L'Ultimo Paradiso

Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise

Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

2012

it’s time for

Lombok

www.ultimoparadiso.com - Indonesia Tourism News

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012 www.ultimoparadiso.com BOARD of DIRECTOR

Dewantoro Umbu Joka Tonny Wijadjanto tonny@ultimoparadiso.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Igo Kleden igo@ultimoparadiso.com

REPORTER Tri Wibowo

bowo@ultimoparadiso.com

MARKETING MANAGER Tania

FREELANCEMARKETING Ben Sisko

sales@ultimoparadiso.com GRAPHIc DESIGNER

Yudick Ariant yudickariant@gmail.com

ACCOUNTING

accounting@ultimoparadiso.com

TRANSLATOR

Indira Sari Paputungan

CONTRIBUTOR

Christovao Vinhas christi_ani09@yahoo.com

DISTRIBUTOR

Martin Sanjaya

BANK Account

580 129 3435, Permata Bank Jl. Dewi Sartika - Denpasar

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focus

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my indonesia

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island explorer

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island explorer

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island explorer

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whats on bali

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whats on NTT

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whats on bali

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nusantara

CV. Paradiso Timur Raya Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 620 Suwung, Denpasar-Bali-Indonesia P/F: +62 361 - 727010 E: info@ultimoparadiso.com redaksi@ultimoparadiso.com

ist area will spend up to Rp 27 trillion. There are at least six investors that have signed the MoU for the development of Mandalika Lombok. There are three big corporations that make investment on this project apart from the State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN). They area PT Gobel Internasional, PT Global Land Development and PT Canvas Development sdn.bhd. They get land concession of 350 hectare, 400 hectare and 100 hectare.

The three corporations are going to build environmentally-friendly environment, amusement park and starred hotel.

Knowing about Lombok

Lombok traditional woven fabrics

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usa Tenggara has tourism potentials to be developed other than Komodo Island, Lake Kelimutu and Mount Rinjani, which have already known worldwide. Currently, tourist area of Mandalika Lombok begins to attract tourists’ attention. Mandalika is not too far from those three tourist areas. It is actually has been designed as one of tourist areas since twenty years ago.

Unfortunately, infrastructure problem still cannot be overcome. Thus, there isn’t much development in this area. Gradually, the central government begins to manage this area seriously. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu stated this in her presentation on tourism potentials during the Nusa Tenggara Investment Day recently.

According to Mari, this area has great tourism potentials. The central government manages to give serious attention in developing Mandalika.

“Mandalika area has been designated as tourist area since 20 years ago. However, it cannot develop well due to the unavailability of airport. Now, Mandalika has already had an airport, thus there is no reason why we shouldn’t develop it seriously,” said Mari.

She is optimistic that Lombok, Mandalika in particular, can be as popular as Bali Island. Therefore, it is a challenge for the government to attract more investment to east Indonesia. This is related to the acceleration master plan program, expansion of Indonesian economy (MP3EI), especially in corridor 5.

It is estimated that the project of Mandalika tour-

Lombok Island is located in the province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) that used to be part of Lesser Sunda, and separated by Lombok Strait from Bali in the west and by Alas Strait from Sumbawa in the east.

The island has an area of 5,435 m2 and length of about 70 kilometers. In terms of size, Lombok ranks 108 in the list of islands of the world.

About 80% of Lombok people consist of Sasak tribe. This tribe has close connection to Bali tribes, but most of them are Islam. The remaining consists of Bali, Javanese, Arabian and Tionghoa people.

One of the most potential potentials in Lombok is Kuta Beacg that is located in Central Lombok regency, or in the southern of Lombok Island.

Along with the launch of Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development Master Plan by President Susilo Bambang Yud hoyono

photo by tri wibowo

Overseas: Malaysia - maxiINFO, 32-3-1, Jalan Medan Putra 4 Medan Putra Business Centre.

Off Jalan Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur. Australia - Mr. Andre Wecklif Antonio. T, D/a 262 Wardel rd, Dulwich Hill-Sydney – NSW – 2203.

Australia. THAILAND - Andrea Capucci, 94/23 Wichitsongkram Rd. Kathu, Phuket 83120, Ph. 076 249 688. WASHINGTON DC - Aria Salaka 19233 - Wheatfield Terrace - Gaitthersburg, MD 20879.

CANADA - Johanne Dube, 152, rue Notre-Dame est, 8 etage, Montreal, Qc, Canada H2Y 3p6.

NETHERLAND - Vrijburglaan 72051 LA Overveen +31 235253619. ITALY - Viaggi del Mappamondo, Viale Regina Margherita 270 - 00198, Rome, Ph. +39 06 48789200, Fax. +39 06 4815506. FRANCE - Europasia Commercial Agency, 15, rue Vallete 75005, Paris. GERMANY - Hattersheimerstr, 19, Frankfurt 60326. CZECH REPUBLIC - Mr. Miroslav Radakovic, Na Zamecke 6/409 140 000 Prague Czech Republic, Ph. +420 261219316 - 19, Fax. +261 219320. CUBA - Viaggi del mappamondo - Cuba, c/o Hotel Sevilla, Trocadero y Zuleta y Prado, 55, La Habana, Ph./Fax. +53 07 8669767.

SLOVENIA - Miss. Polona Pirnat, c/o Kompas D.D, Prazakova 4, 1514, Ljubyana, Slovenia.

Mandalika area in Lombok

Mandalika Lombok to become main tourist destination

photo by tri wibowo

Distribution Domestic: BALI - Kuta, Ngurah Rai Airport, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Denpasar and Ubud Area. JAKARTA - Ahmad Sufyani - Jl. Tomang Raya No. 63 - Jakarta 11440. Surabaya - Jl.Jend.Basuki Rahmat 129-137, Surabaya 60271, Ph : 031 – 5316364, Fax: 031 – 5315435. Yogyakarta - Jl.Rumah Makan Gudeg 60 Citro, Laksda Adisucipto Km 9, Yogyakarta 55281, Ph.0274-488663. Manado - Resort Scuba Diving-Liveboard. Manado, Hp. 08114303655 / 081 340 247 788 Fax. 656720685, LOMBOK - Lombok Eksotis, Jl. Adi Sucipto No. 43, Ampenan - Lombok 83234, Ph. (0370) 643014, Fax (0370) 646840. KUPANG - Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan III/38 - Walikota Kupang Phone: 0380 822102 SUMBA BARAT - Jl. Sudirman No. 5 Waikabubak - Sumba Barat. SUMBA TIMUR - Melanthon, Jl. Eltari No. 41 Matawai - Sumba Timur, Ph. 081353977788, 085239118181. LABUAN BAJO Martin Meotoda, Ph. 081338151744

photo by baliww.com

Ni Komang Suciani

Gendang Beleq, traditional music lombok

in mid 2011, Kuta Beach will be made into national tourism icon.

On July 22, 2011, the government decided to accelerate the development of tourism infrastructure in the province, by establishing an area of 1,200 hectares in southern Lombok as National Tourism Special Economic region (Ekkparnas).

Ekkparnas area in Lombok Island, commonly called Mandalika Resort will be a used new area development in the southern part of Lombok tourism. Besides promoting tourism potentials, the government will also develop food production center which includes agriculture, livestock, and marine, as well as the development of geothermal energy exploration in the mountainous area of Rinjani.

Mandalika Resort will be developed into exclusive tourist area, which is expected to attract million of tourists every year.

Later, Mandalika Resort will be an elite tourist area, which is situated in the southern of Lombok, or 50 km from Mataram city. It is located in Tanak Awu, Pujut district, Central Lombok regency. It can be reached in 30 minutes.

Mandalika Resort covers the area of 1,175 hectare and will be developed into prestigious tourist area with comprehensive construction and integrated as cultural and tourism resort.

The attempt to make the exclusive area is not just a slogan. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has officially announced the groundbreaking on October 21, 2011. President expects Mandalike Resort to become the new icon of MICE (Meeting, Incentive, convention and exhibition.(*)

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

2011 Foreign Tourist Arrival Reached 7.6 Million People Meanwhile, market countries that showed an increase in the number of tourist visits to Indonesia in 2011 that reached double-digit percentage rates are Russia, Australia, India, and Philippines.

photo by tri wibowo

“Green & Creative Tourism” Mari added that as for tourism theme for the year 2012 that has been agreed is “Green & Creative Tourism”.

According to the World Economic Forum, in 2011 the rank of tourism competitiveness of the Republic of Indonesia has moved up from initially ranked 81 in 2010 to rank 74 in 2011 among 139 countries. As for ranking in the countries of Asia-Pacific, Indonesia rose two ranks, from rank 15 to rank 13.

Apparently, the increase in ratings is most influenced by the field of security and safety. “The most significant improvement is in the field of security and safety, we rose from rank 119 to rank 72 of 139 countries,” said Mari Pangestu on the same occasion. “The issue of security is extremely important for tourism because it can determine whether or not our country is secure to be visited by foreign tourists,” she explained.

In addition to the security field, the increase of Indonesia’s rank is due to the high competitiveness of tourism price. “Our tourism has a very competitive price but still has a high value of money,” she added.

In terms of price competitiveness, Indonesia ranked fourth of 139 countries. In addition to increasing safety as well as price competitiveness, Mari promised in 2012 the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will improve Indonesia’s tourism infrastructure.

“Infrastructure has become our homework and in 2012, we are ready to take care of this chore by coordinating with other ministries,” she explained.

year-end press conference the ministry of tourism and creative economy

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inistry of Tourism and Creative Economy provided an explanation and overview of the ministry’s performance for one year and held an end of year press conference in the Hall of Soesilo Sudarman, Sapta Pesona Building, Jakarta.

Foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia in 2011 reached an estimated 7.6 million people. This figure exceeded the target set in the strategic plan that is 7.2 million people, though, the numbers 7.6 million people is slightly below the optimistic target, which is 7.7 million people.

It was explained by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Mari Elka Pangestu at an end of year press conference in Sapta Pesona Building, Jakarta, Thursday (29/12).

“The target in the Strategic Plan is 7.2 million, while the optimistic target is 7.7 million, so it’s a little bit below the optimistic target. But this is only the estimated figure, and hopefully the final figure will show some increase,” said Mari Pangestu.

Mari explained that the last two months were “high season” for Indonesia’s tourism industry. This increase does not only apply to foreign tourists, but also domestic tourists. The figure of 7.6 million according to Mari is showing an increase of 8.5 percent compared to the year 2010. This increase, she said, showed Indonesia’s growth rate, which is nearly doubled the average world growth. “The average world growth was 4.5 percent,” she said.

The earning of foreign exchange from tourism this year has

touched the figure of US$ 8.5 billion. This figure grew 11.8% compared to last year’s earning, which was US$ 7.6 billion. Mari stated that the increase in foreign exchange also encouraged the increase of foreign tourists spending. Last year, the expenditure of foreign tourists reached US$ 1,085.75. This year it reached US$ 1,118.26 per person.

This year’s achievement should be a momentum to prepare everything for next year, which will be full of challenges. “There will be a global economic slowdown, including for tourism. The government will cooperate with all related parties so that the targets set for next year could be achieved,” she said.

In 2012, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is targeting 8 million foreign tourist visits. Although currently the world economic crisis is happening, she said, the tourism sector will survive.

“Experience also shows that tourism industry is resilient to the crisis. Although economic crisis hit in 2009, tourism industry still showed growth in tourist visit. Foreign tourists increased 0.36 percent and 1.2 percent of domestic tourists. It is predicted that 2012 crisis will not as bad as in the 2009,” she explained.

In addition, she continued, growing markets such as China, Russia, and Australia are the countries being targeted for next year.

“These countries do not experience a major decline as other European countries,” Pangestu said.

Structural changes of Kemenparekraf On this occasion, Mari Elka Pangestu also explained the changes in the structure of Kemenperakraf. According to her, a change in nomenclature from Kemenbudpar to Kemenpekraf is adjusted by forming a new structure, especially for the creative economy.

The structure consists of two Directorate General of Tourism namely Directorate General of Tourism Marketing and Directorate General of Tourism Destination Development. “For the creative economy, there are Directorate General of Arts and Cultural-Based Creative Economy and Directorate General of Media, Design, and Science and Technology-Based Creative Economy,” she explained.

Mari further said that the two DG in the field of creative economy will each supervise three directorates and secretariat Directorate General in addition to 14 sub-sectors creative economy that are fashion, art and antiques markets, interactive player, video, films and photography, crafts, music, design, advertising, television and radio, performing arts, research and development, computer and software services, publishing and printing, and architecture.

Menparekraf will include culinary as the fifteenth sub-sector of the creative economy. “Therefore, culinary that is closely related to tourism sector is expected to further developed and become a tourist attraction as well as being the identity of Indonesia,” she said. (*)

Asia Pacific to Become Indonesia’s Main Tourism Market

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4 main country of origin include Singapore (17%), Malaysia (15%), Taiwan (9%), and Australia (9%). Average length of stay: 9 nights, and the main reason of visiting: interesting travel deal (75%); natural scenery (70%); Political stability (70%); has never visited the country before (67%); easily accessible (67%); Weather / Climate (65%).

The activity of interest: outdoor activity (64%); Culinary Tour (52%); atmosphere and nightlife (52%) Water sports (45%), beauty care, health, fitness, relaxation (41%).

