Banyuwangi`s Red Island being promoted at ITB Berlin/jean

Pulau Merah (Source: http://firstblogspotadress.blogspot.co.id)

The Red Island with its beautiful beach in Banyuwangi district, East Java, is being promoted at ITB Berlin from March 9 to 13, 2016.

The Internationale Tourismus Borse in Berlin (ITB Berlin) is the worlds largest travel trade fair where Red Island and other tourist destinations in Indonesia are being promoted.

As the worlds largest travel and trade fair, the ITB Berlin provides a unique opportunity to look behind the curtain of the global tourism industry.

Each year, the ITB Berlin welcomes around 10 thousand exhibitors from more than 180 countries and regions, including Indonesia.

Participating in the ITB Berlin 2016, Indonesias state-owned forestry firm, Perum Perhutani, promoted the Red Island in Banyuwangi and 236 other tourist destinations in different cities on Java Island.

"At the ITB Berlin, we promote Red Island in Banyuwangi and other tourist destinations owned by Perum Perhutani," the Perhutani Head for Tourism and Agribusiness, Lies Bahunta, remarked in Berlin Saturday.

For the past several years Perum Perhutani has put serious efforts to develop tourism on Java Island and to promote tourism attractions to an international audience, she noted.

Besides promoting tourist attractions, Perhutani is also making every effort to attract foreign investors to invest in the Red Island tourism sector, Bahunta said.

The unique and innate character of the surrounding hills of Red Island beach has made Banyuwangi in East Java one of the favorite tourist destinations.

Situated at Sumber Agung village in Pesanggaran district, some 60 kilometers south of Banyuwangi city center, the Red Island beach has become one of the leading destinations after it has been promoted through the international surfing competition on a regular basis since 2012.

The Red Island beach, stretching three kilometers long with golden sand and spectacular waves, is an ideal location in Banyuwangi for visitors to engage in activities, such as snorkeling and surfing.

The Banyuwangi district government held the International Surfing Competition at the Red Island beach on September 24-27, 2015.

Acting Head of the Youth and Sports Department Wawan Yadmadi stated in Banyuwangi that the three-day International Surfing Competition was the fourth edition of the event since it was first held in 2012 at the Red Island beach, which derived its name from a rocky hill having reddish soil.

Yadmadi noted that as many as 80 surfers from some 20 countries, including Venezuela, Switzerland, Germany, the United States, South Korea, Hungary, France, Thailand, and Indonesia participated in the event.

Yadmadi said he had initially estimated that only few participants would attend the event as a similar competition was also being held in Maldives.

"A surfer from Venezuela came directly to Banyuwangi for the event after taking part in an event in Australia," he revealed.

This is the fourth annual event to be held at the beach this year and offers waves ideal for surfing, with a coastline stretching up to 400 meters.

According to Yadmadi, the Red Island beach is fast becoming the newest tourist destination and highly sought-after surfing location in Indonesia.

Banyuwangi District Head Abdullah Azar Anas, who inaugurated the event, remarked that Red Island has become popular, which is reflected by the growing number of tourists visiting the region.

Anas further vowed to continue developing sports tourism in the region.

The International Surfing Competition, which lasted for three days, was held as part of the Banyuwangi Festival 2015 to showcase some sports events to promote tourism in the district.

Banyuwangi District Head Abdulllah Azwar Anas remarked that Banyuwangi Festival 2015 comprised 38 different events, including the International Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen, Beach Jazz Festival, Gandrung Sewu Festival, International Surfing Competition, Batik Festival, and Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival.

"The Banyuwangi Festival is held to promote tourism to maximize the districts potential and to motivate residents to develop their district," Azwar affirmed.

He noted that some other events, such as the Green and Recycle Fashion Week, Local Fruit Festival, Sego Tempong Culinary Festival, Childrens Traditional Games Festival, Kite Festival, Percussion and Lare-lare Orchestra Festival, and Wind Surf Competition could become regular tourist attractions in Banyuwangi.

