THE EMBASSY OF REPUBLIC OF BANGKOK Update Indonesia www.kemlu.go.id/bangkok ISSUE : January – March 2011

Update Indonesia 2

16 December 2010 – H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended an official dinner hosted by His Excellency Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on the occasion of the 3rd Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED III). The dinner was held at The Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall in Bangkok last night.

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KEDUTAAN BESAR REPUBLIK INDONESIA THE EMBASSY OF REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK BANGKOK Update Indonesia

Honorary Advisor

H.E.Mr.

Deputy Honorary Advisor

M.Primanto Hendrasmoro

Coordinator

Bob Felix Tobing

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia

Secretary 600-602 Petchburi Road Suargana Pringganu Phyathai, Rajchatewee,

Bangkok 10400 Thailand Editorial Staff Phone: (+662) 252 3135-40 Suargana Pringganu Fax: (+662) 255 1267 www.kemlu.go.id/bangkok Namon Patisang E-mail : [email protected] Andri Basapaskana

Design

Namon Patisang

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CONTENTS

ISSUE : January – March 2011

5 FOCUS : ASEAN 2011

8 Multibiliteral : AMEN III Page 5 ASEAN 2011 12 ECONOMIC : Economic in 2011

15 EDUCATION : International education

17 TOURISM : Wonderful Indonesia

19 CULTURE : IMLEK

Page 8 : AMED III Thailand 2010 21 TAKE A TOUR : Lake Toba

23 SECRET RECIPE : Obama’s favorite

26 BAHASA INDONESIA

Page 12 : Economic Forecast

Page 16 : Tourism 2011

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Update Indonesia 5

FOCUS

A new direction for ASEAN under Indonesian 'leadership'

The Nation -Today the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is recognised as one of the most successful regional groupings in the world after the European Union (EU). Asean members have never engaged in interstate wars against each other since the Association's inception. For many people this is palpable evidence that Asean has become a winning peacekeeping organisation.

Asean may be seen as an important stage for global powers, but it is not yet a powerful actor that can influence global policies. The Asean Regional Forum (ARF), Asean Plus Three (APT) and the East Asian Summit (EAS) forums are most likely to be used as platforms for the major powers to discuss issues of mutual concern.

But this month we are hearing a new tone from Asean, led by this year's chair, Indonesia, which aims to alter this equation. But is Indonesia powerful enough to bring institutional change to this equation? Indonesia is the biggest country and economy in Southeast Asia. At the international level, Indonesia is the regional representative at the G-20. It is the largest Muslim country in the world, and a US partner against terrorism. A study by John

Hawksworth at PricewaterhouseCoopers, an accounting and financial advisory firm, suggests that Indonesia will become one of most significant emerging seven economies, or the E-7, composed of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia and Turkey. The E-7 is expected to take over the economic power of the G-7 by 2020.

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Indonesia has set forth a master plan and new direction for Asean, announced by Indonesian President and Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. The aim is to change Asean from a passive to proactive regional grouping on two levels: by integrating the Asean economic community by 2015; and strengthening Asean's position on global politics.

Indonesia has emphasised a two-level relationship: regional and global. This is not new to Asean. But this time is different. Indonesia represents Asean's new desire to develop a more reciprocal relationship with major powers and to gain more leverage and influence on global issues. Asean now wants to be more than just a follower.

Recently Indonesia tried to transform the Declaration of Conduct agreed at the ARF into a Code of Conduct in order to solve the territorial conflicts in the South China Sea - or in other words, attempt to manage Chinese power in Southeast Asia. Indonesia has also indicated its interest in engaging in the reconciliation talks on the Korean Peninsula.

Recently Asean called off international trade and investment sanctions against Burma. Although the anti- sanctions movement has recently gained more attention from the US government and some international NGOs, Asean has taken the further step of officially opposing the current EU and US trade sanctions against Burma. This action apparently reflects the new confidence of Asean in challenging the western powers.

Asean knows that without global participation, the Burmese economy will never liberalise and develop. The prolonged western sanctions policy has become a thorny issue in the creation of the Asean economic community. Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya adds that this new direction will help Asean to accomplish economic integration by 2015.

Asean pragmatically cannot demand change in its members' domestic affairs, or create political influence over national governments. Members adhere to the well-known principle of non-interference. On the Burmese issue, Asean has decided to reject the global rhetoric against Burma. In other words, Asean attempts to manage its own environment, which means turning to global politics instead of managing Burma only.

Of course, this new direction is in the common interest of every Asean member that wants to liberate the market of 50 million people in Burma. But without a strong rising power like Indonesia, this new direction would be in doubt.

The further question to be asked is how Asean will cope with the divergent interests of rising powers like Indonesia and smaller nations in Asean that aren't ready to take a risk in becoming involved in high security- related issues like the Korean Peninsula and South China Sea. So far some members have not supported the Indonesian idea of creating a Code of Conduct to deal with Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

Also, although Asean members are not disinterested in the Korean Peninsula, as Indonesian Foreign Minister Natalegawa says, the question is whether the smaller states have a real interest in engaging in the six-party talks. The benefits of being involved in high security-related issues may not be so clear for small states that have limited military, economic and political leverage.

In addition, Indonesia plans to increase military spending from around 1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) to 1.5 per cent of GDP by 2014. The expansion of Indonesian leadership together with the rise in military budgets may be very sensitive to the balance of power in Asean and could ignite fears of a self-proclaimed regional leader. In fact Asean has never endorsed the creation of a de facto regional "leader" like Germany in the EU and the US in Nato.

To lead Asean, which has long enhanced the value of diversity not convergence, is thus not an easy job. Indonesia needs to demonstrate its power to develop Asean internally, represent Asean as a powerful organisation at the international level, and at the same time assure other Asean members that Indonesia's increasing power in the region and beyond is cooperative and reciprocal, not competitive and unilateral.

