Indonesian Ladies Association Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Canberra INDONESIAN CULTURAL CIRCLE E - N E W S L E T T E R 1 S T E D I T I O N 06 TOURISM Renowned for its natural and serene beaches with beautiful C O N T E N T S corals and masses of fish, both West and East Nusa Tenggara is gaining a reputation as a must- visit paradise islands 03 MESSAGE FROM CHAIR OF THE INDONESIAN LADIES 10 CULINARY ASSOCIATION Check inside some of Nusa Message from Madame Caecilia Legowo, Tenggara's famous traditional Chair of the Indonesian Ladies Association, delicacies that will appease your The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia appetite! in Canberra 04 HISTORY & 11 ARTS &CRAFTS Indonesia's wealth of heritage arts CULTURE and crafts is as diverse as its many cultures. In this issue we explore The story behind the unique the archipelago's offerings culture of West and East Nusa through different traditional Tenggara crafts. PAGE 3 | CHAI RWOMAN' S MESSAGE M E S S A G E F R O M C H A I R O F T H E I N D O N E S I A N L A D I E S A S S O C I A T I O N In this first edition of the Indonesian Cultural Circle (ICC) e-Newsletter, we will share the exciting wonders of Indonesia’s two hidden gems from the East: West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara. If you’re seeking spectacular views, mesmerizing natural attractions, and unique local traditions, hidden traditional villages – away from Bali-esque crowds, then Nusa Tenggara is your wonderland. Spreading west from the Wallace Line dividing Asia from Australasia, this archipelago ranges from jungle-green in the north to a drier savannah in the south and east. Both the East and West Nusa Tenggara islands hide a cultural diversity that's unmatched, even in multicultural Indonesia, ready to be revealed. Different cultures shown by each tribe's rituals, traditions and languages, will make you feel enchanted on an exotic island full of discoveries. All these experiences will leave an indelible mark on your memory. With this, I hope this newsletter will bring you on an imaginary adventure from the comfort of your homes. When it is safe, may you one day be able to see these places for yourselves. Last but not least, on behalf of the Indonesian Ladies Association of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, I would like to thank you for your continued support to the ICC amidst this difficult time and to wish you and your family all the best. Let’s pray that the global outbreak of COVID-19, including in Australia, will be resolved soon. We’re all in this together, May God bless us all. Greetings, Caecilia Legowo Chair of the Indonesian Ladies Association The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra PAGE 4 | HI STORY & CULTURE WEST NUSA TENGGARA The Wallace Line, named after 19th century naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, marks a point of transition between the flora and fauna of Western and Eastern Indonesia and acts as the Western boundary of West Nusa Tenggara, which includes Lombok Island and Sumbawa. Lombok is noticeably different to its close neighbor, Bali. The northern part of the island is mountainous and lush with tall trees and shrubs. The South on the other hand is arid and covered by savannas. The difference becomes more pronounced as one moves further east where dry seasons are more prolonged and the land is dry and bush-like, and so in many areas corn and sago are the staple food, instead of rice. At first, Islam came to these islands in the 16th century. Four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace, becoming what is now called West Nusa Tenggara. Hindu is still the religion embraced by those in the west of Lombok, who are primarily Balinese. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences in the past, but has still retained its unique identity. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition, as do the people of neighboring Sumbawa. Numerous traditional performances, such as the petuk and presean dances, can be enjoyed by tourists in the Sade Village. PAGE 5 | HI STORY & CULTURE EAST NUSA TENGGARA Indonesia consists of numerous provinces and all of them are unique. Located in the east part of the nation, East Nusa Tenggara Province has become one of the best vacation destinations especially for those who look for mesmerizing natural attractions and unique local traditions. East Nusa Tenggara Province consists of hundreds of islands, which are about 550 of them! However, most tourists only recognize the three major islands called Flores, Sumba, and Timor, which is why there is no wonder people also name the region Flobamora (the combination of Flores, Sumba, and Timor). East Nusa Tenggara Province is also famous for its unique