Pancasila

The Preamble to the Constitution of 1945 establishes Pancasila as the embodiment of the fundamental principles of an independent Indonesia. These five principles are announced Sukarno speech, known as the "Birth of Pancasila," which he gave Independence Preparatory Commission for the June 1, 1945. In a short time, and the Constitution, the principles of Pancasila are: belief in a supreme god, humanism, nationalism is expressed in units of Indonesia, the board of democracy and social justice.

Opinion of Sukarno's Pancasila, while simple in form, due to the complex and sophisticated appreciation of the ideological needs of the new nation. In contrast to Muslim nationalists who insisted on an Islamic identity for the new state, the authors have called Pancasila culturally neutral identity, compatible with democracy or the Marxist ideology, and a full range of cultural differences in a heterogeneous population. As the national language - Bahasa Indonesia - which Sukarno also promoted, Pancasila does not reach a certain ethnic group, and was designed to define the fundamental values ​​of culture, "Indonesian" political.

While Pancasila is the modern point of view, Sukarno introduced in terms of a traditional Indonesian society, which parallels the nation an ideal village, where the company is equal, the economy is organized on the basis of mutual self-help (gotong royong ), and the decision-making is by consensus (musyawarah-mufakat). In the version of Sukarno's Pancasila, a political and social dissidence constituted deviant behavior. Suharto changed this point of view, to the point that one of the criticisms of his version of Pancasila is that it has tried to Javanize arguing that a key element of Pancasila was ilmu kasunyatan (Supreme Wisdom), who practices kebatinan.

One of the reasons why so many Sukarno and Suharto have successfully used the Pancasila to support his authority, despite their very different political orientations, was the widespread nature of the principles of Pancasila. The Pancasila was less successful as a unifying concept when the administration tried to give a political content. For example, in 1959, Sukarno proclaimed a new unit called a major theme Nasakom - a trinity of state nationalism, communism and religion - as the revolutionary base for a "just and prosperous society." Oppose the PKI, under this model was to be anti-Pancasila.

However, the main opposition to this kind of ideological correctness was ABRI, Sukarno creating political problems in the military. Suharto, however, received support from the army, it does not require ideological conformity. ABRI, without actively promoting the Pancasila, rather than support for power sharing. Suharto said that cooperation at the time the national leadership of August 16, 1984, when he said that ABRI, with its dual role, was "a force that maintains and updates the Pancasila democracy."

Unlike Sukarno, the use of ideological appeals often seemed to be a substitute cynical and manipulative to get tangible results, even during an excuse for political fiasco, Suharto government sought to engage in policy and practice who have contributed to stability and development. In 1973, the reorganization of political parties - from the nine (plus Golkar) that contested the 1971 elections for two (plus Golkar) - has been justified as a step towards Pancasila democracy.

Beginning in 1978, became a national indoctrination program dedicated to instilling values ​​of Pancasila all citizens, especially schoolchildren and officials. Of an abstract statement of national goals, Pancasila was now used as an instrument of social and political control. To oppose the government was to oppose Pancasila. To oppose Pancasila was to oppose the establishment of the State.

Efforts to enforce the government's interpretation of Pancasila ideological correctness was not without controversy. Two issues in particular renewable tested the limits of government tolerance of alternative or even competing systems of political thought. The first question was the establishment of religion, particularly Islam, the second issue was the role of legal opposition in democracy Pancasila.

From the principle of independence, Islam and the Indonesian state had a relationship of political tension. The promotion of Pancasila is a statement of monotheism religiously neutral and tolerant Islam equal to other religious systems: Christianity, Buddhism and Hindu beliefs, Balinese. However, the Muslim forces had felt betrayed policy since the signing of the Charter of 1949 in Jakarta, which agreed to a pluralistic republic in exchange for an agreement that the state is based on the belief in a God Muslims must comply with Islamic law. The government's failure to act in the Constitution and the law in this commitment to set the agenda for the future of Islamic politics. At the eastern end of the Darul Islam rebellion of the 1950s, which sought to establish a Muslim theocracy.