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Indonesia’s Vision as the 2011 ASEAN’s Chair

As of January 1, 2011 until the end of the year, Indonesia took on the mantle of ASEAN’s Chair. President Yudhoyono of Indonesia officially announced Indonesia’s Chairmanship at the Closing Ceremony of the 17th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi, (30/10/2010). On that occasion, the Indonesian President also delivered the vision and mission to be carried out during Indonesia’s tenure as the next ASEAN’s Chair.

In 2011, Indonesia is determined to bring once again concrete and useful contributions through ‘ASEAN Beyond 2015’ initiatives. While maintaining the continuity of the process to establish the ASEAN Community 2015, Indonesia will also push its vision forward to go beyond ASEAN Community.

The ASEAN Community will be the foci in the development of regional architecture. It will take on the form of a regional order with the emphasis on ‘dynamic equilibrium’ as reflected in the latest East Asia Summit (EAS) with the strategic inclusion of the United States and the Russian Federation into the fold.

Throughout 2011, Indonesia will continue its effort to create a People-Oriented and People-Centered ASEAN. All the results and benefits obtained by ASEAN must be perceived as real by the ASEAN community at large.

The above statement was quoted from the press release issued last night (4/1/2011) by the Directorate of Politics and ASEAN Security.

During its tenure, Indonesia will host the 18th ASEAN Summit, the 19th ASEAN Summit and EAS and a series of meetings, including the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) Council, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council, ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Meeting, ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting and ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crimes.

The theme of Indonesia’s Chair is ‘ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations’. This particular theme is selected to support the success of ASEAN Community 2015. The establishment of ASEAN Community in 2015 will create a bigger responsibility for ASEAN. The Association will be required to boost its collective contribution in managing various global issues and challenges. This will act as positive contribution to the global community of nations.

The basic shape of the logo during Indonesia’s term as ASEAN Chair is a gunungan wayang (a triangular shape) which represents the three pillars of ASEAN Community with the hope that it will encourage a mutually beneficial cooperation. The logo and theme of Indonesia’s Chair was launched during the 17th ASEAN Summit.

Indonesia’s active participation in ASEAN’s ebb and flow is based on its own experience in the geo-political and geo-economic perspective. Indonesia always strives to take ASEAN onto a higher plane. In 1967, Indonesia was one of the ‘founding countries’ that signed the Bangkok Declaration that marked the establishment of ASEAN. In 1976, in the midst of global constellation during Cold War, Indonesia brought forth a strong foundation for ASEAN through the Concord I.

In 2003, once again, Indonesia managed to provide a strong foundation for transforming ASEAN into a rule- based and community oriented organization through Bali Concord II. The latest ASEAN transformation is in line with the development in Indonesia and also with Indonesia’s interest. In fact, many of the Association’s transformations were influenced by the numerous progresses achieved by Indonesia in its journey as a nation (source: Directorate of ASEAN Political and Security Cooperation). - www.kemlu.go.id

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MULTILATERAL

AMED III officially ends in success

This year, Thailand has received a great opportunity to host the third Asia-Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, or AMED III, in a bid to strengthen cooperation between the two regions and as well to demonstrate Thailand’s capacity in organizing such a significant event.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva inaugurated the AMED III and delivered the opening statement whereby he stressed the necessity for AMED member countries to become strategic partners in the interdependent world, adding such cooperation between both regions would bring greater trade and business opportunities for their peoples.

Mr Abhisit pointed out that the AMED member countries have a combined GDP of 8 trillion US dollars and hold more than 60 per cent of the world’s total international reserves. This inter-regional cooperation is thus a crucial framework to carry forward the global initiative agreed upon. Setting under the theme ‘Strengthening Cooperation towards Common Prosperity’, great success with fruitful outcomes has certainly been achieved.

At the AMED III, priorities and topics for discussions lay on political, economic, and social cooperation between Asia and the Middle East, including anti-terrorism campaign, coordination on fiscal and monetary policies, development of alternative and renewable energy, mitigation of problems arising from climate change, and promotion of people-to-people exchanges.

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According to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Kasit Piromya, the longstanding ties between AMED member countries are very significant. He supported the concerted efforts in promoting moderation in religions and beliefs. He addressed that this meeting was a good opportunity for Thailand to learn how to handle the problem of terrorism, given there are many extremists in the Middle East. Intelligent networking and flow of information were as well highlighted and expected to bring significant advantages for the country.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Ra’ouf Saad, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, as the previous Chair of AMED, urged the member countries to foster a favorable business environment with active participation of the private sector and, at the same time, seek new ways and means to further complement the activities of AMED.

The idea of AMED was originally aimed at tightening political alliance and strategic partnership between Asia and the Middle East, in which the cooperation of these two regions would reinforce relations between the Muslim countries and the rest of the world in the hope of alleviating violence and religious conflicts in many areas.

The AMED III was attended by 39 member nations, 17 of which were represented at a ministerial and deputy ministerial level and the rest at a sub-ministerial level. All of the participants have expressed their satisfaction and positivity towards the outcome and the overall atmosphere of the meeting, saying Thailand as the host has done an outstanding job.

The future of AMED is in the hands of its member countries, and in compliance with the theme of this year’s meeting - ‘Strengthening Cooperation towards Common Prosperity’ - all parties are encouraged to translate their constructive discussions into concrete actions. Once achieved, the greater understanding among the citizens of the two regions would lead to further political cooperation and generate economic growth and harmony.

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Statement by H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs Republic of Indonesia At the Third Asia-Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting (AMED Ill) Bangkok, 15 December 2010

Your Royal Highness, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I should like to begin, Mr. Chairman, by congratulating you personally, Excellency, and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, for the leadership of our present Asia-Middle East Dialogue. Let me also express appreciation to the Government and people of Thailand for the hospitality extended to all of us. Of course, our deep appreciation too to the Government of Egypt for its stewardship of AMED since 2008.

