Archive for June 1st, 2006
31th May - 4th June 2006
About the Majapahit Travel Fair (MTF) 2006
The Majapahit Travel Fair (MTF) 2006 is held annually with the main objective of providing business opportunities for the travel and tourism industry to market East Java’s tourist attractions, hotels, natural surroundings and culture to both domestic and international tour operators. The major activities of this event include a “Table-Top Business Meeting” between the buyers and sellers (Travex), a half-day Workshop and the actual Exhibition itself where the sellers display their facilities and services. We still retain the date of MTF this year to coincide with the celebration of Surabaya’s 713 th anniversary. MTF 2006 will be held on May 31 – June 4, at the Convention Hall, Tunjungan Plaza III, 6th floor Surabaya, with the theme “Redeveloping Cultural Attractions”. In addition, an East Java’s Traditional Dance Festival will also be held to support the theme.
This will be our 7th Annual MTF and promise to be the most interactive than ever. MTF always achieves great success. Last year’s participants amounted to 94 buyers (domestic and overseas) and 66 sellers participating in the Table-Top Business Meeting. The buyers were mainly from other Asian countries and dominated by Malaysia and Japan.
The Travel Exchange is a closed business meeting with a Table-Top format between Buyers and Sellers of the travel and tourism industry. This one-day program is based on the appointment schedule arranged by the MTF Organizing Committee. The buyers taking part in this meeting are international and national tour operators who are currently marketing East Java or Indonesia and those who would like to obtain more information on our region to start promoting our market. The sellers are mostly delegates from East Java’s tourism related industries with some delegates also attending from other destinations in Indonesia.
The Exhibitors are travel operators and tourism destination representatives from East Java and other destinations in Indonesia. It is open for the public from May 31 - June 4, 2006. The Expo venue will be located at the Convention Hall on the 6th floor in one of Surabaya’s large malls, Tunjungan Plaza III (next to the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel).
At the workshop, reputable tourism professionals from Indonesia will share their experience and expertise with an interactive audience. The Sellers, Exhibitors, Managers of Tourist Attractions, Government Tourist Officials, dance companies, conservators University students and the public will attend this workshop. Convened at the Multifunction Hall, in Tunjungan Plaza III, 7th floor, the workshop will feature qualified speakers on this year’s topic, “Redeveloping Cultural Attractions”.
A MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR OF EAST JAVA
Dear MTF Delegates,
On behalf of the Government and People of East Java, I have the honor to invite you to participate in the 7th Annual Majapahit Travel Fair (MTF) being held from May 31st – June 4th 2006 in Surabaya. The MTF is one of the most important tourism promotional events held in Indonesia, attended by both international and domestic buyers, a wide variety of sellers of East Java’s tourist destinations, hotels, resorts and travel related services as well as industry policy makers and the media.
This year, we have still retained the time of the MTF to coincide with the celebration of the founding of Surabaya City. This year, we celebrate Surabaya’s 713th anniversary. This will give all of the delegates a chance to not only discover the exciting tourism destinations in East Java, but also truly experience the atmosphere and hospitality Surabaya has to offer.
East Java has not only spectacular natural tourist attractions but also cultural attractions as well. The population consists of different kinds of ethnics such as Javanese, Madurese, Arabian, Chinese and Osing with their unique cultures spread across the 38 Regencies. They are potentially promoted and offered to other nations, as in this year’s MTF, we specially focus on redeveloping our traditional cultures originating from East Java.
We hope all delegates attending here become the generators of tourists from their countries. In this opportunity, I would like to assure you that East Java is a save destination because the grand master of terrorists in Indonesia was captured in Batu-East Java a couple of months ago. In line with the development of tourism, our Government seriously forms the integrated security to fight against and chase the terrorists.
I am confident you will find that the province of East Java is ready and committed to the continuing development of the travel and tourism industry. We are sure that your visit here will greatly enhance your business opportunities and awareness of East Java and that you will leave with a greater understanding of our culture and attractions, and I am sure, many new friends from Indonesia.
On behalf of the government and the people of East Java, I look forward to personally welcoming each and every one of you to the MTF 2006 in East Java.
Sincerely yours,
IMAM UTOMO S.
GOVERNOR OF EAST JAVA
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A WARM INVITATION FROM
THE DIRECTOR OF EAST JAVA GOVERNMENT TOURISM SERVICE
Dear Travel Professionals,
The great success achieved last year in the Majapahit Travel Fair (MTF) 2005 has encouraged the Government and Tourism Industry of East Java to expand this year’s program for the seventh MTF, which will be held at the Convention Hall, Tunjungan Plaza III, Surabaya on May 31st – June 4tth, 2006.
