Jember, Iconic City of Indonesia Carnival

Jember Fashion Carnival

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya designates Jember District, East Java Province as Carnival City along with the holding of the annual Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) event which enters its 16th year. This activity is considered to have national and international level.

"Everyone acknowledges world-class JFC and to realize that the Ministry of Tourism establishes Jember as a Carnival City," Arief said at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, July 2017. On that occasion the Minister of Tourism was accompanied by JFC founder and President Dynand Fariz at Balairung Soesilo Soedarman, Gedung Sapta Pesona Jakarta, Ministry of Tourism Office.

The 16th JFC held the theme of Victory Unity in Diversity and JFC's gait for the past dozen years has inspired many carnivals in the country. That's why Jember deserves to be promoted to the world level.

"The determination of Jember as a Carnival City through a Decree (SK) of the Minister of Tourism in order to lift Jember go international.If JFC wants to compete in the global level must unite the steps in Indonesia Incorporated and for that, the city of Jember must be set to become world-class Carnival City, He said.

JFC creativity is considered worthy of a magnet to bring foreign tourists (tourists). Unfortunately, in terms of commercial value and financial value is still not very attractive because it can not be well capitalized. "By making it as a world-class Carnival City, its commercial and financial value side can be raised," he said.

In the value of culture, JFC creativity has been recognized world. The proof there is a series of international awards achieved as best national costume. In 2010, for example, Balinese costume won the best national costume mister International in Indonesia.

Then costumes Toraja Karembau (best national costume man huni international) in 2011 in South Korea. Papuan costume (best national costume mister Universe model) in Dominica Republic, Borneo costume (best national costume miss supranational) in 2014 in Poland.

Lampung costume (best national costume miss international 2014) in Japan, and best national costume miss grand international 2016 in USA, Costkon Toraja Tongkonan (best national costume miss supranational) 2015 in Poland.

Meanwhile, Borobudor Costume (best national costume miss universe) 2015 in Florida United States, Betawi costume (best national costume miss international tourism) 2016 in Malaysia, and Garuda costume (top 5 national costume miss universe) 2016 in Filiphina.

While JFC President Dynand Fariz said JFC 2017 activities to be held on 9-13 August 2017 in Jember District will include exhibition, carnival, conference, and concert.

"The Victory theme in the 16th JFC means victory, with the Unity in Diversity sub-theme is Unity in Diversity, thus simultaneously depicting Indonesia's victory in various world competitions followed by 50 to 80 countries over the achievement of best national costume male and female peagant," he said. .

He said the theme of "Victory" also illustrates also the victory over the success of the Indonesian nation to unify the differences (bhinneka tunggal ika) in the frame of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya hopes tourism can become the largest foreign exchange earner for Indonesia. In fact, Arief hopes tourism to be a foreign exchange earner above the natural resources of Indonesia. "So above it oil and gas, on top of coal, above CPO or palm oil," said Arief.

According to Arief, the tourism sector is only able to absorb 10 percent of foreign exchange from about 10 billion dollars of marine tourism potential owned. This is below the ability to absorb foreign exchange owned by neighboring countries. "Compared with Malaysia already 8 billion US dollars, we are only 1 billion US dollars, whereas our potential is much higher," said Arief.

Arief assess, access becomes Indonesia's weakness in tourism. He cited tourists from China who came directly to Indonesia only 37 percent. "While to countries such as competitors to Singapore is 85 percent, Malaysia 78 percent, Thailand 81 percent," he said.

Arief added that his party is currently accelerating in opening access to major countries, such as China, India, and, Australia, to Indonesia directly.

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Enjoy, Top Five Favorite Places in Jakarta

Gold Snail Cube (Keong Mas) at TMII

Jakarta as the capital of Indonesia is not only a business and government center. Jakarta also presents a variety of sights that are highly recommended to visit. From a number of tourist attractions, here are five attractions that you should try.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is a wealth of miniature culture of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke. This is an area of cultural diversity and tribal charms that live in the archipelago of Indonesia. You can see a variety of custom home platforms, custom clothes, sacred objects specific tribes, for art and cultural dance from 34 provinces in Indonesia.