Asia and .the Middle East, each has tremendous capacity to contribute in addressing many of the world's ills. To be a net contributor in the promotion of international peace, stability and prosperity. However, when such capacities are synergized, combined even, then the possibilities are magnified. Indonesia believes that our present Dialogue will contribute immensely to such an outcome. There are certainly plenty of reasons to motivate our collaboration. For a start, both Asia and the Middle East are confronted with contemporary challenges that defy national solutions, and even regional ones. Beyond the more traditional and geographically-confined issues, we are today also confronted by new forms of political and security issues that are simultaneous and transnational.

- Thus, terrorism remains a constant threat; - Trafficking in persons continue to victimizes the most vulnerable members of society; - Piracy and other maritime threaten our security and prosperity; - Promotion of mutual understanding and tolerance among civilization and faith remains essential;

Indeed, there's been a blurring of distinction between political and security issues on .the one hand, and economic and social on the other. Virtually all issues have security and political dimensions. Food, energy, health, the environment, the state of the economy, to cite a few-all can, and do, have security and political implications. The challenges are intertwined, not least, the solutions must be comprehensive. This strengthens the message that cooperation between states, within regions and, not least, between regions to address common political and security challenges, is imperative.

This is were, we believe, the Asia Middle East Dialogue can contribute. Our dialogue can be most significant if it can add value to the already many and diverse cooperative endeavors at the bilateral and regional levels by facilitating further inter-regional cooperation. AMED can build upon and seek to complement existing networks of cooperation connecting Asia and the Middle East. It can provide another useful layer of inter-regional cooperation that involves many of our members and strengthens relations between Asia and the Middle East. - For instance, many of us are already involved in the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council dialogue. The 16 participants to ASEAN- GCC all belong to AMED's 50 countries.

- Many among us are also members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation. - Others still are involved in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue. - Of Course, we also cooperate within the wider New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership launched in 2005 as part of the fiftieth commemoration of the 1955 Asia Africa Conference.

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The essential point, Mr. Chairman, is this: our Dialogue constitutes part of that essential architecture in dealing with 21St Century challenges, and, we must add, opportunities.

In emphasizing such cross-regional 21 St Century Challenges as a rationale for our collaboration, we wish not to underestimate the unfortunate reality that security challenges of the more traditional type continues to afflict our regions.

- In Asia, longstanding issues have intensified, posing clear and present danger to peace and stability. The Korean Peninsula, conflicting maritime claims, proliferation concerns, for example, have recently come to the fore; - The Middle East, of course, continues to be affected by challenges relating to the question of Palestine - the noble efforts to realize the inalienable rights of the Palestinians.

Our respective regions have developed various ways and means to deal with the challenges we face. We are rich with experience. Through AMED, we can share those experiences and give mutual encouragement in addressing those issues.

In Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN has helped transformed the region. Today, common challenges are addressed in a collective manner, and we are now looking forward to transforming ASEAN into a Community by 2015.

ASEAN has helped shape the wider region's strategic environment. Forums such as ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum now constitute part of the larger Asia-Pacific's regional architecture. They help create what we in Indonesia call a dynamic equilibrium for our region. The Middle East and other regions have also developed their own unique and effective brands of regional cooperation. But .there are commonalities in institutions-building in these regions. All, for example, are aimed at developing transparency and building trust and confidence among regional countries to ensure peace and stability. AMED can play an invaluable in facilitating inter-regional lessons learnt process.

Of course, at the global level, AMED can serve as a forum to analyze and prioritize how our countries could strengthen cooperation in various international forums, such as the Organization of Islamic Countries, the Group of 77 and China, the Non-aligned Movement, and the . AMED can make difference in our efforts to address our respective and common challenges.

Indonesia looks forward to the growth of this Dialogue. Thank you.

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RI sending mitigation team, US$2 million in aid to Japan

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government is sending a disaster mitigation team and two million US dollars in aid to help Japan recover from its recent disaster, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said.

Speaking at a press conference with Japan`s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Kikuta at the Foreign Affairs Ministry here Wednesday, Marty said the 11-member disaster mitigation team would depart on Thursday, March 17, 2010.

Along with the disaster mitigation team, the Indonesian government would send funds for disaster aid amounting to two million US dollars.

"Besides sending a disaster mitigation team that is to be dispatched tomorrow (Thursday, March 17) consisting of approximately 11 people from Indonesia, the Indonesian government has also decided to provide a two million US dollar donation or contribution to the Japanese people and government," said Marty.

Marty also said Indonesia was also helped by Japan every time it was hit by a natural disaster and it was very reasonable and appropriate if on this occasion Indonesia assisted Japan in its time of need.

"In situations like this where an extraordinary natural disaster has occurred, we must not think as a country only but also as one humanitarian act that move together hand in hand in cooperation to assist the revival of the Japanese people," said Marty.

The arrival of Japan`s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Kikuta to Indonesia is to co-chair with Indonesia in the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief (ARF DiREx) which opened on Wednesday in Manado, North Sulawesi, and the "Priority Metropolitan Area" event, Kikuto is determined to make a success out of these two activities.

"In this visit I also met with Indonesian Vice President Boediono and a number of ministers who expressed their concerns and condolences for what happened in Japan," said Kikuta.

According to Kikuta, the Government of Japan highly appreciated Indonesian attitude in providing concrete assistance in the current Japanese situation where the situation is still chaotic after being hit by a 9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami.

The disaster is reported to cost almost 1000 casualties and about 2000 people are stated missing.

Until now the Indonesian government through its Embassy in Tokyo also had to deploy evacuation team for the citizens and to assist the Japanese government in overcoming the impact of natural disasters.

"I appreciate a lot for Indonesian support and assistance. Indonesia has managed to rise from some natural disaster that passed earlier, and then the people of Japan are also sure to rise again after this disaster," said Kikuta.(*)

Editor: Heru http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/69248/ri-sending-mitigation-team-us2-million-in-aid-to-japan

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ECONOMIC

Indonesia: Blessed by strong economic growth and the curse of resources

The Indonesian economy continued to grow strongly at 5.8 per cent (yoy) during the third quarter of 2010, which was slightly lower than during the second quarter of the year when growth reached 6.2 per cent.

