Asia World Indonesia News Bulletin Magazine - July 2017

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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