In addition, the innate character of the mountains and beaches has made Banyuwangi one of the favorite tourist destinations in East Java.

Several foreign tourists visit Banyuwangi before they cross to the Indonesian island resort of Bali from Ketapang Port.

Banyuwangi is located in the easternmost tip of the island of Java, directly adjacent to Situbondo in the north, the strait of Bali in the East, and the Indian Ocean in the south.

The charm of Banyuwangis tourism not only lies in its natural beauty but also the variety of culinary and cultural attractions that continue to lure both domestic and foreign tourists to visit the district.

Favorite tourist attractions in Banyuwangi are the Red Island beach, Ijen crater located at an altitude of 2,443 meters above sea level with a depth of 200 meters, Teluk Hijau or Green Bay, and Tabuhan Island, among others.

The island is an ideal location for people who want to go scuba diving as the water is very clear.

The Lider Banyuwangi waterfall in Watu Dodol, Plengkung Beach, is another tourist attraction.

To be able to reach the Lider waterfall, the visitors must travel 45 kilometers from the city of Banyuwangi.

Watu Dodol is located in the Ketapang village, not far from Ketapang port, and close to the main road leading to Baluran National Park.

The visitors can enjoy the scenic Watu Dodol to witness the coastal area along the road, with hills on both sides.

The Plengkung Beach, which is ideal for surfing, is another renowned tourist attraction besides the Red Island beach in Banyuwangi

The best time for surfing at Plengkung Beach is between May and mid-October. (Antara)

Switzerland to Make 'Big Investment' in Indonesia's Tourism Industry/jean

Wakatobi (Source: Wikipedia)

The Switzerland government will make a "big investment" in Indonesia's tourism industry within the next four years, providing expertise in the hospitality industry and vocational skill development to support the Indonesian government's ambitious target of attracting 20 million international tourists annually by 2020, an official said on Friday (14/07). 

"We actually plan to do quite a big investment into tourism in three new projects," Martin Stottele, the head of economic development cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Indonesia, said.
Stottele made the comment on the sidelines of the Switzerland-Indonesia Economic Development Cooperation Strategy 2017-2020 launch in Jakarta during which the two countries renewed economic and development partnerships. 
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According to Stottele, Switzerland will be working with the World Bank to create an integrated tourism masterplan for selected tourist destinations in Indonesia including Labuan Bajo in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara; Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi; and another location to be announced by the Indonesian government later. 

In a second project, Switzerland will provide technical assistance to establish a new tourism school in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, and four polytechnics in other areas. 

The Indonesian government, Stottele said, plans to set up four new polytechnics to teach wood carving and furniture in Semarang, East Java; smelters in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, and Bantaeng, South Sulawesi; and a food processing facility under the management of the Industry Ministry and the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry. 

"The first polytechnic in Indonesia was established [with] Switzerland's assistance. Now we want to come back and assist mainly in a new sector," Stottele said. 

Stottele was referring to a polytechnic for mechanics in Bandung that was established in 1973 by the Indonesian and Swiss governments. The Swiss Polytechnic for Mechanics has now transformed into the Bandung State Polytechnic for Manufacture. 

A third project will be set up to assist the Indonesian government with implementing masterplans designed in cooperation with the Swiss government.
At the launch event, the Swiss government announced it will invest a total of 75 million Swiss francs ($77.5 million) in the next four years in Indonesia. 

Kennedy Simanjuntak, the deputy for development funding at the National Development Planning Ministry (Bappenas), praised Switzerland's effort to help Indonesian cocoa farmers increase their income and reduce greenhouse emissions by 30 percent in the past four years. 

Kennedy told reporters he hopes Switzerland will invest more in Indonesia's tourism sector in the next four years to help the Indonesian government achieve its goal of growing the country's tourism industry. 