New Order Pancasila emphasis has been marked by an orthodox Muslim groups in an attempt to subjugate Islam in the secular state ideology, even the "civil religion" to manipulate the system naturally unilaterally full expression of Muslim life. In fact, in 1985 the government restricted its efforts to tame all the elements of social legislation Pancasila, which requires that all charitable organizations to accept Pancasila as the sole ideological principle, and provides for government supervision, intervention, and if necessary, to ensure compliance with the dismantling of their organizations.

Delivered "perfection" and the Pancasila democracy, the mass organizations went to the heart of the intention of the law of religious-based groups. This decision was forced into a Muslim-oriented PPP of its 1984 national congress, which had stage-managed by the government. For some Muslims, was the last straw. Guarantee of the Board of Directors that Muslims do not threaten the law appeared to be empty, since the new law limits the practice of Islam, the family, the mosque and prayer, rather than Islam, wrap the fullness of human even politics.

The environment was aggravated with the radical Muslims, incited by the priest burning, stand directly opposed, including political violence. Board of dissidents stern response - a quick stop, Subversion trial and long prison sentences - will soon be prevented any open confrontation with the public interest.

On the other side of the 1980s within the legal limits and politically acceptable to the participation of Muslims, the state has been a strong supporter of Islamic institutions. The government has even supported a number of Muslim activities. Within the overall structure of the value of Pancasila, Islamic moral and personal conduct of the materialism inherent in the balanced economic development for centuries. Suharto himself went to great lengths to show that he was a good Muslim, including making the pilgrimage to Mecca in May 1991.

In August 1991, he promised rp3 dollars to a new Islamic bank (Bank Muamalat Indonesia) and said he would encourage other wealthy Muslims to contribute. By courting Islamic leaders and teachers, won the state wide support for its development policy. There is no doubt that Islam was a state religion promoted in Indonesia, but it was not a state religion. What really sets the policy issues most critical to many orthodox Muslims. In addition, questions remained how the opposition - religious or secular - could be expressed in the work of Pancasila democracy.

Five heads of Pancasila

Believe in One God

Alone, and civilized humanity

Unity of Indonesia

Democracy guided by inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations amongst representatives

Social justice for all the people of Indonesia

Belief in the one and only God

This principle of Pancasila reaffirms the Indonesian people's belief that God exists. It also implies that the Indonesian people believe in life after death. He stressed that the pursuit of sacred values ​​lead people to a better life in the hereafter. The principle is stated in Article 29, Section 1 of the 1945 Constitution and reads: "The state must be based on the belief in the one and only God.

Just and civilized humanity

This principle requires that people be treated with respect for their dignity as creatures of God. He stressed that the Indonesian people will not tolerate physical or spiritual oppression of people of their own people or other nations.

Unity of Indonesia

This principle embodies the concept of nationalism, love of nation and fatherland. It envisages the need to promote national unity and provided the integrity of Pancasila nationalism demands that Indonesians avoid feelings of ethnic superiority, for reasons of origin and skin color. In 1928 Indonesian youth pledged to have a country, nation and tongue, while Indonesia's coat of arms enshrines the symbol of "Tunggal Ika Bhinneka" which means "unity in diversity." Differences in social development. daily life should not affect national unity and integrity Referring to this, President Suharto has said: "What we do is we have these differences blend in perfect harmony, like the ghost of the beautiful rainbow."

Democracy guided by inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations among representatives

In this type of democracy. President Suharto, said: "Democracy Pancasila democracy as practice the basic principles and legal arguments set forth in the Constitution of 1945." Cells Pancasila democracy for decision-making through deliberations, or musyawarah to achieve consensus, or mufakat. It is democracy that lives up to the principles of Pancasila. This implies that democratic right must always be made with a deep sense of responsibility to God Almighty according to the beliefs and religious beliefs in accordance with humanitarian values ​​of human dignity and integrity, and in order to preserve and strengthen national unity and the pursuit of social justice.