We are taking the opportunity during this year’s MTF 2006 to launch the new theme “Redeveloping Cultural Attractions”. Here we would like to explore and redevolep our cultural products to suit the interest of visitors. The reason for choosing this theme is inspired by the idea of the Central Government of the Republic of Indonesia to redevelop the culture of the nation.
At this year’s MTF, beside organizing our main program a Table -Top business meeting to provide the chance for the international and domestic buyers to meet with the sellers from East Java and other regions throughout Indonesia, we have also organized a half-day workshop featuring qualified speakers on the development of art and culture. After the workshop, participants can see as witness the attractive of traditional dances from each region in East Java and join familiarization trips to several popular tourist destinations in the region. With this format, we are hoping that each delegate will have the opportunity to not only meet with the sellers face to face, but also to enjoy some of the exciting cultural programs and beautiful tourist attractions we have to offer.
I expect your active participation in the Majapahit Travel Fair 2006 will create a better awareness of the attractions and culture that East Java has to offer and create new business partnerships for you to expand into our dynamic market.
In this good opportunity, I would like to express my deep appreciation to ASITA, PHRI, Casa Grande Surabaya, Garuda Indonesia Airlines and Malaysia Airlines for providing their great support to us.
I look forward to seeing you at the MTF 2006 in Surabaya.
With best regards,
East Java Government Tourism Service
Drs. Harun, M.Si, MM
Director
Source : www.jatim.go.id
June 1st, 2006
Puncak Area in Bogor
Puncak area has been known as a cool and fresh area and enriched with natural mountainous area, so it’s so called as West Java mascot, even it’s been one of Seven Wonders of West Java. The natural conditions is very different from capital city, and may ease to visit Bogor Regency for visitors who come from Jakarta and surroundings. Besides the natural condition in Puncak area, many various tourism objects are interesting to visit, But remember in weekends traffic jam is often here.
Riung Gunung Natural Scenery
Riung Gunung Natural Scenery it’s exactly located 40 kms of road to Puncak. It takes about 40 minutes from Buitenzorg. Riung Gunung offers a magnificent view because it lies at 1,400 m asl, we can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Gunung Mas Tea Plantation
Here can be seen the procces of tea production. Started from tea picking till tea serving. It is an interesting activity walking in large tea plantation area the best time to enjoy is when harvest comes.
The Safari Park
In this park can be seen various kinds of wild animals living as sort of their own habitats-visitor can observe closely the interesting activities of 2500 kinds of animals, for examples, Lion, Tiger, Cheetah, American Black Bear, Brown Bear, Zebra, Polar Bear, Bison, Watusi, Lamma, Red Panda, Elephan, and many more kinds of rare animals we can see. The most unique from the Safari Park compared with others is that we can see alive wild animals directly from car window and the Park also equipped with recreation center, hotel and restaurant.
Cilember Waterfall
The natural tourist resort locates at Cilember Villages, Cisarua Sub. District. It is about 21 km from Bogor, when arrive at USSU Hotel turn left and you come to Balai Desa Cilember, and go on foot to the location. Cilember Waterfall and it’s beatiful scenery enriched with Butterfly Garden, children playground and camping ground.
Bodogol Ecotourism
Bodogol Ecotourism is officially opened on December 12th 1998 as Educational Center of Bodogol Natural Preservation, it is located at western slope of National Park Mount Gede - Pangrango. Bodogol Ecotourism’s location is able to be reached in 60 minutes form Jakarta via Bogor toward Sukabumi (Through Lido Gate). Visitor are able to see many kinds of flora and fauna which are very interesting. It is equiped by canopy trail and other facilities.
Accomodation
Where to stay in Puncak tourism area? Below is the good place we recommended for you:
PERMATA ALAM HOTEL
Located in a cool mountainous area with a beautiful scenery. You will be impressed by the hospitality and the provided facilities of an international standard hotel.
CISARUA INDAH HOTEL
Hotel Cisarua Indah is located in Puncak tourism area, that offer facilities for resting, business and recreation.
JAYAKARTA HOTEL
With a very beautiful scenery and fresh air, this hotel is very suitable for your vacation.
NOVOTEL HOTEL
This hotel is the only one four star international hotel in Bogor equipped with 18 hole golf course. Here you can enjoy charming of the world class hotel. It has a hotel network arround the world and is directly managed by international management..
JAYARAYA BUNGALOWS
It’s a convention and resort hotel it provides a complete recreation facilities that can make a convention and your vacation more representative.
SAFARI GARDEN HOTEL
This hotel is located in Puncak tourism area with its beautiful scenery.
PARAMA HOTEL
Surrounded by a cool mountainous air, this hotel enriched with modern and complete facilities make your holiday more enjoyable.
BUMI PARAHYANGAN HOTEL
Located in Ciawi which is a busy business area. This hotel is suitable for business & resting.
