24-Mile Skydive a Boon for YouTube, Social Media

skydiver 10 15 12

Felix Baumgartner’s 24-mile (38.6-kilometer) skydive from the stratosphere was a boon for social networks as millions of users shared in the wonder of the moment from their computers, tablets and phones.

Here’s a look at how the world, through the Internet, watched the jump.

YouTube:

As Baumgartner ascended in the balloon, so did the number of viewers watching YouTube’s live stream of the event. Its popularity grew as the moment of the jump drew closer, as people kept sharing links with each other on Twitter and Facebook and websites embedded the stream.

Nearly 7.3 million viewers were watching as Baumgartner sat on the edge of the capsule, moments before the jump.

In the United States, the opportunity to watch the jump on TV was limited to the Discovery Channel, though more than 40 television networks in 50 total countries carried the live feed, organizers said. It was streamed by more than 130 digital outlets.

Facebook:

After Baumgartner landed, sponsor Red Bull posted a picture of the daredevil on his knees to Facebook. In less than 40 minutes, the picture was shared more than 29,000 times and generated nearly 216,000 likes and more than 10,000 comments. Immediately after the jump, Red Bull solicited questions for Baumgartner through Facebook and Twitter, promising to answer three at a post-jump news conference.

Twitter:

During the jump and the moments after Baumgartner safely landed, half the worldwide trending topics on Twitter had something to do with the jump — pushing past tweets about Justin Bieber and seven National Football League games being played at the same time. Celebrities of all kinds weighed in, including athletes, actors and high-profile corporate executives.

“It’s pretty amazing that I can watch, live on my computer, a man riding a balloon to the edge of space so he can jump out of it. #TheFuture,” tweeted Wil Wheaton, who acted in the iconic science-fiction series “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

“Felix Baumgartner is a boss,” tweeted Jozy Altidore, a soccer player for the US men’s national team.

Reddit:

Two threads related to the jump made the front page of Reddit. Users quickly upvoted a request for Baumgartner to participate in an “Ask Me Anything” on the site, where users pepper someone on the site with questions about anything they want. President Barack Obama held court as the subject of a similar thread in August.

Nearly 29,000 users weighed in on a separate thread about the jump itself, voting it up and down and robustly commenting.

Agence France-Presse

Borobodur Temple to Get Solar-Powered Lighting

Borobudur

Greenpeace has started installing a solar-powered lighting system that will illuminate the ancient temple of Borobodur on the outskirts of Yogyakarta.

The lighting system is scheduled to start working on Oct. 28, the group said in a press release on Sunday.

The organization said that the project was part of a nationwide campaign, called the “Climate Rescue Station,” to promote awareness about renewable energy to people in Indonesia.

The project also aims to urge the government to implement a massive uptake of renewable energy sources and to decrease dependence on dirty fossil fuels like coal.

“Greenpeace intends to light up Borobodur to enlighten Indonesians about our vision of a clean and safer energy future. We want to remind Indonesians, particularly the government, that we can work together for a better future with renewable energy,” said Arif Fiyanto, climate and energy campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

He said the government must make the switch to renewable energy to protect communities from the health and environmental hazards of coal pollution.

“We are calling on all Indonesians to be part of the solution and join the movement for renewable energy by visiting the Climate Rescue Station at Borobodur, or by signing up at our website,” Arif added.

Borobudur, the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, was built in the ninth century and has been Indonesia’s leading tourist attraction.

“Today, it is a symbol for enlightenment not only for Indonesians but for people around the world,” the group said. “Greenpeace is providing solar-powered lighting around the temple complex to show that renewable energy is not only possible but a viable alternative to meet Indonesia’s energy needs.”

Marsis Sutopo, head of Borobudur Heritage Conservation, voiced his appreciation to Greenpeace’s initiative.

“Our hope is that people grow increasingly aware that solar power is needed as an energy source, thus reducing our dependence on energy from fossil fuels,” he said.

Many experts have agreed that Indonesia’s position on the equator allows it to use the sun’s abundant supply of heat as an energy source throughout the year. But it’s something the country has not taken advantage of.

According to Greenpeace, the country’s abundant geothermal potential accounts for roughly 40 percent of the world’s total resource.

Latest government data shows that renewable energy contributes to less than 5 percent to the country’s power-generating capacity, according to the group.

Greenpeace said it is calling on the government of Indonesia to fast-track the development of renewable energy in the country by setting ambitious and binding targets for renewable energy, guaranteeing priority access to the grid for renewable power generators, providing defined and stable returns for renewable energy investors, and phasing out all subsidies for fossil fuels.

The group would also like fossil fuel companies to shoulder the social and environmental burden caused by their facilities.

“Renewable energy is a key building block for a fair and equitable green economy,” Arif said. “We call on Indonesians to sign up and join our renewable-energy campaign and be part of the movement that will steer our country to a better future.” JG

Julius Caesar Killing Spot Open To Tourists In 2013

The site in Rome where Julius Caesar was assassinated, according to scientists. AFP

The area among Rome's ancient ruins where general Julius Caesar was assassinated will be open to tourists starting in 2013 following long-running excavation work, local officials told AFP on Thursday.

