Indonesia as a Holiday Destination

I have a plan for a vacation this year. Like other workers, I need a spare time for holiday to set free the fatigue caused by workload and other routine activities that taking energy of body and mind, and of course to see something new beside a things that I see in my daily activities.

Some people, I mean some of my friends usually tend to choose country neighbors as their holiday destination. Most of them often make a plan to visit Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia. Some of them also comfy to visit other ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Cambodia. Beside the air ticket price factor, which is getting cheaper time after time, as the effect of emergence of budget airlines, staying in the neighbors countries (ASEAN countries) is not taking a high cost. a lot of hotel can offer us a cheap cost starting from 20 USD, even less. So going vacation in neighbor countries, sometimes no need much consideration to do.

For upper middle class people, most of them usually have more choice to visit other countries that is more distant and expensive. Hongkong, Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and European countries can be a favorite destination for most Indonesian people. It is apparently to be so distinctive when young people will spend their holiday time in Hongkong for shopping, or to Gold coast for surfing.

Something that can be noted here is the choice to holiday in Overseas can be an option because: 1. It offers a benefit by visit other countries with lower cost, or 2. it can give a particular prestige, no matter what kind of place, what benefit we can get there, as long as we can achieve Hongkong or Japan or Austalia it will give own prestige. (Correct me if I am wrong)

That's why sometimes Indonesian people a little bit reluctant to choose holiday option in their own country for holiday destination. If Air Asia can offers a low cost to Bangkok or Jetstar with its low fare can allow us to go to Singapore only with USD 50 (return). So why we have to make difficult by choosing Tana Toraja in Sulawesi island. That's many of Indonesian people minds!.

Whereas, if we can see, Indonesia has many of not only beautiful but also unique and wonderful places and culture, that is not less than other countries. Let see, we have a Pulau Komodo (Komodo island)that is to be one of wonderful place in the world, or Raja Ampat archipelago that is great for diving activities and have a lot of species, which most of them is not found in other hemisphere.

I hope this year I can realize my planning for holiday, either with my friend or single journey :). This is some Indonesian great places that I want to visit, or may be, can be on your list as well if you want to visit Indonesia.

1. Toba Lake and the Samosir island

It is located in Sumatra Island, exactly in Medan city. Toba lake is the greatest lake in Indonesia. According to the history, Toba Lake exist as a result of erupting volcano 73.000-75.000 years ago. In the middle of the lake there's an island called Samosir. In Samosir we can enjoy the wonderful scenery around the lake. A lot of accommodation is also spread over the Samosir and Prapat (coastal area in the lake. In Toba we can enjoy also cruise over the lake, and also indigenous villages that is offer the beauty of local cultural heritage.





2. Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja is a district located in South Sulawesi. Inhibited by Toraja tribe that live in the mountain area and maintain the typical lifestyle of Austronesia. Tana Toraja is well known with its Tongkonan (Traditional House of Tana Toraja), Lemo (a famous cliff grave site of Tana Toraja), and some traditional ceremonies called Rambu Solo and Rambu Tuka.





3. Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat which literally translates as "Four Kings" has offered best marine sight in the world.
The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world’s coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world’s species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. (http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/248)





4. River Cruise in Kalimantan

As we know that Kalimantan island, has many of forest and big river. Currently many of river in Kalimantan become a particular attraction for some people. For instance Mahakam river and Kayan river which famous in Kalimantan. People now can cruising Mahakam river with House Boat for some days. They can enjoy an attractive scenery around the side of river like rain forest wild life which contain several species of monkey and bird, passing villages along the river, which is inhabited by Dayak Tribe, and sometimes also crossing dangerous rapids between high rocky mountain. So interesting :)





5. Komodo Island

Komodo island or often called KOmodo National Park is located between island of Sumbawa and Flores. The main purpose of the park is to conserve the unique Komodo Dragon and its habitat. In 1986 the park was declared world Heritage site and a man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.





6. Lombok Island

Lombok island is located near Bali. We can enjoy the simple pleasure of sunshine, white sandy beaches, unique culture and eco tours make this island is prefect for family holiday, those who looking for relaxation as well as honey moon. In Lombok we can find some geat destination such as: Senggigi beach, The islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Meno.The beach in Lombok also become a favorite object by tourist for surfing.