According to Ellyana Fuad, President Director of PT Visa Worldwide Indonesia tourism industry is an important factor in economic growth in the Asia Pacific region. Global Tourism Intentions Survey conducted by Visa in 2011 is the sixth survey of tourism interest, and for the first time carried out globally.

photo by tri wibowo

nteresting promotion and natural beauty have become the main reason for foreign tourists to continue visiting Indonesia. Half of the prospective foreign tourists coming to Indonesia is from Asia Pacific, with Singapore ranked at the top (19%), followed by Malaysia (15%), Taiwan (9%) and Australia (9%).

This result is obtained from the Global Tourism Intentions Survey 2011 conducted by Visa, with 11,620 respondents from 23 countries. The survey result also showed that the presence of attractive deals, natural beauty and political stability is a major factor that encouraged tourists to come to Indonesia within the next 2 years.

According to this survey, during their stay in Indonesia, tourists did many different activities such as a culinary tour of local cuisine, enjoying the atmosphere and nightlife, water sports and also enjoying beauty treatments, fitness and relaxation.

The survey also revealed the profile of the prospective tourists going to Indonesia in the next 2 years. On average, they were 34 years old, married and have children, and plan to come to Indonesia with their partner. They also prefer to stay in three or four star hotels to other accommodation options.

They mostly planned their own trip without the help of travel agencies. They are also planning to spend about Rp13, 567, 500 (US$ 1,500) for their holidays and are willing to pay more to get comfort during the trip and a memorable culinary experience.

Here’s the profile of tourists who are considering coming to Indonesia in the next 2 years: Who are they? Age 34 years, married, professionals, managers, executives or businesspeople (PMEBs) and have the average income of Rp 16 million (US$ 1,850).

tourists on the beach gili Trawangan, lombok

“This survey is very useful in providing insight into the latest trend about the experience, attractiveness, behavior and interests of tourists, for international tourism organizations and national governments, policy makers and tourism operators as well as the merchants,” she said.

While the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu said the government has set a target to attract eight million tourists come to Indonesia next year.

“We are looking for ways to attract visitors from countries that are relatively do not experience the impact of the economic downturn, including China, India, Russia and Australia.

Global Tourism Intentions Survey conductedby Visa will help us to understand more clearly what is required and expected of our tourism industry, “said Mari Pangestu. (*)

David and Jill, First Foreign Tourists in Cengkareng in 2012

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wo US citizens became the first foreign tourists landed in Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Cengkareng.

The couples are David and Jill Windani.

David and Jill who are Arizona City residents arrived at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport at around 7:00 pm, January 1, 2012.

They came to Indonesia by Singapore Airlines Flight SQ-950 in Terminal 2D. The first tourist arrival was greeted by Soekarno-Hatta airport manager with draping flowers and traditional dances of Indonesia. “I was very surprised to get such a rousing welcome. This is great,” said Jill who claimed previously worked in Indonesia and teaches at the Jakarta International School.

Jill and David stated that they intentionally come to Indonesia after stopped teaching at the Jakarta International School in 2007. “I’ve been waiting to go back to Indonesia and feel like I need a vacation. Finally, we can come back here. But not for business, we want to meet friends. At the same time on vacation,” said David who claimed first transit to Singapore, before going to Indonesia.

He was very grateful for such a rousing welcome. “With a welcome like this, I am increasingly convinced 2012 will be a good year for me. I love the traditional culture of Indonesia,” said David.

Meanwhile, Senior Manager of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Soedaryanto, said this is a form of appreciation to tourists. “We hope to provide the best service. Because this airport is the main entry gate of tourists. And this response has been proven to make them happy,” he said.

Currently, said Soedaryanto, the number of passengers in 2011 reached 50 million. “Of course we must continue improving our service,” he explained. (*)

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

Sapta: Lutung Kasarung Musical Performance is amazing!

Geothermal exploration in the Tourism Area of Bedugul

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lectricity need of the Bali Province is still supplied from the island of Java, so the last few weeks a rolling blackout occurs in a number of power plants in Bali. Tourist area of Bedugul in Tabanan regency becomes the centre point of drilling of geothermal power plant.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jero Wacik, said that he would provide free electricity for residents who are at the furthest radius of 15 km from the drilling point of the power plant located in the tourist area of Bedugul, Tabanan. The provision of free electricity is given to residents in order to get permission for geothermal power plant in Bedugul.

“This power plant has many obstacles,” he said at Wisma Sabha Denpasar. Geothermal Project in Bedugul has a potential of 165 megawatts consisting of three wells. Initially, the local provincial government refused the geothermal exploration in the protected forest area of Bedugul and utilization of energy that controls much of the forest area.

In addition, Jero Wacik, said that related to the agreement with the Ministry of Forestry mentioned the certainty of geothermal exploration in the region of Bedugul.

“This agreement will be executed along with 27 other exploration lands throughout Indonesia,” he said. Furthermore, Jero Wacik said permit from the Ministry of Forestry is temporarily to be bottlenecking investments in geothermal fields that have been opened with the agreement.

On the other hand, there was a rejection of geothermal exploration by the Head of Forestry Department of Bali Province, IGN Wiranatha. “We reject such exploration because it will damage the entire ecosystem and also worked in the protected forest area,” he said. (*)

performances Lutung Kasarung

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utung Kasarung Musical Drama performed since December 27 until January 1, 2012 on Sasana Budaya Ganesha (Sabuga), Bandung has successfully attracted the attention of the audience. The performance that took place on Friday (30/12) was attended by hundreds of audiences, who were amazed by the action of the players, good music and light, stage decoration and amazing costumes. The show has successfully gained appreciation from many people.

Sapta Nirwandar, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy said that he was amazed by the action of the players on stage. “This show is amazing, both in terms of music and acting of the players. A work of creative industries that we need to support and develop to be a performance watched by people of Indonesia and also foreign tourists, “Sapta Nirwandar said in Sabuga on Friday (30/12).

In the future, Sapta wanted this musical to be staged in Jakarta so that it can be known widely.

“This is part of the creative industries. Folklore that was originally used a guidance now becomes an entertainment. In addition, a variety of costumes worn by the players is the result of creative designers that we should be proud of.

So I want this to be performed in Jakarta next time, so that it can be promoted to a bigger scope, “he explained.

On the same occasion, Dede Yusuf, Vice Governor of West Java, welcomed the support from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Econ-

omy to include the performance into the national agenda.

“Initially we only intended to provide a chance for young people of Bandung to express their talents through this stage. We welcome if the central government wants to include it in the agenda of national events, “said Dede Yusuf.

Lutung Kasarung musical performance has made the people of West Java proud for a Sundanese traditional story can be packaged into modern performance. The high interest of the audience can be seen from the ticket sales, which continue to increase since the first day of the show.

“On the first day of performance, the ticket sales reached 70%-80% and it continued to grow in the following days,” said Dede Yusuf.

According to him, the number of audiences increased and peaked during the weekends.

The success of the musical performance in West Java cannot be separated from the chemistry that built by the cast and crew behind the scenes.

Amazed the Audiences Serene orchestral musical was played as an intro to the show titled ‘Musikal Lutung Kasarung’ in Sasana Budaya Ganesha. A beautiful princess and a lengser presented the narrative of the show, which is directed by Didi Petet.

After that the white curtains were parted, It’s show time! Audiences are pampered with quality

acting, dance, and vocal. The uses of multimedia background with animated moving images that are often fickle following the storyline added the splendor of the stage that night.

The legend of Lutung Kasarung is taken from a West Javanese folk legend, which is rich in futuristic concepts, especially in the costume design of the players.

Although the show emphasized on the futuristic concept, the costume designed by Deden Siswanto and Kania Roesli is still wrapped with a strong ethnic element. Traditional touch can still be seen in the design and one of them is the use of batik cloth.

Traditional nuance was served through the traditional music that was laid out nicely by Ismet Ruchimat and Iman Ulle. Special gamelan from tatar Pasundan was echoed in almost every scene in the musical which was initiated by the Vice Governor of West Java, Dede Yusuf.

In about two hours, the audience was taken deep in each dance and song, performed by about 150 players.

Lutung Kasarung (a monkey that gets lost) itself tells about the journey of Sanghyang Guruminda from heaven to Buana Panca Tengaj (earth) in the form of a monkey. In his journey on earth, the monkey was looking for the princess he dreamt of, and she was Purbasari Ayuwangi.

Purbasari is going to be a queen and was expelled by her jealous sister, Purbalarang. In her journey to get her throne, Purbasari always received tests from Purbalarang. (*)

Tourism Investment Momentum In 2012

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n an attempt to enhance the promotion of investment in Indonesia, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) will hold the Indonesia Tourism Investment Day (ITID) for the first time in 2012. The forum is conducted by Kemenparekraf in cooperation with the Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, and Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

Director General of Tourism Destination Development of Kemenparekraf, Firmansyah Rahim explained that ITID 2012 is an investment business forum that is aimed at improving Indonesia’s tourism investment in the future.

“The target is increasing the investment value of the tourism sector towards the national investment from 5.19% in 2010 to 6.43% in 2014 according to the expectation of Menparekraf which was communicated at the National Tourism Conference,” said Firmansyah.

Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Tourism Areas (AKPI) Marudi Surachman said the forum of 2012 ITID will bring together potential investors consisting of CEO tourism property developer in Indonesia, Chamber of Commerce, chambers of commerce of ASEAN countries, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as from South Africa with a total of about 100 people.

“They will be met with 10 tourism area managers who are members of AKPI and 10 regencies or cities that have tourism potentials and tourism property developer in Indonesia,” he explained.

ITID 2012 will be filled with the business lunch between Menparekraf Marie Elka Pangestu and the Head of BKPM and prospective investors to

provide an overview of potential business prospects or tourism business in Indonesia.

“Later there will also be a dinner with the Indonesian vice president Boediono and the signing of MoU of tourism area development projects in Indonesia with potential investors,” he explained.

The main agenda of ITID 2012 will be held on 2-3 July 2012 and on 3-4 July 2012 for a visit to tourism areas. ITID 2012 is planned to be held at the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta.

Marudi added that at least there are seven full members of AKPI who will participate in selling their tourism potential of the region to prospect i v e i n v e s t o r s i n t h e f o r u m , n a m e l y P T-

photo by tri wibowo

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atural tourism potentials offer great opportunity to give prosperity. Therefore, government of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in 2012 is now beginning to focus the attention on the development of three airports to support the tourism sector in the province.

Head of Civil Aviation of Department of Communications of NTT, Donatus Dita Mete, in Kupang said the three airports are El Tari Airport of Kupang for the area of Timor Island, Tambolaka for the island of Sumba, and Surabaya II in the Nagekeo District for the area of Flores and Lembata.

“It’s related to the readiness of the air transport infrastructure in dealing with a surge tourist visit to NTT after Komodo determined as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We already have plans to fix the airport infrastructure at three locations and in 2012 will have started the realization, “he said.

It is said, the runaway of Tambolaka Airport will be extended from 2,000 meters to 2,500 meters or equal to El Tari Airport Kupang so that the wide-body aircraft such as Boeing B-737 can land on Tambolaka without having to pass through El Tari Airport Kupang.

“So is the Surabaya II airport in Mbay, Nagekeo, will be developed in stages up to the length of the runway to 2,500 meters to serve the users of air transport to and from the island of Flores,” he said.

Especially for El Tari Airport Kupang, he said, started from 2012 there will be a number of improvements in some parts, which include the waiting room and the arrival and the expansion of aircraft parking (apron).

With the development of the three airports it is hoped that the foreign tourists who come by a special plane can directly land in Kupang or Sumba without having to transit in Surabaya or Bali.

“In that way, the tourists who visit NTT can stay longer because they do not have to stay overnight in Surabaya and Bali,” he said. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

photo by spc

NTT to Develop Three Airports to Support Tourism

Pengembangan Pariwisata Lombok, PT Banten West Java, PT Gowa Makassar Tourism Development Tbk., PT Krakatau Lampung Development, PT Bintan Resort Corporation, PT Mandara Jasindo Sena, PT Teluk Makaki Indah, PT Tourism Development Corporation, and PT Bali Nirwana Resort.

“The rest are 12 PT that work on tourism areas in various regions as potential members AKPI,” he explained.

Firmansyah Rahim expects AKPI to prepare tourism areas that will be sold to prospective investors. “Do not disappoint the investors just because the tourism areas that will be visited are not ready yet,” he said. (*)

Firmansyah Rahim (center) during a press conference Indonesia Tourism Investment Day (ITID)

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

Promoting Indonesia through Indonesian Coffee Festival 2012

photo by tri wibowo

photo by spc

Four Tourism Areas in Bali Proposed as World Cultural Heritage

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“We want to attract the world coffee lovers to come to Indonesia to enjoy coffee and see the coffee plantations in Indonesia. It certainly provides immediate sensation of enjoying coffee in the producing countries, “he explained.

Meanwhile, the originator of Indonesian Coffee Festival 2012, Yanthi Tambunan, expressed her satisfaction with the interest of people in the event. “People have become more aware of the history of coffee and to make coffee in a right way. I’m optimistic, the main event in Ubud Bali later, can be a great success,” said Yanthi who is also the owner of Bandar Kopi.

