NEWS BULLETIN ASIA WORLD INDONESIA
#ConnectingAsiaToTheWorld Issue #19 | July 2017
BNI Plataran Xtrail 2017
Find Out! Balinese Celebrations and Festivals on This Month
TOUR OF THE MONTH
HORSE RIDING
on The Beach
10 22
14
CONTENTS HOTEL Welcome To The Premier Life
10
Leading Japanese Luxury
12
Resort brand opens its first hotel abroad The Newest of The Pandawa
14
Estate Properties
PRIVATE ISLAND Isle East Indies
20
TIGER ISLAND
22
Krakal Is l a nd
24
12
40 CONTENTS AWI INFO
48
HR News
18
Traditional Indonesian Recipe
46
SPECIAL NEWS BNI Plataran Xtrail 2017
19
Tribal people of Indonesia -
28
The Manusela 6th Bali International Choir Festival 2017
TOUR OF THE MONTH Horse Riding on The Beach
32
48
Tumpek Wayang
34
The 38th Annual Bali Kites
36
Festival(s) 2017 Makepung Buffalo Races
40
Indonesia’s Batik Air
46
General Manager’s
M E S S AG E Dear valued partners Welcome into the month of July.
In the Airlines news section, we are showcasing
This month in Bali we celebrate several festivals
Batik Air new routes plan to India.
such as the 6th Bali International Choir Festival,
And this month I would like to introduce you
the 38th Annual Bali Kite Festival, the famous
to the Manusela people, an ethnic local tribe
Makepung Buffalo Races in the Jembrana
from Seram in the Malukus. More details in this
area and BNI Plataran Xtrail 2017 (Nature Trail
News Bulletin.
Run event in Bali). More in this News Bulletin.
And I am also continuing to introduce our Teams
And on July 29th we celebrate the Tumpek
to you. This month I would like to introduce our
Wayang, a day where the Balinese honor
Manager France Mr. Rudi Sulistyawan.
and bless the traditional art form of shadow
And last but not least this months “Marcel’s
puppetry. More in this News Bulletin.
favorite Indonesian recipe for you to cook at
We are also showcasing new hotels, hotel
home”…….Fu Yung Hai, a Chinese inspired
updates and private islands in Indonesia so
Indonesian dish. Bon appetite.
please check out our Hotels and Private Islands
I hope you enjoy reading our latest News
section to find out more.
Bulletin. Kind regards,
Marcel Barmettler General Manager
CEO Renato Domini|renato@asiaworldindonesia.com General Manager Marcel Barmettler|marcel@asiaworldindonesia.com
Business Development Manager Slava Dyugaev|slava@asiaworldindonesia.com Customer Service Manager Benjamin Pigneguy |benjamin@asiaworldindonesia.com Finance and Accounting Manager Maruli H. Hutauruk|maruli@asiaworldindonesia.com MICE Manager Wahyu Listyo Adi|wahyu@asiaworldindonesia.com IT Manager Paulus Wirya Adhi S|wirya@asiaworldindonesia.com
Logistics Manager I Gusti A.A. Sunu|sunu@asiaworldindonesia.com Manager Travel Designer & Reservations Africa and Europe Welly Jayapranatha|Welly@asiaworldindonesia.com Team Leader Americas, Australia & Virtuoso Ira Sukma Utami|ira@asiaworldindonesia.com Manager Travel Design & Reservations Asia / Middle East Ribut Dwi Santoso|ribut@asiaworldindonesia.com Manager Travel Design & Reservations France Rudi Sulistyawan| rudi@asiaworldindonesia.com
Market Manager India Nisha Shrivastva|nisha@asiaworldindonesia.com Market Manager France Geoffrey Berdal|geoffrey@asiaworldindonesia.com Representative for Australia,New Zealand and Virtuoso Scott Cammell|scot@asiaworldindonesia.com The Americas Representative Douglas Vogl|doug@asiaworldindonesia.com Germany Representative Andrea Beyreuther|andrea@asiaworldindonesia.com
Questions & Feedback Phone: +62 361 722 188 Fax: +62 361 722 187 E-mail: info@asiaworldindonesia.com Address: Panorama Building 4th Floor, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 620, Denpasar, Bali, 80228 - Indonesia
Member of:
VENI VIDI AMAVI
I CAME I SAW I LOVED
Welcome To The Premier Life Best Western Premier Agung Resort Ubud
N
estled in Bali’s cultural heart, the Best Western Premier® Agung Resort
Ubud is a new Sparkling Jewel offering best range choices of facilities and services to fulfill every guests’ needs while also to unwind and discover the island’s true soul. Capturing the classical charm and beauty of Bali through its interior
and
exterior
design,
this charming upscale resort is surrounded by verdant jungle, green view, rice paddy, and clear
water
river,
the
hotel
also offers an easiness access to the best vacation spots in Ubud, ranging from the ancient Balinese temples, the famous art workshop, as well as historical museums, where Ngurah Rai International Airport is 90 minutes drive. 10
The resort features just 75 spacious rooms,
produced and picked up from their own farm.