culture. There are numerous local traditions including dances and houses. As for the houses, the most popular one is Saoata Musalakitana. It is usually used by those with important presence or a high-level position in the region, such as the leader of the village. Aside from the traditional house, there are also unique traditional clothes which use various ornaments, and colours. Three famous traditional dances from the region are not to be missed including Perang, Gareng Lameng, and Lendo Nusa Malole Dance. PAGE 6 | TOURI SM W E S T N U S A T E N G G A R A The two largest islands in West Nusa Tenggara province are Lombok in the west and the larger Sumbawa Island in the east. Various tourist packages include trips to the mountains or beaches, cultural tourism, and shopping outings. One of the most popular destination for tourists in West Nusa Tenggara is Lombok. Lombok is developing into an increasingly attractive place to visit. The local people are becoming more open to the tourism industry; meanwhile investors in the private sectors are always welcome to come and invest, injecting new life and passion into the future of tourism in Lombok. One new development causing great excitement is the plan to build a MotoGP race circuit in Mandalika, scheduled to officially open next year. This, of course will bring many MotoGP sports enthusiasts to come to Lombok. Mount Rinjani with its magnificent shadow forms the silhouette of an enormous sleeping giant. It casts a nebulous image of the powerful force that can shake the entire island. Mount Rinjani is covered in natural springs that produce the purest water, giving life to the villages scattered below. Not only is it geologically significant, but the volcano also has an important meaning in the traditional beliefs upheld by some of the Lombok local community. Not to forget, the beaches with natural and serene nuance are ready to be explored: from Kuta Lombok Beach to Gili Beaches, Tanjung Aan Beach and Batu Payung Beach. PAGE 7 | TOURI SM "NUSA TENGGARA IS THE PERFECT PLACE THAT HOLDS THE BALANCE BETWEEN CULTURE AND NATURE" PAGE 8 | TOURI SM Heading further east to one of the islands of Lesser Sunda, beyond Bali and West Nusa Tenggara, lies the island of Flores and the town of Labuan Bajo of East Nusa Tenggara province. Pulau Komodo, which can be accessed aboard a comfortable cruise boat from Labuan Bajo, is known as the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon. With various options of means of transportation, it is easier for everyone to witness first-hand the awesome power and size of these ‘mythical creatures’ while also enjoying the relaxing island life. A Far from the typical tourist trails, must-see is the spectacular East Nusa Tenggara offers an E A S T sunsets viewed from atop Gili unforgettable experience amid Lawa Laut. magnificent mountain vistas, lush N U S A forests and rich cultural traditions. T E N G G A R A The name of the capital province is The vivid blue skies and humid air are characteristics that Kupang City and it even features an commonly illustrate Labuan Bajo. From its beginnings as a international airport for easier traditional fishing village, Labuan Bajo is a growing tourist tourist access into the province. destination. Labuan Bajo’s quiet hills have also begun to be treated as an attraction, due to the beautiful views out to Due to the high number of islands, the sea: Cinta, Sylvia, and Amelia hills are among those tourists may find various traditions worth exploring. and natural attractions there, as if they have unlimited places to explore during holidays. The region offers an excellent transportation service to tourists including boats and planes, allowing for a convenient and maximum exploration of the region. The first recognizable potential of East Nusa Tenggara Province is definitely its natural beauty. Many natural attractions are available for tourists to explore especially its beaches. Not only can you enjoy beach walking, but there are also many available outdoor activities such as snorkeling, trekking, and photography. PAGE 9 | TOURI SM Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. These volcanic islands are inhabitated by a population of around 5,700 giant lizards whose appearance and aggresive behaviour have led to them being called 'Komodo dragons.' They exist nowhere else in the world and in 1986 the Park was declared a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO. PAGE 1 0 | CULI NARY It would not be complete for you to visit West Nusa Tenggara without tasting the renowned nasi puyung, a traditional rice dish, sprinkled with sautéed green beans, thinly sliced fried potatoes, sweet braised egg, and a spoonful of spicy shredded chicken, the central and most delicious part of the dish.