The slightly lower growth during the third quarter of 2010 was due to the unusual weather conditions caused by continuous rains. This had an adverse effect on some sectors, including agriculture, construction and trade.

Growth for the whole of 2010 is forecast to range between 6.0 per cent to 6.3 per cent, compared with 4.5 per cent in 2009 and 6.1 per cent in 2008. These figures indicate that the Indonesian economy has successfully weathered the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The higher growth in 2010 is supported by strong growth in consumption, investment, and exports, which is estimated to be sustained in 2011. For 2011 the Indonesian economy is forecast to grow at 6.0 per cent to 6.5 per cent, and at 6.1 per cent to 6.6 per cent in 2012.

Although there has been increased inflationary pressure in recent months, Bank Indonesia has managed to control inflation at a manageable level, with the latest CPI inflation in November 2010 reaching 0.6 per cent (mtm) or 6.3 per cent (yoy), slightly higher than in October 2010. Inflation during 2010 is likely to be higher than the target corridor of 5+ or – per cent . The higher inflation during 2010 is mostly due to the volatile food prices and the administered prices, but core inflation may be lower than the historical level. In 2011 inflation is estimated to be 5 + or – 1 per cent.

On the fiscal side, Indonesia has continued to pursue a prudent fiscal policy in 2010, with a strong commitment to fiscal consolidation, aimed at continuing declining public debt to GDP ratio, diversification of the government debt portfolio, and reduced reliance on funding from the international capital market.

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Investment has been growing strongly throughout 2010 due to the improved investment climate and the nascent global recovery. Exports have remained high, although it grew at a slower rate (13.4 per cent) than imports (15.2 per cent). The balance of payment’s current account in the third quarter of 2010 recorded a surplus of about US$1.3 billion due to the good performance in the non-oil and gas trade balance, the gas trade balance, and current transfers. This current account surplus was less than the surplus of US$1.8 billion in the second quarter due to higher deficits in the services and income accounts.

The capital and financial account during the third quarter of 2010 recorded a surplus of US$6.5 billion, an increase from the US$4.4 billion surplus in the second quarter of 2010. These surpluses are due to inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) and particularly to vast inflows of portfolio investment. The surge in portfolio investment is due to excess liquidity in the global financial markets, the uncertain economic prospects in the US and the European Union, and the more attractive returns on investment in Indonesia. The increased FDI inflows are due to an improvement in Indonesia’s investment climate and the stable macroeconomic conditions.

In 2011 Bank Indonesia has to remain vigilant to the following challenges: increased inflationary pressure; the adverse impact of massive portfolio capital inflows; and excess domestic liquidity. To deal with these risks, Bank Indonesia will implement a mix of monetary and macro prudential policies.

Looking further ahead, one of the major challenges facing the Indonesian economy in the near future is the continued weak performance of the manufacturing sector which after the Asian financial crisis has been growing at low single digit rates. In contrast, during the three decades of the Soeharto era, Indonesia’s manufacturing sector recorded a double digit growth. In fact, after the Asian financial crisis the tradeables sector (agriculture, mining and manufacturing) recorded a much slower growth than the non-tradeables sector. This development is worrying, as employment opportunities are generated to a much greater extent in the tradeables sector, particularly the manufacturing sector. Greater employment opportunities in manufacturing are also a good way to reduce absolute poverty, as the recent experience of China has indicated.

Indonesia is a resource-rich country, and in recent years it has mostly relied on the exports of primary commodities, just like it had during the Dutch colonial period. This reliance was stimulated by rising commodity prices, driven by the voracious demand of Asia’s two rapidly growing economies of China and India, particularly for crude palm oil, coal, copper and rubber. Indonesia thus appears to suffer from the ‘resource curse,’ unable to diversify its economy away from its reliance on primary exports. Nor, unfortunately, has the Indonesian government thus far made clear how it will or can escape from this curse. - http://www.eastasiaforum.org

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EDUCATION

International education: Opening up broader prospects

The Post - International education is, quite simply, a reality for an ever growing number of people. It may have previously resided principally in the domain of international schools but today, in Jakarta and beyond, there are international, national plus and national schools that all offer international programs of study.

The growth of internationally oriented education may have many and various reasons, most of which are quite familiar and widely discussed, but a key factor has been, and is increasingly evident, that there are, what we might call, distinct cultural differences in the way education happens under that umbrella word of “international”.

One of these central cultural differences is the end goal of education and so too the policies and practices that are adopted accordingly.

Indonesia, like many other countries, has suffered under the weight of a test-taking mentality that quite brutally creates a predicament in which test preparation takes the place of real and useful education.

Under pressure to perform and succeed in make-it or break-it tests students get caught up in a whirlwind of rote learning, memorization, private teachers and tuition centers all designed and aimed at them passing tests.

Real learning and growth as a human-being is sidelined in a manic bid to pass the test. Different curricula, and by different here we mean international, place different emphasizes on the process of education.

Whilst tests and examinations may still be part of the process, it is much more of an objective of such education that students be led toward becoming thinkers; allowing them to think for themselves and essentially be assessed on their ability to think and show some degree of independence.

This reflects favorably in the real world and in the world of today in which people must, to varying degrees, be multi-talented, be able to multi-task and interact in diverse forums internationally. It is simply not enough to simply repeat what others have said, done or thought; the leaders of the 21st century need initiative and originality in responding to business, industrial and indeed environmental challenges.

Rote learning and robotic memorization does not equip students with the skills that they need to truly succeed today. This is true as students proceed to tertiary levels of education as well as the world of business and employment.

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Students of the present and the future need to be equipped with thinking skills and the ability to respond as individuals to the situations in which they will find themselves.

This is another fundamental difference — individuality and diversity are nurtured in a more international environment for education. Students are expected to take greater responsibility for their own learning rather than just waiting for the teacher to tell them what to do next.

Indeed international education literally places responsibilities on the shoulders of the students. This kind of approach engenders greater maturity and independence and this in turn has quite immediate beneficial effects.