"Next year we will complete the excavation work and give the area back to visitors," said Umberto Broccoli, the head of cultural heritage for Rome.

"It's good to do excavations but we can't keep digging holes," he said.

Contrary to legend, Caesar was not killed in the Roman Senate but in the lobby of a theatre built by Pompey the Great more than 2,000 years ago.

The site is now Torre Argentina square in the centre of the Italian capital. The area is rarely open to tourists and is better known as a stray cat colony.

Research carried out recently by Spanish archaeologists in the area has mapped out its layout and could help draw visitors to a site where there is only an old sign saying it was the place where Julius Caesar was killed.

An archaeologist working in the area told AFP that a mysterious garland of flowers is left on the site and on Caesar's tomb in the nearby Roman Forum every year on the anniversary of the assassination on March 15, 44 BC

Oh No...Jakarta Being The Most Hates City For Tourism

Jakarta Night by R. Aditya

The Jakarta administration is on the defensive over a ranking published recently by CNNGo that lands the Indonesian capital among the world’s “10 most hated cities.”

Jakarta Tourism and Culture Agency head Arie Budhiman said in Jakarta on Monday that the ranking was just an opinion piece written by trip adviser Jordan Rane, and lacked any scientific basis.

“I actually don’t want to comment on this matter. But I want to reaffirm that it was merely an opinion article made by the author. CNNGo never conducted an official study or survey,” Arie said.

“He [Rane] is a CNN contributor, and only lived in Jakarta for six months, and then he commented about Jakarta. Surely his judgment is not equal with the way the world sees Jakarta,” he added.

Arie further said the increasing number of international visitors to Jakarta over the years was proof of Rane’s flawed assessment.

Citing his office’s data, he said the number of foreign tourists visiting Jakarta had risen by 15.8 percent every year for the past five years, although that figure was smaller than the average 34.1 percent annual growth from 2002 to 2007.

Arie also criticized local media that had quoted the CNNGo article without making it clear that the ranking was only a product of the author’s opinion.

“Just because one person commented, it doesn’t mean he represents hundreds of millions of tourists around the world. Read the article carefully; don’t manipulate information.”

According to Rane’s piece, published at cnngo.com on June 11, Jakarta ranks 7th on the list of the world’s most hated cities, after Tijuana (Mexico), Sydney and Melbourne (Australia), Paris, Timbuktu (Mali), Los Angeles and Lima.

Deemed slightly less detestable than the Indonesian capital, New Delhi, Cairo and Belize City rounded out the list.

“Jakarta: great, if frustration is your favorite emotion,” says a caption accompanying the article.

Rane describes Jakarta as a “sprawling city choked with traffic, pollution, poverty and tourist ‘draws’ largely revolving around random street adventures and an epidemic of malls.”

BeritaSatu/JG

Indonesia: Three Fantastic Encounters On Bali Island

Lisa's Travel Notes : In my everyday life I’m a big-time planner. I like to research decisions, read reviews, and weigh my options before committing.

You’d think I’d be traveling with a binder full of post-it notes, maps and itineraries. But…I didn’t actually open a guidebook in preparation for this grand adventure. I just found the idea of researching six countries and making plans for over a hundred days on the road far too overwhelming. So, I’ve been taking it a couple of days at time. Looking up options on the internet, asking friends for suggestions and sometimes just stumbling upon great opportunities.

In Bali, I made three delightful discoveries that I just had to share with all of you in case one day your find yourself on the tarmac in Denpasar.

The first is Big Tree Farms Bamboo Chocolate Factory. Many of you have enjoyed the incredible ingredients created by Big Tree Farms without even knowing it. They supply most of the raw food companies in North America with cacao products, cashews and palm sugar.

Recently, they constructed the world’s largest functioning bamboo factory. Here they will process the chocolate products they receive from the 9000 farms in their network. When I arrived they were a week away from actual production but I was able to get a quick tour and purchase some fantastic raw food.  I was greeted with such enthusiasm by their staff that it felt like such a treat to just walk around the building listening to them describe the future.

They plan to have regular tours open to the public so I suggest adding a visit to your Bali agenda. Buy some cashew clusters to snack on for an afternoon rice field hike.

I picked up some raw cacao (not quite this much – since I have a luggage limit).

Having raw cacao in my bag means that creations like this are in my future. What sweet potential!

The second special spot I visited on Bali was the Green School. I have been interested in this initiative for a number of months after hearing about it through Tedtalks. Since I was there just before Christmas, classes were on holiday hiatus but it was amazing to wander through the bamboo structures and hear all about the philosophy that instigated the birth of this phenomenal venture.

Can you imagine being sent to the principal’s bamboo hut? or sipping on coconut water during recess at your own juice bar?

