INDONESIAN FESTIVALS : Part 2

Toba Lake Festival

Image via Wikipedia

Toba Lake_Satellite Image

Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, there is a volcanic island in the middle of the lake called Samosir Island. Take place in Lake Toba, the festival was held to promote the arts, culture and traditions of Northern Sumatra. Various events have been prepared by the festival committee, including exhibitions, sports activities, arts-cultural activities and other supporting events. 

Ornamental Ships Carnival at Lake Toba

paddle boat race

Tor-Tor Dance

Traditional Music Instrument of Northern Sumatra

Sentani Lake Festival

Sentani Lake_Satellite Image

Sentani Lake, the largest lake in Papua. The festival was held in Khalkote, Asei, East Sentani, Jayapura District, Papua. Sentani Lake Festival is an annual event organized by the Jayapura District Government. The purpose of this festival is to attract local and foreign tourists and also introduced the culture of Papua. This festival featuring cultural performance and traditional culinary of local people, there are also booths selling souvenirs such as Koteka, Noken, etc.

sunset at Sentani Lake

The exhibition devoted to the promotion, investment and trade through booths that showcase the economic potential in Papua such as mining, forestry, fishery, plantation and tourism.

Baliem Valley Festival

Baliem Valley

The second biggest mountain-valley in Papua, The legendary Baliem Valley is the home of the Dani tribe. Indigenous peoples are introduced to the outside world as a peasant fighters. They lived in farming, but likes to fight. Baliem festival featuring performances tribal warfare, crafts, and traditional dances of Dani tribe. Various village re-demonstrate various cases of war between their village. Complete with throwing spears and shooting arrows. But they do not hurt each other.

war festival-throwing spears

Dani tribe-with arrows

Bromo Festival

Mount Bromo (front)

Take place in Mount Bromo (in ancient Javanese language ; Brahma, one of the major Hindu Gods) East Java, this festival features Tengger tribes traditional arts performances, mass Kuda Lumping dance, Reog dance and the main event ; Bromo Million Fire Festival. 

tengger tribes, ceremony at Bromo desert

The Lake Toba

The Toba lake was a volcanic lake with the long measurement 100 kilometre and wide 30 kilometre in North Sumatra, Sumatra, Indonesia. In the middle of this lake was gotten a volcanic island was named the Samosir Island. The Toba lake had since long before become the area of the aim of the important tour in North Sumatra apart from the Lawang Hill and Nias, attracted domestic tourists and mancanegara.

Estimated the Toba Lake happened during the explosion around 73,000-75,000 last year and was the eruption supervolcano (the volcano super) that was newest. Bill Rose and Craig Chesner from Michigan Technological University estimated that volcanic materials that were spewed out the mountain totalling 2800km3, with 800km3 the rock ignimbrit and 2000km3 volcanic ash that was estimated was blown the wind to the west for 2 weeks. Volcanic dust that was blown the wind spread to half earths, from China as far as South Africa. His eruption happened for 1 week and his dust throw reached 10 KM on sea level.

This incident caused the mass death and to several species also was followed by the extinction. According to some DNA proof, this eruption also menyusutkan the amount of humankind until approximately 60% from the number of populations of earth humankind at that time that is approximately 60 million humans. The same eruption took part in causing the occurrence of the ice time, although the experts were still debating the matter.

After this eruption, was formed the caldera that afterwards was filled by water and to that now is known as the Toba Lake. The pressure above by magma that did not yet go out caused the Samosir Island emergence.

Sumatera Utara

Sumatera Utara

North Sumatra had various tourist attractions that ought to be visited by the tourists who visited to the North Sumatran area, and many matters that could be enjoyed by the local tourists and tourists who came from overseas, and in the year beforehand North Sumatra prepared mengahadapi the ASEAN free trade area (AFTA) last 2003, by relying on all the available potentials in North Sumatra, including the Sector of Pariwisatanya. Because of that we must be sure that North Sumatra could match Bali and could be relied on to the international stage, because the North Sumatran location was adjacent to three countries, namely Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia

Remained that was felt uptil now in relation to the insignificance of means, the infrastructure of the supporter and his human resources. Could be seen by us that in the Airport of Polonia Medan, Belawan the port that was the door Gate to the entry of the foreign tourists, was not closed the possibility asked for the tourists who wanted to visit to North Sumatra so big, but, his promotion strategy was impressed still not all that, so as sometimes sometimes often made tourists lose the passion to come to North Sumatra.

The place - the place that could in visited:

- The Lake Toba

- Berastagi

- Prapat

- Tomok

INDONESIAN FESTIVALS : Part 1

INDONESIA is often referred as the sleeping giant of Southeast Asia, and the epithet was indeed appropriate. With more than 18 thousand islands, this archipelago has a remarkable diversity of what you can see or do while on vacation there. 