Students become less passive and more willing participants in their own education. This can become more of a challenge for teachers but in this model of education learning is much less of a dictatorial lecture and far more of an interactive dialogue in which the students are active and exploring and so too discovering for themselves.

Something learned through exploration and discovery is far more meaningful than something that is simply spoon- fed or memorized. The process of “finding out for oneself” is a hands-on experiential way of learning that models itself on the real-world.

The student that has had to grapple with a problem, perhaps struggles to find a solution but ultimately learns problem-solving techniques and skills and is a student that has had a deeper learning experience than the test- taking wizard.

Employers seek people that can bring something to the table; staff that can tackle problems, make proposals and come up with solutions. Likewise, the entrepreneurs of yesterday, today and tomorrow are not people that settle for the established and accepted answers, they are people that want to act and make a difference.

International education, if it is to truly meet with the high standards implied by that title, is about helping guide and shape leaders. These leaders will be the potential leaders of tomorrow and they will be active in a highly globalized world which makes working internationally the norm.

They then need to be familiar with the ways of the world and not just test-taking techniques. International students do become rather more worldly-wise. They possess greater awareness of the world thanks in part to learning in a truly international language (English) but also thanks to curricula that requires them to explore and achieve a greater understanding of the world around them. This combines local and global thinking to help create a more rounded individual with greater powers to participate and contribute.

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TOURISM

“Wonderful Indonesia” in ASEAN Tourism Forum 20111

”Wonderful Indonesia”, a branding officially introduced as the theme of Indonesian tourism in 2011, adorned the Indonesia pavilion in the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) which was held in Phnom Penh, 15-21 January 2011. The branding is expected to be able to illustrate the tourism experience which will be gained by the tourists visiting Indonesia.

Before the commencement of TRAVEX, which exhibited around 500 booths presenting tourism information in ASEAN countries, a Senior Officials Meeting and a Ministerial Meeting was held with Indonesia as a co-chair along with Cambodia, the host country.

During the visit of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers to the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, the Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourisms, Jero Wacik, was given the honor to speak on behalf of other ASEAN ministers.

Tourism Ministry set to launch Answering the questions about the impact of fin ancial crisis ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ campaign that can affect the level of European tourist visits to ASEAN, Jero Wacik expressed Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik his optimism that such a said Thursday the government would soon problem can be compensated launch its latest tourism campaign slogan, by increasing the level of intra- ASEAN tourists through "ASEAN for ASEAN" tourism program, "Wonderful Indonesia”. The slogan will be which encourages the visits of tourists from fellow ASEAN used for the next two years, and has countries. received positive responses so far, Jero said On 19 January 2011, accompanied with the thundering sounds of Thursday. "We'll begin using ‘Wonderful kolintang, a traditional percussion instrument from North Sulawesi, Indonesia’ in January 2011. We’ve had the Minister of Culture and Tourisms of Indonesia officially [positive] feedback from friends abroad, who announced Manado as the host of the 31st ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in 2012. During that Indonesia Night event, the said ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ is good because Minister, who were accompanied by the Ambassador of Indonesia Indonesia does have wonderful, beautiful to Cambodia and the Governor of North Sulawesi, officially nature, wonderful cultures, wonderful people received the ATF flag from the Minister of Tourisms of Cambodia, Dr. Thong Khon. and wonderful food so we deserve to be

called wonderful," Jero told reporters in Indonesia Night was also enlivened by musical ensembles Jakarta. consisting of kolintang, talempong, drums and percussions, which harmoniously performed songs from Indonesia. Traditional dances Indonesia will officially launch “Wonderful from North Sulawesi, performed by six dancers from Manado, also successfully astonished about 1200 invited guests who were Indonesia” at the upcoming ASEAN Tourism present at that night. Ministers forum in Cambodia on Jan. 17-18, he said.“During the forum, we’ll announce to In line with the theme of Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN in 2011, the world that Indonesia will soon be through the theme of Tourism in a Global Community of Nations, Indonesia is determined to improve ASEAN cooperation in the field recognized as ‘Wonderful Indonesia’.” - The of tourism in order to achieve the establishment of ASEAN Jakarta Post - Community by 2015. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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TOURISM

Indonesia Air Asia Launches a New International Destination from Medan

AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline, today reveals another dazzling new international route; Medan - Bangkok. Flights for this new route will be served by the newly purchased Airbus A320 aircraft. Dharmadi, CEO of Indonesia AirAsia stated, ”Following the success of – Bangkok launch, we gladly announce the launch of our new international route from the 3rd largest city in Indonesia, Medan to the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok. The opening of this new route is part of AirAsia’s commitment to connect Asia and to further strengthen its positioning as an ASEAN airline.”

The three-times weekly flights from Medan to Bangkok commences operations on 15 January 2011. Guests may start to grab promotional fares for this new route through AirAsia website, starting 24th November 2010.

After connecting Medan to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, AirAsia now gives Medanese an opportunity to visit the exotic Bangkok with our direct flight. We hope that this breakthrough will bring economic growth and tourism boost to both cities.

“Thailand is one of the world’s most favourite holiday destinations, with over 14 million visitors annually. By connecting Bangkok – Medan, we expect to increase the popularity of Medan as a tourist destination. The capital city of North Sumatera has a lot to offer, from great shopping, historical and cultural sites, mouth-watering culinary, to breathtaking landscapes. The beautiful Lake Toba (Danau Toba) is a must-visit. It is located in Parapat, a few hours drive from Medan”, said Dharmadi.

Indonesia AirAsia’s wide connectivity in Asia has successfully opened access for travelers wishing to explore the region. The launch of Medan – Bangkok route provides an even wider connectivity to discover Asia and beyond. From Bangkok, guests may directly fly to other exotic destinations such as Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Macau, Malaysia, , Vietnam, Singapore, and Taiwan. Passenger departing from Medan to Bangkok may connect to Macau to enjoy its dazzling nightlife and entertainment, stop by in Penang to visit Keng Lok Temple before returning back to Medan. Asia is only one click away!