Indonesia has set itself a target of attracting 20 million foreign tourists annually in the next three to four years. The country attracted 11.5 million foreign tourists last year, up nearly 11 percent from 10.4 million in 2015, according to Indonesia's statistics agency. (JakartaGlobe)

NIhi Sumba voted best hotel for two consecutive years/jean

Nihi Sumba Island (formerly Nihiwatu) resort in West Sumba regency, East Nusa Tenggara, was named the 2017 World�s Best Hotel by Travel+Leisure magazine readers. Announced on Tuesday, the luxury property has won the award for two consecutive years.

In the annual reader survey, properties around the world were rated on their facilities, location, service, food and overall value.

During a press conference, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that Nihi Sumba Island won the award likely because of its overall value as the property helped to develop the local community and environment through its eco-friendly concept.

�Nihi Sumba Island could be considered [an example of] sustainable tourism development,� Arief said.

West Sumba Development Planning Board (Bappeda) head Aloysius Seran expressed appreciation for the award, saying it helped to introduce travelers to West Sumba regency. He said that, previously, the island was frequently mistaken for Sumbawa.

However, Aloysius also addressed that the area needed to be developed, particularly in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, clean water and electricity.

�[State-owned electricity firm] PLN only supplied electricity to Nihi Sumba Island at certain hours,� he said, noting that the luxury property relied on an electric generator.

Meanwhile, Nihi Sumba Island managing partner James McBride said he wanted to see more direct flights to Sumba Island.

�Currently, other than [travelers] coming from Singapore, travelers need to spend the night in Bali [before heading to Sumba Island],� he said. (JakartaPost)

Photo sources: Instagram Nihiwatu

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach/jean

This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Set in trendy Seminyak, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is a beachfront property with four outdoor swimming pools and six restaurants. Guests can request pampering massages at the spa centre or work out at the fitness centre that opens 24 hours.

Rooms at Hotel Indigo Bali are fitted with air conditioning, a minibar and a coffee machine. The villas boasts a private pool, while the suites are equipped with a bathtub. All units come with a daybed in the balcony or patio and complete amenities in the en suite bathroom.

Free use of bicycles is available at this resort and the staff can also arrange car hire. The area is popular for surfing and guests can find an array of shops, restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area.

The Seminyak Village Shopping Mall is 1.3 km from Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, while Petitenget Temple is 1.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, 5 km from Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach.

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Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 7 Jun 2017.
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Address: Jalan Camplung Tanduk No.10 , 80361 Seminyak, Indonesia � Show map
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Related: 

For the Second Year in a Row: Nihiwatu Voted #1 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure Magazine's World's Best Awards

Philanthropic-Driven Resort Changes the Way Travelers Experience Cultural Discovery; Guests Feel Deeply Connected, Cause-Inspired, and Satisfy a Journey for Curiosity at "The Edge of Wildness"

 

The first Hotel Indigo in a resort location opens on Bali�s Seminyak Beach/jean

Bali's most lively and storied village is welcoming the world's most neighbourhood-centric brand in July 2017, with the opening of Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. In a village that captures the ancient and modern zeitgeist of Bali in all its colour, energy and lively tradition, curious travellers are the new savvy individualists.

As a destination, Bali has always delighted guests with its ability to embrace the modern and traditional with a stylish and youthful zest � and nowhere is this more apparent than in Seminyak, a neighbourhood where the ocean breeze blends a fusion of village gamelan and modern house music. And indeed where in every direction, the visitor can trace the neighbourhood's story of a Cultural Journey � exploring its local communities and temples, where ceremonies and craft work retain the same daily rituals that connect you back to the heritage of the 15th century.

The new 289-room hotel gracing Seminyak's Mesari Beach draws inspiration from the flavours, culture and character of its surrounding local neighbourhood, the vibrant and lively Seminyak district � and Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach promises an authentic fusion of enchanting Balinese culture and contemporary creativity. Extending across 4.7 hectares of lush, landscaped grounds, including exotic plantings and beautiful vertical gardens, the hotel fronts the southern stretch of Seminyak. Here, the best of modern and traditional Balinese design are seamlessly integrated, reflecting the surrounding Seminyak neighbourhood, from its fashion boutiques and world-famous restaurants to its artisanal craftsmanship and architecture.