The school welcomes students from all over the world. The curriculum is designed to focus on eco-education and allows for hands-on learning about sustainability. Currently, the school has enrolment from pre-kindergarten to grade 11. Most children live off-campus with their parents but on-site accommodations are starting to fill up with students who have travelled to study at the Green School.

It is a pretty magical place. I can only imagine the energy when it is full of students engaged in learning and enthusiastic play.

The school was designed by architects from all over the world. The public is welcome to tour on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:00 pm. Wandering the grounds and admiring the amazing bamboo structures is quite an experience.

My final discovery was much more of a surprise. On my last day in Seminyak, I went out in search of lunch with a handy list of options from HappyCow. Tasty Vegan was situated on the street I planned to wander so I focused on finding it. I didn’t read the fact that it was a delivery service so I landed on the doorstep instead. What I walked into was a family birthday party and a New Years celebration. Wishnu, the restaurant owner welcomed me with open arms. The restaurant wasn’t officially open but that didn’t seem to matter. I was presented with a beautiful platter of vegan nasi campur, an overflowing plate of vegan cookies and fresh papaya juice.

The huge gathering of Wishnu’s family celebrated my arrival. I was delighted to see them all parade in wearing different vegan message t-shirts! It was such a special moment for me to be sitting at the restaurant’s single table, in a back alley in Seminyak, surrounded by an exhuberant group of Balinese vegans. If you’re looking to experience the local cuisine as a vegan I strongly suggest you give Wishnu a call. He’ll deliver it to your doorstep.

After two months of traveling, I would advocate spending a little time researching your destinations so you don’t leave full of regret that you missed out on a really special experience. But, make sure you leave space in your agenda to discover and explore options that present themselves once you arrive.

Many of my best moments on this trip have been sensational surprises.

xo Lisa

Bamboo Best Choice to Green Construction in Indonesia’s Bali

BIG TREE FARMS

Strong, light and cheaper than steel poles, bamboo is ubiquitous across Asia as scaffolding.

So much so that in recognition of the material’s versatility, the Indonesian island of Bali has made it an emblem of sustainable construction, replacing buildings of concrete and steel with far greener alternatives.

An entire school, luxury villas and even a chocolate factory are the latest structures to rise from bamboo skeletons as the plant’s green credentials and strength are hailed.

The factory, which opened last year and produces organic drinking chocolate and cocoa butter, is the latest in a string of buildings on the island, including homes and businesses, to be built of bamboo.

Erected in the village of Sibang Kaja between the resort island’s smoggy capital Denpasar and the forests of Ubud, the factory is the initiative of specialty food firm Big Tree Farms, which claims the 2,550-square-meter (27,500-square-foot) facility is the biggest commercial bamboo building in the world.

“Bamboo is unmatched as a sustainable building material. What it can do is remarkable,” Big Tree Farms co-founder Ben Ripple, 37, told AFP.

“It grows far more quickly than timber and doesn’t destroy the land it’s grown on,” said Ripple, an American from Connecticut. “Our factory can be packed up and moved in days, so if we decided to shut it down one day, we’re not going to damage the rice paddies we sit on.”

The 100 hectares (247 acres) of paddies sit inside a so-called “bamboo triangle,” with the factory, school and villas standing at each of the three points.

Such ambitious bamboo projects in Bali are mostly driven by eco-conscious foreigners.

bamboo-buildings-green-school

With studies showing construction to be one of the world’s least sustainable industries — eating up around half of the globe’s non-renewable resources — sustainable construction is slowly taking root around the world.

It is among the key topics for discussion at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which opens June 20 in Rio de Janeiro.

In Sibang, the tawny brown bamboo buildings with their grass thatched roofs appear to be rising from the earth.

The three-story chocolate factory is pieced together using a complex system of scissor trusses and bolts, thanks to clever architecture.

It resembles the traditional longhouses found on Borneo island and was made with more than 18,000 meters (59,000 feet) of bamboo from Bali and Java.

At Sibang’s nearby Green School, the 240 students — most of them children of expatriates — learn in semi-outdoor classrooms decked with bamboo furniture.

The school, which opened in 2008 and was the magnet for the other two projects, has 25 bamboo buildings, the main one being a stilt-structure constructed with 2,500 bamboo poles, or culms.

“In Hong Kong and China, they make new skyscrapers of concrete and glass using bamboo scaffolding. But here, the workmen stood on steel scaffolding to build this bamboo building. That’s always seemed funny to me,” said Green School admissions head Ben Macrory, from New York.

“In most parts of Asia, bamboo is seen as the poor man’s timber.”

Not, however, in Sibang, where the bamboo villas that nestle between the palm trees are worth $350,000 to $700,000 each.

Like decadent treehouses for adults, they have semi-outdoor areas and include innovative bamboo flooring that resembles smooth timber and jellybean-shaped coffee tables made from thin bamboo slats.

Bamboo — technically a grass — has been used in building for centuries because of its impressive strength-to-weight ratio.

