Barack Obama and family enjoys rafting on Ayung River, Bali/jean

Former US President Barack Obama and family in Ayung River, Bongkasa Village, Badung Regency, Bali, Senin (26/6/2017). (ANTARA FOTO/Wira Suryantala)

Former US president Barack Obama enjoyed rafting down the Ayung River, which is a popular tourist spot in Bali, Indonesia.

Barack and Michelle Obama, along with their daughters Sasha and Malia, arrived at Banjar Dinas Karang Dalem I, Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Abiansemal Sub-district, Badung District, at 11 am local time on Monday.

The location is a starting point for the rafting expedition.

Several police and military officers secured the site.

Obama was spotted wearing a white T-shirt, sunglasses, a red velvet jacket, and a yellow helmet.

On the occasion, Michelle and her daughters were spotted paddling down the Ayung River.

The rafting ended at the rear side of the Four Seasons Hotel in Sayan Village, Ubud, a hotel near the Ayung River, where Obama and his family are staying.

Obama and his family had earlier visited the Agung Rai Museum of Arts in Ubud and the Jatiluwih rice fields.

The family took a walk through the lush green Jatiluwih rice terrace, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage. (Antara)

All Indonesian Muslims in Lebaran festive mood/jean

Muslims in Indonesia seem to be in a festive mood of Eid al Fitr, better known as Idul Fitri or Lebaran celebration.

The aura of the holiday spirit can now be felt in the Greater Jakarta areas where the normally congested streets are pleasantly deserted, and one can actually take a deep breath without inhaling a lungful of pollution.

Muslims in Indonesia, who account for nearly 90 percent of the countrys population, are celebrating Lebaran on July 25-26 this year.

During this time, the capital city of Jakarta reveals itself as a friendly city, with wide, tree-lined avenues where pedestrians can stroll on the pavements without the risk of being hit by a motorbike.

The prevailing custom of Lebaran in Indonesia is one of the largest temporary human migrations observed globally when workers return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families and relatives and to seek forgiveness from parents, in-laws, and other elders.

Such a mass exodus, or homecoming, is known in Indonesia as "mudik," which is an annual tradition wherein the people living in major cities, such as Greater Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and elsewhere, travel to their hometowns to meet their relatives.

Early on Sunday morning, mosques in Jakarta and elsewhere were packed with thousands of worshipers performing Eid al Fitr prayers and then listen to sermons, focused on unity and integrity, goodness, social spirit, and many more positive things.

The Idul Fitri prayer service at the Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta was started at 7 am on Sunday with the presence of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Vice President Jusuf Kalla, and other state officials.

Also present at the Idul Fitri prayer service at Southeast Asias largest mosque with the capacity of 120,000 people were also thousands of Muslims from all corners of the state capital city of Jakarta.

In his Idul Fitri sermon at Jakartas Istiqlal moaque, Prof. Quraish Shihab preached on "Idul Fitri and the Spirit of Strengthening the Unity and Integrity."

Quraish Shihab gave some advice on unity for Muslims both as individuals and in society.

"The unity of the human self consists of the spirit and the body. The unification of the soul and body makes the man intact so that there is no separation between faith and practice, neither feeling nor behavior, deeds with morality, idealism with reality, and these are all complementary parts," Shihab remarked.

In the meantime, Peoples Consultative Assembly (MPR) Vice Chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid in his Idul Fitri sermon at Nurul Hidayah Grand Moaque in Bintaro, South Jakarta, said all the goodness during the holy month of Ramadan must continue to be practiced, although the fasting month has ended.

Hidayat said that even though Ramadan is over, the relationship and efforts to spread goodness must continue to be done. (Antara)

Obama arrives in Bali/jean

Obama dan Michelle Obama (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Former United States president Barack Obama arrived in Bali on Friday evening for a family vacation. His Gulfstream G-V N50JE aircraft landed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at 6.52 p.m. local time, or a bit late from its initial schedule of 5.55 p.m.

Wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers, Obama was seen relaxed and smiling when he embarked from the plane, witnesses reported. Meanwhile, former First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore a white T-shirt and blue jeans walked by his side. Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha, also joined the vacation.

Journalists did not have access to cover Obama's arrival at the airport as requested by the former US president's advance team.
Only four officials welcomed Obama at Ngurah Rai Airport, namely Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika, Ngurah Rai Military Air Force Base commander Col. I Wayan Superman, 9^th regional military command (Kodam IX) Udayana commander Maj. Gen. Komarudin Simanjuntak and Denpasar Police chief Sr. Comr. Hadi Purnomo, who represented Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Petrus Reinhard Golose

Obama left Ngurah Rai Airport for Ubud at 7.17 p.m., with an VVIP escort comprising Indonesian Military and National Police personnel and his advance team.