Rudy J. Pesik, a coffee entrepreneur who has 3,000 coffee shops in Indonesia and abroad said that the coffee exporters in Indonesia send coffee from Indonesia in the raw form. That causes the prestige of Indonesian coffee is less bright.

“If the coffee exported abroad is processed and ready for consumption, it will have better prestige and become more popular. Take Italy as an example, they don’t have coffee plantations, but they have expertise in coffee brewing so that appears in the community are the Italian

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ndonesia proposes four tourist areas in Bali as a world cultural heritage to UNESCO. They are Lake Batur in Bangli District, Catur Angga Batukaru in Tabanan that consists of Lake Buyan, Lake Tamblingan, Mount Batukaru and rice terraces in Jatiluwih, and Pakerisan watersheds in Gianyar regency.

Indonesia Joint Tourism Industry (GIPI) encourages the provincial government of Bali to organize and map out the management of a number of tourism areas related to the proposal. There are still many tourist areas in nine regencies in the province of Bali that have huge tourism potentials.

Chairman of GIPI Ngurah Wijaya said that there are a lot of tourist areas spread in nine regencies in Bali that have not managed professionally. This condition reflects that the government ignores the tourism potentials of those areas.

“Arrangement of four tourist areas proposed as world cultural heritage must be started immediately, because if the natural attractions of these areas are approved to be the world cultural heritage, then the position would be equivalent to Komodo Island that has been approved by UNESCO in 1991,” he said.

UNESCO has acknowledged the island of Komodo as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage. “With this acknowledgement, it is expected that more foreign tourists will come to Bali and this will also improve the welfare of Balinese people,” he added.

Secretary of Proposal Preparation Team of World Heritage in Bali, I Wayan Windia, said that the arrangement of the four tourist locations will begin immediately and will be projected to the readiness of the four regions. “The Provincial Government of Bali along with four other districts immediately organizes the four regions,” he said. (*)

Road to Indonesian Coffee Festival was held in Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk), Bandung

elcoming the Indonesian Coffee Festival 2012 in Bali, a Road to Indonesian Coffee Festival was held in Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk) on Friday (23/12).

Visitors who came not only could enjoy various types of Indonesian coffee, but also could see the right process of coffee making.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar said that coffee is one of Indonesian products that has been known until European continent. Indonesia is also the fourth largest coffee producer in the world; therefore we need to promote coffee as both a wealth of culinary treasures and icon Indonesia.

“We want to build brand image throughout the world that Indonesia is the world’s coffee producer, we want when the Europeans drink coffee, it reminds them of Indonesia. Indonesian Coffee Festival 2012 is one way of promoting coffee worldwide, “Sapta said.

Sapta also explained that drinking coffee has become a culture among the European society and the coffee they drink are mostly imported from Indonesia.

Lake Buyan

coffee is the most delicious one. We can see it from the names of the coffee, which have been known worldwide such as espresso, latte, moccacino, and others, “he said.

For this reason, Rudy who is also Chairman and CEO of DHL Express consistently uses Indonesian coffee names in the menus, although there is a menu of Italian coffees. “Indonesian coffee such Toraja coffee, Aceh coffee, Flores coffee and Papua coffee are now booming. In fact, my coffee shop abroad is still using Bahasa Indonesia, KopiKamu,” said Rudy.

In the Road to Indonesia Coffee Festival, there are 16 original coffeehouse from Indonesia participated. Visitors who come can enjoy free coffee as well as watching the process of making coffee drinks correctly. The baristas (coffee makers) exhibit showed enthusiastically their skill in making coffee with a variety of techniques. Socialization of coffee is also shown through the media of puppet presented by Taviv.

For about 30 minutes, he told the story of coffee. The event was ended with performances of music played by Tony Q Rastafara and Amy & Friends feat Marsha. (*)

Gene Kreyd in Collaborate with Quiksilver

photo by tri wibowo

Sapta Nirwandar, Deputy minister of tourism and creative economy

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French television station presents a program that shows the charm of the natural beauty of Raja Ampat, and through this free promotion, tourist visit to Raja Ampat is expected to increase. The natural beauty of Raja Ampat is promoted by TF1 television station through the program entitled “Koh-Lanta”.

This is a reality show with a concept similar to survivor program. The filming was done in three months with 20 contestants. According to Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative

Economy (Wamenparekraf) Sapta Nirwandar the program received positive response from French society.

“The positive response can be seen from a high rating, which is up to seven million viewers per episode. In the final episode, the audience reached 8 million, “he said while meeting reporters and Socialization of the National Tourism Development Master Plan (Ripparnas) recently.

Sapta further explained that the rating acquisition is expected to provide promotional

impact to Raja Ampat, not limited to French society, but as well as other European countries, including other French-speaking countries like Canada.

“One episode lasts for about 60 minutes and presents not only the participants, but also the surrounding of Raja Ampat,” he said.

In the final night, the organizers presented a photo exhibition featuring the beauty of Raja Ampat and the photographs of the participants during the race.

“They are amazing photographers. They said that they have made ‘Koh-Lanta’ in 13 different countries, but the best one is in Raja Ampat, “he added.

According to him, the promotion of destinations through such program does not cost a lot of budget, but effective in terms of destination marketing. “We only act as facilitators. We don’t spend any money. However, this program also have obstacle in terms of getting the permit, which is very difficult, “he said.

Koh-Lanta program in Raja Ampat episode took the title of “Koh-Lanta: Raja Ampat”, and Indonesia is not mentioned in the title. This was deliberately done to provoke the curiosity of the audience.

Rajaampat Islands located at the westernmost tip of Papua, or 50 miles northwest of Sorong is the best reef areas in Indonesia, at least 450 coral species live in waters of Raja Ampat.

No wonder if, Raja Ampat become a tourist area of underwater flora and fauna with the highest current rating. Raja Ampat is one of the 10 best diving sites in the world.

More than 1,000 species of reef fish and 700 species of mollusks live in the region. It makes Raja Ampat a habitat for about 75 percent of the world’s coral species. (*)

photo by james

Promoting Raja Ampat Through ‘Koh-Lanta’

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uiksilver Indonesia in collaboration with photographer and DJ from Russia, namely Gene Kreyd released an exclusive T-shirt featuring some favorite images such as photographs of art and music in Taksu Gallery and Woobar W Retreat and Spa. The man who was born in St. Petersburg Russia has spent the last 24 years to educate himself in various arts such as painting, music, photography and even videographer. In his recent trip he found a favorite surfing location namely Padang-Padang Beach that makes Bali as his home. Gene likes to take the best pictures from every trip he takes and surf lifestyle.

Gene artworks have been exhibited in several countries like the United States, Australia, India, Indonesia, and Russia and have been sold in the gallery and now on the hands of private collectors around the world.

“This is a good opportunity for me to collaborate with Quiksilver Indonesia and share my passion in art and surfing. This is a fantastic peak of my career, “he said.

Gene hopes that all the beauty he saw in his life could be shared to people via his T-shirt collections.

Holly Monkman, Marketing Executive Quiksilver South Asia said it was delighted to display the wonderful art collection owned by Gene. “This is a perfect example of a lifestyle and Quiksilver is proud to be part of this event in Bali,” he added.

In addition the event was also enlivened by a fashion show featuring a collection of Gene Kreydd, women’s clothing from Lisa Blue and Moskova’s menswear, as well as DJ Maxim Gankin appearances and DJ Taro Joy and their best songs. (*)

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

photo by tri wibowo

Approaching End of the Year, Aston to Introduce 20 New Hotels

Norbert Vas (center) with public relations Aston International

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ston International introduced three newly opened hotels and 17 hotels are planned to be operated in 2012. It was explained during the end-of-year press conference that was held in Jakarta.

The new hotels include properties such as 5-star hotel Grand Aston Yogyakarta, which was opened to public on 17 December, and several four-star hotels that are planned to operate in Jakarta, Cirebon, Jambi, Kupang, Makassar and Purwokerto. Also a number of hotels with selected services, Favehotel, including the newly opened favehotel Cenang beach, Langkawi and favehotel Seminyak, Bali and hotel 3-star plus Quest Hotel in Cebu, Philippines with 427 rooms.

While continuing to expand its core brand Grand Aston, Aston, Aston City, Quest and fave, Aston International is also developing a boutique hotel with a brand new service with its selected service NEO that will be opened next year in Jakarta and Bali. Aston also plans to open the second resort Royal Kamuela Villa in Bali in mid next year.

Norbert Vas, vice president of sales and marketing of Aston International said that Aston will continue to expand in Indonesia as a place of origin, in the near term strategy is to strengthen its leading position in domestic and continue its expansion overseas.

“For example, although the Quest and fave are new hotel labels, they have been able to develop not only in Indonesia where the current fave has more than 30 projects, while Quest is developing in Bali and will be coming soon in Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Makassar as well as in the Philippines and Malaysia, “said Norbert.

Norbert further explained that the brand is conceptualized so well that the developers wanted to build it soon, while the guests give a lot of appreciation and waiting the project to be completed soon. Norbert is confident Aston International will operate at least 50 or more hotels before the end of 2012 and predicts substantial growth throughout Southeast Asia.

Aston entered the Southeast Asian market in the late 1990s and currently becomes a hospitality management company in Indonesia that offers advanced networking of Hotel, Condotel, Resorts, Service Apartments and villas that grow rapidly with representative offices in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur , Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Bali.

Aston International currently manages the 5-star hotel Grand Aston and Crimson, luxury villas Royal Kamuela and Kamuela, 4-str hotel Aston, 3-star Aston City Hotel and Quest, budget boutique hotel Neo as well as favehotel brand with trendy concept.

With a proven track record, Aston has a very clear vision to be known universally as selected hospitality Management Company in the Asia Pacific region. (*)

Aston International Receive Venue Mice Award fot The Best Hotel

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ston International recently received the prestigious ‘Venue MICE Award 2011 for The Best Hotel’ at an event held by the well known ‘Venue Magazine’. This event was opened by the Vice Minister of Tourism, Mr. Sapta Nirwandar and was well attended by the countries MICE organizers and event planners.

Venue Magazine is the main resource for the MICE industry in Indonesia and is widely read and used as the main reference guide and resource for small, medium and large companies looking to organize meeting, incentive programs, conventions and events.

At the celebration of their 4th Anniversary event, Venue Magazine chose to bestow the award of ‘Venue MICE Award 2011’ to Aston International as the Best Hotel for Aston’s great efforts throughout 2011 in providing MICE facilities with the highest service standard throughout the Indonesian archipelago.

Aston International in the past several years has opened several prestigious hotels across the country specializing in catering to MICE organizers from small gatherings to larger events for up to 3,000 guests. Services and standards across the group have been developed and streamlined to make sure all requirements and expectations of MICE organizers are met and surpassed.

Norbert Vas, Aston International’s VP Sales & Marketing said, “It was an honor for us to be chosen as The Best Hotel amongst other candidates in this category. Currently, Aston has both Hotel & Conference Centers and Hotel & Convention Centers that frequently cater to big events such as company meetings, conferences or government congresses”. (*)

Indonesia Tourism Event Calendar 2012

Event/Festival

Manulude Festival Tabot Festival Election of Balikpapan Tourism Ambassador Cap Gomeh Festival Bau Nyale Putri Mandalika Megou Pak Teater Koma Pasola Festival Buleleng People Festival Puppet Performance TMII Legu Gam Festival Miss Coffee Indonesia 2012 Traditional Batak Cultural Festival Gebyar Wisata Nusantara 10 K Marathon Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival Festival Teluk Jailolo Bintan Triathlon Issen Cultural Festival Sumatera International Travel Fair Tour de Singkarak Solo Batik Carnival Malioboro Festival Sentani Cultural Festival International Surfing Competition Singkawang Festival Putra Putri Batik Nusantara Batu Open Paragliding Kemilau Sumatera Lombok Sumbawa Pearl Festival Kemilau Sulawesi Wedding Vaganza Tanjung Bhira Phinisi Festival North Maluku Art & Cultural Festival Bintan Tracking and Durian Party Festival Perairan Pulau Makassar ASEAN Jazz Festival Togean Festival Jember Fashion Carnival Jazz On The Beach Tanah Lot Art Festival International Kite Competition Anyer Festival Lembah Baliem Cultural Festival Muna Kite Festival West Sumatra Cultural Week Sabang International Regatta Palu Bay Festival Lampung Art & Cultural Festival Jepen Festival Solo Jazz Festival Legian Beach Festival Jazz on Bromo Raja Ampat Marine Festival Banten Cultural Festival Ambon Bay Festival Krakatau Festival Kuta Karnival Fort Rotterdam Festival Visit Lombok Sumbawa Ambon Jazz Plus Festival Bamboo Musical Festival Lake Batur Festival TIME (Indonesia Tourism Travel Mart) Simeulue Ate Fulawan Dragon Boat Festival Nusa Dua Fiesta TIMORESIA Border Festival Asmat Cultural Festival Borobudur Jazz Festival Kemilau Nusantara Pesona Borneo Vegetarian Food Festival Lake Poso Festival Lake Tondano Festival Losari Festival Lake Toba Festival Yogya Fashion Week Musi Triathlon Waruga Festival Sriwijaya Festival Musi Festival Makepung Festival Jambi Cultural Week International Bali Mediator Festival Internasional Borneo Blowgun Competition