ARYADUTA HOTEL
It’s a three star hotel in the south part of Bogor. This hotel is provides a complete facilities from the water tourism to the air recreation. It can be an interesting place for your vacation.
MEGAMENDUNG PERMAI HOTEL
With a beautiful view, cool air, and complete recreational facilities this hotel can make your vacation more enjoyable.
USSU INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
It’s a hotel with fantastic Balinese colour.
Source :www.geocities.com/gedepangrango/gpnptourarea.htm
June 1st, 2006
JAKARTA (JP): Ragunan zoo in South Jakarta is a popular place to visit, particularly during holidays.
Few know, however, the zoo, which is now located near Pasar Minggu area, was formerly located in Cikini, Central Jakarta.
According to its history, Taman Margasatwa Ragunan, or Ragunan Wildlife Reserve, was first set up by a Dutch flora and fauna lovers organization.
The organization, the Vereneging Plantenen Dierentuin at Batavia, set up the park on a 10-hectare plot of land in Jl. Cikini Raya 2, South Jakarta in 1864.
The park, Plantenen Dierentuin, was moved to the present location in 1964 to accommodate the city’s development plan.
In the new location, the park was given a 10-hectare plot of land, but now it occupies 135 hectares of land.
“Basically, the park is intended as a place to conserve flora and fauna outside their habitat, or better known as ex-situ conservation,” said the park’s promotional staff Dedi Ruswandi.
At present, the zoo, some 20 kilometers away from the city center, has a collection of 277 species of about 3,200 animals, including rare and endangered animals like orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), komodo dragons (Varamus komodoensis) and Sumatra tigers (Panthera tigris). There are also rare birds like birds of paradise and 142 other species coming from different regions.
This year, the park will get a new attraction with the arrival of four male African gorillas in October, which will certainly lure more visitors to the zoo.
The zoo’s director Ismunanto earlier said that the gorillas were born in the Howletts Port Lympne Wildlife Park in England and are on loan to the zoo for a period of a year. The plan became a reality with the assistance given by a wildlife lover, the late Mrs. Puck Schmutzer and the Gibbon Foundation.
Now, the zoo is busy preparing a 10-hectare enclosure, which was described by the director as the largest and most luxurious one in the world, for the new guests.
“Apart from animals, we also collect various plants, including medicinal ones,” said Dedi.
According to the park’s data, there are now 968 plant species made up of 47,499 trees.
The park has long been known as one of the city’s tourist spots, which receives lots of visitors during weekends. Entrance tickets are affordable. It charges an admission fee of Rp 3,000 for adults and Rp 2,000 for children. A discount of 25 percent is offered to visitors coming in groups.
“The largest number of visitors recorded was during the Idul Fitri holidays. At least 750,000 people thronged the park during the celebrations last year,” Dedi said. During the period between 1999 and 2001, the park has been visited by over 3.1 million people.
Some people, however, disturb the animals by giving them food despite the presence of signs warning them not to do so.
“Any food given to the animals should be that recommended by the park’s officials,” said Maman of the park’s nursery division.
Wrong food, he said, poses serious risks, such as causing illness.
The park also faced problems from visitors who throw trash or carelessly trample neatly arranged areas.
At present, the park is developing partnerships with members of the public, including individuals, groups and institutions, to help in its maintenance while at the same time, raising their awareness to help conserve flora, fauna and the park.
These efforts, according to Dedi, are aimed at not making the park simply a recreation place. Instead, there should be a strong connection, a sense of belonging, between members of the society and the park, he added.
People’s concern, he said, could be manifested in various forms, such as services, time and money.
“For instance, people can take part in the renovation of enclosures, maintenance of plants and management of park trash.”
Source : www.ecologyasia.com
June 1st, 2006
It is ordinarily not like me to devote an entire travelogue or subchapter to what is essentially a single attraction in a city. But the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is not an ordinary attraction. It is, in fact, an attraction designed to show off the incredible diversity of culture and architecture available amongst Indonesia’s 1,700 or so islands.
It was an attraction perfectly suited for such a capital city. After all, most visitors to Indonesia tend to concentrate on the single island of Bali, beyond that the quantity of foreign tourists drop significantly. Since island hopping is difficult to do, this is a great alternative.
I found that the best way to start a visit to the Taman Mini was to start with the skylift, a cable car that crosses over most of the park. From above, I found that there were about thirty or so different (and I mean completely different) cultures represented. Each culture (island or part of island) was given its own little block which contained one or two structures and gardens in the represented architecture. For example, the first photo shows the exhibit for Central Java (region containing the popular city of Bandung, for example). I learned that the island of Java was very diverse, with the Western, Central, and Eastern Java exhibits being very different.