For travelers who wish to explore The Land of White Elephants, AirAsia serves domestic flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Nakhon si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchatchani, Narathiwat, Udon Thani, and Phuket. Travelers may decide to bask in the sunshine of Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi beaches. Alternatively, travelers may enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and visit Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. For those looking to discover the past, they may step into the historical Ayuttaya. Indonesia Airasia also announces its extra flight for Medan – Kuala Lumpur route, from 4 times daily to 5 times daily, starting 15 January 2011. To celebrate the additional frequency, Indonesia AirAsia also offers fabulous fares for Medan – Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur – Medan extra flights. For more information, please log on to www.airasia.com. – ThaiPR.net

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

RELATIONSHIPS

Update Indonesia 19

CULTURE

Keeping traditions alive for ‘Imlek’

The Jakarta Post - A national holiday in its own right, the Chinese Lunar New Year is fast approaching with various Chinese and non- Chinese communities already gearing up to welcome this symbolic celebration of spring and new life.

Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year and Imlek are just some of the names of the festival that begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar.

As with many other Chinese customs that continue to this day, the celebration’s origins can be traced back to ancient Chinese tales and legends: This one was about a mythical beast that would always come to land to wreak havoc on the first day of the new year.

Though variations of the legend abound, it was once discovered that the beast had an aversion to the color red. From that moment on, Chinese New Year was always met with people wearing red clothes and lighting up red lanterns, flames and firecrackers.

Seeing how widespread Chinese communities are throughout the globe, regional customs and festive traditions are sure to vary widely. One of the things that unites celebrants all over the world is the great migration period known as chunyun, when literally billions would travel to meet their friends and relatives wherever they might be.

For a number of others, however, going on family visits may not be as easy as it looks — and that’s not just due to the extremely high traffic load separating them from their loved ones.

“When I went home for Chinese New Year last year, the weather was extremely cold and I broke my leg and ended up in a hospital,” said Alex Ye, a Beijing native who has been living in Jakarta for the past two years.

Alex has decided to postpone his trip home till mid-year this time and chose instead to spend his chuxi (annual New Year’s Eve reunion dinner) with a couple of Beijing friends also living in the capital.

“We plan on cooking some hotpots and making from scratch, as is the tradition back home,” the 28- year-old said. The practice is common around northern China and symbolizes the act of packing the year’s share of luck into the meal and eating it.

As an outsider looking in, Alex believes Chinese New Year celebrations have been more embraced in Indonesia in recent years.

The more or less familiar customs still practiced by many Indonesian Chinese have also helped adjust him to a life here. Elsewhere in Indonesia, cities like Medan and Pontianak are also coming alive — if not more so — with oriental-theme attractions such as lantern displays and lion dances during Imlek.

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 20

“In my hometown of The Origins and meaning of Gong Xi Fa Cai Pontianak, for example, Chinese New Year is not only The Chinese don’t say “Happy New Year” to each other. celebrated for a day or two. It Instead, they say “congratulations” and that’s what “gong goes on for 15 days all the xi” essentially means. way through the Cap Go Meh The ubiquitous new year greeting heard in diverse dialects, or the Lantern Festival,” such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin) or “Keong Hee Huat explained Wijaya Lindra, who Chye” () or “Gung Hei Fat Choi” (Cantonese) or manages a private Chinese “Kung Hei Fat Choi” (Hakka) isn’t synonymous to “happy language and study center in new year” in the western sense.They all mean one thing: West Jakarta. “Congratulations and be prosperous”.

Wijaya reckoned traditions and family bonds among This trading of congratulatory message dates back centuries or even thousands of years. The Chinese New Chinese communities are often more widespread in Year is the longest chrono-logical record in history, dating smaller cities like Pontianak, where roadblocks are back 2600BC when Emperor Huang Ti introduced in the annually erected to accommodate the lively dragon and first cycle of the zodiac (imaginary area showing the lion floats roaming the town during Cap Go Meh positions of the Sun, Moon and Planets). celebrations. Certain significant aspects of its origins may have faded “On the eve of the New Year, it is customary for families along the way. Note also it is a Spring Festival – the grandest festival of the Chinese now celebrated by one in to eat a traditional sweet lotus root and barley soup. every four persons on earth. Preceding spring in distinctly During the family visits that ensue for the next 15 days, seasonal China is Winter which could be extremely frigid. hosts provide layer cakes to signify receiving luck in abundance,” he added. Harsh though it may be, surviving winter is not particularly extra-ordinary. So what grand breakthrough prompted Back in Jakarta, families will likewise find Imlek the people to congratulate each other for so long? The answer perfect occasion to celebrate with the various is stranger than fiction. excitements happening across the capital’s star-rated It has to do with long forgotten legend even most Chinese hotels, malls and hangout spots at this time of today are probably not aware if. Even defining words have the year. Those with a non-Chinese background also fundamentally changed. The Spring Festival is also called get to join in, especially with the inclusion of fun activities “Nian” which today means only one thing – year. But the like gift-giving and presenting children with pocket term “Nian” was once the name of a ferocious, savage, money in iconic red pockets known as ang pao. ugly, evil monster, like the dragon or unicorn that reportedly terrorised and preyed on human beings.

“My late grandmother from my mother’s side was Legend had it that this monster regularly came down from Chinese, and I remember when we used to visit relatives the mountain each first and 15th day of the lunar month to from her side of the family in Cirebon and Bandung,” hunt people. Terrified people would lock themselves in for Clarissa Lea, a book publisher working in South Jakarta, days. But one old wise man in the village realized “Nian” reminisced. was bold only because the people were afraid. A clever idea struck the ‘wise’ old man. Why not organise the people Lea recalled receiving a few Chinese New Year ang pao to beat drums, gongs and light fireworks to scare off the here and there when she was little. Though her family hated monster? does not celebrate Imlek any longer, she knows friends One moonless freezing cold night, Nian appeared and the and extended relatives who do and is still quite familiar moment it opened its mouth, noise and fireworks burst out with customs like family visits and going to temple to from the villagers in unison, the frightened monster fled, pray on new year. collapsed from exhaustion and the villagers managed to kill it.