Place

Sangihe, North Sulawesi Bengkulu Balikpapan, East Kalimantan Singkawang, West Kalimantan Kuta Beach, Lombok Tulangbawang, Lampung Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Singaraja, Bali Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Ternate, North Maluku Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Balige, Sumatera Utara Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Jakarta, DKI Jakarta West Halmahera, North Maluku Bintan, Riau Islands Palangkaraya, East Kalimantan Medan, North Sumatera Padang, West Sumatera Solo, Central Java Yogyakarta Jayapura, Papua Cimaja, Sukabumi, West Java Singkawang, West Kalimantan Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Kota Batu, Malang Palembang, South Sumatera Lombok, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara Mamuju, West Sulawesi Bali Bhira, South Sulawesi Ternate, North Maluku Bintan, Riau Islands Kendari, North Sulawesi Batam, Riau Islands Palu, South East Sulawesi Jember, East Java Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Belitung Bali Ciamis, West Java Banten, West Java Jayawijaya, Papua Kota Raha, Muna Regency Payakumbuh, West Sumatera Sabang, Aceh Palu, South East Sulawesi Lampung Berau, East Kalimantan Solo, Central Java Bali Probolinggo, East Java Raja Ampat, Papua Banten Ambon, Maluku Lampung Bali Makassar, South Sulawesi Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Ambon, Maluku Bandung, West Java Kintamani, Bali Bandar Lampung, Lampung Aceh Nusa Dua, Bali Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Asmat, Papua Magelang, Central Java Bogor, West Java Balikpapan, East Kalimantan Batam, Riau Islands Poso, South East Sulawesi Manado, North Sulawesi Makassar, South Sulawesi Parapat, North Sumatera Yogyakarta South Sumatera Minahasa, North Sulawesi Palembang, South Sumatera Palembang, South Sumatera Bali Jambi Bali Singkawang, West Kalimantan

Time

- January - January - February - February 25 February 10 - 17 March 4 - 26 March 26 – 27 March 31 March– 21 April - April 2 - 16 April 15 – 18 April 16 – 17 April - May 8 May 12 – 27 May 14 – 18 May 21 – 22 May 19 – 22 May 3 – 5 June 6 – 12 June 25 June 25 – 26 June 19 – 23 June 12 – 18 June 1 – 3 July - July 8 – 10 July 8 – 10 July 8 – 11 July 9 – 12 July 15 – 17 July 15 – 17 July 16 – 17 July 16 – 17 July 18 – 21 July 22 – 23 July 22 – 27 July 24 July 27 July 26 July – 1 August - August - August 7 – 9 August 11 – 14 August 11 – 17 September 12 – 24 September 16 – 18 September 17 September 17 – 18 September 22 September 23 – 26 September 23 September 22 – 24 September 28 September – 2 October 27 – 29 September - September 29 September – 3 October September - October 2 -3 October 7 – 9 October 7 – 8 October 10 – 11 October 12 – 14 October 12 – 17 October 14 – 19 October 19 – 20 October 20 – 25 October 23 October 28 – 30 October 28 – 30 October - October 28 October – 5 November 30 October - November - November 2 November 5 – 11 November 8 – 9 November 11 – 12 November 11 – 12 November 13 November 19 – 25 November 10 – 13 November 18 – 20 November

Resources : Minister Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

Green Hotel Award Encourages Hotels to Care for Environment ment teams there are 32 hotels that pass the verification. But one hotel that is Shangrila Hotel Surabaya resigned because they are not ready to be assessed so that the number of hotels assessed is 31 hotels.

“After cross-checking done by conducting field visits, the jury finally chose 24 hotels that are considered qualified to receive Green Hotel Award,” said Firmansyah.

Other 14 hotels that also received the GHA 2011l and are allowed

to follow the same event in 2013 namely: Banyan Tree Ungasan (Bali), Banyan Tree Bintan, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa (Bali), Novotel Palembang Hotel & Residence, Alila Villas Uluwatu (Bali) The Shangri_La Hotel Jakarta Novotel Bogor Golf Resort and Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, Melia Purosani Hotel Yogyakarta, Sahid Jaya Lippo Cikarang, Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel, Bintan Lagoon Resort, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa (Bali), and the Grand Swiss- Belhotel Medan. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

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he first time the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) presented the “Green Hotel Award 2011”.

The award is given to the 4-star and 5-star hotels in Indonesia that care about the environment and sustainable development.

Environmentally friendly gives additional value to the standard of hotel services along with the development trend of ecotourism in the country.

According to Menparekraf, Mari Elka Pangestu, the momentum of “Green Hotel Award” (GHA) should be used by the hotels in Indonesia to confidently make the aspects of sustainable tourism as an added value and point of attractiveness, in addition to quality and service quality, which must remain high.

“In the midst of intense competition between the hotels, both at national and regional levels, sustainable tourism can be a differentiator that elevates the quality of service of a hotel compared to others,” he said during the presentation of Green Hotel Award in Jakarta recently.

The award is selected from the 290 4-star and 5-star hotels all over Indonesia. Only 76 hotels have returned the self-assessment questionnaires document to the committee. The jury eventually decided there were 24 hotels that have been honored to receive the GHA 2011 as a predetermined passing score that is an average of 60.00.

“The rapid growth of middle class in Indonesia has made tourism industry excited. It is because the demand for hotel is increasing.

Hotel operators should pay attention to aspects of quality and service quality, including aspects of environmental sustainability, “said Mari.

With the growing accessibility of flights, then the movement of tourists will be more massive, both intercity and interstate. Nowadays consumers demand not only limited to aspects of quality, but also to sustainable tourism. It is time for the hotel to not only focus on financial profit alone but also include the aspect of sustainability.

The award will be used as a reference in determining the 10 selected hotels as delegates or representatives of Indonesia to get the award at the ASEAN level. The Green Hotel Award at ASEAN level is planned to be presented at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in January 2012 in Manado, North Sulawesi.

10 hotel winners are Matahari Beach Resort & Spa (Bali), Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel (Bali), Holiday Inn Resort Batam, Angsana Bintan, Meliana Benoa Bali, Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation (Magelang, Central Java), The St. Regis Bali Resort, Melia Bali Villa & Spa Resort, The Dharmawangsa Jakarta, and the Gran Melia Jakarta Hotel.

There are 290 hotels of PHRI members who participated in this event. After going through the process of jury selection and assess-

Borobudur Tourism Development to Use DMO Concept

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nation based on the process, starting from planning to operations and monitoring. The goal is that Indonesia tourism destinations are managed more professionally, qualified, and has global competitiveness.

In addition to Borobudur, the DMO concept is also implemented in the old city of Jakarta, Pangandaran Beach (West Java), BromoTengger-Semeru (East Java), Toba (North Sumatra), and Sabang (Aceh). It is also used in Bali, Rinjani (NTB), Komodo-Kelimutu-

photo by tri wibowo

inister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Mari Elka Pangestu, encourages the development of the tourist area of Borobudur in Magelang, which applies the concept of Destination Management Organization (DMO) System.

“DMO to develop the organization’s governance of sustainable tourism destination by involving all elements of society,” she said during the trees planting in the area of Borobudur temple, recently.

On that occasion Menparekraf planted trees in the Court of Borobudur Temple; Head of Borobudur Heritage Conservation Marsis Sutopo also helped explaining the condition of the temple after the eruption of Merapi. After the event, the group headed to Omahe Simbok, a home Stay in the Village of Wanurejo.

From the Village of Wanurejo, the group then has a dialogue with the community in the village of Candirejo, one of the villages that receive financial assistance from Tourism PNPM. Mari Pangestu Ela, said the DMO is the formation and development of organizational governance and sustainable tourism desti-

Flores (NTT), Tanjung Putting (Central Kalimantan), Derawan (East Kalimantan), Toraja (South Sulawesi), Bunaken (North Sulawesi), Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi), and Raja Ampat (Papua).

Technically, the DMO program can be realized in the form of tourism village. The government encourages the management and improvement of the quality of tourism village through the National Community Empowerment Program (PNPM). (*)

Mari Elka Pangestu at Borobudur Temple

Asean Tourism Forum Attended by 400 Buyers and 900 Sellers

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s many as 1,400 participants that consisted of 400 buyers and 900 sellers from ASEAN member countries, as well as 100 international media attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Manado on Sunday.

Chairman of ASEAN NTO’s Wardiyatmo said that the activities of ATF 2012 consisted of ASEAN NTO’s Meeting (8 – 10 January), Ministerial Meeting (11-12 January), andTravel Exchange (13-15 January).

Wardiyatmo added that the 31st ATF 2012 brought up the theme of “Tourism for a global Community of Nations” where the role of tourism does not only cover the ASEAN region, but also wider region, which is East Asia.

“The role of ASEAN partner countries such as India, China, Japan and Korea in the development of ASEAN tourism sector through dialogue partners can be improved in an attempt to make ASEAS as world class tourist destination,” said Wardiyatmo.

Therefore, he further said, the target of ATF Meeting in Manado is to establish agreement in tourism sector between ASEAN and India by the signing of MoU between ASEAN and

India Tourism Cooperation, an agreement on Tourism Marketing Strategy (ATMS) 2011 – 2015, and introducing Indonesia’s tourist destinations, especially North Sulawesi.

To start the series of ATV events, the 35th ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTO) Meeting was held in Grand Kawanua Convention Center, Novotel Hotel, Manado.

ASEAN NTOS is a regular meeting of Senior Official held once every six months. The previous meeting was held in Luang Prabang, Laos on July 2011.

Acted as the chairman of the meeting was Wardiyatmo, Secretary General Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy accompanied by co-chair from Laos Mr. Soukaseum Bodhisane, Advisor to the Minister of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR. The meeting was attended by delegations from ASEAN member countries, as well as representatives from ASEANTA (ASEAN Travel Agents Association), SEATGA (Southeast Asia Tourist Guide Association), AJC (ASEAN Japan Centre), AKC (ASEAN Korea Centre), and ACC (ASEAN China Centre).

Prior to the meeting, North Sulawesi Governor Sarundajang stated that in relation to the development of ASEAN tourism, Manado as tourist destination for MICE and adventure with its richness in underwater potentials can be alternative destination for ASEAN. North Sulawesi can be made into one of the Tourism Hub in ASEAN region.

The meeting discussed 15 main agendas that will be discussed in two days. Most of the agendas were listening and discussing the reports from each Working Group (WG) and committee based on the result of the Working Group meeting in Brunei Dasussalam on 2 - 6 October 2011.

There were three working groups and two committees. They are Marketing and Communication WG (led by Thailand), Product WG (led by Malaysia), Quality WG (led by Filipina), Tourism Budget and Integration Committee (led by Brunei), and ASEAN Tourism Professional Monitoring Committee (led by Indonesia). The document that was going to be finalized is ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy (ATMS) 2011 2015. (*)

Reno Halsamer to Own more than 2000 Original Masks

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t was begun with his admiration towards an antique painting, which later makes Reno Halsamer interested to collect them.

He was visiting an art shop in Kemang, Jakarta when one of his friends offered him a mask with a quite high price for a mask considering the facts that there are a lot of historical remains bought by foreign tourists and brought to their countries to be traded.

The fact that Indonesia is experiencing a cultural crisis has made Reno sad. He feels that he is responsible for that and his interest on unique and antiquities, especially masks, began to grow. “I have a mask as old as 100 years,” he said. His mask collection is original and cultural heritage which has character and emotion related to nature and belief.

Mask should be made from special wood taken from an old tree that is ready to be cut off. “As far as I know, making a mask requires its maker to meditate and do fasting,” Reno explained.

In Asian culture, gold and silver masks were used as a symbol of prosperity and power, while wooden mask was used for performance and ritual.

Mask was then developed to keris, keris handle, textile, statue and art items like stone accessories and many more. His painting collections were sold and replaced by masks. He now has more than 2000 masks. “I collect masks and other art works since 15 years ago. I bough most of them abroad and bring them back to Indonesia,” said Reno.

According to Reno, masks are interesting, a culture from thousand of years ago and have great philosophy. “We live in the world surrounded by people who wear masks, either politically or in their daily life,” he said. Hundred of million rupiahs he spent for collecting the masks from all over Indonesia.

There are three masks that he considers unique. They are the masks of Buddha’s face, which are 100 years old with anatomy from Jogjakarta, Central Java. “I bought them from painting collector and the masks have been inherited from one generation to another. The price was Rp 75 million. The previous owner was rich, although the masks were family heritage, the owner didn’t like them.

The price of mask varies from one to another. Some are sold wholesale and other are sold individually. Fifteen masks as old as 50 years are sold for Rp 5 million, and some are Rp 10 million.

It depends on the owner or holder of the masks. “If the masks owned by someone who has knowledge about mask, it is going to expensive. However, if the owner needs money, it will be sold in low price,” he said.

His love towards his mask collection has made him mocked by his friends and colleagues. He never gives up for he receives support from many people such as famous artists. Reno then built a museum called “D’Topeng Kingdom.” (*)

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photo by spc

Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

B

e g a l l i V m s i r u o T o j e r i d n a C o t A Vacation

orobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java is surely very wellknown among Indonesian people. But not so many people know that not far from Borobudur, only about three kilometers to the south, there is a tourist site that begins to attract the attention of both local and foreign tourists. It is Candirejo Tourism Village.

Candirejo Tourism Village at first was only rural area that was often used as a home stay for tourists who were enjoying the beauty of Borobudur. They lived in villagers’ houses and mingled with the hosts’ family. But on further developments, Candirejo Tourism Village not only serves as a home stay, but it has become a new tourist area.