each room is designed uniquely adorned with
Take a day off to pamper yourself with their
wooden floors, traditional Balinese furnishings
unique soothing treatment named KOZOBURO
and modern amenities, free Wi-Fi including
and enjoy the breezy day at the semi double
a genuine Ubud atmosphere and view. In
deck tropical swimming pool afterward. There
addition, the hotel is completed with Taman
is also a restaurant that serves exquisite local
Nirwana Spa that represents the genuine
and international cuisine.
Balinese traditional herbs, where the herbs are
To truly immerse yourself in Balinese culture, while enjoying the upscale comfort of an international resort, the Best Western PremierÂŽ Agung Resort Ubud is the perfect choice.
11
LEADING JAPANESE LUXURY RESORT BRAND OPENS ITS FIRST HOTEL ABROAD
T
he leading Japanese hotel management
company,
Hoshino Resorts is opening
its first HOSHINOYA brand hotel abroad Hoshinoya
in
Bali, Bali
is
Indonesia. enveloped
by the lush green hills of Ubud, known as the center for Balinese traditional crafts and dance, surrounded by an environment of untouched rich nature. Hoshinoya Bali overlooks the Pakerisan
river,
with
sacred
water canals running through the property, part of the island’s age-old water temple network recognized s a UNESCO World Heritage. 12
T
he
surrounding
allowing guests to fel in true
dense rainforest and
harmony among the nature,
terraced rice paddies
people and God of Bali.
as well as the extended
In
mountain range are among
offer
one of Bali’s most famous
comfortable alternative to
landscapes. The beautiful
hotels. The Villas provide a
land provides the ultimate
private,
fresh-air vacation, but also
for
the landscape dotted with
accommodate
Bali
and
of luxury villas which all
spiritual
connecting with the semi-
atmosphere to the visitor.
private pool area allowing
The Subak irrigation system,
the guest to descend from
which was the first to be
the terrace of their villa. Each
nominated
a
villas is enveloped in the lush
Heritage
green and mystical river
site, has supported the rice
valley. This special location
terraced field and Ubud’s
takes full advantage of the
water network system for
surrounding
over 1,000 years. HOSHINOYA
preserves Bali’s true form of
Bali provides the perfect
natural culture.