7. Bali

Who never heard about Bali? The Island of Gods with the million of beauty? Bali is my favorite place so far in Indonesia, and honestly it's rather difficult for me to describe it. A lot of people said this is the world paradise. So just visit it before you die :) :)

...

Someday in June, after I didn't make any postings, I comeback with some negative writings and not good feeling...



Have you ever tired with yourself?
Me now...

Have you ever felt that your mind is clogged and you couldn't find any inspirations?
Me now...

Have you ever felt that you are a boring person?
Me now..

Have you ever felt that every ideals and hope that must be achieved, finally in vain and you think that success is not important?
Me now...

Have you ever confused with what actually your self want to be?
Me now...

Have you ever think that to be a kind person actually is not enough?
Me know..

Have you someday ever felt that you don't have a confidence?
Me now...

Have you felt that you are so stupid compared with others?
Me now...

Have you ever even cannot say anything on your pray?
Me now...

Have you ever think that you always rely on God, but at the moment you even cannot think about him?
Me now....

*I wish it will not be long lasting...
I hope someday I realize how stupid I am possess this feeling and make this posting
^-^

Happy Belated New Year

Dear all,

Happy new year for you and family. Hope in this new year we always granted the best, the bless, and wisdom in doing anything in our life.

Anyway I am sorry for giving this new year greeting by now, as I have to stay at hospital from the new year's eve until 6 days ahead. I suffered a dengue fever disease and that's why I should stay at hospital at that time. But fortunately, at a present God is giving me back my health again and my condition gradually better now.

In this new year I don't have any particulars hope or resolution that I specifically listed. I just want to be given my best. But having no resolution that is wish in the early of year does'nt mean I don't have a desire and destination. Still I want to pursue anything that become my goal in the near future. Of course, I have to increase my English as it is really important not for my personal life only but more intended to my professional life, I still have to increase my performance in my working environment, achieve my master program as soon as possible, expand my self in social life including with friends, colleague, higher my view and knowledge about anything.

But above all, I want to deeper my spiritual life. To be a person that can find a meaning through the belief and pray. I cannot target it of course. But it is really expected. As God always present in this life and his presence is beyond anything in my life. I am a person that have a low comprehension regarding Godness and even my religious it self.

Once again, happy new year all, hope the new year 2011 always give you joyful, peaceful, and easy way that bring you to your goal and desire.

God bless you :)

The Eruption of Mt. Merapi

Dear All,

In this occasion, I will not tell you a lot about the story regarding the eruption of Mount Merapi here, but I will at least give you at a glance the description when this well known Indonesian mountain is occurred.

Maybe some of you have heard that Merapi mountain, one of Indonesian active volcano mountain has erupted several days ago. This erupted of Merapi occurred at the short time after Tsunami attack Mentawai island in the West Sumatra Province, Indonesia.


When Merapi Erupted..

The erupted of Mt. Merapi has left a lot of victims, society that live around the mountain. It is about hundred of people near of mountain dead, some gets serious injury, and the area is full of ash that comes from the mountain. The ash of mountain eruption moreover has spread not only in Central Java area but immeasurably achieve Depok town in West Java province which put distance between hundreds kilometer from Central Java. This spread of ash also has lead a termination of International airlines from and to Indonesia for a while.


The ash from mountain covered one of village, the harvest time is also failed because of this ash fall..

Actually a lot of victim from around Merapi is caused by many of factors which mostly is a belief. I means belief because there are some people who unwilling to leave their home to displace area because they are waiting for a guidance or direction from the one who they belief or respect. Many people believe in the kind of sacret guide from around them and they are still naturally traditional.


The death cattle due to hot smoke

Another reason why so many people become a victims is an unwillingness to leave their cattle. Many of society feel that their cattle is their most valuable treasure. Cattle such as cow (majority), buffalo and sheep is the form of their wealth. Sometimes the people who has stayed in the displace are going quietly to their home to visit and feed their cattle without have an awareness that their act is risky.





People who was rescued from the disaster..., the ash cover their body


Funeral process of the victims

Actually, merapi that has known as one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes has showed their tendency to erupt before. From the information I have got, Merapi volcano was raised to level 3 alert (out of a maximum 4) due to inflation and volcanic earthquakes on 21st October 2010. Sand miners were asked to stop all activity, and people advised not to climb the volcano. But it turn out, people often neglected and underestimated until the mount really erupt.