It can be said that this region is satellite tourist area for the existence of Borobudur.

Over the past years, this village has received Tourism PNPM Mandiri assistance. It is administratively located in Borobudur district of Magelang regency and has an area of about 365 hectares. Sixty percent of its land is used for agriculture, twenty percent for settlement, and the remaining twenty percent is still forest area. Candirejo offers three types of attractions, namely cultural tourism, nature tourism and agro tourism. These three types of attractions are also completed with a visit to the center of Karah, a type of cassava chips that can be used for souvenirs.

The management of Candirejo Tourism Village combined these attractions with home stay package. So, in addition to enjoying the beauty of Candirejo, tourists also have the opportunity to experience the hospitality of the villagers. But for tourists who do not have much time to enjoy the beauty of Candirejo, and just want to concentrate on the Borobudur, home stay services are still available. There are various kinds of cultural tourism in this village such as Jathilan (kuda lumping). If there are guests coming to the village, Jathilan will be performed every night with local players from Candirejo. Uniquely, this dance is also played by children. It is usually performed on an open stage.

In addition to the beauty of jathilan dance, cultural nuances have also been presented since the first time tourists entered the village.

For example, when a dinner was held, the pengrawit, who are mostly elderly, accompanied the pleasure of dining with gamelan music and Javanese gendhing (singing).

Nature Tourism Candirejo has a lot of nature potentials, which include Tuk Banyu Asin, Watu Kendil, and Tempuran. Since these sites located in different areas, the tourists will be accompanied by a tour guide on an andhong (horse-drawn cart). Tuk Banyu Asin is a tour that offers a unique natural phenomenon, in which Candirejo that is located far away from the sea, it has a salty spring. It is said that the salty water was the urine of Prince Dipenegoro’s horse. Diponegoro was in a guerrilla in the region. For those who believe, this salty water brings good luck in love, career or provide easiness in doing something.

Watu Kendil is located on a steep hill. Therefore, we still need to walk to reach the area. No need to worry about the exhaustion of walking, because it will be paid by the beauty of this place. Watu Kendil kendil is a stone, which has a shape similar to a kendil (pottery). People said that its existence could not be separated from the eruption of Mount Merapi, thousands of years ago. During a major earthquake that struck Yogyakarta and Klaten some time ago, according to locals, this hundred of tons stone had rocked and almost collapsed.

Tempuran is a natural attraction that shows the beauty of the delta of three great rivers, which divides the village of Candirejo. The rivers are Progo, Belan and Sileng. Of the three rivers, the most popular is Progo. Besides regarded as a replica of the Ganges River in India, the river has also become one of the pathways of lava when Mount Merapi erupted.

In addition, the existence of the river Progo is also a marker of the arrival of the rainy season, when the flow is started to become muddy. These three rivers are perfect for those who like fishing, because various kinds of fish can be found there such as goldfish, Tawes, mujahir, Wader, catfish and various species of freshwater fish. The rivers are also suitable for students’ activities such as the place to learn about the biota of the river. It is because different types of freshwater fish that began to disappear in the urban area can be seen here.

Agro-tourism Regarding agro-tourism, Candirejo has a wide range of specificity such as visiting the garden of snakeskin fruit, papaya, cassava or wild herbal plants that grow along the road. Interestingly, every tourist is allowed to taste the ripe fruits for free with one condition, which is the fruits, should be enjoyed on the spot, and should not be taken home.

Snakeskin fruit from the village of Candirejo has a distinctive shape, which is small and sweet. When the rainy season arrives, the water content of the fruit is increasing, but the sweetness only reduces a bit. The papaya planted by the villagers of Candirejo is the type of dry-soil papaya that is specially imported from Thailand. In addition to its large shape, this type of papaya grows well when the long dry season hit. In terms of cassave, most of the cassava from Candirejo is produced by the villagers into chips.

Candirejo Tourism Village has great potential to be developed into the center of stopover tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of Magelang and the surrounding region. So, this condition is similar to the tourism conditions of DIY tours that can get big income from the tourism sector, simply because it is widely used as the home stay of the tourists. Tourism Village Candirejo can be said to have great potential to increase revenue from tourism in the area of Central Java. (*)

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

The Hidden Paradise in Sunda Strait S

wimming in crystal clear water, white sandy beach and beautiful coral reefs is the dream of anyone who likes marine tourism.

You can get all of them when visiting Umang Island, an island located on the western island of Java. The beauty of this island will stun anyone who visits it. Umang Island offers pristine nature and for sure guests will be pampered by resort facilities and warm service, making your holiday in Umang Island just like in a hidden paradise.

Umang Island is located in Sumur district, Pandeglang regency, Banten Province, Indonesia. Banten province is rich in tourism potentials. In addition to its culture and nature reserves, Banten is also famous for it marine tourism.

An excursion to Umang Island can somewhat be special. This tourist area that combines beach tourism and marine tourism is surrounded by several well-known tourist destinations in the province of Banten, such as Ujung Kulon National Park and Carita Beach in the south, Tanjung Lesung Beach on the north, as well as Panaitan Island and several small islands in the west.

It takes approximately 5 hours if you depart from Jakarta using a private car with the distance of 183 km. After arriving at the pier of Sumur, the journey continues with a motor boat ride to Umang Island that takes about 10 minutes.

When traveling from the pier in Sumur district to Umang Island by motorboat, you will be amazed to see the blue sea, white sand, panoramic view of beautiful beaches, and green foliage from a distance.

I myself had a chance to visit Umang Island in early December 2011 together with a group of reporters, who were participants of outbound of Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The beauty of the island located in Banten Province is indeed very exotic. For those who like diving and snorkeling, Umang Island offers a different sensation for these water sport activities. Night fishing and banana boat are another activities worth to try. In addition, the tranquility of Umang Island is perfect for couples who wants some private time or in a honeymoon.

It is called Umang Island because there are so many umang/ klomang (hermit crab) found on the island. People said that hermit crab is an endemic to the island.

This exotic island has been equipped with various facilities that are complete and representative. Therefore, for those who want to enjoy the various tourist destinations and various support facilities in one location, Pulau Umang is a perfect choice for refreshing on the weekends or other holidays with family or group of companies.

Beachfront swimming pool is available here for those who want to swim in fresh water while enjoying the beautiful panorama of the beach. The spa package is next activity to try to stretch the tensed muscles and aching body while listening to the crashing waves.

Fishing lovers will surely enjoy this island for there are various kinds of fish that can be found in the surrounding waters. There is also an outlet that sells various souvenirs typical of this resort island, such as displays of shells, key chains, and t-shirts. photo by tri wibowo

During the stay at Umang Island, do not forget visit Oar Island. It is located across Umang Island and has beautiful beach. The island has cluster of coral rocks that are also quite well maintained, which is perfect for snorkeling. Riding on a banana boat, Jet Ski or walking around the island is other activities that can be done on this island.

Oar Island is only five minutes by boat from Umang Island.

The one-hectare island offers beautiful scenery and various activities to do around or on the beach.

My advice, try to spend at least two days and two nights there because if you only stay one day, it seems to be not enough to enjoy the beauty of this island. Visiting Umang Island will surely relieve fatigue and throw the burden of routine work while enjoying the sea breeze.

I have experienced the beauty and exoticism of the hidden paradise in the Sunda Strait, how about you? (*)

tri wibowo

Visiting Oar Island

photo by

Another activity that can be done is to explore 5 hectare-area of Umang Island on foot. During your trip, you can see the wealth of flora and fauna, and enjoy the panoramic view of Umang Island from different angles.

The exoticism of the island becomes stronger approaching the evening. You can enjoy the charm of the sunset and the beauty of the Sunda Strait in the evening while relaxing in cafes or tourist cottages.

For dinner, the resort operator offers you two options, namely at the beach while listening to the crashing waves or listening to music in the cafes.

Accommodation in Umang Island also looks natural and blends with the natural surroundings. The building is divided into two parts, consisting of two beds for each of its parts. Natural atmosphere is visible from the selection of natural stone in the bathroom, wood floors and walls and other ornaments in the room.

Ananta Legian Hotel, Opening Soon Charming, Warm and Relaxing is what you will find in Ananta Legian Hotel . The hotel has been designed so as to calm eyes and bring inner serenity, referring to guests’ minds of grandeur, quality, charm and calm.

Every little detail has been carefully considered, an elegant balancing act of artistic and pure simplicity.

It is located on the world famous Legian, Bali where the beach, shopping, restaurants and entertainment are surrounding. The four star hotels is just 5-minute walk from the Legian beach and 35-minute drive from the airport.

The Hotel offers 176 guess rooms overlooking the tropical garden and pool. An Excellent Restaurant and a Roof Top Bar is also ready to serve you. Feel the sea breeze, the sound of the waves and the relaxing cool colors of nature surrounds you from our Roof Top Bar. Ananta Legian Hotel is also an ideal location to combine work and relaxation, a place where quality service and breath taking surroundings will give you an experience that you will appreciate and remember.

Have a memorable stay with us with a great value and a great hospitality. For more information, please contact : Ananta Legian Hotel Jalan Werkudara no 539 Legian- Bali Indonesia Phone : (62-361) 73 8989 Fax : (62-361) 73 5889 Email: info@anantalegian.com www.anantalegian.com

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

photo by steffi

photo by steffi

photo by steffi

Waiting for the High waves at Water Blow

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ali has always been considered as a paradise for surfers who come from different parts of the world to try waves at various beaches on the island. If the waves are rolling high, it may be a common thing that we often see during a visit to the beach. It would be a different experience to see and at the same time feel the blows of the waves that hit the rocks. Not so many people know a tourist site named Water Blow.

Water Blow lies in the south of Bali Island, Nusa Dua. To reach this location, we first have to pass through Bali Collection and it is right behind the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali. When entering into

this area, you can instantly enjoy the view of the squirrel jumps from one tree to another, green terrain, a monument and after that you will find the entrance to Water Blow. Water Blow is a tourist attraction where the rocks crashed by quite strong waves. The waves are crashing into the walls of sea coral that makes the water rise into the air so it is called the water blow. If you’re in Bali, don’t miss this place.

There is no admission to this place. Isn’t it great?

Pounding waves that hit the rock can make our adrenaline racing with a strong current near the big rocks, as if the waves coming will bring us in a matter of seconds. Water Blow is a tourist attraction

visited by many foreign and domestic tourists as the place that is not too crowded. This place is very convenient to be enjoyed while relaxing. Blows of the waves that appear like a bomb blast are definitely interesting attraction to watch and enjoy.

Water Blow is also famous among photography enthusiasts. It is also often chosen as a place for pre-wedding photos, family photos and pictures just for having fun. Some people come just for fishing, but we also have to be careful with sharp rocks. No need to worry about food and drinks while you are here. There are stalls that provide food and drinks in this area. (*)

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

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photo by spc

Monitoring Certification on Coral Reef

usa Dua Coral Reef Foundation with DPC Gahawisri Badung supported by The Body Shop Foundation conducted a training or certification on monitoring of coral reefs to diving inctructor through Reef Check EcoDiver Course program. The training was conducted in two periods, period I on 29, 30 November & 1 December 2011 and period II on 5,6,7 December 2011.

Chairman of the DPC Gahawisri Badung, I Made Tromat, acknowledged the important role of diving instructors in the preservation of coral reefs. “Coral reefs are our assets, particularly in Bali, if it is not

us then who else?” He said.

Training conducted in three phases, namely class exercises, simulation exercises on land and sea as well as coral reefs practice.

Pariama Hutasoit, Director of the Nusa Dua Coral Reef Foundation, said the training was focused at two places, namely Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa. “Both of these areas need serious attention in terms of the biodiversity especially coral reefs. It is considering that there are many human activities that have destructed the coral reefs,” he said.

Made Tromat asked the commitment of the diving instructors who have been trained to engage actively in the monitoring of coral reefs in Bali especially Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa. “After this training, we (DPC Gahawisri and Nusa Dua Coral Reef Foundation) will form a coral reef monitoring team on a regular basis, every 4 months in both areas,” said Pariama Hutasoit.

Furthermore, Pariama said the results of such monitoring annually will be socialized and used for better management of coral reefs in both areas. There were 14 participants attended the training. (*)

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he construction project of Bypass Toll that connects Nusa Dua - Ngurah Rai - Benoa is a project of PT Jasa Marga Bali with other state-owned enterprises.

This project will be carried out within 14 months with a total length of highway of 12 kilometers from Nusa Dua to Benoa and Underpass Dewa Ruci is expected to be completed before the implementation of the APEC Summit 2013.

The projects that are planned to be built on mangrove wetlands with shallow waters on the east side of the bay have received a per-

photo by spc

14 Months for Toll and Underpass in Bali

mit from the Ministry of Environment. Land use was approved without cutting trees but to plant about 300,000 mangrove seedlings on the highway with the four intersections that will be built.

The toll is connecting the southern island of Bali to South Denpasar district area right in Benoa Harbour area as well as access to Ngurah Rai International Airport. Construction of this project is implemented in order to overcome the bottlenecks that occur from Denpasar toward the direction of Nusa Dua. During this time access used is only through

Bypass Ngurah Rai and always jammed during the busy hours.