Hindu
shrines
temples
offers
UNESCO
relaxation
a
in
Bali
World
as
Hoshinoya an
Bali,
they
exclusive
and
luxury
their
residence
guests. 3
nature
The types
and
experience,
13
The Newest of The Pandawa Estate Properties
V
illa Markisa, the newest of the Pandawa Estate properties, boasts the same spectacular cliff-top setting and ocean views as its neighbors, Villa Rose
and The Pala. This five-bedroomed villa will be especially appreciated by couples and families who enjoy holiday together, but also treasure having their own private space. The ocean-view guest pavilion holds a pair of matching two-bedroom units, each with its own living and dining rooms and pool. Hovering high above the ocean, and tucked below Markisa’s generous lawn, is the splendid onebedroom master suite, again with its own living room and pool. It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than this – perfect for newlyweds. An open-sided living pavilion and a large cliff-edge bale provide communal living and dining areas. Villa Markisa has been finished and furnished to the same impeccable standard as the other villas on the Pandawa Cliff Estate and shares a sports centre (with squash and tennis courts), spa and gym with them. The exclusivity and scale of the estate – which can sleep up to 42 adult guests (plus several children in extra beds) has unsurprisingly made it one of Bali’s most sought-after destination wedding venues. The large, interconnecting estate grounds, complete with purpose-built facilities, can accommodate weddings for up to 400 guests. Alone, Villa Markisa can host weddings for up to 100 guests. 14
Hoshinaya Ubu
ud
A friendly yet discreet team of butlers, housekeepers, gardeners, security and kitchen staff all work diligently under the experienced villa manager to take care of every guest requirement and cars with drivers are on hand for those who wish to explore beyond the villa. The crystal clear, reef-protected waters and white sands of Pandawa Beach lie immediately below the estate and can be reached via a new road that cuts down through the cliff, while many of Bali’s best surf beaches are also close by. Only slightly further afield is the sacred sea temple of Uluwatu, the Bali National Golf Club, some cool beach bars and the many fine-dining and seafood restaurants of Jimbaran and Nusa Dua.
15
IMAG
Balinese Authentic Culture 16
GE
17
RUDI SULISTYAWAN
Manager Travel Designer & Reservation France
We proudly introduce you to our Manager Travel Designer & Reservation France, Mr Rudi Sulistyawan. Born in Wonogiri, Central Java, 50 years ago, he moved to Bali and started his journey in Tourism Industry. He joined Asia World Indonesia in August 2011 as Manager FIT & GIT Worldwide. With more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in the tourism field, he leads his France Department to manage bookings and reservation from France agents whom clients want to stay and experience memorable holiday in Indonesia. two spent most of his time at home with his family and enjoy music, especially Jazz and Blues which he loved the most. He also loves travelling and he wishes that someday he will visit the beautiful Baliem Valley in Papua. Feel free to contact Rudi rudi@asiaworldindonesia.com
18
HR NEWS
When it comes to holiday, the father of
Gili Terawangan - Lombok 21 19
ISLE EAST INDIES A
s a part of the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) region, this 1-hectare island is the perfect place to kick off your shoes, and
enjoy unspoiled white sand between your toes, without signs of any other travelers. It has the perfect size and atmosphere for honeymooners, close friends, and families – this secluded Indonesian gem is tucked away in the gleaming Sea of Java. Your private journey to paradise begins from Jakarta’s Ancol Marina,where you will board Raden Mas, a vintage and opulent yacht built over forty years ago by a British aristocrat.
Sasak Lumbung that provides
When you reach the luxurious resort with East
a double bed and separate
Indies’ ‘Colonial Antique’ styled accommodation
toilet and shower area. There
– you will find 4 houses dotted around the small
is also a breezy freestanding
island which accommodates a maximum of 10
pavilion,
adults – providing absolute privacy and tranquility.
great place to enjoy some
The main house is beautifully designed in traditional
delicacies and drinks.
Javanese Joglo style with a large living and dining pavilion, two master suites and two bathrooms, while the Melayu-styled guesthouse has a master suite with an adjacent bathroom. The other type of accommodation is the Lombok’s
which
makes
a
Tiny Paradise for a Fulfilling Holiday
When you’re feeling a bit sporty, water activities available include water skiing, kayaking to neighboring islands, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing – all of which are great things to do with your partner, friends, or family members. The Bale is the island’s dining venue, and it comes with cushioned daybeds, and offers a fusion of Eastern and Western dishes, which includes fresh catches of the day. You can enjoy colonial-style dining while watching ocean waves crashing on the shores.
