Arafuru Sea Vulnerable to Illegal Fishing

April 2nd, 2008 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Large-scale illegal fishing by passing foreign trawlers is rampant in the Arafura Sea, including waters off Merauke and Mimika regencies, despite patrols, according to authorities. The 15-day Operation Gurita, conducted by the Indonesian Marine Security coordinating board, intercepted 33 foreign trawlers, seven of which were from China operating in the Arafura Sea without any sailing and fishing documents.

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Tree Planting Mandatory in Action Plan

December 23rd, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

The government has released a report on a plan of action covering the mitigation and adaptation efforts for climate change. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially launched the report during the recent climate conference in Bali. The plan of action on mitigation and adaptation covers the forestry, energy, agriculture, water resources, infrastructure and health sectors. Below is the first article focusing on the forestry sector.

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Indigenous Languages in Danger of Disappearing

November 1st, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Indonesia is known not only for its multiethnic richness, but also for its linguistically diversified provinces and regions. Recent documented records by the National Education Ministry indicate there are 746 indigenous languages in the country, 10 of which have died out.

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Creating a Thousand Wells: Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara

October 31st, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

It was only almost five in the afternoon but the cold air was already settling over Kanelu, 15 kilometers west of Waikabubak, the capital of West Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. Temperatures in the village and around Sumba dip as low as 12 degrees Centigrade during July-October period, which is why many people bathe earlier in the day.

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Sumba People Weaving Lessons in Life: Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara

October 17th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Hinggi (traditional garments) were originally worn by kings only. Further down the line, however, ordinary people were given the freedom to wear hinggi at weddings and funerals. And with economic growth, hinggi have now become a commodity, leading to the emergence of new motifs as demanded by the market, including images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

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Volcanoes - Magnets for Tourists

October 17th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Seen as sacred in some local traditions, devotees living close to dangerous volcanoes are sometimes reluctant to evacuate when warnings are issued. The crater lake of Mt Kelud, for example, is thought to be a source of peace and prosperity by some living by its slopes. Thousands of tourists are also drawn to the symmetrical cones of volcanoes such as Bromo, one of Java’s most active, to see the sun rise through clouds of mist and volcanic steam; and Agung, Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano, which towers over the east of the island.

The History of Kue-Kue

October 13th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

In Indonesia kue-kue, sweet or savory snacks, are a familiar sight, found everywhere from food markets to star-studded events and grand weddings. However, during colonial times, kue-kue were not considered appropriate food for well-heeled individuals and it appeared only in traditional circles.

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Record Attempt by Sumba Weavers: East Nusa Tenggara

October 11th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

There was intense activity in the house of Hendrik Pali, 60, in Lambanapu, seven kilometers east of Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), with large tents being put up in the front yard in July. While some people thought the father of six was getting ready for a party, Hendrik turned out to be preparing for a rare cultural event — the making of a 50-meter-long piece of handwoven cloth for making garments called hinggi .

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Hobbits of Indonesia a Different Human Species

September 20th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Three old bones from a left wrist offer a new twist in the long running debate about the so called hobbits of Indonesia, suggesting they were indeed a small and different kind of human species, rather than modern humans with a growth disorder as Roger Highfield, Science Editor of the Telegraph writes.

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Kupang-Language Bible: Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

September 13th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

A Kupang-based team has finished translating the New Testament into the local language of Timor, called Kupang language. Kupang language is considered to be a symbol of unity in East Nusa Tenggara province. The translation took nine years to complete and is titled Tuhan Allah Pung Janji Baru.

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