TMII is among the attractions in Jakarta with the widest place. TMII has as many art and cultural museums for students. For example, handicrafts and engineering museums, reptile museums, bird museums, and “gold snail” theater. At specific times in TMII, a national cultural arts festival is held with a specific theme.

Taman Impian Jaya Ancol

Ancol is a popular tourist spot in North Jakarta since its establishment in at 1966. Ancol bay city or also known as the dreaming park of Ancol Jaya, is the largest and very interesting of recreational park in Jakarta. Ancol consists of a golf course, an amusement park, a hotel, a nightclub, as well as a swimming pool. Visiting Ancol can provide laughter and happiness in unison with friends and family with various recreation areas that can be visited.

Tourist attractions in Ancol Dreamland:

1. World Fantasy (Dufan). Tourist attractions with over 40 rides games and attractions.
2. Atlantis Water Adventure. Five hectares of large waterfront theme parks of Atlantis mythology with wave pool, waterfall pool, slides, children's pool and restaurant.
3. Ancol Bay City.
4. Sea World. One of Southeast Asia's largest aquariums displays a pool for crocodiles and sharks, and a game pool for companions of the ocean.
5. Art Market. An art market in its 25-year journey has become a center for crafts and other art products, as well as a center for artists to directly create and sell their products.
6. Executive Golf Fun, 18 holes of Ancol's international beach golf course.
7. Beach. In the resort you can find Carnival beach and Beach Festival.

Monas (National Monument)

Monas is among the city's entertainment centers. National monument is an icon city of Jakarta, located at front of Presidential Place. The top of the Monas is gold-plated and bright-lit at night. So it is often to be a gathering area of people of varying social status. Often used as an art center and cultural festival events that can be enjoyed by the general public for free.

Inside the monument complex, there is a museum of Gajah Mada. This museum has a wealth of art and culture from the historic properties of Indonesia. Ancient objects found in Indonesia, many of which are stored in Monas. Monas is also often used to host national and international sporting events.

Ragunan Zoo

Ragunan Zoo is the first zoo in Indonesia. The zoo was founded in 1864. Jakarta provincial government donated 30 hectares of place called house to zoo. Governor Jakarta, Mr Ali Sadikin officially inaugurated the wildlife park of Ragunan on 22 June 1966. The 140-hectare zoo, with a diverse collection of 295 species and 4040 specimens.

Old Town

The old town is also known as Old Batavia. It is a small place which has an area of 1,3 km. The old city is an area that remains strong with the history and culture of the Dutch and China. The old city features an antique situation typical of the old city with many buildings and historic museums. You can also enjoy marine tourism, shopping, historic and cultural tourism, recreation and entertainment, as well as tours with special interests.

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Come and Enjoy, Sail Indonesia 2017

Admiral Marsetio-Sail Indonesia 2017

Senior adviser to the Minister of Tourism of The Republic of Indonesia, Admiral Marsetio had offload Sail Indonesia 2017 from Darwin, Australia on Saturday, July 29, 2017. The flag off take place at 10 am local time, at Darwin Yacht Club, Australia. Ships that will soon sail look neatly lined on the beach with a very charming view of the evening.

Marsetio which folds Navy Chief (KSAL) period 2012-2015 explained, Sail Indonesia 2017 followed by many participants coming from various countries, like England, Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Canada, America, and other countries.

Later, they will stop at an exotic tourist spots. The first location to visit after departing from Darwin is Kupang (5-9 August 2017). Next, will return to stop in North Central Timor (Winni) on 11-14 August 2017. The entourage will arrive at the third stopover in Alor on 16-20 August 2017.

Sail Indonesia 2017 will arrive in Komodo (23-26 August 2017), Sumbawa Besar-Badas (28-31 August 2017), Medana Bay-Lombok Utara (02 September-06 September 2017). Lovina Buleleng Bali (09-15 September 2017), Karimunjawa (17-23 September 2017), Kumai Pangkalanbun (25-30 September 2017).