For you are who interest in helping the victims of Merapi you can donate to International Red Cross Indonesia. I am hoping that they have got a strength and belief. I also thank you so much for every pray, emphaty from every people who care with the condition of victims. I believe all of your support make them survive.

*the picture derived from vivanews.com

Unstable Natural Condition in Jakarta

Recently the weather's condition particularly in jakarta is really unstable. Almost everyday the heavy rain together with strong blowing wind surge this city. The hard wind and rain have created a lot of bad impact for daily activities and life of citizen.

Actually when the heavy rain comes, I never really realize. My working place which the building is quite sturdy almost makes me not knowing the situation outside. But when evening going to come and I am back from my office, I can see clearly that the road is full of puddle and the road really traffic because of puddle or flood.

Yesterday when I came back from the office, the rain still continue. My train that carry me to my home in Depok area was suddenly stop because the electric current that run my train was upset because of heavy rain. Almost 1 hour the train stop and waiting for the signal to run. In the other hand, I see from the news in facebook and also from my friends stories that most of them arrived at home in the midnight, around 12.00 - 1.00 am. They trapped in the traffic jam for almost 6 hours because floods are everwhere and inhibit their way.


Condition of Flood in Jakarta

it's very terrible condition of Jakarta today. Jakarta that virtually is dense, traffic, and full of population is worsened by this flood condition. The rain and wind also worsening the condition by the uprooted of many trees, create a victim by its floods and accidents.

Actually the condition of Jakarta today, and maybe others area in Indonesia which occur the same matter is because the deed of the people itself. People often neglect even harm the environment that virtually is a part of their own life. Nature, environment which give the life a beneficial, safety, and goodness destroyed with no clear reason and treated greedy.

From many observations the land in Jakarta actually is vanish, eroded inside. People build a high and big building without give 'a chance' for soil, water, and air to circulate. Most of water discharged to the sea, but people also harm the sea life. If you ever go to Jakarta, is very difficult to find a water channel here. Many river also poluted.


People enjoy to establish a big building in Jakarta for commercial, without consider the long term impact

Although the prediction that Jakarta will sink started from north area, people still ignore the condition. Many of developer create their big project by build a giant hotel, apartment in the side of sea which actually is a place to absorb water and overcome the flood.

Perhaps with the natural condition that is not friendly currently is a appeal and warning that they are threatened from time after time. People is being warned about their treat to the earth which give them a living.

I hope that environment condition is not continously worse. Lets we learn to love our earth and nature, like we ever love anything that we interest, we like. quote from somebody words " People have to save three pillars at their life... with God, with others, and with nature...

Happy Ied Mubarak 1431 H

For all of my readers, friends, family and Relative who celebrate an Ied day, I say a Happy Ied Mubarak 1431 H.

Forgive for all of mistakes both intentionally and unintentionally. Hope this Ied day will bring a harmonization, peace, and happiness in your family and surrounding, and may this Ied will give us a more chance to be a better people and closer with God.

God bless you all.

When the Dream Comes True

Dear all of my readers and blogging friends... I am very happy and fortunate currently. It just because God gives me a chance to realize my dream to work in International Organization.

Yes, today I am officially become an employee of International Regional Organization. I am now working at The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which started on August 23, 2010. I think most of you (especially you who come from Asia) know what ASEAN is. But if you still feel unfamiliar with this organization, I will explain you shortly about it.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. Today there are ten Member States of ASEAN. ASEAN has aims and purposes such as: to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the Southeast Asia region, to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries, to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest, to provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres, to collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, to promote Southeast Asian studies, and to maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

In accordance with our vision and mission, the motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.

At ASEAN I work in the Security Cooperation division under Political Security department. I work there as a Secretary to help and support my division in the acceleration its work program. May be I just a Secretary today, but I am sure someday I can improve my performance to dive deeper in the project operation. I want to feel so enthusiastic in my work and go deeper in help ASEAN, because I want to help ASEAN Nation to obtain its prosperity, peace and stability.

I just remember when I was close with graduation time, I feel so uncomfortable and pessimist to be able to work in NGO (Non Governmental Organization)/ IGO (International Governmental Organization) because of its high competition. But in turn out today I able to achieve it, to be one of IGO worker. I am very gratitude with all of this... (my last written about my desire to work at NGO).

nb. Thank you for my God, my friends and family for the much support for me so far..