Jules Janssen, an authority on bamboo in the Netherlands, says that the weight of a 5,000-kilogram (11,000-pound) elephant can be supported by a short bamboo stub with a surface area of just 10 square centimeters (1.5 square inches).

One reason bamboo is so environmentally-friendly is the speed at which it grows, according to Terry Sunderland, a scientist at the Center for International Forestry Research in Indonesia.

“In China, eucalyptus can grow at three to four meters (10-13 feet) a year, which is very impressive for timber. But building-quality bamboo will grow between six and 10 meters (20-33 feet) in that time,” he said.

And unlike trees that rarely grow back once felled, bamboo will continue to produce new shoots even after cutting.

But even bamboo has its drawbacks.

Without intensive treatment, it is prone to rotting after exposure to water. It also catches fire relatively easily, which is why many countries limit bamboo structures to just a few stories.

Ripple acknowledged that building with bamboo was not foolproof, but expressed optimism that the technology to protect it from the elements will improve.

“A friend we work with here always says bamboo needs a hat, rain jacket and boots,” he said. “We’re lacking on the rain jacket a bit, but we’re looking at non-toxic materials to give it some protection.”

Agence France-Presse

Discovering an Oasis Not So Far From Jakarta, at Thousand Islands, Indonesia

Tiger Island (Pulau Macan)

The paradox of writing about hidden gems is that by drawing attention to the gem, you take away its hiddenness. But I can describe Pulau Macan, also known as Tiger Island, with a clear conscience, confident that the values and vision of the resort can withstand anything a little publicity may bring. Those values — environmentalism, mindfulness and cooperative living — will stay intact despite the increased attention from tourists.

Today, it takes some digging to discover Pulau Macan, one of the 110 terrestrial oases that make up the Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) north of Jakarta — but that could change in the future. I found Pulau Macan by happenstance, seeking an alternative when a visit the Gili Islands turned out to be too expensive for a weekend trip. But what began as a budget-conscious consolation prize proved to be a first-rate vacation all its own.

A Good Start

Tiger Island (Pulau Macan)

The Pulau Macan experience began before we even left Jakarta. Gathered in the morning heat at Ancol Marina, we were greeted by a waiting speedboat and a smiling host who issued Dramamine to the seasick-prone. Eighty-three kilometers separate Pulau Macan from Jakarta, a distance that takes anywhere from 90 minutes to four hours to navigate, depending on ocean conditions and the boat.

Our trip out was speedy and smooth, though the return, on a much smaller boat, was quite bumpy.

Rough seas notwithstanding, the boat trip can be just as enjoyable as island time, the trash-strewn waters of Jakarta turning to infinite ocean, which suddenly lightens from indigo to azure as emerald islands appear on the horizon.

Tiger Island (Pulau Macan)

Once we docked at Pulau Macan, it didn’t take long before the island started to feel like home. A quick tour gave the lay of the land: a central clubhouse plus eight cabins. Each stand-alone structure had a private bathroom, except the red brick and “eco” cabins, which accommodate two parties apiece. Every choice has its unique charms and quirks, so those heading out should describe their needs, whether it be romance, something family-friendly or protection from mosquitoes.

Sleeping accommodations are comfortable across the board, though I’d advise turning in on the early side, since the mornings bring dazzling sunlight along with rooster crows, songbird trills and the noisy activities of early-rising guests.

Dive Right In

With a tropical playground to explore, I made sure to be well-rested. The primary island pursuit is snorkeling. Pulau Macan supplies masks, flippers and water booties, so there was no excuse not to give it a try. With masks strapped on, we waded out into the sun-warmed water (Beware the small beige fish near shore — they bite! Painless but a bit startling), and let ourselves tune out everything above sea level.

Under water at Tiger Island (Pulau Macan)

Underwater, white sand peaks stretched out everywhere before the monochrome landscape ended, replaced by blossoms of coral and explosions of sea urchins, swarming with fish and other creatures, some colorful and some camouflaged, indistinguishable from their backdrop. It was thrilling to see a lump of sand suddenly become a living creature.

Staying close to the island provides a wonderful snorkeling experience. But, feeling more adventurous, we decided to swim out until the crystal shallows dropped off into dark blue depths. These ridges, with massive islands of coral marking the underwater cliff, provided an endless supply of sea life to witness.

Following the curve of the ridge away from the island, we soon reached The Deserted Island, an undeveloped sanctuary owned by the resort, which offered solitude, quiet and exquisitely exhaust-free air.

Under water at Tiger Island (Pulau Macan)

Wanderlust unsatisfied, we each hopped on a paddleboard, or piled into the charmingly dilapidated wooden rowboat, and headed out into the open sea for some island-hopping.

Back on the Island

We found land activities to be available, but limited. The clubhouse provides board games and a billiard table (there is only one stick, so be ready to share), plus there was a beach volleyball net and an on-site masseuse.