Throughout millennia, Chinese New Year has remained “Nian” finally lost to the cooperated effort and people who the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. “congratulated” each other for the group triumph and celebrated their victory with a “Spring Festival”. Whoever you are and whichever traditions you still practice, embrace the coming of a new season with all that is new, and may the Year of the Rabbit bring us If the legend sounds far fetched, consider the ugly, plenty of happiness, health and longevity. monstrous-looking unicorn and dragon heads that come out each Chinese New Year these days. – Daily Express

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 21

TAKE A TOUR

LAKE TOBA

orld famous is the crater Toba Lake in the Batak highlands; approximately five hours drive from Medan. Toba Lake is the largest lake in South East Asia and also one of the most spectacular, surrounded by tall mountains and with the large island of Samosir in the middle. If we descend W from the mountain we see the lake glittering in all its beauty. The Dutch writer Rudy Kousbroek even called Toba Lake, 'the most beautiful place on earth'. Most visitors stay on the peninsula of Tuk Tuk on Samosir, named after the linguist Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk. In general people stay several days on Samosir to discover the island, to visit traditional Batak villages, to swim in the lake and go to the hot springs in Pangururan.

The centerpiece of North Sumatra, Lake Toba's bracing climate and magnificent panoramas clear the mind and soothe the soul. For decades a magnet from regional and foreign visitors alike, Toba has developed into a full- featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed ambiance that define Toba's attraction. Formed by a stupendous prehistoric volcanic explosion, the 100 km long lake is the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest and the highest in the world. The drama of that cataclysmic birth persist in 500 meter cliffs dropping into the blue-green waters, surrounded by steep, pine covered sloped, the climate is fresh and pleasant, with just enough rain to support the lush vegetation.

Toba Lake is a 100kms x 30kms volcanic lake in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Toba Lake has become one of the main tourist attractions for a long time in North Sumatra apart from Bukit Lawang and Nias, visited by both domestic and foreign tourist.

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 22

The Origin of Toba Lake

It is estimated that Toba Lake was formed during a volcanic eruption about 73.000-75.000 years ago and which was the most recent super volcano eruption. Bill Rose and Craig Chesner from Michigan Technological University estimated that volcanic materials that were spewed out the mountain totaling 2800km3, with 800km3 ignimbrites rock and 2000km3 volcanic ash that is estimated was blown (wind) to the west for 2 weeks. This incident caused mass death (destruction) and to several species also causes extinction. According to some DNA proof, this eruption also shrinks the humankind population to around thousands back then.

After this eruption, a caldera was formed that was filled by water afterwards and now known as Toba Lake. The pressure from the dormant magma, which has not yet erupted, caused Samosir Island to emerge. The region that now known as Samosir Island originally was a peninsula that attached to the Sumatran mainland. In this peninsula the Netherlands built the water canal 10 m width.

For the first time visitors, going through Medan-Parapat route seeing a lake as big as that made Samosir appear like an amazing grand island. However, the island perspective will certainly faded with the increase in Toba plateau visitor, Nias and the other places in the south, through Medan-Berastagi route. Samosir occupied a central geographical position in the Toba plateau region. With the declaration of the Toba Samosir Regency (the inhabitants 302.000 lives, the area with wide of 3.440 km including the lake) it finally ascend from only a shadow into a Regency. Moreover, the width of Samosir Island exceed Singapore (647 km), in fact Toba Lake almost twice bigger than Singapore. The Samosir image in tourism books as the backpackers location must be changed because this historic place must restore the greatness of its past.

Batak

is a collective term used to identify a number of ethnic groups found in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The term is used to include the Toba, Karo, Pakpak, Simalungun, Angkola and Mandailing, each of which are distinct but related groups with distinct, albeit related, languages and customs). Occasionally it is also used to include the Alas people of Central/Southern Aceh, but usually only as relates to language groups.

In North Sumatra, Toba people typically assert their identity as 'Batak'

www.indonesia-tourism.com

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 23

SECRET RECIPE

Obama’s love for Bakso

AP— President Barack Obama may have carried a message of unity and tolerance during his visit to Indonesia, but it was his love of soup that got the local headlines.

"Bakso, ... semuanya enak!" or ", fried ... it's all delicious!" Obama said during a state dinner in Jakarta. The president spent several years of his childhood in the country.

Bakso, a savory soup of and often garnished with bok choy, , , crisp fried and hard-, is Indonesia's national , a go-to dish sold from pushcarts to hungry students, midnight revelers and just about anybody who wants a satisfying snack any time of day.

"When people hang out at night and they feel hungry, they go for bakso," says Djoko Supatmono, executive chef at Junction, an Indonesian restaurant in New York.

Like many dishes that bubble up through the masses, bakso has endless variations. The meatballs — which vary in size from golf balls to tennis balls — can be made with , chicken, pork or even fish. Ditto for the stock. The noodles can be made from mung bean starch, rice or wheat.

"This soup takes on many guises, but it always has meatballs, it always has noodles, it always has ," says Ken Woytisek, chef instructor in Asian cuisines at the Culinary Institute of America's St. Helena, Calif., campus. "It's really a multicultural society, so there are lots of variations. But it's mainly the meat in the meatball that changes." For instance, Muslims, who form the majority in Indonesia, do not eat pork.

Like most street food, bakso has an air of mystery. The soup and the noodles probably originated in China, but the meatball, Woytisek says, may have come from the Dutch, who colonized Indonesia in the 19th century. And then there's the fact that it's street food.

"While it's generally accepted that meat, in some form, is involved in the balls, the rest is unclear," says James Oseland, editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, and author of "Cradle of Flavor: Home Cooking from the Spice Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore." "Frankly, I don't know what goes into them, and probably we're better off not knowing. It's like the ."