Roads that are used by have already received a permit from Spatial regulation and legislation of national strategic areas, urban areas Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan. The motorway has three interchanges, which include Nusa Dua, Ngurah Rai that is directly connected with the airport access and Benoa.

Minister of Public Works, Djoko Kirmanto, said the role of state enterprises are required to synergize with other state-owned enterprises to realize the construction of government projects. “With a target of 14 months, there are still 23% of the total requirement of land of 2.99 hectares has not been released,” he said in Benoa, Bali.

He continued, PT Jasa Marga Bali is appointed as the result of a consortium of seven state-owned enterprises as a designer and construction that include PT Jasa Marga, PT Pelindo III, PT Angkasa Pura I, PT Bali Tourism Development, PT Wijaya Karya, PT Adhi Karya and PT Hutama Karya.

Minister for SOEs, Dahlan Iskan, who was present in this agenda, supports the acceleration of the Ministry of Public Works by synergizing the state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

President Director of PT Jasa Marga Bali, Karim Akhmad Tito, said this toll road will not only provide a pathway to a four-wheel, but also two wheels. “Later this highway will be the most stunning toll in Indonesia and became the new icon of Bali,” he said. The 12-kilometer long toll will be built above sea surface and offers a new driving sensation above water and green mangrove forests.

This project cost around Rp 2.49 billion from a consortium of state-owned enterprises. (*)

Village Market Festival

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he city government of Denpasar carried out revitalization on traditional market in four districts, which is aimed to increase their competitiveness over modern market. The revitalization is directed to improvement of market management.

The meeting was held in Warung Bendega, Denpasar on Friday (6/1) and attended by Denpasar Mayor I.B. Rai Darmawijaya Mantra and 28 heads of market.

Rai Mantra said that the success of revitalization program of traditional market in the future will be able to become the icon of society economic movement as well as create local entrepreneurs, who can boost the economy and welfare of the local people.

“Traditional market definitely differs from modern market. However, with the revitalization program, we expect traditional market to become friendly and fresh market where transaction between buyers and sellers take place. The products sold there are also fresh and hygienic,” he said.

Agung Penenjoan Market is one of the traditional markets that will become a national pilot market and will be officially opened

by Minister of Trade on February.

“Actually, the challenge of traditional market is related to cleanliness of the market. To maintain the cleanliness is not merely the responsibility of the market operator, but also the sellers, who should participate in maintaining the cleanliness,” he said.

Traditional Market Festival will soon be held as an attempt to evaluate the management of traditional market. This festival is going to be followed by 28 village markets, specially those manage by the custom village (*).

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

R E B A, unique ceremony from Ngada

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our visit to Ngada is incomplete before watching directly the traditional ceremony of Reba. This interesting traditional ritual takes place every December or in the beginning of year (January or February). It lasts for three to four days.

You can watch this traditional ceremony in Ngada regency, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The ceremony involves sev-

A. The meaning of Reba Ceremony

Reba is an annual traditional ceremony held by the ethnic of Ngada. Reba has several meanings: 1. Reba as traditional new year ceremony 2. Reba as expression of gratitude for the abundant harvest 3. Reba as a ceremony to honor the ancestors 4. Reba as a ceremony that unites the family relationship

B. Stages of Reba Ceremony

1. Reba Lanu : It is the opening of Reba ceremony, which is carried out outside the village, in the field owned by each clan. The aim of this ceremony is to respect the ancestor of each clan. The traditional house is inherited from one generation to another by their ancestor.

2. Dheke Reba : This is the ceremony of entering the traditional house, which is

eral districts, namely Aimere, Bajawa, Mataloko, Jerebu`u and So`a.

Each district is in turn to become the host of the event every year.

One day before the ceremony begun, there will be an opening ceremony for Reba called su’i uwi. Ka maki reba or drink and eat together is held in the evening while waiting the morning comes. In the morning, the villagers will be provided with food and drink (Ngeta kau bhagi ngia, mami utu mogo).

An enculturation mass is held in the church and led by a pastor as form of assimilation between traditional culture and Catholic religion.

There will also be a choir in local language of Ngada.

Outside the church, the audiences and dancers will get one or two glasses of tua ara (a kind of liquor popular in Asian countries). Reba is the expression of joy of the local people by still maintaining the religious nuance.

Reba ceremony is an expression of gratitude of the Ngada people to their ancestors. Sweet potatoes are the main menu in this traditional ceremony. For Ngada people, sweet potatoes are source of food that can always be found in their area.

Reba is also used to evaluate any aspects of life that have been done by Ngada people in the previous year. People will ask some advice from the religious and traditional figures so that they can live a better life in the New Year.

conducted in the first night when the entire members of the family gather to talk about things that are considered to be important related to the right and responsibility of the clan/traditional house with the external party, as well as to welcome guests and members of clan.

3. O’Uwi : Dhoy Uwi or carrying tubers to the centre of the village as the symbol of harvest gained. This activity is accompanied by dances as an honor to God/ancestor for the blessing given.

4. Sui Uwi : This is the ceremony of cutting the sweet potatoes or harvest sharing. It is performed by the custom leader by telling the history and family genealogy to the young generation, discussing the internal problem of the clan, evaluate the entire journey of the clan, and about the right and responsibility of the members of the custom house for the next year.

Don’t miss the traditional dance, in which the dancers dance with long sword (sau) and tuba (stick decorated with white goat skin). The musicians that accompany the dancers play musical instruments made from coconut shells or forest pumpkin. This musical instrument is very unique for its resonance container is covered by goat skin and there is a hole in the middle of it. The stick is made from bamboo tied with waving string and rubbed with wax.

In Ngada, you will find a number of traditional villages that feature megalithic stones. The people of Ngada know the terms of Ngadhu and Bhaga. Ngadhu symbolizes the figure of male ancestor, while Bhaga representing the figure of female ancestors. There is one stone in Bena village that is considered to be sacred. It is called ture.

The schedule of Reba is based on the local calendar. Thus, there isn’t any exact schedule for this ceremony on the western/Christian calendar.

Reba is usually held in early of December in Sada and Doka, about 25 kilometers south of Bajawa.

In January, Reba is held in Nage – Dariwali in Aimere, WogoRatogesa in Golewa, Langa-Beja or Beiposo-Wawowae in Bejawa.

In February, it is held in Deru-Nenowea in Jerebuu, Mangulewa or in Turekisa-Sobo in Golewa, and also in Gisi-Laba Golewa.

In mid December, Reba is held in Bena – Tiworiwo, Aimere.

C. The Schedule of Reba in Ngada district

1. December : - 26 s/d 27 December: Old Village of Bena, Old Village of Luba, Old Village of Tololela Jerebuu district. Maghilewa village, Watu, Leke – Aimere district.

2. January : - 2 s/d 3 January : Nage village, Nio dan Wajo –Jerebuu district.

- 4 s/d 4 January : Were village - 15 s/d 18 January : Reba Langa 3. February : - Deru village, Nenowea –Jerebuu district - Manggulewa, Turekisa, GIsi, Bosiko, Naru, Bou – bou.

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Accor shares happiness and care to the Balinese community

Bali to Have Promising Spiritual Tourism

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orporate social responsibility action has always been synonymous with the Accor brand in every country where it operates. To reflect this strong commitment, Accor Hospitality has dedicated “Solidarity Day” – a day in which Accor employees from all brands across the world participate in contributing to the social and sustainable development initiative. Taking place in all the Group’s headquarters and hotels. in conjunction with the 3rd anniversary of the Accor foundation anniversary, “Share Happiness and Care through the Years” has been chosen as the theme of Solidarity Day 2011, which was held in December.

On December 20th, 2011, All Accor Bali

hotels: The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali, Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, Novotel Bali Benoa, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & Residences, Mercure Resort Sanur, Mercure Kuta Bali, Mercure Bali Harvestland Kuta, All Seasons Legian and All Seasons Bali Denpasar held the Annual Accor “Solidarity Day” programme at All Seasons Bali Denpasar. More than 90 Accor hotel employees from the Bali hotels took part in the programme, which started with a blood donation and in the process the collection of 75 blood bags donated to Indonesia Cross Red. 50 children from YPAC SLB D Jimbaran and orphans from Eben Heizer orphanages in Denpasar were invited to the event. Besides a buffet lunch, the children

participated in games and also received door prizes and goodie bags provided by Accor Bali hotels.(*)

Bali Provincial Government to Make Bali an Organic Island

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ccording to Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika, within the next two to three years, the target to make Bali as an organic island is expected to be implemented.

The provincial government of Bali is targeting Bali to become an organic island.

Made Mangku Pastika in his press conference in the early year dialogue on Saturday in Denpasar stated that the provincial government has allocated the budget up to Rp 4 billion to subsidize the organic fertilizer in an attempt to make Bali as an organic island.

Besides that, the provincial government has also launched integrated agricultural system (Simantri). This system integrates the sector of agriculture, plantation, and animal husbandry. Pastika further said that Bali needs 1,000 units of Simantri to make is an organic island.

Pastika explained,” There should be at

least 1,000 units in Bali to make us see the result. Currently, there are 200 units and will be evaluated gradually. Farmers want quick result by using chemical fertilizer, but on the other hands, the organic products cannot be sold in a better price yet.

The Chairman of Indonesia Farmer Association (HKTI) of Bali Nyoman Suparta hopes that with the gradual implementation of organic agriculture, it can avoid drastic decline in the production. In addition, the organic fertilizer used should also be the product of the farmers.

“We should prepare farmers to produce their own organic fertilizer. I disagree if we purchase the fertilizer from the factory. Do make sure that it is produced by farmers with their own capability,” Nyoman Suparta said.

Agriculture researcher from Faculty of Agriculture Udayana University Dr Alit Susanta

Wirya said that the attempt to create organic agriculture in Bali should be supported by the provision of organic market. So far, it is quite difficult for Bali organic products to enter the hotel markets in Bali.

Dr Alit Susanta Wirya further explained,” If we look at the products used in the hotels, only small amount is local product. Thus, we need to strengthen the agricultural sector. I want that each regency has market for Bali agricultural products, which is managed professionally.”

The implementation of organic agriculture in Bali with Simantri system is expected to not only makes Bali as an organic island, but also to increase the income of the farmers.

Through this system, farmers not only get income from agricultural products, but also from the selling of organic fertilizer, animal husbandry products and biogas.

Bali Toll to Complete in 2013

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he government is targeting to complete the construction of the toll road that connects Benoa Harbor and Ngurah Rai International Airport within the next 14 months. “It is constructed to support the APEC Meeting 2013,” said Minister of Public Works Djoko Kirmanto during the inauguration of the toll construction recently.

The inauguration was done by Djoko Kirmanto and accompanied by Minister of State Owned Enterprises and Bali Governor Mangku Pastika.

The investment is provided by the consortium of State-Owned Enterprises with the share composition of 60% by PT Jasa Marga,

20% by PT Pelindo III, 10% by PT Angkasa Pura, 5% by PT Wijaya Karya, 2% of PT Adhi Karya, 2% of PT Hutama Karya and 1% of PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Bali. “The local government of Bali and Badung are also going to invest some shares through Perusahaan Daerah (Local Government-Owned Enterprises) with the value of Rp 100 billion,” said Djoko.

The toll road is one of the priority programs of the central government and included in the six economic corridor programs for tourism sector. It has the total length of 8.12 kilometers.

Bali Governor Mangku Pastika stated that

the toll road is a strategic alternative to solve the traffic congestion in Bali. The economic growth of Badung and Denpasar is now reaching 6 – 6.5% per year, but the number or roads in Bali remains the same. “It’s clear why traffic congestion now becomes serious problem in Bali,” said Mangku Pastika.

It is recorded that as many as 74 thousand motorbikes passed Ngurah Rai By Pass that connects Denpasar and Nusa Dua everyday.

It is 66.1% of the total vehicles.

The remaining 30% is medium vehicle and 2.4% is heavy vehicle. The number of vehicles is increasing drastically during holiday season.

ali has great potentials for the development of spiritual tourism considering that the island is supported by the presence of spiritual places such as Sad Kahyangan Temple, Dang Kahyangan Temple and Kahyangan Tiga Temple.

Rector of Denpasar Hindu Dharma Institute Prof Dr I Made Titib said in Denpasar that as Bali called as the Land of One Thousand Temples, it becomes the strength to develop spiritual tourism. There are more than twenty thousand temples in Bali now.

“It is admitted that the development of spiritual tourism in Bali hasn’t been managed well. A number of areas in Bali start to consider the development of spiritual tourism. Local government of Gianyar has made temple as the object of spiritual tourism. Promotion is actively carried out, especially for temples that have been determined as object of spiritual tourism such as Tirta Empul, Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi, in the village of Sebatu, Masceti, Medahan and Keramas Temple,” he said.

He further said that with the basis of strong spiritualism and good management, spiritual tourism is believed to grow fast.

However, to avoid damage over the pillars of culture in Bali, it is the responsibility of tourism practitioners to consider the customs surrounding.

“It is considering that spiritual tourism is closely related to the unity of custom and norm hold by the local people. The rapid development of tourism in Bali should be followed by certain guide so that it runs in the correct corridor,” he said. It is important to do so in order to create dynamic harmonization with the surrounding environment.