The masseuse, perched by his spa hut at all hours awaiting customers, is perhaps the least discovered aspect of a largely undiscovered island. For only Rp 150,000 ($16) for an hourlong massage in an idyllic stilted hut overlooking sparkling ocean, I couldn’t fathom that only two guests, myself included, signed up for the service. Of course, that could have been related to our host’s description of the masseuse during the tour: “He’s rather blind, rather deaf and tends to be quite rough.” I did find the massage a bit on the forceful side, but that was an invigorating juxtaposition to the storybook tranquility of the setting. And if I wanted less intensity, I only had to touch his hand and he lightened up.

With all that relaxing, I worked up an appetite, easily sated by Pulau Macan’s all-you-can-eat dining program. Expect seasonal fruit at breakfast, and a wide selection, including vegetarian-friendly options, at lunch and dinner, plus platters of hors d’oeuvres that materialize on the sundeck each evening near twilight.

Tiger Island (Pulau Macan)

Adult beverages cost extra, but the prices beat most Jakarta bars — Rp 30,000 for a beer, Rp 60,000 for a cocktail — and you also have the option to bring your own alcohol for a nominal corkage fee. Though the bar closes at midnight, you can sit out on the deck sipping drinks with new friends as long as you’d like, just keep track of your tab (the honor system is taken seriously here).

Perhaps the best part of meals at Pulau Macan was their communal aspect. You can request to eat apart from the group, but I recommend taking full advantage of this excuse for companionship. It’s an invaluable opportunity to meet people you might never have encountered otherwise, people from wide-ranging cultural, geographic and educational backgrounds, people with rich stories and open minds. At minimum, these communal meals allow you to witness the myriad paths a human life can take, and at best, you might meet someone whose friendship weathers the bumpy trip back to Java and becomes a mainland ally.

Back to Basics

Pulau Macan is not a luxury resort, but it doesn’t pretend to be. In fact, it’s the quirks — the hole-ridden water shoes, the tied-together snorkeling masks, the uneven rowboat oars — that create its comfort. Pretense yields to authenticity, conveniences give way to community, and you find yourself luxuriating in the modesty of an unheated shower, grateful that your BlackBerry’s reception is too spotty to be useful. There is a simplicity that most of us long ago drowned out with the noise of modern life.

Tiger Island (Pulau Macan)

It’s because of this pared-down approach that the trappings of the resort recede and the larger ideas — the ones so big they easily blend into the background — return. Sitting on the dock after dinner, looking out into the black ocean and blacker sky, we let our eyes pick out more and more stars. The stars, the marine life and the unfamiliar sense of peace allowed us to just be for a moment: These are the fruits of patience, a patience that’s nearly extinct in bustling cities, but a patience that can not only be restored, but can be found thriving in places like Pulau Macan.

Kate Willsky for Jakarta Globe

Paradise of Jellyfish lake, Kakaban Island Indonesia's

Kakaban Island has been nominated as a world heritage zone for its four exceptional species of jellyfish.

The island is like the figure “9”, with an atoll or ring-shaped coral in the north and a lagoon inside the circle, which nearby people call Lake Kakaban.

Lake Kakaban contains brackish water with marine biota already undergoing evolution while being trapped inside, producing species different in nature and physical features from those found in the sea. Among them is transparent-body jellyfish (Aurelia aurita), and another lovelier jellyfish the size of the index finger (Tripedalia cystophora).

The one as big as a fist, like a brownish blue incandescent lamp (Martigias papua), is more dominant in number. Along with the three jellyfish species is Cassiopeia ornata, which has become the trademark of Kakaban Island.

What distinguishes these endemic species from those in the open sea is the loss of their stinging capacity. Of the four, Kakaban’s prized Cassiopeia has a unique habit of swimming upside down, with its tentacles facing upward.

There are eight fish species in Lake Kakaban, four notable ones are serinding (Apogon lateralis), puntang (Exyrias puntang), coral fry (Antherinomorus endrachtensis) and needle fish (Zenarchopterus dispar). Rhizopoda roots on the bank of the lake are also found to bear Halimeda and Caulepa algae, resembling small green grapes. Kakaban is thus virtually the last bastion of marine biota in the zone protected from invasion by an ever growing population.

Arif Hadianto, an underwater photographer from Berau Coal Diving Club, mentioned several points on Kakaban Island called Barracuda Point, The Drift, Cabbage Patch, The Wall, Blue Light Cave, The Plateau, Rainbow Run, Diver’s Delight and The North Face.

“The names indicate the different underwater panoramas of various types of diving locations on the island. The animals in this lake produce more colorful lights when it’s getting darker,” he said.

Endemic species: Kakaban Island is home to a few endemic species of jellyfish. Courtesy of Arif Hadianto/Berau Coal Diving ClubResearch conducted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 2004 showed such islands as Maratua, Derawan, Sangalaki and Kakaban were at least home to 444 species of hard coral, 872 species of endemic fish and stingless jellyfish, in the waters of Berau regency. Besides, the largest green turtles in Southeast Asia also lay eggs on the islands.

