Raja Ampat - Banda Sea - Alor - Maumere

Raja Ampat - Banda Sea - Alor - Maumere

Raja Ampat - Banda Sea - Alor - Maumere Diving Cruise with Mermaid Liveaboards

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Alor Reefs and Walls

Alor Reefs and Walls

Diving the beautiful reefs and walls of Alor, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

With Alor Divers, October 2016.

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VIDEO: President Jokowi promotes the new Special Economic Zone, Mandalika

President Jokowi promotes the new Special Economic Zone, Mandalika

President Jokowi with Lombok people are pleased to show the world a new special economic zone in the province.. He shows his support with pleasure through his recent vlog.  And now, thanks to Jokowi, Lombok has a new special economic zone that will boost the local economic.



For more details, read the news below:


President Jokowi promotes Mandalika, NTB through vlog

During his visit to Mandalika in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to inaugurate Mandalika becoming a Special Economic Zone (KEK), President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo recored a vlog to promote the place.

He posted the video both on his official YouTube and Instagram accounts with the caption #JKWVLOG INDAHNYA MANDALIKA (#JKWVLOG The Beauty of Mandalika) on the former channel.

In the 01:27 video, the President appears alongside NTB governor M Zainul Majdi.

“For 29 years this region couldn’t finish its [development] and as of today, this place is officially open. Investment has been pouring in and we hope it will bring a positive impact to the people of NTB,” he says in the video.

“Thank you pak President, welcome to Mandalika. Mandalika is ready to welcome you all,” adds the governor.

The video also showcases the beauty of white-sand beach, clear blue seas and a road surrounded with greeneries. (asw)

thejakartapost

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Baby Shark Bite - Raja Ampat Papua

They played among the shark colonies in Raja Ampat. One person forgets the rules and accidentally puts his hand into the water and suddenly a shark snatches it. Fortunately, only a small shark and he only suffered minor injuries.

 

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Wonderful Indonesia - Adventure

Wonderful Indonesia - Adventure

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Wonderful Indonesia - Wonderful Journey to a Wonderful World

Wonderful Indonesia - Wonderful Journey to a Wonderful World

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National Museum displays Borobudur temple archives

National Museum displays Borobudur temple archives

Hundreds of archives on the iconic Borobudur temple are on display at the National Museum in Central Jakarta until Oct. 15.

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The exhibition titled "Preserving the Historical Documents of Borobudur temple's Restoration as Memory of the World" aims to support the site to be listed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Memory of the World (MoW), a program that preserves world’s documentary heritage.

According to kompas.com, visitors can expect to marvel at photos, pictures, historical objects and authentic films regarding to the temple’s restoration.

national museum @facebook

“These are the collections of the archives that have been proposed to the MoW,” said Marsis Sutopo, the head of Borobudur Conservation Agency. “We want to display them for the public prior to receiving the post-restoration MoW.”

The exhibition, which takes place in the main area in front of the museum’s entrance, is held in several rooms. The first room features documents on the temple's history, particularly during its discovery days by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British lieutenant-governor in Java at the time.

national museum @facebook

Meanwhile, the second room displays proofs of Borobudur's second restoration from 1973 to 1983. There are also photos of the first restoration that was led by the Dutch Theodore Van Erp during the pre-Independence of Indonesia, also known as Hindia Belanda.

In one corner, visitors can also watch documentary about the temple’s restoration after the eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010. There are also first sketches of Borobudur taken from Boro-Boedoer op Het Eiland Java book. (wir/kes)

thejakartapost

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Bali's Taman Ayu offers luwak coffee educational attraction

Bali's Taman Ayu offers luwak coffee educational attraction

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya recently paid a visit to Taman Ayu in Singapadu, Gianyar, Bali.

pic. google.com

The tourist attraction invites visitors to view the making process of luwak coffee that involves sun drying and roasting using firewood.

“This is an educational attraction that visitors can see directly,” said Arief.

“The parking lot can accommodate 10 to 20 buses […] there are also rare tree species lining up neatly here,” he added.

Arief was greeted by the place’s owner I Wayan Ramantha.

“When my mother got sick, my father made this garden for her to help her heal,” Wayan said of the story behind Taman Ayu.

At this place, visitors can also taste 12 different herbal drinks, such as Kintamani coffee, ginseng coffee, luwak coffee, rosella coffee, mangosteen coffee, chocolate and others.