Arie Ahsanurrohin, communications and legal head of state airport operator Angkasa Pura I at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, said clearance processes by the airport�s Customs and Immigration authorities took too long.

�In line with standard operating procedures, customs officers must check all luggage. It took time," Arie said.

Obama briefly engaged in small talk with local officials welcoming him. Obama and his family also posed for photos with the officials before leaving the airport.
Arie said Obama�s arrival did not affect the airport�s flight schedules. Obama will vacation in Bali until June 28, then head to Yogyakarta and Jakarta. (JakartaPost)

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan/jean

Surrounded by lush tropical valleys by Ayung River, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan 

Address: Sayan, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia

presents an outdoor pool, four dining options and a gym. Guests can indulge in pampering treatments at the spa. Free valet parking service is provided.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayang is a 10-minute drive from Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market, and Monkey Forest is a 15-minute drive away. It takes 90 minutes by car to reach the resort from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The luxuriously furnished suites and villas each feature a dining area, sitting area with plush sofas, and a private terrace with views of the greenery. Amenities include a safe, flat-screen satellite TV and ironing facilities. Each bedroom has a walk-in closet and a private bathroom with free bath amenities.
Guests enjoy the convenience of on-site business center, currency exchange and vehicle rental services. The staff at the tour desk can assist with sightseeing arrangements, hiking or cycling trips. A library and a kid�s club are available at the resort

Ayung Terrace specializes in Indonesian cuisine, and Jati Bar serves cocktails and light meals. At Riverside Caf�, guests can enjoy western delicacies for lunch and dinner. In-room dining is possible through room service. 

This is our guests' favorite part of Ubud, according to independent reviews.

This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Ubud! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

We speak your language!

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Sept 30, 2013
Hotel Chain: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts 

Former US president Obama to arrive on Bali this afternoon/jean

Four Seasons Hotel at Sayan, Ubud

Former US president Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive on Bali this afternoon to start a five-day vacation with his family on the resort island. Obama's aircraft will be arriving at the Bali airport at 5:55 p.m. from Guam.

Ngurah Rai Military Air Base commander Col. I Wayan Superman said standard VVIP security measures would be enforced during the landing of Obama's aircraft at the airport.

�There will be no airport closure [for other flights]. However, we will give priority to his plane," Superman said. 

Superman said that he had coordinated with the advance US team, which indicated that Obama had refused the offer of any special treatment during his visit.

Superman said the Indonesian authorities would ensure Obama�s arrival would have minimal impact on other flights at the airport. 

Obama will come with his wife Michelle Obama, their daughters Malia and Sasha, and other Obama family members. He will also bring several special security staff members with him. 

From the airport, Obama will go straight to the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Ubud where he will be staying. The five-star hotel offers a green view over rice fields inside the hotel complex. The hotel restaurant also offers a view over the Ayung River. (JakartaPost)

6 INSTAGRAMMABLE LANDMARKS IN MEDAN/jean

Source: Infohotel.co

Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra Province, is rich in diversity of cultures. Through the centuries, thousands of merchants from China, India, the Middle East, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Europe have come to the city to trade and where many settled down, each bringing their own culture. The assimilation of these cultures has created a lively diverse city, as well as fascinating legacies in architecture and culinary heritage.

The city has many distinguished landmarks sculpted with meticulous details and marvelous artworks. Here, you will easily find old buildings standing right next to sleek modern constructions.

Below is a glimpse of the colorful spirit you will find in Medan�s city center:

1. The Maimoon Palace

Built by Sultan Ma�mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamsyah in 1887-1891, the palace has a total of 30 rooms on its 2,772 sqm land. However, only one main room is open for public, which is the throne room. Its architectural style is a cultural-mix of Malay, Islamic and Moghal heritage. While its interior design takes a more Spanish-Italian ambience. Take pictures of yourself wearing traditional royal Malay Deli costume or sit on the throne of the Sultan and His Queen. The Royal collection of jewelry, antiques and gifts presented by other countries� royal leaders are also on display here. Address: Jl. Brigjen Katamso, Medan

2.Al Mashun Grand Mosque

Source:ucokmedan.com

This grand mosque is located on a busy street in Medan. The mosque was built in 1906-1909, during the reign of Sultan Ma�mun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alam of the Deli Sultanate. Surrounded by an extensive garden, the architectural style of the main building is a combination of Middle Eastern, Moghal and Spanish influence. It is built in an octagonal shape and has four wings to its south, east, north and west. The mosque was built based on the strictest orders given by the Sultan: that it should be grander than his own grand palace � the Maimoon Palace. An elegant structure with intricate details on the exterior and interior design, this is surely a place you need to visit. Address: Medan 20218, Indonesia  