Meatball soups are found throughout southeast Asia, but aficionados like Oseland especially prize bakso. "The Indonesian version really does tend to be the king, the real granddaddy of all of the southeast Asian brethren," he says. "It's the whole idea of Asian beef balls taken to a higher realm. They're just better tasting."

But even split hairs. "People will take you to task if you say 'I really like this vendor,'" Woytisek says. "They'll say 'No, no! You have to go this vendor.' They never tire of arguing over who's got the best."

But what are the criteria? Al dente noodles and perfect meatballs.

"What makes a great bakso is a springy versus rubbery ball," Oseland says. "And there's some sort of gentle spicing. There's always this perfect balance between the spicing and the meat that separates the good ones from the mediocre."

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 24

Indonesian Bakso

The classic used to flavor bakso is , a thin paste made from ground chilies, and . It is widely available in the ethnic aisles of large grocers.

For the meatballs: 2 , minced,1 tablespoon diced , 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, finely chopped, 1 egg white, 2 tablespoons sugar ,Kosher salt and ground white pepper, to taste, 1/2 crushed ice ,5 tablespoons cornstarch,2 quarts chicken broth

For the soup: 14-ounce package egg noodles,1 head bok choy, cut into 1/2-inch chunks,4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ,3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil,1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, finely chopped,3 tablespoons ,Kosher salt, to taste,2 tablespoons chopped ,4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped, Sambal, to taste.

How to make : To make the meatballs, in a small skillet over medium, heat the oil. Add the garlic and shallot and saute until golden and aromatic. Transfer to a food processor, then add the chicken, egg white and sugar. Process until well ground, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a bowl and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Transfer the chilled mixture to a cutting board. Add the crushed ice and cornstarch, then knead the mixture for 5 minutes.

Using 2 spoons or an ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 20 tablespoon-size balls. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat the chicken broth. Add the meatballs, working in batches if necessary. Cook until the meatballs are firm and read 165 F at the center, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs to a bowl. Cover to keep warm. Keep the broth warm over low heat.

To make the soup, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, then cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, bring a second saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the bok choy and blanch until just tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate. Cover and set aside.

Use a mortar and pestle or a knife to mash the garlic and ginger to a paste.

In a medium skillet over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the garlic-ginger paste and saute until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the chicken and soy sauce, then saute until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt.

Divide the noodles between the serving bowls, topping them with some of the bok choy and sauteed chicken. Ladle hot chicken broth into each bowl, then divide the meatballs among the bowls. Garnish with celery, hard- boiled eggs and sambal.

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 25

CALENDAR

Bali Spirit Festival 2011: An annual celebration of Yoga, Dance and Music

As the BaliSpirit event celebrates its third year of existence, news of its magic has reached every corner of the world. Not only does the festival bring together celebrated musicians, yogis and dancers from every continent, but it has also become a magnet for fans, students and followers of every calling. The Fourth Annual BaliSpirit Festival will take place in Ubud, Bali from March 23-27, 2011. For more information, do visit: http://www.balispiritfestival.com/

PASOLA JOUSTING FESTIVAL, Sumba, East Nusatenggara

This is a most exciting Jousting Festival where opposing teams run into each other on horseback, saddle-less, throwing blunt spears - called hola - to each other to unseat or hurt their opponents or horses. Fallen men or horses may not be attacked, but any blood flowing is believed to fertilize the soil and benefit the next harvest.

Held in several villages, but on 25 March this year in the village of Wanokaka, West Sumba, this is a rare opportunity for visitors to watch this traditional mock battle. The tournament forms part of the traditional Marapu belief on Sumba, where the Pasola forms an inseparable part of the annual ritual, held in conjunction with the arrival of seaworms on the shores of Sumba, which normally occurs in February and March.

For more information on the Pasola Festival follow this link: www.incitoprima.com/details.php?catid=8&aid=72 and to attend the Pasola Festival click: www.komodo-tours.travel/Pasola_Festival_2011

DEEP & EXTREME INDONESIA 2011

Focusing on the Komodo Dragon and Diving around Komodo, the www.indonesia.travel website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with private companies participation supported by Swisscontact, - will be prominently present in Deep and Extreme Indonesia 2011, to be held at the Jakarta Convention Center from March 31st to April 3rd 2011.

For More information, do visit: http://www.deepandextremeindonesia.com/2011

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 26

BAHASA INDONESIA Learning Bahasa Indonesia

The best time to start learning Bahasa Indonesia is before you even make your move to Indonesia, however it may be difficult to find language materials in your home country. Ask your sponsoring company to help you obtain tapes and books several months before you move, so that you can start becoming used to the sound of the language and start familiarizing yourself with its structure and vocabulary. - www.expat.or.id

Communicating: Do you speak English? Bisa bicara Bahasa Inggris? I don't speak Indonesian. Saya tidak bisa bicara bahasa Indonesia.

I don't understand. Saya tidak mengerti.

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK

Update Indonesia 27

EVENTS

Special ISIS Lecture by Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa

On the sideline of AMED III, Indonesian Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Marty Natalegawa delivered a special lecture at the Chulalongkorn University with the topic of “Geopolitics and the Role of ASEAN in Facing Global Challenges." The lecture was held with cooperation between the Indonesian Embassy and Chulalongkorn University. The lecture was well attended, among others, from diplomatic community, academician, and media.

AIT Charter Signing

On 20 January 2011, the Indonesian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Hatta signed the new Charter of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The Charter would provide AIT with the legal status of a full-fledged international organization. Indonesia was the 14th signatories of the Charter. Indonesia hoped that the Signing will bolster cooperation between Indonesia and AIT in the future.

Borobudur Learning Center

Wat Arun Ratchawararam and Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University proposed a project to establish a learning center and meditation center at the Borobudur Temple compound. The similar project has been running successfully at the Wat Arun. It is hoped that the proposed project at the Borobudur will enable underprivileged people and orphans to learn new skills to help improve their lives.

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BANGKOK