TIGER ISLAND Go eco-friendly and enjoy rustic tropical living
S
ituated 85km north of Jakarta, Tiger
Jakarta. Tranquil white sandy beaches
Island (or more popularly known
will soothe your weary feet, while the
among locals as Pulau Macan),
aquamarine sea rejuvenates your mind
you can enjoy a pristine private island
and soul.
with rustic tropical accommodations
Driftwood huts is where you’ll be spending
thanks to Tiger Islands Village & Eco
the night and dreaming, in open-styled
Resort.
rooms built against the backdrop of the
Serene, clean, and surrounded by lush
blue sea. As you lay leisurely on the fluffy
tropical vegetation, the island is a sharp
beds, you will enjoy the healing sound of
contrast to the hustle and bustle of
the waves, as well as beautiful sunsets.
Karma Taman Kandara Nusa - Bali Resort - Indonesia Bali 22
PS: If you want to stay dry on land, while still having the same amount of fun, you may try island hopping, seakayaking, tennis, badminton, and many more!
From your hut on Tiger
wind turbines, and rainwater
Island, you will be able
collection
to spot a small, powdery-
even educate guests to
white sand island you can
be more environmentally
actually make your way to
careful as well.
– where you can relax and
As for the activities, the
get sun-tanned. It is the
seas here are calm and
Deserted Island, a place
great for swimming; and
where
feel
of course, snorkeling is a
like shipwrecked explorers
must-do activity here. Lose
or
yourself in the beauty of
guests
may
something
more
systems.
They
imaginative!
the coral reefs, and exotic
The best part about the
sea creature discovery!
resort; it’s environmentally
The resort can also arrange
friendly!
resort
for scuba diving trips, if
associated
you’re interested. There are
(and island) be
The
whole is fully
designed
to
some
interesting
wrecks
eco-friendly
in the region, and small
with reef transplantation
speed boats are available
programmes
for hire to take you around
–
and
is
equipped with solar cells,
to the best dive sites.
23
KRAKAL ISL A ND
Perfect for a romantic candlelit island getaway
S
ituated
in
the
midst
Karimunjawa
of
Marine
National Park, Krakal Island
offers a private getaway with the pristine beauty of colourful reef and marine life. With
antique
petrol
lamps
decorating the island, and tasty delicacies for two available, this is your chance to experience that deserted yet romantic island life as never before. This beautiful private island with its palm trees and lush greenery, powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, is the stuff of romantic dreams. And one great thing is that it provides an authentic island life experience as there’s no electricity available. That’s why petrol lamps, torches and candles are provided, and if you’re unable to charge your electronics – you will be well forced encouraged to spend quality time
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Without
kitchen
facilities
available
on
the
island,
staff
from Kura Kura Resort will provide a picnic hamper
with
choice
of
prepared
your
specially food
for
overnight stays. What’s on the menu you ask? Tasty, freshly caught
lobsters,
prawns and fish bought directly off the fishing boats, and
cooked
in Mediterranean or Indonesian style. For adrenaline junkies,
Note: Guests will be provided with a mobile phone to contact Kura Kura Resort at any time, and the speedboat from the resort can reach Krakal in 30-minutes if needed – they definitely have you covered!
try
swimming
sharks
in
an
with island
breeding sea-pool.
25
Image
Gili Trawangan - Lombok 26
e
27
The Manusela Tribal People of Indonesia
T
he Manusela or Wahai people have a population of over 10 000 and the tribe is centered in the Manusela mountains
of North Seram, Maluku, Indonesia. They are also found along Teluti Bay in south Seram. The Manusela follow the syncretic faith of Naurus, which might have come from the Aluk’ To Dolo faith. The Naurus faith is a combination of Hinduism and Animism, but in recent years they also have adopted certain Protestant principles. Not much is known about their religion, except that their religion may include worshipping of Hindu and Animist gods, with this influence coming from the Mindanao during the early periods, and presence of Hinduism is evidenced from the fact that archaeologists have found several statues of Hindu gods in Mindanao. The Nuaulu tribe, who lived in 10 villages northwest of the Manusela, were similar to the Manusela in language, had a population of 400 also follow the Naurus religion, but they were less influenced by Protestantism. The Nuaulu people also practice the Naurus faith. The Manusela people, often mistakenly thought as the Nuaulu people, wear a traditional red cloth on their head just like the Nuaulu.