Taman Ayu also has 18 rooms available for accommodation purposes, a swimming pool, meeting points, a shop and a gazebo. (kes)


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Indonesian students in China launch GenWi community to promote Indonesian tourism

Indonesian students in China launch GenWi community to promote Indonesian tourism

Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in East China recently launched the Wonderful Indonesia Generation (GenWi) China on Oct. 7 in Shanghai.

pic. google.com

At least 70 students who study in the Eastern part of China have signed up as members of GenWI, a social media savvy community whose task is promoting Indonesian tourism.

The difference between Indonesian Charm Generation (GenPI) and GenWI is the latter one focuses on attracting international tourists. While GenPI’s responsibility is to produce photos, videos, graphs, stories and calendar of events on tourist destinations in Indonesia, GenWI’s job is to make this content viral overseas.

There are challenges for these students to promote Indonesia on social media since popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google and Instagram can’t be accessed in China. The country has its own search engine called Baidu and social media platforms such as Weibo, WeChat and Youku and all of them are in Chinese. 

“We’re proud and happy that we can participate in promoting Wonderful Indonesia in China, currently [China] has the highest number of outbound tourists,” said the head of PPI China, Reynaldo Aprillio.

GenWI China is the first GenWI community that was established after the Global PPI meeting in London.

“China is a main market and currently contributes the highest number of overseas tourists, winning over Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Japan,” added tourism ministry’s secretary, Ukus Kuswara.

Meanwhile, consulate general of Indonesia in Shanghai, Siti Mauludiah said that she will support the presence of GeWI China community, “GenWI will have a bigger impact because it is supported by tourism ministry and Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) Shanghai,” said Siti. (asw)

from: thejakartapost

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Legian Beach Festival to return to Bali

Legian Beach Festival to return to Bali

Bali is slated to host Legian Beach Festival 2017 from Oct. 11 to 15 at Padma Beach, Legian, Bali.

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The event is scheduled to hold fun activities such as fun bike ride, fashion show, food festival, wood ball cup, barong and dance performances and free surf training.

The opening ceremony of this event will feature Baleganjur Massal performance, cultural carnival and exhibition by artists from several different countries.

Visitors can also expect to watch a volleyball game between the locals and tourists.

During the festival, the committee is planning to launch Legian Entrepreneurs Community (HI.PEL) as well.

Legian Beach is a popular surfing destination thanks to its challenging waves and white sand beach.

The number of visitors to the annual festival always increases every year. In 2015, it attracted a total of 65,500 visitors and the number later went up to 83,500 visitors in 2016. (kes)

from: thejakartapost

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Indonesia promotes underwater destinations in Oman

Indonesia promotes underwater destinations in Oman

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Dozens of buyers flocked to the Travel Gathering of Wonderful Indonesia event held on Oct. 3 at Sheraton Hotel, Muscat in Oman, including 74 visitors from 48 travel agents in the Middle East.

The event was also attended by Indonesian Ambassador for Oman, Musthofa Taufik Abdul Latif.

Four sellers from Indonesia also participated in the event, namely Astadala Tour, Tambatan Hati Tours, Go Indonesia Tours and Travel in Style.

“Alhamdulillah, this event resulted in plenty of business transactions and it gives us valuable input from Oman’s travel companies about new potential market segments such as family, newlyweds and young travelers who love sports and challenges,” said the sales director of Astadala Tour, Ameer Brontoari.

Ameer also said that Indonesia is a favorite destination among the people of Oman, especially during summer as they enjoy the lovely weather and friendliness of Indonesian people.

“This is an opportunity to promote new destinations and priority programs such as underwater tourism, adventurous and cultural activities and development of local economy. Some of the guests have shown interest in the underwater beauty of Indonesia with destinations include Bali, Komodo Island and Raja Ampat. This could be a favorite among the Middle Eastern people,” added Ameer.

According to Nour Aridi of Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer (VITO), other Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and Philippines are also currently promoting their underwater tourism and this is the right time for Indonesia to try to win over the Middle East market.

Tourism Ministry's deputy assistant for Europe, the United States, Middle East and Africa tourism promotion Nia Niscaya said that Indonesia has more than 700 diving and snorkeling spots with the popular ones are Sonegat, Keraka Island, Syahrir Batu Kapal Island, Hatta Island and Ai Island.

There are at least 20 diving spots available in Bunaken in North Sulawesi and Wakatobi National Park in Southeast Sulawesi, 88 spots in Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi and three spots in Weh Island in Aceh.