3. Tjong A Fie Mansion

Source:royhanza25.blogspot.co.id

Visiting this mansion will make you feel immediately transported back in history. Every furniture and accessory in this mansion are arranged exactly as if the mansion is still inhabited by its owner. Located in downtown Medan, the building has a combination of Chinese, Malay and Art-Deco influences. The mansion continues to be well preserved among the surrounding modern structures . Tjong A Fie was a Chinese merchant who tried to find better fortune in the city that is today know as Medan. He rose to become a wealthy entrepreneur, a respected leader and philanthropist. With beautiful carvings, ornaments, antiques and artworks, this mansion was dedicated to his beloved wife. Here�s a fun fact: Tjong A Fie is among the three personalities who financed the construction of the Al Mashun Grand Mosque. Address: Jln. A. Yani 105, Medan 20111  

4. Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni

Source:parokisantopetrus.com

A magnificent structure with intricate fa�ade, The Maria Shrine at Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is dedicated to the blessed Mother Mary. It was built in 2001-2005. You may well mistake it for a Hindu temple or perhaps a mosque because of its ornamentation and domes. Father James Barathaputra, SJ was the originator of the idea to build this one-of-a-kind Catholic Church. His vision was to make this a sanctuary for people who seek peace, solace, healing and divinity. Address: Jl. Sakura III no. 10 Tanjung Selamat, Medan, Indonesia

 5. Sri Mariamman Temple

Source:justgola.com

This temple was built in 1884 by young Tamil donors named Gurdhuara Sahib and Sami Rangga Naiher. Located at Kampung Madras area (also known as Medan�s Little India), it is the oldest Hindu temple in Medan. It was built to worship Goddess Mariamman and is devoted to the Hindu Gods Ganesha and Murugan. its architectural style was taken from Hindu temples found in South India and Sri Lanka. It is ornamented with vivid colors, statues and beautiful carvings. The temple�s prayer room is closed on Saturdays, but the courtyard is always open on any other day. Address: Jln. Teuku Umar no. 18, Medan 20112, Indonesia

6. Maha Vihara Maitreya

Source:infohotel.co

Being the largest Buddhist temple in Medan, it prides itself with the slogan of �One World One Family�. Built in 1991 on a piece of land covering 4,5 hectares, it was inaugurated in 2008. You can find huge statues around the premise, but unfortunately taking photographs of some of them is prohibited. The interior is graceful and simple, dedicated for devotees to perform silent solemn worship, following the teachings of Maitreya Buddha. The temple has also a playground for kids to play and a souvenir shop. It is strategically located in a housing complex where you can find abundant choice of delicious food and beverages to enjoy after a long day exploring the city. Address: Jl. Cemara Boulevard Utara no. 8, Kompleks Cemara Asri, Desa Sampali Percut Sei Tuan, Medan,20371

There you have it, the colorful nuances of Instagrammable architectural sights to be found in Medan. Get ready to snap them as an inseparable part of your memorable journey to North Sumatra!(Indonesia.travel)

Over two million Chinese tourists to visit Indonesia in 2017/jean

Jakarta (Indonesia.travel)

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia is estimated to reach more than 2 million tourists in 2017, an official said.

Charge dAffaires of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Jakarta Sun Weide said here on Tuesday that the tourism cooperation between Indonesia and China continues to grow. The Chinese Embassy has recorded around 560,000 Chinese tourists to have visited Indonesia during the first three months of this year.

"The number of Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia is estimated to reach more than two million this year," Sun Weide said in a press conference followed by an iftar at the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta.

Last year, 1.45 million Chinese tourists had visited Indonesia. The number was the second largest after Singapores with 1,47 million tourists. It is estimated that the visiting Chinese tourists had contributed around two billion US dollars of foreign exchange to Indonesia last year, he said.

Cooperation in the tourism sector between Indonesia and China has been robust, he said. On the same day, delegation from Guizhou Province of China held a conference to promote its tourism potential in Jakarta.
Ren Xiang Sheng, Guizhou Provincial Secretary in southwestern China, said the increased cooperation in the fields of tourism and culture has become part of efforts to strengthen Chinas One Belt and One Road (Obor) initiative.

In 2016, more than one million tourists had visited Guizhou, a region dotted with picturesque mountain in China. Out of one million visiting tourists, 128,000 were Indonesians. Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has estimated that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia will reach 2.4 million in 2017, surpassing Singaporeans who were estimated to top around 2.275 million in the same year. Achieving its 12 million tourist visit target in 2016, Indonesia has set a target to attract 15 million tourist in 2017.(Antara)