28
29
Image
Tanah Lot Temple - Bali 30
e
31
6th Bali International Choir Festival 2017 Bali
International
Festival
is
choral by
an
event
Choir annual
organized
Bandung
Choral
event, for example: atelier, workshop, choral
collaboration, clinic,
practice,
competition,
Society which takes place
and
in Bali. The sixth annual
championship.
choir
and
activities are evaluated by
competition will be held in
international speakers and
in Bali once again from 14th
choral experts not only
July to 20th July 2017. Last
from Indonesia, but also
year, over a hundred choirs,
USA,
several conductors, and
Philippines,
clinicians gathered at the
Malaysia, and many more.
second annual event for a
The festival itself attracts
series of choir symposiums
many choir and choral
and competitions.
community from Indonesia
Since 2012, BICF held many
and foreign countries.
symposium
activities 32
in
this
annual
the
music
biggest
France,
one, All
Singapore, Thailand,
Through
BICF,
participants
are
expected
to
the
friendship
expand
between
every
musicians
from
Indonesia as well as musicians from
foreign
countries.
Partnership formed, diversities united, knowledge gained, and so on. The beauty of Bali, paradise on earth, will always bring good memories and delight. Your journey to Bali for BICF will bring a perfect combination of art, prestige, friendship, and joy. Once again, through BICF musicians can carve their history in choral music, as well as a stepping stone or a milestone.
33
TUMPEK WAYANG 29 th July 2017
T
umpek Wayang is a special day filled with blessings dedicated towards the traditional performing art form of shadow puppetry. Various offerings are made to the equipment and range of character puppets involved in the traditional theatrical art. Tumpek Wayang is one part in a series of Tumpek days for blessing different subjects. The others include Tumpek Kandang celebrated earlier in January, Tumpek Uduh for plants, Tumpek Landep for metal objects and tools, Tumpek Kuningan for ancestral spirits, and Tumpek Krulut for traditional gamelan music instruments – all which occur in a 210-day cycle on the Pawukon calendar.
T
he Bali Kites Festival is a series of kiting events that take place annually between July and August (sometimes through October),
notably at the start of the windy season. The
What started off as a seasonal
kite festivals are one of Bali’s major provincial
agrarian
calendar highlights presenting unique cultural
heavens for abundant crops and
scenes on par with the preceding the Bali Arts
harvests, has become a competitive
Festival. The festival is slated for various dates,
ground
with main events customarily taking place along
youth groups who send their ‘sekaa
the eastern coast of Padanggalak, just north of
layangan’ kite teams to participate
Sanur. Main preliminary events are usually held
and win prize money from sponsors.
near the end of June and confirmed following
A competition is also usually held
favorable weather, therefore planning ahead
for ‘new creation’ kites, which may
to witness the event is usually a last-minute deal.
include detailed three-dimensional
Hundreds of competing kite troupes gather from
figures and unusual designs, from
all over the island to pilot their traditional kites,
Hindu gods, cars and motorbikes, to
alongside international teams with modern
mascots and brand sponsors.
kites in various shapes and sizes. 36
festival
for
thanking
communal
the
‘banjar’
38TH ANNUAL
BALI KITES JULY - OCTOBER 2017
Lightweight
fabrics
are
selected
according to an agreed-upon colour scheme and some are fitted with intricately carved heads. The final results await transport – usually by truck and requiring special escort along small Balinese roads – towards the Bali Kites Festival flying grounds on Padanggalak Beach. The ‘bebean’ type is the most common design with a traditional outline of a fish, and is the common ‘giant kite’ of Bali that dominates the skies. The ‘janggan’ somewhat resembles birds with shorter A gamelan orchestra accompanies each
and rounder wings and their long flowing
troupe, adding to the joyous spirit of the Bali
‘kedeber’ ribbon tails often outshine
Kites Festival and the drama of take-off and
the kite’s body once airborne. In each
landing sequences.