Diving spots can also be found in Labuan Bajo, Komodo Island, Cendrawasih bay, Raja Ampat and Rinca Island in East Nusa Tenggara. Moreover, Alor sea has up to 50 diving spots and Derawan hosts around 28 diving spots.

“Indonesia is an archipelago country consisting of more than 17,000 islands and is the center of the coral reef triangle,” said Nia.

Additionally, Dive Magazine publication has listed five underwater spots in Indonesia in its top world diving destinations 2017 list, namely Raja Ampat in Papua, Alor and Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Lembongan in Bali and Lembeh in North Sulawesi. (kes)

from: thejakartapost

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Foreign celebrities vacation in Bali amid Mount Agung's potential eruption

Foreign celebrities vacation in Bali amid Mount Agung's potential eruption

pic. google.com janine gutierrez

Two foreign celebrities from two different countries recently vacationed in Bali amid the potential eruption of Mount Agung.

birthday suit 🍰🍰🍰 Thank you for the good vibes ✨❤️ @boomsasonquickcustomrtw @boomsason

A post shared by JANINE 🌺 (@janinegutierrez) on Oct 2, 2017 at 6:25am PDT

Filipino actress Janine Gutierrez traveled to Bali at the end of September this year.

According to her recent posts on her Instagram account @janinegutierrez, the actress seems to be celebrating her birthday on the Island of the Gods, visiting popular places such as Uluwatu Temple, La Plancha Bali and Sundays Beach Club.

Another foreign celebrity who recently traveled to Bali was Malaysian actress Mawar Rashid who conducted a pre-wedding photoshoot with her fiancée Raf Yaakob.

The couple is set to hold a wedding ceremony by the end of this year.

My very first time in Bali with love of my life ⚜️❤️⚜️ Will definitely KemBali 🙋🏻 Took this photo with Fujifilm X-A3 #fujifilmmy #MawaRaf #Pre-Wedding #BukanBerdua

A post shared by 🌹🌹🌹Mawar 🌹🌹🌹 (@mawarashid) on Oct 4, 2017 at 6:53am PDT

“My very first time in Bali with love of my life […] Will definitely KemBali [come back],” she captioned a photo of her and her fiancée on Instagram. (kes)

from: thejakartapost

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WAKATOBI, HOME TO TROPICAL CORAL REEF AND COLOURFUL FISHES

WAKATOBI, HOME TO TROPICAL CORAL REEF AND COLOURFUL FISHES



Youtube @Adryan Putra



Now a National Marine Park covering the entire Wakatobi District, it comprises a total of 1.4 million hectares, of which 900,000 hectares are decorated with different, colourful species of tropical coral reefs. For Wakatobi is widely recognized as having the highest number of reef and fish species in the world. The islands are also famous as the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Here can be found fringing, atolls and barrier reefs and offer more than 50 spectacular dive sites easily accessible from the major islands. This is the habitat of large and small fish species, the playground of dolphins, turtles and even whales. Wakatobi alone is said to have 942 fish species and 750 coral reef species from a total of 850 of world's collection, which, comparing with the two world's famous diving centers, the Caribbean Sea owns only 50 species with 300 coral reef species in the Red Sea, in Egypt.



Get There

Airlines flying to Bau-Bau from Jakarta, Bali or Surabaya are Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Airline. From here you must take a boat to Wakatobi. The Wakatobi Dive Resort operates Charter flights so they can pick up passengers from Bali arriving direct on the island of Tomia.


Indonesia.Travel 

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Sunset in Ohoililir, Kei Islands, Moluccas

Sunset in Ohoililir, Kei Islands, Moluccas

   

Sunset in Ohoililir, Kei Islands, Moluccas

Just a bit of sunset feeling we got in Ohoililir, Kei Islands, Maluku Kei Islands is blessed with so many beautiful scenery

source:

Twitter @marischkaprue

Instagram @marischkaprue 

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Estimated 1,048 dancers of Gandrung Sewu Festival 2017 to enliven Banyuwangi

Estimated 1,048 dancers of Gandrung Sewu Festival 2017 to enliven Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi in East Java is set to hold the Gandrung Sewu Festival 2017 on Oct. 8.

pic. google.com

This year’s theme, Kembang Pepe,‎ tells the story of kembang Pepe’s fight against the Dutch.

Back in the Dutch colonization era, Gandrung Sewu in Banyuwangi was more than a show as it was also an act to capture the Dutch army. Kembang Pepe tells the story of Gandrung dancers who give alcohol to the Dutch until they were drunk and then executed them in a forest or ocean.