The 270 spacious rooms and suites are appointed with a mix of locally influenced design touches. Every guestroom is fitted with daybeds, plush bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms and state-of-the-art features. In addition, there are 19 villas with private outdoor swimming pools, whirlpools and marble bathrooms � all inspired by the Tri Hita Karana philosophy (one's relationship with Gods, living beings and the earth), and showcasing a clever juxtaposition of contemporary design and ancient tradition. Each villa is planned like a Balinese house, consisting of three main areas: Nista Mandala, a space for residents to embrace the Gods; Madya Mandala, a space to be at one with nature; and Utama Mandala a space for interpersonal relations.

Guillaume Epinette, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, says: "Seminyak is a melting pot, enriched with a diverse culture and lifestyle that merges all the wonderful things Bali is known for. Our inspiration has been to weave the flavours of Seminyak into our hotel, not only with our design but throughout the whole experience. The result is a design-led property that reflects the changing tastes of today's affluent travellers � who not only aspire to enjoy a relaxing escape, but also crave new inspiration. We're certain that every fascinating detail on their journey of discovery through fashionable Seminyak neighbourhood will deliver that."

Welcoming guests at Hotel Indigo is the expansive lobby space, dubbed the Neighbourhood Gallery. A Balinese Subak-inspired wall structure, accents of verdant foliage, unique outdoor artworks by local artists and water fountains symbolise the tranquillity of Seminyak and impart a soothing arrival experience. Signature geometric lines that decorate the hotel at entrances and on canopies and walls are the creative interpretation of the traditional Balinese weaving textile, Tenun Songket.

There are seven lifestyle dining offerings at Hotel Indigo, with a destination to suit every moment and temptation of the day or night, all helmed by the hotel's Executive Chef Mads Wolff.
 
Makase is the hotel's neighbourhood cafe, contemporary yet casual with an open kitchen serving colourful local flavours for breakfast and dinner. Pottery Cafe is open all day with a finely curated collection of local specialty coffees, teas and chocolates, alongside freshly-made pastries. It is also set as one of a kind outlets with its own coffee roasting machine and Pottery-making workshop by local ceramic artisan. Organic artisan bar by day and speakeasy cocktail bar by night, the Tree Bar offers healthy and bespoke refreshments within a gorgeously verdant space. By the hotel's main pool is the Cave Pool Lounge, which serves cool drinks, scrumptious light bites and refreshing sweet treats such as rolled ice cream and fresh sugarcane juice. Salon Bali is the signature dining restaurant of Hotel Indigo, an intimate space with a rustic design aesthetic where refined Balinese cuisine featuring the island's traditional delicacy � babi guling, or suckling pig � is served as part of an 8- or 12-course menu. Located beside the pristine white sand beach is SugarSand set to become Seminyak's hottest new beachfront bar and restaurant in Q4 this year with space for more than 400 beach enthusiasts.
Leisure facilities for guests range from local cultural explorations to body and mind wellness. The hotel's Sava Spa offers treatments and traditional Balinese massages using Sava Spa's locally-sourced natural spa products with active ingredients. The Spa also features 10 treatment rooms, a Relaxation Lounge, a Reflexology Lounge, a Nail Beauty Lounge and a 24-hour Health Club with wellness programs and state of the art fitness equipment such as yoga space, power stretching, weight-lifting, martial arts and TRX. (Traveldailynewsasia)

 

Sumba�s Tenun Ikat Traditional Handwoven Fabric Festival 2017/jean

Following the success of the fascinating that has taken place from 3rd to 12th July 2017, the exotic island of Sumba in East Nusa Tengara Province will once again be highlighted with exciting festivity. This time, the spotlight will turn to one of the island's most treasured distinct masterpieces, the Tenun Ikat traditional handwoven fabrics, as the Sumba's Tenun Ikat Festival is set to be staged on 12th to 15th July 2017 centered at the Town of Tambolaka, Southwest Sumba Regency.