Moreover, I Made Titib explained that Bali is a small island that has distinctive uniqueness. A number of names are given to the island such as The Morning of the World, The Last Paradise on Earth and The Island of Gods. Those names are given for certain reason. It is because Bali has great attractiveness.

According to Hindu theologist who is also professor of Veda in the faculty of Brahma Widya, Denpasar Hindu Dharma Institute, the popularity of Bali is not something new. Since long time ago, Bali has been known world wide as international tourist destination.

“The glory of Mount Agung that towering high or in Sanskrit called “Udaya Parvata” is believed as part of Mount Mahameru that in ancient time called “Sisira Parvata,” said Made.

The existence of pre-historic heritage such as Goa Gajah and Mount Kawi in Gianyar regency has proven that the religious life of Balinese people in ancient time was already very strong. This is the strong basis for Bali to develop spiritual tourism.

It is explained that spiritual tourism in Bali also shows the intensive relation between Bali and India. It can be seen from the regular visit of spiritual teacher (Acarya) from India to Bali for spiritual pilgrimage or known as tirtayatra. (*)

Pelindo III to allocate Rp 3T for Tourism Harbor

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tate-owned company that operates Benoa Harbor Bali, PT Pelindo III is allocating Rp 3T for the development of tourism harbor with the construction target in 2013.

General Manager Pelindo III, Iwan Sabatini said that the harbor as wide as 180,000 square meters is going to be used by small cruise or yacht to anchored. This is the first project for the expansion of Benoa.

“The harbor will be equipped with management of tourist areas such as construction of swimming pools and public entertainment facilities. This harbor is also projected to accommodate 200 yachts / day. Currently it is still in the phase of design completion,” said Iwan.

Pelindo III has allocated Rp 3T that is taken from part of PT Pelindo III profit together with the company’s consortium and other state-owned enterprises. However, the consortium is not yet formed until now. Now, the yachts are parked in the middle of the harbor’s pool. Therefore a yacht port is required.

Benoa Harbor currently has one special dock for Cruise Ship.

However, the southern dock can also be used if there are two ships coming at the same time. Unfortunately, the facilities of the southern dock is not yet appropriate to accommodate Cruise ship for it is actually used for loading and unloading goods.

“At present, Benoa Harbor will become the parent of the Marina, requiring expansion of the dock and the depth of the pool and groove ship until the LWS-12 yards. Previously, Pelindo III has been doing the deepening and widening of the groove and the groove area of Bouy 8 to anticipate the arrival of ships with larger size in the port of Benoa, “he said.

He added that the deepening of these locations there is a Ushaped reef with an area of 167.64 square meters. The deepening is the result of the inspection of Pelindo III Benoa and Benoa harbor administrators every two years “Implementation of the deepening, said Iwan, will be continued around Bouy four which also contained chunks of rock and soil sediments up to the north along 100 feet above the groove of Benoa harbor. Still there are more rocks in Bouy 1 on the North direction along the 50 meters and 200 meters south direction, “he said. (*)

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Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

photo by tri wibowo

ebanyak 10 hotel yang beroperasi di Indonesia menerima penghargaan ASEAN Green Hotel Recognition Award 2012 karena menerapkan prinsip ramah lingkungan dalam operasionalnya.

Ke-10 hotel di Indonesia tersebut yakni Matahari Beach Resort & Spa (Bali), Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel (Bali), Holiday Inn Resort (Batam), Angsana (Bintan), Melia Benoa (Bali), Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation (Magelang), St. Regis Bali Resort(Bali), Melia Bali Villa & Spa Resort, Dharmawangsa Jakarta, dan Hotel Gran Melia Jakarta.

Penyerahan penghargaan tersebut diserahkan Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Indonesia Mari Elka Pangestu. Green Award diselenggarakan setiap dua tahun sekali dan kali ini merupakan perhelatan ketiga, pertama penghargaan di Thailand tahun 2008 dan kemudian tahun 2010 di Brunei Darussalam.

Mari Pangestu mengatakan prinsip ramah lingkungan menjadi aspek utama penilaian, sebagaimana yang diatur dalam dokumen yang menggagas ASEAN Green Hotel Standard, seperti yang telah disepakati bersama oleh seluruh negara anggota ASEAN sejak pertama kali dirancang di tahun 2007.

“Dokumen ini mencakup sejumlah kriteria dan persyaratan utama sebagai kebijakan lingkungan dan aktivitas pengoperasian hotel, yakni pemanfaatan dan penggunaan green products, kerjasama dengan masyarakat dan organisasi lokal, sumber daya manusia, pen-

Wiendu Nuryanti melantik Sigi Wimala (tengah) sebagai Duta Museum 2011

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akil Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Bidang Kebudayaan Wiendu Nuryanti mengatakan museum merupakan tonggak utama untuk mempertahankan kebudayaan bangsa. Karena itu, museum jangan sampai kalah menarik dengan mal-mal atau pusat perbelanjaan yang marak hadir di Indonesia.

“Jangan museum itu jadi kesunyian di tengah keriuhan kota. Kita perlu galang aspirasi sebanyak mungkin dari masyarakat dan generasi muda untuk membuat museum juga semenarik mal,” kata Wiendu dalam acara pengukuhan Duta Museum 2011 kepada publik figur Sigi Wimala di Jakarta.

Wiendu mengatakan museum bukan hanya harus nyaman dikunjungi dan sebagai tempat belajar. Museum seharusnya juga jadi tempat untuk berinteraksi, berkumpul, serta menyelenggarakan kegiatan-kegiatan kreatif lainnya.

“Bisa saja museum dipakai untuk tempat pembacaan puisi, peragaan busana, atau hiburan lainnya. Jangan dikesankan museum itu tempat yang kuno, tua, dan tidak menarik,” papar Wiendu.

Hal lain yang bisa dilakukan untuk membuat museum menarik, lanjut Wiendu, dengan menciptakan benda-benda kreatif dengan inspirasi dari museum. Koleksi museum bisa dibuart replikanya dalam bentuk benda-benda kreatif yang dapat dipakai sehari-hari. Cara ini untuk membuat museum hadir dalam kehidupan masyarakat sehari-hari.

“Tentu saja dengan memberikan royalti bagi penciptanya.

Bagi museum sendiri juga bisa mengjhidupi dan sarana membuat museum selalu hadir di tengah-tengah masyarakat,” jelas Wiendu.

Kesempatan sama, Intan Mardiana, Direktur Permuseuman, Ditjen Sejarah dan Purbakala, Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif mengatakan upaya mengubah imej museum dimulai tahun lalu dengan program revitalisasi museum. Ada 275 museum di seluruh Indonesia yang dimiliki pemerintah pusat, daerah, dan swasta.(*)

Mari Elka Pangestu (tengah), Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif RI didampingi Somsak Pipoppinyo, Director of Finance, Industry & Infrastructure Directorate ASEAN Secretariat bersama para penerima anugerah ASEAN Green Hotel Recognition Award 2012 ditengah perhelatan ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012 di Manado

golahan sampah, efisiensi air, pengelolaan kualitas udara (baik yang di dalam maupun luar ruangan), pengendalian polusi suara, pengolahan air, dan pengendalian pemakaian zat-zat kimia,” ujarnya.

Dikatakan, persaingan ketat di industri perhotelan menjadi faktor pendorong terwujudnya Green Hotel Standard, dengan tujuan penganugerahan ini meningkatkan kesadaran dalam kepedulian lingkungan di tengah iklim

Desa Wisata Sekitar Candi Borobudur Makin Berkembang

S

ejak digulirkan bantuan PNPM Mandiri Pariwisata dua tahun lalu, lima desa wisata disekitar candi Borobudur kini telah berkembang pesat. Bisa dilihat dengan menjamurnya homestay (rumah tinggal), bertambahnya perajin, kuliner dan atraksi budaya yang sering pentas di candi Borobudur.

Hal ini berimbas pada meningkatnya perekonomian masyarakat desa dan tentunya menciptakan pariwisata ramah lingkungan.

Keseimbangan lingkungan dan keterlibatan warga setempat, penting dalam mengembangkan destinasi pariwisata. Hal tersebut disampaikannya Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Mari Elka Pangstu saat mengunjungi Desa Wisata Candirejo, Magelang, Jawa Tengah.

“Untuk mengembangkan potensi pariwisata dan ekonomi kreatif yang ada dengan mengoptimalkan bantuan pemerintah melalui skema Program Nasional Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (PNPM) Mandiri merupakan solusi yang tepat,” ungkapnya.

Mari Pangestu juga memberikan apresiasi atas inisiatif warga desa tersebut untuk mengembangkan potensi pariwisata yang ada, dipadukan dengan ekonomi kreatif.

“Berkah lokasi Desa Candirejo yang unik, karena dekat dengan Candi Borobudur mampu dimanfaatkan dengan maksimal oleh warganya. Di sini ada musik seni pertunjukan, kerajinan yang kreatif dengan memanfaatkan

Pasar Seni Candi Prambanan Diresmikan

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asar seni di kawasan Taman Wisata Candi Prambanan bisa dikembangkan menjadi tempat tujuan wisata pilihan. Jika pasar ini dikelola dengan bagus dan kualitas produk ditingkatkan, akan mendongkrak identitas daerah.

Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Mari Elka Pangestu mengatakan itu di sela-sela peresmian kompleks pasar seni serta purnapugar Candi Apit dan Candi Angsa di Taman Wisata Candi Pramabanan di perbatasan daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta dan Kabupaten Klaten, Jawa Tengah belum lama ini.

Pasar di Candi Prambanan, lanjutnya, merupakan bentuk awal dari modernisasi ritel. Karena itu, pengelola pasar harus memahami cara menangani kawasan publik yang menarik.

Juga kualitas produk yang ditawarkan.

“Saya bersyukur para pedagang di pasar seni sebagian besar sudah mendapat kredit usaha rakyat dari Bank Rakyat Indonesia. Sehingga diharapkan mereka dapat terus mengembangkan usahanya,” ujarnya.

Pasar seni di kompleks Taman Wisata Candi Prambanan diresmikan setelah selesai direvitalisasi akibat kebakaran yang terjadi pada 2009. Pedagang di pasar ini berjumlah sekitar 500 orang.

abu dari Gunung Merapi. Di mana ada kreativitas maka disitu ekonomi kreatif akan berkembang,” katanya.

Dia meminta, untuk pengembangan ke depan, agar lebih disiapkan sumber daya manusia yang mumpuni. “Untuk itu, saya menyambut baik adanya SMK Pariwisata di wilayah ini untuk menyiapkan SDM yang fokus pada sektor pariwisata,” paparnya.

Mari menjelaskan, program PNPM Mandiri Pariwisata bertujuan untuk mengembangkan kapasitas masyarakat, menciptakan lapangan kerja dan usaha di bidang pariwisata.

“Melalui programaini masyarakat adalah sebagai subjek pembangunan dapat menjadi pelaku aktif di destinasi pariwisata. Bidang pariwisata merupakan industri yang melibatkan langsung masyarakat sehingga sangat efektif untuk mendorong pemberdayaan masyarakat dalam memajukan destinasi dan langsung menggerakkan perekonomian di destinasi tersebut,” terangnya.

Kesempatan sama Bakri, Direktur Pemberdayaan Masyarakat, Kemenparekraf menjelaskan pelaksanaan PNPM Mandiri Pariwisata di desa-desa sekitar Candi Borobudur telah dimulai pada 2009, yakni Desa Candirejo, Desa Borobudur, Desa Majaksingi, Desa Bumisegoro dan Desa Tuksongo.

“Kelima desa tersebut berlanjut di tahun 2010, dan pada tahun 2011 ditambah menjadi 8 (delapan) desa, yaitu Desa Borobudur,

photo by tri wibowo

Pedagang Kreatif Lapangan

Tak dipungkiri jika istilah Pedagang Kaki Lima untuk menyebut PKL hingga kini masih kerap diasosiasikan dengan makna yang kurang mencitrakan kesan positif. Padahal keberadaannya sangat strategis untuk menghidupkan sebuah kawasan wisata.

“Jangan lagi menyebut pedagang kaki lima, tapi sebut mereka Pedagang Kreatif Lapangan,” ujar Mari Pangestu.

Menurutnya, istilah pedagang kreatif memiliki kesan lebih bermartabat dan bisa mendukung upaya pengembangan kawasan – kawasan wisata.

Namun begitu, ia mengingatkan bahwa jika sudah menyandang istilah tersebut, sejatinya para pedagang juga bisa meningkatkan kualitas dan kemampuannya saat menjajakan dagangan. “Kan sesuai dengan istilahnya, ya berarti harus kreatif juga,” katanya.

Satu diantaranya yakni dengan mempromosikan cerita cerita dibalik barang – barang atau souvenir yang dijajakan.

Ia yakin, cerita tersebut bisa menarik perhatian wisatawan, selain juga bisa mendongkrak harga jual produk. “Ceritakan sejarahnya seperti apa, asal tak melenceng, tentu akan memberikan hasil yang positif,” pungkasnya. (*)

pemanasan global bagi pelaku industri perhotelan, meningkatkan daya saing industri hotel dalam meraih peningkatan jumlah tamu, meningkatkan kualitas layanan seluruh hotel di kawasan ASEAN demi mendukung ASEAN sebagai tujuan wisata tunggal (a single tourism destination).