Kakaban, itself covering 774.2 hectares, belongs to the island group of Derawan. Unlike Derawan with a population of over 4,000 and Maratua with 3,000 Bajo people, Kakaban is uninhabited. Europeans dub the Bajo ethnics sea gypsies or sea nomads. Kakaban in the Bajo tongue means embracing.

dive with jellyfish

It takes 45 minutes from Derawan to Kakaban by speedboat with a capacity of 15 people, costing three times as much as sailing by fishing boat with 4 passengers, which can be hired at only Rp 400,000 for the same distance.


Apart from developing marine tourism on Maratua and Derawan Islands, the Berau regency administration, East Kalimantan, supported by Berau Coal, a coal mining company, is also boosting tourism on Kakaban Island.

Two speedboats sailed rapidly, leaving Maratua Island where The Amazing Derawan Archipelago Underwater Photo Contest was held with photographers from Japan, Australia and other countries participating on March 5-9.

East Kalimantan Deputy Governor Farid Wadjdy and several staff members were apparently stunned by two dolphins leaping around, as if trying to compete with the speedboat.

“After watching underwater photos presenting beautiful submarine panoramas, the view observed from aboard the speedboat is also thrilling with the two dolphins going along,” he pointed out.

East Kalimantan, according to Farid, is not only the second largest province in Indonesia with an area of 245,000 square kilometers or about 11 percent of the country’s territory, but also has marine potential as its major asset.

Map of  Kakaban

It takes 45 minutes from Derawan to Kakaban by speedboat with a capacity of 15 people, costing three times as much as sailing by fishing boat with 4 passengers, which can be hired at only Rp 400,000 for the same distance.

Before reaching the jellyfish lake, Farid and his team had to walk up steps and go down a bank stretching along 120 meters, with the sounds of birds coming from thickets of mangroves on both sides, of the species of tanjang (Bruguiera), apiapi (Avicennia), and pidada (Sonneratia).

Empty island: Several tourists sit in a resort on nearby Maratua Island, the nearest island to Kakaban Island. JP/Indra HarsaputraBerau Regent Makmur expected the provincial administration and central government to build an airport on Maratua Island. With the airport, he hoped the transportation of tourists from Balikpapan to Maratua would be expedited.

Berau Coal spokesman Bintoro Prabowo said Kakaban as an asset of the Berau administration should have its ecosystem conserved. The company has undertaken some activities such as supporting the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) program for the conservation of coral reefs as well as the protection of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

A marine expert from Canada, Thomas Tomascik, once called Kakaban a paradise of biological resources in Indonesia. Besides in Micronesia and Philippine islands, brackish water lagoons in the world can also be found on this island. Quote from Jakarta Post

If You Want To See Komodo Dragons, Visit Their Original Habitat in NTT

Komodo Habitat

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) administration has refused the central government’s recent plan to exchange its famous komodo dragons with China for endangered pandas, an official says.

NTT provincial secretary Frans Salem said on Thursday that the administration had pledged not to move the komodo dragons from their original habitat at Komodo National Park in West Manggarai on Flores to China, and was sure local residents would reject such plans. “The NTT administration and local residents will never grant such a request,” he said.

“The komodo is the province’s most precious asset. If you want to see komodo dragons, visit their original habitat,” Salem said.

Komodo National Park Indonesia

Northern Komodo Island Indonesia

Komodo Island

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon

During a visit to Beijing in April, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed to swap their iconic animals as a symbolic gesture marking the improved bilateral relationship between both countries.

The plan was later followed up in a meeting held between Vice President Boediono and China’s Vice Premier Hui Liangyu.

Salem said that the province would host the 2013 Sail Komodo with participants from more than 100 countries. “That is why moving komodo dragons from their natural habitat is not a good idea,” he said. (swd)

Music Bambu - Minahasan Bamboo Music Orkestra

Bamboo music, in Madidir in a party-Bitung Aertembaga December 6, 1948

All week long, the fishing hamlet some 20 kilometers offshore from the North Sulawesi capital of Manado presents a vignette of island tranquility: pastel pink church steeple, a wave-lapped beach and white-washed cottages.

But on Thursday nights, the calm in Bunaken is shattered by the raucous practice sessions of the town’s 32-piece “bamboo orchestra” — six rows of men wrapped in contorted yards of bamboo and brass tubing from which they pump out volumes of “oompah” music.

There are two rows of flutes including 83-year-old Simon Lungala giving his large bamboo flute his all. Behind him are nine mouth “coronets”, a few trumpets, a drum and cymbal set, and a generously twisted gigantic bass tuba.

Conductor Zakarias Likawa leads the ensemble, waving his own instrument, which he calls a “bass clarinet”. The three-holed, conical brass contraption looks about as much like a clarinet as Zakarias (in his loud, blue batik shirt and knee-side Aqua bottle of Cap Tikus — 17 percent proof local alcohol) looks like a conventional conductor.