This festival is expected to be attended by President Joko Widodo himself.
Celebrating the people of Sumba's outstanding artistic quality, the festival will present all that has made the art of Tenun Ikat so special. These include the outstanding motifs and designs, exceptional colors that use only natural substances for dyes such as leaves and roots, as well as the philosophy and history behind this unique traditional fabric. The use of natural dyes uniquely cause colors to withstand time instead of fading, a quality that is truly intriguing. 

The word "ikat" itself means to tie or to bind. Each region in Sumba has its own variety of ikat motifs and patterns; in Wanokaka, Lamboya as well as at Tana Righu there are the kain (cloth) panggiling, pahikung and pawora while in the Loli region there is a cloth called kain lambaleko.  Until today, although most have converted to Christianity or Islam, the people of Sumba, nonetheless, still follow megalithic traditions as taught by their ancestors. 

Ikat weaving throughout Sumba has social, religious and traditional significance. The different types of ikat cloths are related to the patterns in the making and coloring techniques. Traditionally only members of the highest clans and their personal attendants wore this for special ceremonies only. At funerals of kings and important personalities, the body used to be dressed in the finest textiles to be well appearing in the afterlife, and piles of extra textiles were then often sent with the dead as well.  

It were the Dutch who began to export ikat to Europe and Java, where these expensive materials quickly became very popular. To this day, Sumba's cloths are collected as examples of the highest quality textile design and are found in the major museums of the world as well as in the homes of collectors.
"This is indeed a potential that must not be overlooked. Sumba's handwoven fabric has distinct motifs. Its design variants are mostly symmetrical representing balance and harmony in human life. This is the reason why, the Ministry of Tourism is passionate in supporting the event" said Deputy for Tourism Marketing Development of the Ministry of Tourism. 

Considering its significance, President Joko Widodo is scheduled to personally attend the festival. The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Frans Lebu Raya explained that the President is expected to arrive on 11th July 2017 and will head back to the capital city on 12th July.
Presenting the best of what Sumba has to offer, the festival will see the participation of over 2,000 artisans from across the island. Aside from showcasing the rich motifs as well as variants of Tenun Ikat, the festival will also be highlighted with fashion shows, workshops, and several other attractive programs. For those who wish to learn more about the fabric, there will be demonstrations on stages in the productions of Tenun Ikat. These include color mixing, spinning the threads, dying, as well as weaving the threads into shawls or other products. 

The festival will also feature a bazaar and exhibition of top products of East Nusa Tenggara Province and other modern innovations of Tenun Ikat.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya expects that Sumba's Tenun Ikat Festival 2017 will boost the economy of the island. Mentioning that Sumba's art of Tenun Ikat needs to be promoted further to stimulate the growth of the creative industry, where the festival is the perfect tool for it aside from promoting tourism to East Nusa Tenggara in general. "East Nusa Tenggara is a world class destination, this is where you will find the iconic Komodo Dragons, various diving destinations off the coast of  Labuan Bajo, the three-colored Lake of Kelimutu, and much-much more,"added the minister. (Indonesia.travel)

Appeal to protect Leuser ecosystem/jean

Leuser Ecosystem Hill (KEL) seen from the top of Singgah Mata Mountain, Nagan Raya, Aceh. (ANTARA PHOTO/Syifa Yulinnas)

The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS) is prioritized after UNESCOs World Heritage Committees decision, in its 41st session, to retain TRHS on the List of World Heritage In Danger following threats to remaining rainforests.