Penghargaan ramah lingkungan juga diberikan kepada hotel di seluruh negara ASEAN yang diusulkan masing-masing 10 hotel. (*)

Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Mari Elka Pangestu melihat pembatik tradisional di Desa Candirejo

Desa Tuksongo, Desa Candirejo, Desa Wanurejo, Desa Karangrejo, Desa Karanganyar, Desa Tanjungsari dan Desa Wringin Putih,” jelas Bakri.

Lajut Bakri, sejak PNPM Desa Wisata digulirkan, pendapatan warga setempat meningkat dengan adanya peningkatan kegiatan kerajinan, seni pertunjukan dan kuliner. “Bahkan, pedagang yang tadinya berjualan di sekitar lokasi wisata seperti Candi Borobudur memilih untuk menekuni profesi tetap yang baru sebagai perajin di desa wisata,” terang Bakri.

Sementara itu, Lurah Desa Candirejo Singgih Mulyanto mengakui warganya merasakan manfaat dari skema PNPM ini.

“Dana tersebut digunakan untuk pembangunan gazebo, membeli seragam untuk pertunjukan kesenian, perangkat gamelan, dokar, dan penambahan fasilitas homestay,” ungkapnya.

Dia berharap ada skema PNPM berikutnya untuk melengkapi perangkat gamelan yang selama ini digunakan sebagai bagian dari pertunjukan untuk menghibur tamu yang datang ke desanya. “Selama ini kami harus mengeluarkan biaya untuk sewa-pinjam gamelan,” ujarnya.

Dia menjelaskan saat ini Desa Candirejo memiliki 21 rumah yang memang disiapkan khusus untuk tempat homestay. “Namun, bila ada permintaan kunjungan yang membludak, desa ini mampu menyiapkan sekitar 75 rumah yang dapat digunakan sebagai sarana homestay,” terangnya. Mengenai strategi pemasaran, Singgih menyebutkan tidak ada strategi khusus. “Kami bekerjasama dengan travel agent dan mereka yang memasarkan wisata khusus ke desa ini. Kami memang tidak mengincar turis yang massal karena kami tetap harus menjaga keseimbangan lingkungan disini,” paparnya. Pihaknya mencatat pada tahun 2010, sebanyak 1872 wisman dan 1077 wisnus telah mengunjungi Desa Candirejo.

Dalam kunjungannya kali ini, Mari Pangestu juga berkesempatan mengunjungi rumah home stay dan sentra kerajinan di Desa Wanurejo, Magelang, yang mengembangkan produk kreatif ramah lingkungan. Ia meminta agar inisiatif seperti ini terus dikembangkan karena memberikan kontribusi langsung kepada warga setempat. Pada esok harinya Mari Pangestu menyempatkan diri melihat sunrise (matahari terbit) di puncak candi Borobudur pada pagi buta. Dalam kesempatan sama menyempatkan diri untuk syuting pembuatan iklan promosi pariwisata sebagai bahan memasarkan pariwisata Indonesia diluar negeri maupun dalam negeri. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

Sebanyak 10 Hotel Indonesia Gaet ASEAN Green Award S

Museum Harus Lebih Menarik

18

Vol. VII No. 1, 2012

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ndonesia melakukan promosi pariwisata efisen dan efektif dengan menggandeng TNI AL pada pelayaran internasional 2012 oleh KRI Dewaruci. Kapal latih Dewaruci tersebut dilepas untuk berlayar keliling dunia sejauh lebih dari 27.000 mil laut di Dermaga Ujung, Markas Komando Armada Indonesia Kawasan Timur TNI-AL, Surabaya pada Minggu, (15/01).

Selain membawa material promosi pariwisata Indonesia, Dewaruci juga akan mempersembahkan atraksi budaya serta menggelar cocktail party di negara-negara yang disinggahinya.

Pelayaran keliling dunia kedua kali KRI Dewaruci itu dipimpin Letnan Kolonel Pelaut Harris Bima, akan menyinggahi 21 negara di Asia, Afrika, Amerika Serikat, dan Eropa. Kapal latih buatan Jerman pada 1953 itu pertamakali berlayar keliling dunia pada 1964 di bawah komando Overstee (Letnan Kolonel) Pelaut Sumantri atas perintah Presiden Soekarno.

KRI Dewaruci memiliki 16 layar berbagai ukuran dengan panjang kapal 58,30 m, lebar 9,50 m, draft 4,5 m, berat 874 ton, kecepatan mesin 10,5 knot dan layar 9 knot serta luas layar 1.091 meter persegi.

Operasi militer resmi yang disandang KRI Dewaruci kali ini adalah Operasi Kartika Jala Krida Luar Negeri bagi 82 kadet dari Kors Pelaut Akademi TNI-AL. Keberadaan KRI Dewaruci bersama KRI Arung Samudra II memang didedikasikan secara khusus bagi kepentingan Akademi TNI-AL sebagai kapal latih.

Dalam tiap kehadirannya di gelanggan internasional, KRI Dewaruci dan awak serta kadet-kadet TNI-AL yang serta selalu mampu menghadirkan nuansa dan kekhasan Indonesia kepada masyarakat yang datang. Mereka jatuh cinta pada KRI Dewaruci dan keramahan tulus para pelaut TNI-AL, bahkan penggemar KRI Dewaruci tersebar cukup banyak diseluruh dunia.

“Sasarannya adalah masyarakat setempat dan fans KRI Dewaruci di 21 negara pada empat benua yang disinggahi,” kata Wakil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Sapta Nirwandar seusai menandatangani Perjanjian Kerja sama dengan TNI AL tentang pembentukan citra Pariwisata Wonderful Indonesia di KRI Dewaruci.

Kepala Staf TNI-AL, Laksamana TNI Soeparno bersama Sapta Nirwandar, kemudian melepas keberangkatan kapal layar tiang tinggi itu untuk memulai perjalanan persahabatan selama 277 hari hingga 16 Oktober 2012 serta singgah di 21 negara.

KRI Dewaruci dalam pelayarannya ke luar negeri, kata Soeparno, juga sekaligus untuk mengikuti Operation Sail 2012 di Amerika Serikat dalam rangka 200 Tahun Perang Besar (200th Anniversarry of the War).

Sapta mengatakan, untuk merealisasikan target kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara 2012 sebesar 8 juta orang maka diperlukan sinergi dengan pihak lain, termasuk TNI-AL. “Salah satu sasaran wisman yang hendak dibidik adalah turis wisata bahari dan untuk itu pilihan kita sangat pas bersinergi dengan TNI-AL,” katanya.

Berdasarkan catatan tahun lalu total devisa wisatawan mancanegara sekitar Rp80 triliun, sekitar 50 persen lebih bersumber dari sektor bahari. Apalagi, katanya, TNI-AL selain menjalankan fungsi matra laut, ternyata juga memiliki kegiatan yang bisa mendukung pencitraan pariwisata Indonesia di luar negeri.

“Melalui kunjungan muhibah KRI Dewaruci ini, promosi wisata dan budaya serta potensi ekenomi kreatif juga bisa dilakukan,” katanya.

Oleh karena itu, tegasnya, pihaknya melakukan kerja sama dengan pelayaran muhibah KRI Dewaruci itu. “Tidak hanya masyarakat di mana kapal KRI Dewaruci singgah, tetapi para fans KRI Dewaruci, khususnya di Eropa dan Amerika, akan jadi sasaran promosi,” katanya.

Dalam kerja sama itu, pihak Kementerian Pariwisata menyediakan berbagai bahan promosi di atas kapal maupun saat melakukan pentas budaya Indonesia, ketika kapal singgah di suatu negara.

Pada kesempatan lain, Sapta menegaskan, tren wisata bahari di Indonesia saat ini sedang tumbuh, baik jumlah destinasinya maupun pengunjung. “Hampir semua wisatawan mancanegara, khususnya Eropa dan Asia, sangat suka wisata ini mulai dari berselancar, menyelam hingga olah raga air, khususnya pantai,” katanya. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

Wakil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Sapta Nirwandar (kiri) dan Kepala Staf TNI-AL, Laksamana TNI Soeparno berjabat tangan saat penandatanganan Perjanjian Kerja sama dengan TNI AL tentang pembentukan citra Pariwisata Wonderful Indonesia di KRI Dewaruci

photo by tri wibowo

Keliling Dunia, KRI Dewaruci Promosikan Wonderful Indonesia

KRI Dewaruci meninggalkan dermaga Ujung, Surabaya untuk berlayar mengarungi 4 benua selama 277 hari

Tingkatkan Daya Saing Kepariwisataan dan Nilai Tambah Ekonomi Kreatif M enteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Mari Elka Pangestu memaparkan draft rencana strategis (Renstra) kementerian hingga tahun 2014 dalam lokakarya bersama stakeholders.

Dengan mengangkat tema “Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif: Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup dan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat”, penyusunan Renstra ini merupakan tindak lanjut dari perubahan nomenklatur kementerian yang baru.

Di awal pemaparan, Mari Pangestu menekankan pentingnya sektor pariwisata terhadap perekonomian. Pertumbuhan pariwisata Indonesia selalu diatas pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia dan melebihi perkembangan pariwisata dunia.

“Tahun 2011 perolehan devisa dari pariwisata diperkirakan mencapai USD8.5 miliar, naik 11.8% dibandingkan tahun lalu. Kenaikan ini melebihi pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia yang diproyeksikan ada di level 6.5% dan pertumbuhan pariwisata dunia yang hanya berkisar 4.5%. Untuk kontribusi terhadap devisa, sektor pariwisata ada di peringkat 5 setelah minyak dan gas bumi, minyak kelapa sawit, batubara, dan karet olahan,” ujar Mari Pangestu di Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jakarta, Rabu (04/01/2012) Mari juga menjelaskan untuk visi pariwisata, fokusnya adalah menjadikan Indonesia sebagai negara tujuan pariwisata berkelas dunia, berdaya saing, dan berkelanjutan. Upaya yang perlu dilakukan agar sejalan dengan visi tersebut adalah peningkatan daya saing produk wisata, pengembangan daya tarik, promosi terpadu dan berkesinambungan, serta pengembangan institusi dan sumber daya manusia.

Lokakarya Renstra dihadiri 200 orang yang mewakili kementerian terkait, BUMN, asosiasi sektor pariwisata, asosiasi sektor ekonomi kreatif, perwakilan kota kreatif, dan perwakilan lembaga pendidikan tinggi serta media.

“Untuk pariwisata ada tiga hal utama. Destinasi yang sudah ada akan dikembangkan, mengembangkan destinasi baru, dan wisata minat khusus. Untuk wisata minat khusus yang akan dikembangkan adalah MICE (Meeting Incentives Convention and Exhibition), wisata bahari dan alam, wisata olahraga, serta wisata belanja dan kuliner,” jelas Mari Pangestu.

Untuk pengembangan destinasi pariwisata, tambahnya, akan difokuskan pada pengembangan 15 Destination Management Organization (DMO), desa wisata, pusat rekreasi masyarakat, pasar wisata, zona kreatif, daya tarik wisata serta melakukan kerjasama dan kemitraan.

Berdasarkan draft Renstra ini, pada 2014 Indonesia akan memiliki 15 destinasi wisata yang telah menerapkan tata kelola destinasi yang berkualitas (Destination Management Organization). Untuk pariwisata berbasis pedesaan, ditargetkan tahun 2014 akan ada 822 desa wisata, naik dibandingkan 2011 yang hanya sejumlah 674 desa wisata.

Nilai Tambah Ekonomi Kreatif Untuk sektor ekonomi kreatif, visi yang diusulkan adalah meningkatkan kualitas hidup, toleransi, dan penciptaan nilai tambah. Lang-

kah-langkah yang akan dilakukan agar sejalan dengan visi tersebut adalah peningkatan daya saing dan penciptaan nilai tambah, pengembangan institusi, apresiasi dan penegakan hukum, promosi terpadu dan berkesinambungan, pengembangan SDM dan bahan baku, serta pengembangan teknologi dan akses pembiayaan.

“Kami menyadari bahwa masalah HKI dan akses terhadap pembiayaan menjadi masalah utama pengembangan ekonomi kreatif.

Kami akan melakukan koordinasi dan kerjasama agar perlindungan dan penegakan HKI menjadi lebih efektif, serta memfasilitasi pembiayaan dan match making untuk mengatasi masalah akses terhadap pembiayaan,” papar Mari Pangestu.

Dari serangkaian langkah yang nantinya akan dilakukan untuk sektor ekonomi kreatif, diharapkan ada peningkatan bukan hanya untuk devisa, namun juga konsumsi masyarakat terhadap produk dan jasa kreatif, penyerapan tenaga kerja, dan kontribusi nilai tambah ekonomi kreatif terhadap ekonomi nasional, citra Indonesia, dan investasi ekonomi kreatif.

Dalam draft Renstra dikemukakan bahwa kontribusi ekonomi dari industri kreatif terhadap PDB diperkirakan akan meningkat dari 7.5% di tahun 2011 menjadi 8% pada 2014. Sementara untuk partisipasi tenaga kerja, untuk periode yang sama diharapkan naik dari 8% menjadi 8.75% .

Untuk penguatan kelembagaan, berdasarkan draft Renstra, nantinya akan dibentuk Badan Perfilman Nasional, Forum Komunikasi, lembaga Perlindungan HKI, ruang-ruang publik, dan melakukan kampanye apresiasi terhadap pelaku dan karya kreatif. (*)

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