Social justice for all Indonesian people

This principle of cells for the equitable distribution of well-being of the entire population, not static but a dynamic and progressive. This means that all natural resources of the country and the national potentials should be exploited to the greatest possible good and happiness of the people. Social justice implies protection of the weak.

But protection should not deny them a job. Rather, they should work according to their capabilities and areas of activity. Protection should prevent the intentional treatment of solid and ensure that the rule of justice. These are the sacred values ​​Pancasila, which as a cultural principle must always be respected by every Indonesian because it is now the ideology of law and philosophy of the Indonesian people.

Source

Read more »

About Kemukus Mountain

For the Love of God
At a prince's tomb in Central Java, thousands gather to pray—and to make love

There are two ways to reach kemukus Mountain. Some people drive to the hill in Central Java, 28 km northeast of Solo, park their cars, buy a 10 ticket from a uniformed guard at the gate, and then climb up a set of stairs—past vendors selling soft drinks, jewelry and herbal medicines—to the tomb of a revered Muslim prince. There they pay their respects, and some adjourn to a room beside the tomb to pray further.

Most people, though, come by boat across an artificial lake created by the Kedungombo dam. They climb up a different set of stairs, past small concrete blockhouses that have been divided into spartan rooms, some separated by a sheet. At an outdoor well they pour water over themselves, then wait in line with flowers and incense to kneel before a fire and be blessed by the local dukun, or shaman. They walk further up the hill—past more blockhouses, wandering dangdut bands, masseurs, gambling tables, a snake charmer and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of other people. They too pay their respects at the tomb of Prince Samodra. Then, after midnight on the Friday pon, which falls every 35 days according to the Javanese calendar, they retire to those tiny, harsh rooms in those grim blockhouses—and they all have sex.

The ritual has its roots in the 15th century, although devotees have been trekking up Kemukus in the current fashion only since the late 1800s. Most believe that Samodra, a Majapahit prince who converted to Islam, died on the hillside and was later joined there by the soul of his heartbroken mother, with whom he had had an affair. Believers come to the tomb seeking answers to their prayers—for wealth, work, a partner, a child, a good harvest. They come mostly on the Friday pon, though some also arrive on another auspicious day known as the Friday kliwon, and according to tradition, they must have sex with a stranger each time for seven pons in a row before their wishes will be fulfilled. (The story varies, naturally: some say the couplings should be with one's spouse, others that they should be with a different person each time.) 

Indonesians have much to wish for these days, and the numbers of disciples visiting Kemukus has grown exponentially. On last month's Friday pon 10,000 people made their way to the hill. Not all of them were believers; there were many more men than women, and in many of the cheap hostels women work as prostitutes. But thousands performed the ritual sincerely. Sopiah, a 42-year-old mother of two, came for her ninth time and insisted that her clothing business had improved after the first seven visits. ("It was awful before that," she says.) Kusmanto had been coming since the 1960s, when couples made love under the trees; the hostels were added only in the 1980s. "I've got what I wanted," he says, which was a wife (whom he did not meet on Kemukus). Sunaryo drove all the way from Tegal, 200 km to the west, to ask that a truck stolen from his rental company be returned.

Many travel even longer distances: at least half of the pilgrims now come from West Java. But the ritual owes much to the more tolerant Islam of Central Java, where most Muslims continue to mix their religion with older Javanese folk beliefs. The tomb's dukun condemns sex with strangers and says the devotees have misinterpreted Prince Samodra's words, "Those who have a wish may have it come true if they strive for it like one reaching out to his beloved." But others have no trouble believing in two kinds of faith. "I am a Muslim," 37-year-old Yuyu insists, sitting under a vast banyan tree where couples still occasionally have sex. "In Islam there are two ways—the black and the white. You must follow the white," He spreads one hand out, then grins and spreads the other. "But sometimes the black is O.K." 

