and lets go to discover the unique world of art and traditional culture of beautiful land of Dayak in Central Kalimantan on 19 to 23 of May 2006 at Palangka Raya city, the capital of central Kalimantan Province - Indonesia.

World Ocean Conference 2009 Manado, Indonesia, 11-15 May 2009 Indonesia is proudly hosting the

www.woc2009.org World Ocean Conference 2009 to build commitment for sustainable management of marine resources Indonesia has taken the initiative to organize the World Ocean Conference (WOC 2009) in Manado, Noth Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, from 11 to 15 May 2009. WOC 2009 will be attended by Ministers and High Level Government Officials as well as by Senior Officials from Multilateral Organization. It is aimed at developing a common understanding and firm commitment to face up to the impact of climate change on the state of the world’s oceans and to increase our understanding of the role of the oceans in determining the rate of global climate change. The city of Manado will also host the Coral Triangle Initiative/CTI Summit 2009 scheduled to be held on 15 may 2009. Heads of state/government from six member countries (Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua new Guinea, Solomon islands Timor Leste and Indonesia) and two observer countries, namely Australia and USA, are expected to attend the Summit. President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, scheduled to officially open WOC 2009, will invite a number of world leaders to attend the conference.

June Sriwijaya Festival June 16 – 23 Palembang, South Sumatra The main goal of this festival is to increase the appreciation of the locals to their own culture. One of the annual events in Palembang, this festival includes traditional and contemporary cultural performances, speed boat races, boat decorating contests, and exhibition of old Sriwijaya (the ancient kingdom in Palembang) boat and other entertainments.

July Bali Arts Festival The Bali Arts Festival is a full month of daily performances, handicraft exhibitions and other related cultural and commercial activities during which literally the whole of Bali comes to the city to present its offerings of dance, music and beauty. On display are trances from remote mountain slopes, forgotten or recently revived village dances, food and offering contests, classical palace dances, stars

of Balinese stage, odd musical performances, “kreasi baru” (new creations) from the dance schools of Denpasar, as well as contemporary choreography and dance companies from other islands and from abroad. http://www.baliculturefestival.com/home.htm

Toba Lake Festival Parapat and Samosir Island, North Sumatra Lasting a whole week, this festival is centered around Toba Lake, the largest lake in Asia, and situated in the highlands of North Sumatra. Featuring traditional sports, boat races, cultural performances and contemporary shows, horse racing and water sports competition, also local handicrafts exhibition

August Krakatau Festival Lampung

southern tip of Sumatra.

Borneo Festival Banjarmasin, South Kalimatan Honoring the Dayak and Melayu culture, the event is participated by all the provinces in Kalimantan, as well as Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam as honored guests.

This annual event is held at the end of August to remember Krakatau`s eruption in the late 19th century. The volcano is located in the Sunda Strait, South of Lampung, in the

27

s e i t i v i t c A

Aneka Indonesia

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Pasar Senggol

and attended by the Embassy during the months of January to April 2009.

Following the success of the first Pasarsenggol in 2008 at Schützenhaus Thalwil, the third Pasarsenggol was held on March 21, 2009, which took place at the same venue as last year. Pasarsenggol then becomes an annual event, held twice a year, aimed at promoting Indonesia culture, traditional Indonesian food and drink as well as Indonesian home products to Indonesian society in Switzerland. There were around 300 visitors participated in this event. Besides presenting traditional Indonesian food and drink stands, there were also some stands presenting Indonesian home products, such as Indonesian pearls and batik. Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy various Indonesian culinary delights and buy Indonesian unique products.

January World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009

The Embassy of Indonesia in Bern also opened a stand as to promote Indonesian tourism and culture by giving free flyers and brochures of Indonesia tourism with theme: “VISIT INDONESIA YEAR 2009”. H.E. Mrs. Lucia H. Rustam, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Switzerland, and H.E. Mr. Dian Triansyah Djani, Head of Indonesian Permanent Mission to the United Nation Organizations in Geneva, also attended this event. Pasarsenggol continued until 11 pm, allowing the guests to meet some new and old friends and enjoy the Indonesian atmosphere.

Founded in 1971, the Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) meets annually in Davos, Switzerland to bring together top business and political leaders as well as mostly neoliberal minded intellectuals, economists, journalists, and others.