This mass dance festival receives the full support from the Tourism Ministry as it is considered as one of Banyuwangi’s top events that involve plenty of participants.

The ministry's archipelago tourism marketing development deputy Esthy Reko Astuti is hopeful that the festival will receive another Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI). Back in 2012 the event scored one MURI for the largest number of dancers with 1,047 people.

“The number of participants should increase this year; I hope Gandrung Sewu 2017 could earn another MURI and become a local and overseas tourists attraction,” told Esthy.

Prior to the festival, the committee held auditions for dancers in five locations across Banyuwangi.

Among the applicants were middle school and high school students from five districts in Banyuwangi, namely Giri, Wongosorejo, Banyuwangi, Kalipuro and Glagah.

The committee decided to only feature 1,048 dancers for the finale with each district could only send a maximum of 50 dancers to participate. (kes)

news from: thejakartapost

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Wonderful Indonesia: UNVEILING RAJA AMPAT: THE HYPE IS REAL!

UNVEILING RAJA AMPAT: THE HYPE IS REAL!

8 SEP 2017

pic. indonesia.travel

Whether you are an avid diver, frequent backpacker or just a casual tourist, the chance is that by now you must have already heard of Raja Ampat. This cluster of islands off the coast of Papua on the far eastern side of the Indonesian archipelago has quickly risen among the top destinations in Indonesia, even at times overshadowing Bali and Lombok in popularity. 
But is the hype real or is it too overrated? Or as they say in YouTube's product reviews videos: "is it worth it?" Well, luckily I was among the group of people that was given the chance to prove it, and I'm here to tell you all about it.

pic. indonesia.travel

As the plane descended, making the approach to land, I could already see tiny islands that beautifully dotted the open ocean spreading as far as the eyes could see. Wait, a plane? Oh yes, I should probably tell you that nowadays you can fly to Raja Ampat since a number of airlines opened a route to the newly established airport at Raja Ampat. This means that now you can actually arrange a connecting flight from Jakarta or other cities to Raja Ampat via Sorong or Manado. Great, right? You bet it is!

So, after enjoying the magnificent views from the sky (thank God, it was a bright clear morning!) finally the plane touched down at the Marinda Airport of Raja Ampat in the little town of Waisai. In terms of facilities, you won't find much around this pioneer airport as it is still under expansion and development. However, this little airport does radiate a certain tranquil ambience, and kind of welcomes you to the sheer pristine nature of Raja Ampat. Waisai, the capital town of Raja Ampat Regency, is situated on Waigeo Island which is the largest of the four islands that make up Raja Ampat (Literally meaning the Four Kings). It turned out, that this was also the place where I had to wave goodbye to my cellphone reception, since most of the mobile providers' signals ended here. But I guess in a way, it was a good thing, since well, no 'earthly' annoying businesses should disturb my adventure in 'paradise'. 

pic. indonesia.travel

After a brief city tour and a visit to the local market (which by the way was the only relatively big market in the entire regency), we finally boarded the speed boat, and so began my adventure in paradise.

Our first stop was Yengkaweh, a cozy little homestay run by locals. Not only did the hut on the beach overlook the picturesque crystal clear sea, it promised a pleasant stay away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. Here you'll literally have the beach all for yourself! Isn't that something? At Yengkaweh we were also treated with a lunch with a special menu of delicious fresh sea food and an introduction to the traditional dish of Papeda and yellow soup. Papeda is indeed a unique food, made from sago starch, which is the staple food in Maluku and Papua, an alternative to rice which is the common staple of Indonesia.

pic. indonesia.travel

With full bellies and hearts full of joy, we left Yengkaweh and continued our journey. More and more rock islets came into sight. It was such an incredible feeling as the boat cruised among these beautiful rock formations, as if we were brought inside a beautifully designed colossal terrarium. After a while, the rocks stood closer to each other and the sea narrowed. As a matter of fact, we were entering Kabui Passage, a very narrow strait between Waigeo Island and Gam Island. Our guide said that when the renowned British explorer, Alfred Russell Wallace passed here in 1860 he thought that it was a river due to the really strong current. Well, at first glance it was exactly what I thought too.

pic. indonesia.travel

Aside from its enchanting surroundings, the water here is really crystal clear. Even from the surface, I could already see many colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs swaying in the currents. Some of us immediately plunged into the water to see the wonders below up close and came up shouting: wow! Amazing! fantastic! Surely it was a great introduction to Raja Ampat's amazing underwater splendors.

