Planet Mole
Indonesia in Focus
Reviving a City: Semarang, Central Java
By Barrie | May 10th, 2007 | 
1 Comment » 
Once upon a time, when Indonesia was still ruled by the Dutch, Semarang, the capital of Central Java, was host to an event of international standards. In 1914 and long before the country gained independence, the city showcased artworks from all over the globe, comprising carvings, silverware, bronze statues, gold jewelry and handicrafts.
Railway Tracks in Disrepair: Java
By Barrie | May 10th, 2007 | No Comments » At least 20 percent of Java’s 4,000 kilometers of railway tracks is out of order, said the president of state railway company PT Kereta Api Ronny Wahyudi. The condition of the tracks has recently led to many railway accidents and Ronny emphasized the importance of the much-needed repairs.
Walk to Fight Hunger: Jakarta, West Java
By Barrie | May 10th, 2007 | No Comments » Thousands of Jakartans are expected to take to the streets Sunday for a five-kilometer walk to raise US$150,000 to help feed hungry and undernourished children in the country. The walk, dubbed “Fight Hunger: Walk the World“, is part of a global effort organized by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), along with global sponsors, logistics and delivery company TNT and consumer products company Unilever.
Indonesians in Focus: Dyan Anggraini
By Barrie | May 10th, 2007 | No Comments » Masks are a typical object across cultures and traditions in the world. One need think only of the Balinese Barong and Javanese wayang wong performances, or the Venetian carnevale, the Greek theater, the Egyptian death masks and the German Fasching preceding Lent to recognize the universal existence of masks.
Post-Tsunami Construction Causing Deforestation: Aceh, Sumatra
By Barrie | May 10th, 2007 | No Comments » Post-tsunami reconstruction works in Aceh are contributing to deforestation as reconstruction agencies use timber from illegal logging activities, an environmental organization has alleged. Local environmental group Greenomics Indonesia accused the government-backed Aceh-Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR) and international agencies of using illegal logs. Greenomics based its accusation on a field survey conducted in April which found reconstruction works in Aceh had used some 850,000 cubic meters of illegal logs. International agencies have used 48 percent of Aceh’s illegal logs, while BRR has used 42 percent.
Restoration of Ciliwung Floodplain: Jakarta, West Java
By Barrie | May 9th, 2007 | No Comments » Various problems have arisen in the wake of the big floods that hit Jakarta in February. The ceaseless downpours early that month and massive influx of water from the upstream reaches of the Ciliwung river were seen as the causes of the inundations that affected almost 70 percent of the capital, leaving waste and mud covering the riverbanks as far as the downstream shoals of Jakarta Bay as an article in the Opinion explains.
Image of the Day: Tukang Becak, Yogyakarta, Central Java
By Barrie | May 9th, 2007 | No Comments » Becaks are by far the best way to get around town. They are cheap and in general the drivers friendly. But when the heat of the midday sun gets a little bit harsh, then it’s time for a siesta!.
Fashion at Second-Hand Shops: Pasar Baru, Jakarta, West Java
By Barrie | May 9th, 2007 | No Comments » 
Do you have a passion for fashion? Do you want that one-of-a-kind outfit? And, do you want it without breaking your budget? If your answer to all those questions is yes, then it could be worth your while to take the advice of young fashion lovers and get yourself to Jakarta’s retro shops.
‘Forest for Kids’ Program: Yogyakarta, Central Java
By Barrie | May 9th, 2007 | No Comments » 
In a bid to help create a future generation that understands the importance of preserving nature, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta is offering “Forest for Kids“, an on-site environmental education program for children. Designed for elementary and high school students, the program was officially introduced to the public April 17 at the opening of Wanagama Bedrock Forest (WBF), a center for environmental education that UGM helped establish.
Traditional Rice Farmers and Climate Change
By Barrie | May 9th, 2007 | No Comments » Just a few weeks ago Bengawan Solo, the longest river in Java, overflowed and flooded several districts in Central and East Java. With hardly any more forest to hold the water in the ground, floodwaters rushed through areas that do not normally see them.
Then the rains ceased as abruptly as they came.
Barrie Lie-Birchall has traveled throughout the archipelago of Indonesia for nearly three decades and has written and published numerous travel articles in magazines and newspapers globally. A freelance writer, Barrie graduate from West Coast College in Perth with Honours in Languages, and continued studying Anthropology and Cultural Studies at Edith Cowan University. Barrie has lived in various places in Indonesia immersing himself into the culture and way of life. His greatest passions are his love of life, his love of writing, and of course, Indonesia.- Arts & Crafts of Indonesia
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