But close your eyes for a minute and you can almost imagine Zakarias in full tuxedo wailing away on the elegant, floor-length woodwind that is his instrument’s namesake.

At play: Faldini Salimu, 14, joins his father and other members of Bunaken’s Orkes in a weekly rehearsal.At play: Faldini Salimu, 14, joins his father and other members of Bunaken’s Orkes in a weekly rehearsal.The sonorous, thick sound of his music bespeaks a smattering of classical training, a lifetime of jazz listening and a purist connoisseurship. “We have no electric instruments in the bamboo orchestra,” Zakarias explains, “only our breath. It’s kind of like we are singing.”

Although Zakarias insists that the music is a unique and spontaneous creation of Bunaken alone, there are, in fact, numerous bamboo orchestras that go back a long way and are widely scattered throughout the Minahasa territory of Northern Sulawesi. Many of them, including the Bunaken band, source their instruments from the same two craftsmen near the legendary Minahasan heartland of Tondano.

In Tara-Tara, about 60 kilometers uphill from Manado, another bamboo orchestra claims to be playing in the music’s birthplace. According to orchestra leader Pietro Menteng, a retired elementary school teacher, the music was first brought to Northern Sulawesi in the early 1900s by a Dutch Catholic missionary, perhaps homesick for Western music.

The priest worked with local villagers to construct instruments for a full western orchestra, complete with saxophones, clarinets and an “organ”. All the instruments were built from locally sourced bamboo.

Over the past century, though, the hollow bamboo sounds of Orkes Bambu have migrated away from Western church music into a folk music specific and unique to the Minahasan lands, Pietro says. “We interpreted it to our current situation here. This is music of a mixed culture.”

Another shift local orchestras have encountered recently is the comparatively tepid reception their music receives, at least in the Minahasan lands of Tomohon and Tondano.

Pietro blames this on outmigration of Minahasans in search of higher paying jobs. “Before, our ancestors worked on the farm, planting enough [to pay] for food and clothing, but now people are always looking for more money and need to leave the village.”

Ask around the marketplace in neighboring Tomohon and answers differ. The tone just doesn’t seem to jibe anymore according to Yulius Pagamanden, a 50-year-old ojek driver. He says he listens to Orkes Bambu because it is a regional art with a strong local presence. Asked if he likes the sound though and he smiles and says, “yeah … a little bit.”

In a blue mikrolet nearby, Jeffrey Wetick is blasting tunes from Indonesian Christian crooner Rohani. He says he still plays music from Manado’s Orkes Bambu in his mikrolet from time to time but he listens to Rohani’s “Ave Maria” more often.

If Orkes Bambu music is in decline, though, you’d never know it back in Bunaken, where Zakarias insists the music is appreciated by locals young and old. A look around the Thursday evening practice is evidence.

The band is made of three boat builders, three retirees, two schoolteachers and a whole lot of fishermen. Brass flutes, cymbals and drums drown out the only remaining bamboo element of the band: the “coronet” (a mouth organ comprising bamboo tubes of different heights cradled in a larger bamboo stump). Those that play the instrument such as 14-year-old Faldini Salimu, the youngest member of the ensemble, are vocal advocates of the older instrument form.

Faldini plays his “coronet” in the row right behind the oldest member. Neighbors crowd around under umbrellas. Kids tip their heads back to take in the whole 32-man band at one sweep. Wives sit on the wraparound parapet, whispering to each other and tapping their high-heeled feet to keep in time with the songs.

It’s the regularity of the rehearsals that keeps the music alive and the village intact, Zakarias maintains. “Villagers need to gather, get instruments and practice. If this doesn’t happen, they disperse.”

Mbah Daliyo - Javanese Gamelan Master Craftsman

 

As an instrument maker, Daliyo never afraid to be poor or compete with its rivals. For him, the fate of just resting on the will power. He just proved with perseverance, prayer and hard work. Because that's optimism, he was able to survive in a profession that had he lived more than half a century.

Starting from the wreck (salvage) of copper, brass, tin as well, which left the Netherlands in a sugar factory in dismantling in Beran, Sleman, this figure began the journey of his life. From childhood he was so sure that what's on his childish mind could menafkahinya later time. And it proved. Up to now, have trod 50 years he stayed with his profession. Number of half a century following ups and downs, he said, he lived with a sincere and candid. He was so confident, that perseverance, hard work and prayer, will bring gifts.

Daliyo Hadi Prayitno, the name of this figure. Turned 75 years old. He don't want to call a Masters (Empu - Indonesia gamelan and keris master), because he just plain instrument maker. "I am not a master. I'm just a businessman or Javanese gamelan maker, "he explained modestly. About his interest in this profession, he was blunt, "I was Mogol (pout) and quit school since 6th grade, because parents could not afford. Then I decided to make a gamelan, "he explained briefly about the particulars of his career. 
Really lucky, the trail was originally facilitated by the capitals heritage in the dismantling of existing sugar factory, now it was a district office Sleman. "The equipment, brass, wesi (iron), a tool o'clock, everyone was there. I live to wear it, "he said. If not for the legacy that will never be Daliyo instrument maker. He is well-versed because he ussualy work it, although the knowledge he gained only a self-taught, from the experience of experimenting. "I believe the gamelan can sustain life," he said with optimism.