Source

Read more »

Si Gale Gale Dancing Puppet

Versatile Zone before the Indonesian Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai to visitors passing through the room is dominated by black and the color named Black Box is Gale-Gale. Here is a statue of the puppet, which is a Si-Gale, Gale, himself. Mainly made of wood and iron, a little 'ornament wearing a traditional dress in North Sumatra, Gale, Gale, recalls an adult friend. And this doll can dance.

Si-Gale, Gale doll is used in a ritual held for two months after the death of a rich person has no descendants. This doll is Lumbang Gambira, Negri Garoga, Samosir, and the border was Gayus Horb ugly. A puppet to represent the deceased, who asked not to cause damage is a living being, or revenge, because they died without problems, with the consequence of their status in the next word is reduced.

The puppets will perform the funeral dance called Tor Tor-Si Gale Storm. The purpose of dance is to dispel the disappointment of deaths because of their lack of offspring. Batak believe that to die without children, especially the son, is the destination town. Their souls are forced to travel Middle Earth with no family to pray for them. According to local custom, after the funeral of Si-Gale Gale is supposed to be destroyed.

Special person named Datu had the honor to manipulate the strings to make Si-Gale, Gale, a funeral dance, drag springs hidden in the wooden box in which is considered the Si-Gale, Gale. Si-Gale, Gale, a traditional Batak dance music in the background. In the original version of the music played live, but now the music of reproductive technology advances and practical reason. Although rare in a quiet, Si-Gale, Gale, dance is one of the tourist attractions in Samosir, an island in the middle of Lake Toba, North Sumatra. At the same time, puppet shows in Indonesia is a courtesy Art Pavilion

Read more »

Musi River – Largest and Longest River in Sumatra Island Indonesia

Musi River Tours of Palembang

You will find something missing if you visit Palembang, without taking an excursion on the river Musi. This river is the longest known in Sumatra by 750 km long. The trip on the river Musi is a must for visitors who want to know Palembang in the past. Long ago, the indigenous people of Palembang lived along this river. Some have even built their houses along the shore. When you take the tour, you can find several attractions such Kemarau Island and temples. Local people depend on this river for transportation. You can see the many motorboats (taxi), as passengers on the other side of river.

Getting there

You can visit Palembang Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport in Tanjung Api Api Street, which is available from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and China. To go to the Musi River, you can take a taxi or rental car at the airport. The distance between the airport and downtown is about 6 km.

Riverin downtown musicians, there are nine forms of public transport, including buses from seven different locations, which can take you for only Ampera RP1, RP5 to 500, 000

Move

To travel around the Musi river, you should use a motorboat. You can rent one in Ampera bridge in front of Sultan Mahmud II Badaruddin Museum, or in front of Fort Kuto Besak. There are several types of motor boats such as speedboats, Ketek, and smaller vessels. Their prices range from RP20, 000 to RP100, 000 (or 2 to 10 US Dollars). Do not pay more than if those rates. After that, you can enjoy the river Musi taking tour.

Do

Along the Musi River, there are several attractions Kemar island and the tomb of Ratu Bagus Kuning. You can ask the driver of the boat to go to these sites. No doubt aware of these areas.

Residence

As the place chosen for the national sports event Palembang, Palembang developed rapidly and is therefore easy to find hotels in the city center. You will find the stars, or ordinary hotels along the Riva captain, Sudirman, R Sukamto, a veteran, and POM ninth Streets.

Eat

You will have no difficulty finding local food here. Not far from the Grand Mosque in Palembang, Palembang, you can enjoy traditional food-empek empek Panggang and kerupuk (crackers) to Rp1, 500 and RP22, 200

per room, depending on where you eat. There is also a stand selling food ACE Belimbing (Star fruit ice cream). This is the only food stall that sells art Belimbing. His name is Ujuk.

On the Musi River, there are floating restaurants where you can improve your culinary experiences in Palembang.

