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.

(more…)

Preserving a Hairy Tradition: Maria, West Nusa Tenggara

October 22nd, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

While fewer Indonesian women are choosing to keep their hair long these days, women in one village in West Nusa Tenggara are hanging on to their long locks to preserve an old tradition. Maria village is located some 35 kilometers from Raba, the capital city of Bima regency. Most women in the village sport hair stretching at least to their hips, while some have hair stretching down as far as their calves. According to tradition, Maria women must not cut their hair before they are married. Once married they are free to do as they choose, but most women find it hard to part with their hair and decide to leave it long.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

Tempeh in Indonesia

September 9th, 2007 | By Barrie | 1 Comment »

Wherever you go in Indonesia, you will almost always be able to find some variety of tempe. There is, among others, tempe gembus, which is made from the sediment left over from the tofu-making process, and tempe benguk, made from the benguk bean. But the most popular and well known tempe is that made from soybeans as gastronome and epicurean el supremo Suryatini N. Ganie explains.

(more…)

Lombok International Airport to open in 2010

September 9th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

PT Angkasa Pura I is targeting to commence operations of a new international airport in Lombok, Bali’s near neighbor to the east, by 2010. To be built at an estimated cost of Rp. 665 billion (approximately US$72.3 million), the new airport for Lombok will be located in the central province of that island as Bali Discovery explains.

(more…)

Muhammadiyah Starts Ramadhan Sept. 13

September 6th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

In the lead-up to Ramadhan, the country’s two largest Muslim organizations Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah said they would use different paths to decide the date for the beginning of this year’s fasting month.

(more…)

Muslims Must Agree to Determine Islamic Calendar

September 4th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Vice President Jusuf Kalla expressed hope here on Tuesday that Moslems would agree on a single criterion to determine an Islamic calendar, specially the date of the Idul Fitri post-fasting celebrations.

(more…)

Indonesia’s Pluralism Skeptics

August 25th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Many people say that Indonesia is a plural nation with a Muslim majority. Hardly anyone would deny the current plurality of ethnicity, languages, and religions in Indonesia. A recent interfaith group said they viewed pluralism as the nation’s social capital, which should be revitalized and developed, thereby helping the Republic of Indonesia grow strong and prosper.

(more…)

Turmeric: Indonesia

August 22nd, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Should you have time to study regional Indonesian recipes, you will see that turmeric frequently appears. Indeed, to many Indonesian cooks, this ingredient is indispensable.

(more…)