Indonesia offers a variety of festivals that are very distinctive feature of their cultures, reflecting the ethnic diversity and traditions from various parts of the archipelago. You'll find it in various typical Indonesian festivals, for example celebration af arts, batik, dance, ceremony, etc. If possible, you can see one of the festival during a visit in Indonesia.

Krakatau Festival (Lampung, Sumatra)

Krakatau Festival is an annual festival held in Lampung, was held to celebrate the volcanic island of the same name, Krakatau (Krakatoa). Mount Krakatau erupted in 1927, then the eruption was create a new small island named Anak Krakatau. 

During the festival, visitors can enjoy variety shows like Carnival Tuping (Lampung Mask Carnival), elephant and various dances from Lampung and surrounding cities. Series of events  ended with a visit to the volcanic island that still active but was sleeping soundly.

Bali Arts Festival (Bali)

One of the largest annual celebration of art and culture in Indonesia, Bali Arts Festival is always full packed. During the month, various arts performances, exhibitions, and other cultural activities will take place in Bali, offering dances, musics and beauty of their cultures. 

The celebration featured performances such as traditional dances that have been almost forgotten, the trail from a remote area in Bali, foods, handicrafts, as well as new creations from Dance School in Denpasar and contemporary choreography of national and international artists.

Solo Batik Carnival (Solo / Surakarta, Central Java)

From the first, Batik tradition was deeply embedded in Solo~(as known as Surakarta) and even has become an icon and identity, reflect the beauty of its Royal and hospitality of its people. Solo Batik Carnival is held to strengthen that tradition, and also to promote Batik globally.

This event is a combination of ceremonies, fashion shows, and carnivals, with Batik as theme. There is also a Bazaar that offers various kinds of batik and the unique souvenir from Solo.

Grebeg Maulud (Yogyakarta, Central Java)

In the Java language, Grebeg means crowd of people and Maulud is one of the month name in Javanese calendar. This celebration was also known as Sekaten, to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. This procession lasted a full day and features performances of Gamelan which paraded toward the Masjid Agung (grand mosque).

Night Bazaar is held in the north of town square, right place to taste the cuisine of Java and Yogyakarta and also hunting some souvenirs.

Visit Indonesia; Know it, Love It

Suramadu Bridge

Suramadu Bridge


Suramadu National Bridge is a bridge that crosses the Madura Strait, connecting the island of Java (in Surabaya) and Madura Island (in Bangkalan, exactly east Kamal), Indonesia. With a length of 5438 m, this bridge is the longest bridge in Indonesia today. Southeast Asia's longest bridge is the Bang Na Expressway in Thailand (54 km). Suramadu bridge consists of three parts, namely the overpass (causeway), bridges (bridge approach), and the main bridge (main bridge). This bridge was inaugurated by the President of the beginning of construction Megawati Sukarnoputri on August 20, 2003 and inaugurated the opening by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on June 10, 2009 Bridge construction is intended to accelerate development on the island of Madura, including infrastructure and economic field in Madura, which is relatively backward compared to other areas in East Java.

Estimated cost of construction of this bridge is a 4.5 trillion rupiah. Making the bridge is made from three sides, both sides Bangkalan both sides of Surabaya.Meanwhile, at the same time span was also carried out development which consists of playing bridge and approach bridge. Suramadu bridge is basically a combination of three types of bridges with overall length of 5438 meters long with a width of approximately 30 meters. This bridge provides four lanes in both directions as wide as 3.5 meters with two 2.75-meter-wide emergency lane.

This bridge also provides a special lane for motorists outside the bridge on each side Flyover Causeway Road overpass or a bridge built to connect with the road construction through shallow waters on both sides. This flyover consists of 36 spans over 1458 meters on the side of Surabaya and 45 spans over 1818 meters on the side of Madura. Construction of this flyover using PCI buffer length of each span 40 meters foundation supported 60 cm diameter steel pipe Mediator The connecting bridge or bridge approach, the main bridge linking the elevated road. The bridge consists of two parts with a length of 672 meters each. Construction of this bridge using a buffer along the 80-meter concrete box each span with seven spans supported on each side of foundation support 180 cm in diameter The main flyoverThe main bridge or bridge consists of three parts, namely two side spans 192 meters long and one along the 434-meter main span.

The main bridge using a cable stayed construction supported by the 140-meter-high twin towers. The bridge deck using 2.4-meter-thick composite construction. To accommodate cruise ships crossing the Strait of Madura, the bridge is providing free space as high as 35 meters from the sea surface. In part this is what causes become difficult and hampered its development, and also cause construction costs to swell.