A spectacular sunset ended our adventure on the first day as we arrived at Raja Ampat Dive Lodge, our accommodation for this trip.

pic. indonesia.travel

The next morning, we woke up refreshed in spirit and body filled with pure eagerness to explore more of this pristine paradise. After leaving the dock at the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge, again we cruised among beautiful islands rock formations covered with some green trees. This site is called Piaynemo, and this time we also hiked to the top of the hill to enjoy the magnificent view. The 10 minutes hike was quite strenuous, but it was not too hard since it was all up man-made steps complete with side bars. To reach the top is one effort, but being there gives a whole different sensation. From the viewing platform, looking down below, I was engulfed with an overwhelming feeling of awe. The scenery was majestically breathtaking. It was as if the rocks were carefully placed with such aesthetic precision to create such divine composition. For me, it was simply a glimpse of heaven on earth.

pic. indonesia.travel

But there was more! Still in the vicinity, we also hiked up another hill to see another wonder: the Telaga Bintang or the Star Lagoon. Although this time, there were no stairs or side bars, it was just pure hiking up a steep rock. As the name suggests, from this vantage point, you can see a lagoon in the shape resembling a five pointed star. Absolutely stunning!

pic. indonesia.travel

Leaving Piaynemo and the Star Lagoon, we arrived at the traditional village of Arborek. Here, the locals greeted us with a beautiful welcoming dance accompanied by simple music of Papuan folk songs. Performed by children wearing traditional Papuan costumes, the dance portrayed the life of Papuan fishermen. While the dance was quite entrancing, what intrigued me more was actually the huge home-made 2 strings bass guitar of the accompanying band. For me it was so unique, that I had to take a shot of it.

pic. indonesia.travel

The 2nd day ended with a trip to yet another village: Sawinggrai. Here, we hang out and had a pleasant afternoon coffee with the locals and we also mingled with the kids as they sang a number of joyful songs. It was really a pleasant experience. Here, we also went to see the endemic Waigeo Cuscus that frequently came out from the forest.

pic. indonesia.travel

The third and final day was filled with drenching and splashing actions exploring the islands' underwater wonders. Among the snorkeling and diving spots, we also visited Pasir Timbul. A Shoal or Sandbank that emerged out from the sea seemingly out of nowhere. Although it was incredibly hot as the sun sun shone directly overhead, the sensation of walking and running on the sand right n the middle of the ocean was an experience that no one was going to miss.

Sawandarek, Yenbuba, and Friwen were the spots that we visited in our underwater exploration, and each was purely astonishing. Schooling fish of various shapes, size, and color; soft corals, hard corals, and sponges; giant clams measuring over a meter long; gliding mantas and turtles; sea horses and other magnificent critters; and much-much-much more danced around this area, so that calling this an underwater paradise seemed inadequate. Plunging into the water, it was like entering a whole different realm. Especially when a huge barracuda passed by or when the giant clam made an unexpected movement, I just couldn't help but shout: wow! under the snorkel. This was undisputably a highly exceptional experience, and the perfect way to end this 3 days' adventure in paradise.

pic. indonesia.travel

So, to get back to the question above: Is the hype real? I can now confirm for certain that Raja Ampat goes way beyond any hype, rumor, or pep-talk. Calling it a pristine paradise is not only fitting but perhaps it is not even adequate. And this is just from 3 days' experience just roaming around the main island of Waigeo. For there are still plenty of other treasures to be found among this cluster of islands such as the Wayag Islands which is said to be even on a bigger scale than Piaynemo, there is also Misool Island with all its intriguing cultural attractions, and a whole lot more.

So if there is a place that deserves to be on your bucket list, Raja Ampat should be right on top! 
(A.A Muhaimin)

Ministry of Tourism. Republic of Indonesia

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Wonderful Indonesia - Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan (Borneo)

Derawan Bezoek één van de meest paradijselijke bestemmingen in Indonesië en maak kennis met de serene onderwaterwereld van Derawan. Wie weet ziet u op Derawan een zeeschildpad haar eieren leggen. Ontdek meer over Derawan op

DERAWAN ISLANDS, THE PERFECT TROPICAL PARADISE

Located just away from the mainland of East Kalimantan in the district of Berau, the Derawan archipelago comprises 31 islands, most well known among these are the islands of Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban. Here is Indonesia’s largest nesting site of the rare and endangered giant green turtles and hawksbill turtles, where one can daily watch turtles lay their eggs in the sand or swim to sea with the turtles.