28

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

March

In this section, Aneka Indonesia states on the main activities and events organised

Began on January 28th 2009, amid one of the worst global financial crisis in decades, the objective of WEF’s 39th annual meeting is in line with this year’s theme “Shaping the Post-Crisis World”, to catalyse a holistic and systematic approach to improve the state of the world in a manner that integrates all stakeholders of global society. Indonesian contingent to the meeting included Trade Minister, Mari Pangestu and Bank Indonesia Senior Deputy Governor, Miranda S. Goeltom. Concerning the issue of protectionism, in an interview with Reuter in Davos, Mari Pangestu mentioned, “Indonesia is also beginning to encounter barriers to its exports from developed and developing countries”, she said, echoing concerns about growing

Aneka Indonesia

Indonesia Diashow – Across the Mysterious Archipelago protectionism from many trade ministers as the economic crisis intensifies. “However, these measures are quite sector-specific”, she said, pointing to anti-dumping measures by Turkey, Egypt and Brazil against Indonesian textile yarn, and by Australia against Indonesian paper. “We are concerned that there will be increases of such measures, including possible other kinds of regulations that would appear to restrict imports,” she said. Pangestu added that Indonesia wanted a conclusion of the World Trade Organisation’s

Doha round to free up world trade, which was even more important now to shield developing countries from protectionist moves by rich nations, but this would require a push from political leaders. “The relevancy and the existence of the WTO is even more imperative now. We should not reinvent architecture, because it’s still the best architecture we have, and it’s still the fairest architecture we have for developing countries,” she said.

By Dominique Wirz From 2nd to 15th of March 2009, Dominique Wirz has performed his renowned picture show “Indonesia – Across the Mysterious Archipelago”, in 9 cities across Switzerland, such as in Winterthur, Zug, Zürich, St. Gallen, Wil, Bern, Biel, Olten, Effretikon and in Efretikon, Germany. Around 500 visitors attended the show on March 10, at Hotel Jardin in Bern. The show consists of splendid images projected onto a big screen, arranged with excellent music, original sounds and exciting live comment from Dominique Wirz. He start-

ed his presentation by showing the guests his adventurous journey throughout the island of Sumatra, then continued to the exotic island of Java, the paradise island of Bali, the marvelous island of Sulawesi and lastly to the surprising island of Papua, allowing the guests to discover the natural beauty of Indonesia and to reveal some of the last secrets of this mysterious archipelago.

29

Aneka Indonesia

Top Indonesian Badminton players, such as Joko Riyadi, Candra Wijaya, Nova Widhianto, Lilyana Natsir, Hendra Setiawan, Taufiq Hidayat, and other Indonesian Badminton top players have competed with 300 Badminton top players from 35 countries at the annual prestigious badminton championship, Wilson Badminton Swiss Open 2009, which took place from the 10th to the 15th of March 2009 at St.Jakobshalle in the city of Basel. Despite its excellent performance, the Indonesian team has to admit the success of other teams, as three top Indonesian players have lost during the semifinals, making it unable to following the success of Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, who won the second place at the men’s double category of Wilson Badminton Swiss Open in 2008. However, visitors of Wilson Badminton Swiss Open have shown great enthusiasm, as Indonesian team performed, particularly during the performance of Taufiq Hidayat, which got a huge applause from the audience. Some audiences at the St. Jakobshalle Basle were coming from neighboring countries, such as Germany, France and England

No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Aneka Indonesia - December 2006

the n o e d i s n I ion t i d e next

Volume 1, No. 3

a k e Indonesia An

Aneka Indonesia will be featuring Komodo and Lombok Island as main topic in its Dream Destination section in the next edition. Komodo and Lombok Island will be presented in details which include its famous art and culture. The next edition will also be featuring the Pencak Silat (Indonesian traditional martial arts) Association in Switzerland. Last but not least, the traditional recipe of Ayam Taliwang has been chosen as the recipe of the next edition for its famous among the tourists and Indonesians.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If your friend or family wish to have a copy of Aneka Indonesia

Please send Aneka Indonesia to : Name :_______________________________________________________________________________

Adress

:_______________________________________________________________________________



_______________________________________________________________________________

Send this form (in an stamp envelope) to:

30

ANEKA INDONESIA c/o Indonesian Embassy Elfenauweg 51 CH-3006 Bern

31

http://www.indonesia-bern.org/

http://www.deplu.go.id/

http://www.my-indonesia.info/

http://www.pasarwisata.com/