Batik : Traditional Fabric of Indonesia

Javanese traditional batik, especially from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, has special meanings rooted to the Javanese conceptualization of the universe. Traditional colours include indigo, dark brown, and white, which represent the three major Hindu Gods (Brahmā, Visnu, and Śiva). This is related to the fact that natural dyes are most commonly available in indigo and brown. Certain patterns can only be worn by nobility; traditionally, wider stripes or wavy lines of greater width indicated higher rank. Consequently, during Javanese ceremonies, one could determine the royal lineage of a person by the cloth he or she was wearing.

Other regions of Indonesia have their own unique patterns that normally take themes from everyday lives, incorporating patterns such as flowers, nature, animals, folklore or people. The colours of pesisir batik, from the coastal cities of northern Java, is especially vibrant, and it absorbs influence from the Javanese, Arab, Chinese and Dutch culture. In the colonial times pesisir batik was a favorite of the Peranakan Chinese, Dutch and Eurasians.

UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanityon October 2, 2009. As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that Indonesia preserve their heritage.

Javanese Kraton Batik (Javanese court Batik)

Javanese keraton (court) Batik is the oldest batik tradition known in Java. Also known as Batik Pedalaman (inland batik) in contrast withBatik Pesisiran (coastal batik). This type of batik has earthy color tones such as black, brown, and dark yellow (sogan), sometimes against a white background. The motifs of traditional court batik have symbolic meanings. Some designs are restricted: larger motifs can only be worn by royalty; and certain motifs are not suitable for women, or for specific occasions (e.g., weddings).

The palace courts (keratonan) in two cities in central Java are known for preserving and fostering batik traditions:

• Surakarta (Solo City) Batik. Traditional Surakarta court batik is preserved and fostered by the Susuhunan and Mangkunegaran courts. The main areas that produce Solo batik are the Laweyan and Kauman districts of the city. Solo batik typically has sogan as the background color. Pasar Klewer near the Susuhunan palace is a retail trade center.
• Yogyakarta Batik. Traditional Yogya batik is preserved and fostered by the Yogyakarta Sultanate and the Pakualaman court. Usually Yogya Batik has white as the background color. Fine batik is produced at Kampung Taman district. Beringharjo market near Malioborostreet is well known as a retail batik trade center in Yogyakarta.

Batik Designs

Although there are thousands of different batik designs, particular designs have traditionally been associated with traditional festivals and specific religious ceremonies. Previously, it was thought that certain cloth had mystical powers to ward off ill fortune, while other pieces could bring good luck.
Certain batik designs are reserved for brides and bridegrooms as well as their families. Other designs are reserved for the Sultan and his family or their attendants. A person's rank could be determined by the pattern of the batik he/she wore.
In general, there are two categories of batik design: geometric motifs (which tend to be the earlier designs) and free form designs, which are based on stylized patterns of natural forms or imitations of a woven texture. Nitik is the most famous design illustrating this effect.
Certain areas are known for a predominance of certain designs. Central Javanese designs are influenced by traditional patterns and colors. Batik from the north coast of Java, near Pekalongan and Cirebon, have been greatly influenced by Chinese culture and effect brighter colors and more intricate flower and cloud designs.
High fashion designs drawn on silk are very popular with wealthy Indonesians. These exceptionally high-quality pieces can take months to create and costs hundreds of dollars.

Kawung

Kawung is another very old design consisting of intersecting circles, known in Java since at least the thirteenth century. This design has appeared carved into the walls of many temples throughout Java such as Prambanan near Jogjakarta and Kediri in East Java. For many years, this pattern was reserved for the royal court of the Sultan of Jogjakarta. The circles are sometimes embellished inside with two or more small crosses or other ornaments such as intersecting lines or dots. It has been suggested that the ovals might represent flora such as the fruit of the kapok (silk cotton) tree or the aren (sugar palm).

Ceplok

Ceplok is a general name for a whole series of geometric designs based on squares, rhombs, circles, stars, etc. Although fundamentally geometric, ceplok can also represent abstractions and stylization of flowers, buds, seeds and even animals. Variations in color intensity can create illusions of depth and the overall effect is not unlike medallion patterns seen on Turkish tribal rugs. The Indonesian population is largely Muslim, a religion that forbids the portrayal of animal and human forms in a realistic manner. To get around this prohibition, the batik worker does not attempt to express this matter in a realistic form. A single element of the form is chosen and then that element is repeated again and again in the pattern.

Parang

Parang was once used exclusively by the royal courts of Central Java. It has several suggested meanings such as 'rugged rock', 'knife pattern' or 'broken blade'. The Parang design consists of slanting rows of thick knife-like segments running in parallel diagonal bands. Parang usually alternated with narrower bands in a darker contrasting color. These darker bands contain another design element, a line of lozenge-shaped motifs call mlinjon. There are many variations of this basic striped pattern with its elegant sweeping lines, with over forty parang designs recorded. The most famous is the 'Parang Rusak' which in its most classical form consisting of rows of softly folded parang. This motif also appears in media other than batik, including woodcarving and as ornamentation on gamelan musical instruments.