I'll buy

You will find souvenirs near the Musi River, or you can simply walk 1-2 km from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II museum, and you will find two Seeling markets a variety of food and souvenirs, such as fruits and songket (cloth). These markets are called Pasar 16 Ilir, and Pasar 35 Ilir. About two miles away, is the center songket and 50 meters from there you will find Lekeur (sculpture) center.

Advice

Palembang weather is hot as Jakarta, then you should wear light cotton. And do not forget to bring your hat or umbrella for sun protection.


Source

Read more »

Indonesia's Geography

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. It consists of five major islands and about 30 smaller groups. The figure for the total number of islands is 17,508 according to the Indonesian Naval Hydro-Oceanographic office. The archipelago is on a crossroads between two oceans, the Pacific and the Indian ocean, and bridges two continents, Asia and Australia. This strategic position has always influenced the cultural, social, political and economic life of the country.

The territory of the Republic of Indonesia stretches from 6^o08' north latitude to 11^o15' south latitude, and from 94^o45' to 141^o05' east longitude. The Indonesian sea area is four times greater than its land area, which is about 1.9 million sq. km. The sea area is about 7.9 million sq. km (including an exclusive economic zone) and constitutes about 81% of the total area of the country.

The five main islands are: Sumatra, which is about 473,606 sq. km. in size; the most fertile and densely populated islands, Java/Madura, 132,107 sq. km; Kalimantan, which comprises two-thirds of the island of Borneo and measures 539,460 sq. km; Sulawesi, 189,216 sq. km; and Irian Jaya, 421,981 sq. km, which is part of the world's second largest island, New Guinea. Indonesia's other islands are smaller in size.

The archipelago is divided into three groups. The islands of Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan, and the small islands in-between, lie on the Sunda Shelf which begin on the coasts of Malaysia and Indo China, where the sea depth does not exceed 700 feet. Irian Jaya which is part of the island of New Guinea, and the Aru Islands lie on the Sahul Shelf, which stretches northwards from the Australian coast. Here the sea depth is similar to that of the Sunda Shelf.

Located between these two shelves is the island group of Nusatenggara, Maluku and Sulawesi, where the sea depth reaches 15,000 feet. Coastal plains have been developed around the islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya.

The land area is generally covered by thick tropical rain forests, where fertile soils are continuously replenished by volcanic eruptions like those on the island of Java.

The country is predominantly mountainous with some 400 volcanoes, of which 100 are active. Mountains higher than 9,000 feet are found on the islands of Sumatra (Mt. Leuser and Mt. Kerinci), Java (Mt. Gede, Mt. Tangkubanperahu, Mt. Ciremai, Mt. Kawi, Mt. Kelud, Mt. Semeru and Mt. Raung), Sulawesi (Mt. Lompobatang and Mt. Rantekombala), Bali (Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung), Lombok (Mt. Rinjani) and Sumbawa (Mt. Tambora). The highest mountain is the perpetually snow-capped Mandala Top (15,300 feet) in the Jaya Wijaya mountain range of Irian Jaya.

Many rivers flow throughout the country. They serve as useful transportation routes on certain islands, for example, the Musi, Batanghari, Indragiri and Kampar rivers in Sumatra; the Kapuas, Barito, Mahakam and Rejang rivers in Kalimantan; and the Memberamo and Digul rivers in Irian Jaya. On Java rivers are important for irrigation purposes, i.e., the Bengawan Solo, Citarum and Brantas rivers.

A number of islands are dotted with scenic lakes, like the Toba, Maninjau and Singkarak lakes on Sumatra; the Tempe, Towuti, Sidenreng, Poso, Limboto, Tondano, and Matana lakes on Sulawesi; and the Paniai and Sentani lakes on Irian Jaya.