competition, the task of assembling and
The Balinese traditional kites are gigantic and
flying the entailing ‘kedeber’ is major
have evolved into increasingly bombastic
challenge for the piloting troupe that
proportions over the years, measuring up to
normally comprises a dozen or so boys
four metres in width and 10 metres in length.
and men. Categories to win include
Some other versions, such as the ‘janggan’
‘best launch’, ‘best design’ and the
type have impressive flowing ribbon tails
‘longest flight’. Occasionally, the kites
often reaching 100 metres or more in length.
descend over nearby rice paddies,
Jointly built at the communal ‘banjar’ village
and team members must dash through
halls all over Bali, skilled youths, supervised by
the coast onto the fields to retrieve the
elders, craft bamboo frameworks for weeks
hard-earned and painstakingly built kite
up to the major event.
before it gets soaked. 37
A
lthough the skies over Padanggalak dominated
are by
these
flying giants during the Bali Kites Festival, you’ll witness kite-filled skies on any given day between June and August - every year. At this windy time of the year, the skies over Bali are just as elaborately decorated as any Balinese
procession.
Some
kites are even fitted with sound instruments in the form vibrating bows called ‘guwang’, which generate a resonating hum that can be heard from far. Enjoy Bali’s windy season sights and sounds!
38
Don’t worry if you missed out on the main opening festival events
in
July.
There
are
various competitions to witness throughout the second half of the year, which are also highlighted annually as part of the festivity. Following is the tentative line-
1. Bali Kite Festival: 7-9 July, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur 2. Pelangi Gianyar Kite Competition: 15-16 July, Masceti Beach, Gianyar 3. Dangin Peken Dhananjaya Cup Kite Festival: 22-23 July, Mertasari Beach, Sanur 4. Belega Kite Competition: 29-30 July, Masceti Beach, Gianyar
up of 2017 Bali kite events, as
5. Ungasan Kite Competition: 29-30 July, Ungasan
announced earlier in the year
6. Sanur Kite Competition (Sanur Village Festival):
by the Bali Kites Association or Pelangi
(Persatuan
3-6 August, Sanur Beach
Layang-
7. Biaung Kite Competition: 12-13 August, Biaung
Layang Indonesia, Bali chapter).
8. Banjar Banjaran Kite Competition: 317 August,
Normally, following conditions:
dates
may
favourable
shift
weather
Abiansemal, Badung 9. Klungkung Kite Competition: 17 August, Klungkung 10. Pelangi Denpasar Kite Competition: 19-20 August, Denpasar 11. Tanjung Kite Competition: 26-27 August, Sanur 12. Pelangi Badung Kite Competition: 2-3 September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur 13. Pelangi Tabanan Kite Competition: 9-10 September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur 14. Peliatan Kite Competition: 9-10 September, Peliatan, Ubud 15. Namaste Kite Club Kite Competition: 16-17 September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur 16. Tangsi Kite Competition: 23-24 September, Sanur 17. Ganeca Kite Competition: 23-24 September, 9 Tabanan 18. Bekul Kite Festival: 30 September - 1 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur 19. Rockiller Kite Festival: 7-8 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur 20. LPM Kuta Kite Competition: 14-15 October, Kuta 21. Batuyang Kite Competition: 21-22 October, Ubud 22. Bali Kite Festival 2017 Closing: 28-29 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur 39
MAKEPUNG BUFFALO RACES
JULY - NOVEMBER 2017 40
T
he racer buffaloes, called kerbau pepadu, compete in various open race circuits in assorted heats around the district of Melaya,
leading up to the finals, or what has come to be known as the Jembrana Regent’s Cup, and the Governor’s Cup, held annually. Makepung is derived from the base word of kepung, meaning ‘chase’, similar to the expression ‘steeplechase’. Makepung is one of the unique traditions stemmed from the agrarian life scene of the island, and is a widely enjoyed event in the regency of Jembrana, west Bali. The grand-scale events inspired from such a simple, traditional pastime preserves the unique traditions of this part of the island, as well as to promote tourism to this far flung western location. The competitions also provide positive impact on other local sectors such as agriculture and farming. The tradition has partly prevented the shift of land for farming use, and it has also encouraged the people to improve the quality of animal husbandry, raising winning buffaloes for the yearly events. Makepung is the name of a major
There are approximately seven different circuits
grand prix in Jembrana, West Bali, which
spread out in various locations throughout the
features racing buffalo races. Hundreds of
district. The Sangyang Cerik circuit in the village of
pairs of buffaloes are teamed up together
Tuwed, Melaya district is one of the main circuits.