The entire marine conservancy region covers a total area of no less than 1.27 million hectares. It is the perfect tropical paradise with warm, isolated islands, soft white sand beaches fringed with waving palm trees, pristine seas that change color from green to deep blue, and an amazing underwater life of giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and barracudas, stingless jellyfish and sometimes, whales. Here, you can find 460 different species of corals, ranking this area second only to the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The Nature Conservancy and a team of international experts also found more than 870 species of fish here, ranging from tiny pygmy seahorses to giant manta rays.

Get There

To reach Derawan, SilkAir flies from Singapore to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. Or you can take a flight from Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar to Balikpapan or Tarakan by Garuda Indonesia. Then take a connecting flight to Tanjung Redeb in Berau. From here, boats will take you to the islands.


Ministry of Tourism. Republic of Indonesia

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Sail Indonesia 2017 participants arrive in Tanjung Kelayang

Sail Indonesia 2017 participants arrive in Tanjung Kelayang

After traveling to Buleleng in North Bali, participants of Sail Indonesia 2017 continued their trip to Tanjung Kelayang Beach in Belitung on Sept. 30.

“Belitung is awesome; everything from the white sand beach and huge granite rock to coral reefs and Laskar Pelangi Beach. Tanjung Kelayang is currently being developed as the 10 New Balis,” said Tourism Ministry's archipelago tourism marketing development deputy, Esthy Reko Astuti.

pic. google.com

“Belitung is targeting to welcome 87 yachts in 2017. As of Sept. 30, 40 yachts have already arrived," she added.

The group was reportedly welcomed with a performance of traditional dance and introduced to the bedulang eating tradition, “One tampah [large woven bamboo plate] can be consumed by four people,” said the ministry’s marine tourism department advisor, retired admiral Marsetio.

At night, the participants were treated with a gala dinner and a performance of Belitung culture.

“Last night during the gala dinner Mr. Allen and his wife from the United States said they were happy they could take part in Sail Indonesia even though they had been traveling by yacht for 10 years. They were very impressed with the culture and beauty of Indonesia,” Marsetio added.

The participants who hailed from Australia, Sweden, US, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Virgin Island, New Caledonia, France, Norway and Poland will also take part in Sail Sabang 2017 slated from Nov. 28 to Dec. 7.

Apart from Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung also boasts other attractive tourist destinations, such as Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Lengkuas Island, Berahu Hill, Punai Beach, Pasir Beach, Kaolin Lake, Penyabong Beach, Kata Museum and Nyiur Melambai Beach. (kes)

from: theJakartaPost

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Coffee festivals held across archipelago to celebrate International Coffee Day

Coffee festivals held across archipelago to celebrate International Coffee Day

Several coffee events are currently being held across the archipelago to commemorate the International Coffee Day that falls on Oct. 1.

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Among them is the first Indonesian Coffee Creative Industry Festival that will run until Oct. 8 at The Breeze, BSD City, Tangerang, which involves Renewable Areas Movement (GDT) which partners with the Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Ministry, Indonesian National Armed Forces and Banten Tourism Agency and supported by the Tourism Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry.

The event reportedly invited ambassador representatives of neighboring countries, provincial administrations, state-own companies, coffee makers, private companies, coffee associations, communities and representatives of 70 countries.

Meanwhile Lampung hosts the Coffee Day Charm event that is said to attract many coffee lovers; Pasuruan regency in East Java holds the Coffee Exchanges and Festival during weekends for three weeks at Waroeng Daoen in Parelegi village, Purwodadi district.

The head of Indonesian Coffee Farmers Association (Apeki) in Pasuruan, Abdul Karim, said the festival that was opened on Sept. 16 aims to introduce Pasuruan coffee that has become one of the regency's main commodities and gather buyers and farmers. “So that farmers can directly communicate with the buyers,” said Abdul.

“For almost one month, there’s always coffee-related events held at this place every Saturday and Sunday,” he added. Some of the activities include coffee introduction to children, introduction to coffee equipment, local barista competition and a coffee forum.

The event held a traditional coffee roasting competition and barista training on Sept. 30 and a latte art training and International Coffee Day celebration the next day.

“It’s an interesting event and good education regarding coffee and how to process it,” said Hendro, one of the visitors from Surabaya, East Java, who came with his family.

The event is set to run until Oct. 7 with coffee auction of robusta and arabica coffee varieties from Pasuruan. (kes)

from: theJakartaPost

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