---

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

The climate and weather of Indonesia is characterized by two tropical seasons, which vary with the equatorial air circulation (the Walker circulation) and the meridian air circulation (the Hardley circulation). The displacement of the latter follows the north-south movement of the sun and its relative position from the earth, in particular from the continents of Asia and Australia, at certain periods of the year. These factors contribute to the displacement and intensity of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) which is an equatorial trough of low pressure that produces rain. Thus, the west and east monsoons, or the rainy and dry seasons, are a prevalent feature of the tropical climate.

The Main Seasons
The climate changes every six months. The dry season (June to September) is influenced by the Australian continental air masses; while the rainy season (December to March) is the result of the Asian and Pacific Ocean air masses. The air contains vapor which precipitates and produces rain in the country. Tropical areas have rains almost the whole year through. However, the climate of Central Maluku is an exception. The rainy season is from June to September and the dry season from December to March. The transitional periods between the two seasons are April to May and October to November.

Temperature and Humidity
Due to the large number of islands and mountains in the country, average temperatures may be classified as follows:
coastal plains: 28^oC
inland and mountain areas: 26^oC
higher mountain areas: 23^oC, varying with the altitude.
Being in a tropical zone, Indonesia has an average relative humidity between 70% and 90%, with a minimum of 73% and a maximum of 87%.

---

TERRITORIAL WATERS AND EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

When independence was proclaimed and sovereignty gained, Indonesia had to enact laws to govern the seas in accordance with the geographic structure of an archipelagic state. This, however, did not mean that the country would bar international passage. The laws were necessary instruments for the unity and national resilience of the country, with a territory that embraces all the islands, the islets and the seas in between.

In view of the country's susceptibility to foreign intervention from the sea and for domestic security reasons, on December 13, 1957, the Indonesian Government issued a declaration on the territorial waters of the Republic. It stated that all the waters surrounding and between the islands in the territory came within Indonesia's sovereignty. It also determined that the country's territorial water limit was 12 miles, measured from a straight baseline drawn from the outermost points of the islands.

In the past, archipelagic states like Indonesia have unilaterally determined their 200-mile-Exclusive Economic Zones. Today such economic zones are confirmed by the International Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was ratified by the Indonesian Government on October 18, 1983, by Act No. 5 of the same year. This is the legal basis of the Indonesian-Exclusive Economic Zone.

---

FLORA

The rich flora of Indonesia includes many unique varieties of tropical plant life in various forms. Rafflesia arnoldi, which is found only in certain parts of Sumatra, is the largest flower in the world. This parasitic plant grows on certain lianas but does not produce leaves. From the same area in Sumatra comes another giant, Amorphophallus tatinum, the largest inflorescence of its kind.

The insect trapping pitcher plant (Nepenthea spp) is represented by different species in many areas of western Indonesia.

The myriad of orchids is rich in species, varying in size from the largest of all orchids, the tiger orchid or Grammatophyllum Speciosum, to the tiny and leafless species of Taeniophyllum which is edible and taken by the local people as a medicine and is also used in handicrafts. The forest soil is rich in humus which enables the luxuriant growth of a multitude of fungi, including the horse hair blight, the luminescent species, the sooty mold and the black mildew.

Indonesia's flora also abounds in timber species. The dipterocarp family is renowned for its timber (meranti), resin, vegetable oil and tengkawang or illipe nuts. Ramin, a good-quality timber for furniture, is produced by the Gonystylus tree. Sandalwood, ebony, ulin and Palem-bang timber are other valuable forest products. Teakwood is a product of man-made forests in Java.

Because the flora is so rich many people in Indonesia have made a good living of this natural resource. About 6,000 species of plants are known to be used directly or indirectly by the people. A striking example in this modern time is the use of plants in the production of traditional herbal medicine or "Jamu". Flowers are indispensable in ceremonial, customary and traditional rites.

To care for animals and plants in the country, the fifth of November was designated as the national Flora and Fauna Day. To foster the society's love for its fauna and flora, the Komodo reptile (Varanus komodoensis) has been designated as Indonesia National Animal, the red freshwater Liluk/arwana (Scleropage formosus) as the Fascinating Animal and the flying Elang Jawa (Javan Hawk Eagle, Spizaetus bartelsi) as the Rare (endangered) species. These decisions complement the previous designation of Indonesia's national flowers.