with their jockeys riding the traditional
The other dedicated fields-turned-circuits include
wooden ploughs that are slightly modified
Delod Berawah, Kaliakah, Pangkung Dalem,
for the competition.
Merta Sari, Tuwed and Awen. On the eve of the finals, there is a gathering among the racing teams called sekaa makepung with the Jembrana regent, and the evening is as festive as the major racing day that follows, being filled with art performances and public entertainment. 41
On
race
days,
international visitors will also be equally amused by the ‘buffalo fashion shows’ that feature the bovines beautifully and carefully dressed up with ornaments from hoof to horn, in another segment of
the
‘best-dressed’
competitions.
Good to Know about the Makepung Buffalo Races
T
he Makepung races usually commence early mornings at 07:30 with dozens of pairs of pepadu participating. Another hundred or so take part in
the ‘fashion’ parade. The races last for five hours, with the buffaloes divided into three racing divisions. The dates for each year’s event vary. However, a rough estimate is that several heats take place monthly from July to November at the various circuit locations. All usually take place over the weekends on a Sunday morning.
40
The tentative schedule for the 2017 Makepung buffalo races, based on the Jembrana government tourism office’s previous year’s dates are as follows: 1. Sunday, 16 July: Awen, Lelateng Circuits 2. Sunday, 30 July: Delodberawah Circuit 3. Sunday, 13 August: Kaliakah Circuit (Bupati Cup) 4. Sunday, 27 August: Mertasari Circuit 5. Sunday, 10 September: Pangkung Dalem Circuit 6. Sunday, 24 September: Delodberawah Circuit The Makepung tradition of Jembrana inspired the creation of a Balinese dance of the same name in 1984. This dance is
7. Sunday, 8 October: Sanghyang Cerik Circuit 8. Sunday, 22 October: Mertasari Circuit 9. Sunday, 5 November: Awen Circuit 10. Sunday, 19 November: Delodberawah Circuit (Jembrana Cup - FINALS)
performed by seven to nine male and female participants, and depicts riders and the buffaloes themselves.
One
of
the unique features of the dance is that it is accompanied
by
the
Jegog bamboo orchestra which is also typical of the regency. 41
Nusa Penida Snorkeling
INDONESIA’S BATIK AIR
has revealed plans to launch its first three routes to India
The Bali Post, Bali’s local newspaper, reported that in the coming weeks, Batik Air will start flying from Medan to Chennai, Jakarta to Delhi and Bali to Mumbai. The Jakarta-Delhi route will mark the first direct link between the capital cities of Indonesia and India – two of the world’s most populous countries. The CEO of Batik Air, Achmad Luthfi, was quoted saying that his airline has “received flights slots in India” and expects to launch the flights “sometime around July”. “The economies of Indonesia and India continue to develop. What’s more, both countries have two of the world’s largest populations. India, for example, the total of the middle class and above residents exceeds 200 million people. Certainly, if they want to travel, they will travel abroad. The situation is not much different than China,” he added. While details of the Medan-Chennai and JakartaDelhi routes were not revealed, the Bali-Mumbai route is expected to be operated twice a day. Batik Air is a subsidiary of the fast-growing Lion Air Group.
Traditi
ional Recipe
48
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