Then, Sail Indonesia 2017 will arrive at Belitung Timur Manggar (02-05 October 2017), Belitung (06-10 October 2017), Central Bangka-P Ketawai (11-14 October 2017), Bintan-Tanjung Pinang (16-23 October 2017).

Furthermore, on 23 October 2017-30 November 2017, will sail to Sabang with the Malacca Strait and then join Sail Malaysia. Then, Sail Indonesia 2017 will lean on Sabang on 01-07 December 2017.

"It is estimated that thousands of foreign and domestic passengers will be present at Sail Indonesia in Sabang and we must be really ready to welcome the surge of tourist visits anytime," said Marsetio.

Sail Indonesia 2017 is an international show that has been held since 2000. This cruise or sailing activity on the date of refinement in December 2000 by Dr. Aji Sularso of the Ministry of Marine Affairs at the time, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, to create a group coordinating the World Yacht ship cruise rally starting from Darwin, Australia, to enter the Indonesian territory and stopover in Bali, NTT, Kepulauan Seribu, Batam , Before continuing the voyage to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

However, this annual event since 2009 is adjusted to the name of the region that became the main destination or the top of the show, such as Sail Bunaken (2009), Sail Banda (2010), Sail Wakatobi-Belitong (2011), Sail Morotai (2012), Sail Komodo 2013 ), Sail Rajampat (2014), Sail Tomini (2015), Sail Strait of Karimata (2016), and Sail Sabang (2017).

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How Indonesia to Get More Tourists

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia (Kompas)

One of Indonesia's efforts to attract tourists from abroad is to increase flight routes from a number of countries such as Australia, China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

In addition to increased flight routes, the Indonesian government is also working to improve airport facilities such as adding airport runways, improving the quality of buildings, navigation systems, so that plane can operate under adverse weather conditions.

Foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia numbered 11.52 million last year, a 10.7 per cent rise from a year earlier, according to data from the country's statistics agency, BPS. This compares with 32.6 million arrivals in Thailand last year, and 25.7 million in Malaysia in 2015.

Indonesia expects 12 million foreign visitors this year, and predicts numbers will climb to 20 million in 2019.

Indian tourist arrivals in Bali rose the biggest in percentage terms last year, by around 60 per cent to more than 150,000 people.

Indian tourists ranked sixth in the number of tourists visiting Bali, after visitors from Australia, China, Japan, Britain and France.

Chinese tourists, the biggest spenders in Indonesia, have shot up to second spot only in recent years.

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You Should Say “Horas” If You Visit to Lake Toba

Lake Toba (thejakartapost.com)

I recommend you to learn a simple Batak language first before visiting Lake Toba. Just say “Horas” and you are entering the most wonderful place at this planet. Horas is the Batak language means “How are you”. But, Horas actually more than that. It has a deep meaning, and always use for all conditions, even at Batak funeral tradition.

In Batak tradition where the Lake Toba is located, to say “Horas” is a mandatory word to everyone who first met. But of course, don’t worry if you forget to say it. They will be glad to guide you to say that. Once you say “Horas”, and Lake Toba is yours.

As we know, Lake Toba is the largest lake in Indonesia, even Southeast Asia. In the middle of Lake Toba there is a volcanic island called Pulau Samosir (Samosir Island) located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level.

Please come to Lake Toba. Moreover, Silangit airport near to Lake Toba is now ready to serve you as a supporting airport besides Kuala Namu airport.

Horas….

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Hi World, Welcome to Indonesia

Welcome to my blog. 

I am Ishak Pardosi, an Indonesian who live in Depok, West Java, near Jakarta. In this blog, I will try to explore about all of Indonesia, especially about tourism, social, and culture.

Everything you need to know before traveling to Indonesia, about how the society behavior will accept you, also how the government rules will exactly makes you comfortable.

The information that will you enjoy at this blog, I got from many sources, such as Indonesia online media, books, blog, including my own experiences. Of course, as an Indonesian, I will guide you correctly to understand about Indonesia.

Thank you,

Ishak Pardosi

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