---

INDONESIA STANDARD TIME

As of January 1, 1988, Indonesia's three time zones have been changed as below:

1. Western Indonesia Standard Time equals GMT plus 7 hours (meridian 105^oE), covering all provinces in Sumatra and Java, and the provinces of West and Central Kalimantan.
2. Central Indonesia Standard Time equals GMT plus 8 hours (meridian 120^oE), covering the provinces of East and South Kalimantan, all provinces in Sulawesi, and the provinces of Bali, West and East Nusatenggara and East Timor.
3. Eastern Indonesia Standard Time equals GMT plus 9 hours (meridian 135^oE), covering the provinces of Maluku and Irian Jaya.

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 S, 120 00 E

Area:

total: 1,904,569 sq km country comparison to the world: 16 land: 1,811,569 sq km water: 93,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,830 km border countries: Timor-Leste 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km

Coastline:

54,716 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

Current Weather tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Land use:

arable land: 11.03% permanent crops: 7.04% other: 81.93% (2005)

Irrigated land:

45,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2,838 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 82.78 cu km/yr (8%/1%/91%) per capita: 372 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes; volcanoes; forest fires volcanism: Indonesia contains the most volcanoes of any country in the world - some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic activity occurs on Java, western Sumatra, the Sunda Islands, Halmahera Island, Sulawesi Island, Sangihe Island, and in the Banda Sea; Merapi (elev. 2,968 m, 9,737 ft), Indonesia's most active volcano and in eruption since 2010, has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Agung, Awu, Karangetang, Krakatau (Krakatoa), Makian, Raung, and Tambora

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

archipelago of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean   Source

Read more »

Paradise Bird Papua

The largest of the border and the lush forests of Papua is home to some of the most glorious birds on earth. Anyone who has followed the almost mythical paradise of birds do something very intimate acclaimed BBC nature documentary, "Attenborough in Paradise," destined to be a long never see the real thing. But in West New Guinea with a population of different bird is much more to offer than a haven for birds alone ...

Think big, humane yet suspicious unbearably, cassowaries fly. Retirement strategies megapodes incubation fascinating, cleverly manipulating the environment, sources of heat. Novaeguineae New Guinea Eagle Harpyopsis send calls to a significant advertising and great transportation for the night. Or crowned pigeons, suddenly breaking the relative silence of the explosions from the applauses flutter along the river at noon. Think of the abundance of parrots of all colors and sizes simply inconceivable. Dazzling kingfisher, which include three single-kingfisher endemic to the island paradise, and a diffuse collection of appropriately-titled turnover Kookaburra Clytoceyx rex. Think of a mysterious nocturnal owlet-nightjars face with a cute cat. Glorious Jewel-babble lurking in the undergrowth of the most reluctant to reveal the colors. Think bowerbirds absolutely amazing ... The few places in the world can compete with the seemingly endless list of Papua unique life forms of rare feathers. And so a large number of avian Division of goodies, is even more strange that Papua is not simply a knee ornithologists, but in fact one of the least traveled the planet outbacks.

Adventure birding

Birdwatching in Papua, one of the last wild places left on this planet is hard work, even in the 21st century. Bird watching area at the top usually only be achieved after arduous marches over what some have dubbed steep slopes, the most dangerous or mud in the Southern Hemisphere. The services of experienced guides and porters, and a working knowledge of Indonesian language to communicate effectively with them, always a prerequisite for a trip to the bastions of Papua. Moreover, the elusiveness of the same bird of New Guinea is almost legendary, as anyone who has tried to attract a melampitta, easy to state. Perseverance, bird watching experience and deep knowledge of local birds are essential to successfully address the many coveted gifts. Fortunately, Papua Expeditions has made things much easier and convenient for you.