The 2.5 million-hectare TRHS site comprises three national parks: Mount Leuser National Park located in Aceh and North Sumatra; Kerinci Seblat National Park in Jambi, Bengkulu, West Sumatra, and South Sumatra; and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in the provinces of Lampung, South Sumatra, and Bengkulu.

A large part of the TRHS lies within the Leuser Ecosystem, which is among the most biodiverse and ancient ecosystems to be ever documented by science and the last habitat of Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers, rhinos, and sun bears.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has identified Leuser as one of the worlds "irreplaceable protected areas."

UNESCO says the site "holds the greatest potential for long-term conservation of the distinctive and diverse biota of Sumatra, including many endangered species."

Source: peterloud.co.uk

According to UNESCO, the area is home to some 10 thousand plant species, including 17 endemic genera; more than 200 mammal species; and about 580 bird species, of which 465 are resident and 21 are endemic.

Besides this, millions of people in Aceh and North Sumatra depend on the rivers of the Leuser Ecosystem, not only for fresh drinking water but also to sustain their livelihoods as farmers.

The TRHS was nominated by the Indonesian government as a World Heritage Site and accepted in 2004. The TRHS and adjacent lowland rainforests and peatlands in the greater Leuser Ecosystem are the only place on Earth where orangutans, rhinos, tigers, and elephants exist together in the wild and is a critical source of water and livelihood for millions.

Since then, new threats have emerged, including Acehs flawed spatial plan, three proposed large hydroelectric dams, and the proposed Kappi Geothermal Project, which if built, would destroy forests in the very heart of the World Heritage Site.

In 2011, the property was listed as "World Heritage in Danger" due to illegal logging, poaching, palm oil expansion, and fragmentation of its intact rainforests to make way for new roads.

Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder and director of the Orangutan Information Centre, and civil society spokesperson at the World Heritage Committee meeting, held in Krakow, Poland, on July 4, 2017, issued a statement on the decision of the committee.

"The World Heritage Committee has confirmed the need to take decisive action to address current and emerging threats facing the world heritage rainforests in Sumatra. We are very appreciative that the committee has retained the TRHS site on the List of World Heritage In Danger, as destruction driven by illegal activities continue to this day," he remarked as quoted on orangutancentre.org.

"The Indonesian governments announcement to categorically rule out geothermal development within the World Heritage property is welcomed. We stand ready to work collaboratively to protect its rainforests and realize alternative development that protects the greater Leuser Ecosystem whilst securing the integrity of the TRHS World Heritage Site," he noted.

"Similar to the Indonesian government, we are committed to seeing the property come off the Danger list but not until all the threats it faces have been addressed. We commend, both the Indonesian minister of environment and forestry and Governor Irwandi Yusuf of the Aceh provincial government, who now have made unequivocal statements, ruling out geothermal proposals in the heart of Leuser, but we still have much work to do to reverse the damages that have already been done and block any attempts of building new roads or hydro dams proposed for the Leuser Ecosystem," Hadisiswoyo stated in his commitment during an address.

"We are ready to work with the Indonesian government to conserve the property. Proper law enforcement is required to tackle the unacceptable levels of illegal logging, poaching, encroachments, and new roads," he pointed out.

He delivered petitions to the 21 members of the World Heritage Committee on behalf of 14 thousand concerned global citizens that are part of the growing movement to "Love The Leuser" and supported the call to keep the TRHS site on the List of World Heritage In Danger - until such time that the threats to the area are resolved and its future conservation is ensured in perpetuity.

In its January 2017 report to the World Heritage Committee, the Indonesian government reiterates its commitment "to ensure the sustainability of the TRHS and restore it to such a state that the property may be removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger."

It lists the measures it has taken, which include establishing a program for increasing the population of Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhino, and orangutans; conducting training in wildlife monitoring; improving monitoring equipment; identifying and mapping human-wildlife conflict areas; developing a rhino sanctuary; and conducting Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool patrols.

It also expressed commitment to not granting any concessions or permits for geothermal exploration or the construction of new roads within the TRHS site.(Antara)