Getok Tular or Word of Mouth
His seriousness he proved it by making the home, for shelter as well as be a place of business makes gamelan (besalen). In 1959 he decided to move, from Sleman to Bantul. A house, which he called "the house concerned" in the pelem Lor, Baturetno, Banguntapan, Bantul, Yogyakarta, in the end to witness his struggle with gamelan-making business until now. In front of house area of ​​almost a thousand meters was plastered billboards: "Companies Gamelan Daliyo." In the backyard looks a jeep and a truck that is used for job mobility.

Since his move, the order has come and go. The capital is only the trust that has been established from mouth to mouth customers (getok tular or word of mouth). Daliyo have a guarantee, that he could work on time, so that its customers happy. It is not easy to defend the profession and 50 years. "Spare no pains" that's the key to consistency Daliyo, the grandfather of 12 grandchildren. In his old age, the overlay thick glasses, he is still taking care of financial management company, which overshadow the 10 employees, which is comprised of handyman lamus (Handyman who helped blow the wind in order to obtain a temperature hot enough), carpenters alap , carpenters hammer, handyman scrape, and handyman sheen. In addition, the second son, Legiyan, also helping this effort.

When Gong visited her home in the sweltering afternoon, Daliyo were busy controlling the manufacture of 13 sets of gamelan that will be sent to Alor. Each set consists of 2 kempul, 3 bendhe, and 3 bonang. "This order is for ceremonial purposes in there," he explains. Several sets of gamelan are also apparently still ngonggrok (stored) in his house waiting behavior. He does not promote everywhere, except only with a simple business cards and getok tular or word of mouth was. In addition to the domestic order of the various islands in Indonesia, he also has served a variety of orders from abroad, like America, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, and others. When asked to name one by one, Daliyo've forgotten the name of the agency or individual details of ordering it.
  
Nrimo Ing Pandum (willingly accept what has been given)
Daliyo make three types of gamelan, with material iron, brass, and bronze. A complete set of brass gamelan price could reach about IDR 85 million. While the bronze gamelan, the price could reach at least IDR 160 million. "Because the process is more difficult and longer, until a year," he reasoned. Daliyo, who had been chairman of RT (Neighborhood) for nearly 20 years, not just rely on a complete gamelan set to be sold, but rather rely genjelan (instruments that are ordered separately).

Typically performed Daliyo gamelan making process in general. Starting from the wholesale of raw materials in the form of plate brass, copper, and tin; then njangka process (drawing) according to what will be created, burning, forging, pengerokan, nglaras (tuning), until penggilapan. To rancakannya, Daliyo use jackfruit tree materials, also teak wood.

This process could not be done separately. That is, make a gamelan is teamwork that takes patience, perseverance, and courage not to be allergic to fire and noise due to the deafening sound forging. The specialty of homemade gamelan Daliyo, said its customers, is because wutuhan (makes no connection) brass. For example, making Ageng Gong, which reached 1 meter in diameter size, he makes no connection. This makes the gong is not prone to rupture.

Daliyo not only makes gamelan pelog slendro only. He is flexible, and serves all kinds of gamelan tones. Once upon a time he made a gamelan set to campur sari (Kind of Music in Mid Java), which is tuned diatonic. "In this diatonic gamelan tuning process I use the keyboard," he said. That does not mean Daliyo does not have idealism as an instrument maker (Java). Is behind the gaze of the father of 4 children is just perseverance and tireless efforts to survive only. Daliyo not the one who ambition in response to Javanese culture and its philosophy. The principle of his life: nrimo ing pandum (willingly accept what has been given). If the trust came to him, he did according to what he could do, with all the blessings of God, his lord.

Of persistence, the spouse Mrs. Surip (late) that a waranggana (Singger named in mid Java - sing to the accompaniment of gamelan), received an award from the Regent of Bantul, Idham Samawi, for his participation to develop and preserve arts and culture through the effort of making gamelan. Award he received in 2005. According to his testimony, the award was earned because that is where one full swing (point of manufacture gamelan) the most "basic" (main).

Daliyo claim not as a merchant, just only thought of material gain. He made the gamelan without the need to pursue a business turnover and wearing a surefire strategy. "Fortune will come if we lean on God's destiny with hard work and prayer," he said memedar noble message. 

Daliyo also always run behavior is concerned, and always begged the Almighty, to be smooth in his quest through life. If he gets a fairly great fortune (large), once a year he organized the celebration, njereng kelir (show puppet), inviting neighbors and colleagues. According to him, he had a fortune that should be enjoyed also by others. 

Daliyo also have a principle, that all the fortune and things just belong gadoan (deposit) of God. "Soon all will come back to him," he said.