Through unparalleled ornithological expertise and unique understanding of all the major bird-watching destinations in Papua, we are both confident and happy to finally bring this area of ​​avian influenza in miracles out of the reach of any reasonably fit birding group a real sense of adventure.

Our birding philosophy

Whether you are a beginner or an expert birder, if you are looking for very focused on the contraction of a more relaxed trip or a bird watching vacation, Shipping Papua serves all abilities and interests. But what always stands out, is our passion and drive to monitor and track well. We want to "get the Birds" and do it well, but never at the expense of the birds. The digital audio library of Papuan birds is unparalleled, but the game will use sparingly and with caution, and always strive to reduce the interference that we BirdLife strangers and friends to view. Above all, we are far from you, we know the hot spots pristine inside and out. We want the experience of living and working forests, in all its glory, but in a way that respects, indeed, and a reward of indigenous peoples and meaningfully improve the prospects for conservation of all the festivities with your own eyes.

Bird photography

Continuing advances in digital photography, which allows the extension and the net increase in image capture in low light photographic opportunities are in the dense forests of Papua and more interesting. The poster produced in the mid-deck floors and numerous birds of paradise species become much more accessible to modern long-range lenses and simply ask for the attention of the specific nature photographer. Our well equipped palm leaves hide a window of observation in secret inner life of many people in Papua normal soil, and its screen and wireless terrestrial birds of paradise Bowerbirds. These include some of the most attractive birds roaming the face of our planet.

From Vogelkop bird Amblyornis inornatus his wonderful "can-covered pole", Bower, and the ball of fire, like the Masked Bird Sericulus aureus, Western Parota Parota sefilata its stunning screen dancer, and, of course, almost mythical Bird of Paradise Wilson Cicinnurus respublica .

Beyond birding

New Guinea truly is a land of birds, and out here in Papua, birds certainly are the most conspicuous of the higher-level taxonomic groups within the Animal Kingdom. Of course, we are giving due attention to all the animals that come through bird watching, but it is important to note that almost all mammals in New Guinea are crepuscular or nocturnal, and therefore often be very difficult to observe, without considerable effort. Fortunately, many components of diversity of birds Papua beyond the sphere of interest and appreciation for the dedicated birder alone. Electrical Look paradise game birds show a communal lek, the explosion in the center of all shades of green, may well rank as one of the greatest natural spectacles on earth. For those of you who love birds, but are not completely besotted by them, be nice to know that all routes of birds can be easily modified and customized to meet the diverse needs of customers with an appetite for more general natural history .

Source

Read more »

Bunaken Marine Park

Being in the Bunaken Marine Park Park District Kel.Bunaken about 7 miles from the port of Manado, which can be reached in 35 minutes from downtown in the ship's engines. Earlier Bunaken is a coral island (atoll). It covers an area of ​​887.5 hectares with terms slightly wavy morphology. Bunaken National Marine Park is one of the most beautiful in the world.

Most of the coastal area consists of mangrove forests and white sand. Do coral reefs hard and soft, with steep cliffs, with different shapes and colors of marine life including sharks, fish, turtles, fish, mandarin, seahorses, rays, and the famous king of the sea is an old fish (Coleacant) and there are many more, forming a beautiful marine park. The beauty of the marine park can be seen in places called Lekuan 1, 2 and 3, Fukui, mandolin, Cape Trimming, Ron Odde, Sachiko Point Pangalisang, house and east where the object Park.Sea Tourism marine tourism and touring that is, the sea and the beach. Tourism activities may come to enjoy the park in terms of places to visit by boat glass (round) (catamaran), snorkeling (swimming wear a respirator), diving (diving), and underwater photography (images sub- marine) as well as sunbathing and beach tourism agency. The facilities provided in Bunaken Marine Park, which is filled with boats, diving center, vacation home (hostel) restaurant, and souvenir kiosks. Indonesia tourist paradise.



Source

Read more »