The eastern Javanese city of Yogyakarta, a major Javanese attraction with Buddhist and Hindu temples alongside old Muslim mosques, earned its very own exhibit. Part of it is the Borobudur exhibit, shown in the second photo. Borobudur is a famous Buddhist temple from the 8th Century that is popular due its interesting octogonal shape and its elaborate artwork. The exhibit is a very simplistic version compared to the real thing. Yogyakarta (called “Joeg-jah” by the locals) is high on my list of places to hit in future trips, the pages I’ve encountered on the web describe other ruins and sites to visit, plus it is described as Java’s cultural center.
The exhibits representing sites further from Java were even more interesting and ornate. For example, take a look at the flambouyant style of the West Sumatra exhibit in the third photo. Sumatera is Indonesia’s largest island, adjacent to Java to the northwest, and itself a multicultural experience (North Sumatera, West Sumatera, South Sumatera, and the remote province of Aceh were represented). Much of their architecture made elaborate use of straw and ornate, colorful patterns. Other major islands, like Sulawesi (also known as Celebes) and Irian Jaya (also known as Papua), showed examples of even more flambouyant architecure and brighter colors (gold was particularly common, but also bright blood reds and royal blues). Of course, the Balinese exhibit (with its signature orange stone Hindu architecture) was the easiest for me to spot. The Museum Indonesia, the national history museum, also used Balinese architecture.
The third photo was taken on the drive after the skylift ride, time unfortunately did not permit the opportunity to visit each exhibit, but believe me I would have loved to.
There were three other sights from the skylift definitely worth mentioning. The first is shown in the fourth photo, a kilometer-long pool that contains a reproduction of the major islands. I have annotated this photograph to help you get your bearings (perhaps reviewing the Indonesia map will help, too?). This is the western half. Second was the Children’s Castle, located at the distant end of the park. This is a huge red-brick castle with playgrounds and activities. While impressive, I couldn’t grasp what architecture if any it was designed to replicate. Third were religious structures, which used a very odd shade of olive green — these were a mosque, a Catholic church, and a Protestant church side by side. These were not monuments, they were still very much in use, and represented the country’s religious tolerance.
The Taman Mini was much, much more than just the miniature Indonesia exhibit. I already mentioned the skylift and the Museum Indonesia. The fifth photo shows the “snail”, which is an IMAX theater. There were other museums, and a miniature version of the Monas.
My only complaint about the Taman Mini would be that it did seem to be falling into a state of disrepair. The exhibits themselves were fabulous, however much of the infrastructure looked the worse for wear after some twenty or twenty-five years. In a way, this was surprising, given the popularity of the park — especially among the children who congregated at the children’s castle and the IMAX theater, and this was on a weekday.
Aside from that, the Taman Mini was absolutely worth the visit. If you are going to Jakarta and want a quickie-tour of the whole country without the pain of added travel, I highly recommend it.
Source : www.tompgalvin.com
June 1st, 2006
Seaworld Indonesia is an aquarium. It isn’t as large as the name would suggest but definitely worth a visit. It is completely confirn western standards but the animals are slightly different… -coconut crabs in a nice vivarium -duyong -a touch-area with seaturtles , thornbacks , sharks -a large tunnel with full grown sea turtles and many tropical fish My absolute favorites are the sea turtles and the arapaima’s -2 hours for a visit will be enough , check when you enter the feeding times and join. -The best time to visit is in my opinion 9 in the morning before the place gets flooded by school children and before the noisy ‘educational’ shows take place -take a taxi inside the parc and let them drop you in front of seaworld. Ancol is the largest amusement parc in south east asia.
Address: Taman Impian jaya Ancol , Jalan Lodan Timur 7
Directions: In amusements parc Ancol (say ansjol). North of Jakarta. You will have to pay entrance money for both attractions…(together less then 3 euro)
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Oceanarium and waterpark
Directions: Entry Fee Weekdays Individual Rp.15.000,- Student groups Rp. 10.200,- Corporate groups Rp. 12.500,- Weekend or holidays Individual Rp.20.000,- Student groups Rp. 14.100,- Corporate groups Rp. 17.000,-
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Dufan [Dunia Fantasi] and Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
The amusement park kinda like Disneyland. And the most I like is Race War Simulator. Feel like Anakin Skywalker there 
Beside Dufan acronym of Dunia Fantasi [Fantasy World], you can also visit Taman Impian Jaya Ancol Beach nearby this park.
Directions: Take tollway from downtown or west Jakarta to direction north Jakarta, exit at Ancol Gate.
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Ancol Dreamland
This is the largest amusement park in Jakarta. This huge area provides all classes and kinds of entertainment. It was built in Jakarta on reclaimed beach land. Though it is not recommended for swimming any more the beach is still a good place for a walk and a picnic. Ancol is also a gateway for island trips to Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands). There is a marina where hundreds of private boats lay anchor every day. The Marina is good spot for marine recreation and sport with lots of facilities, such as water cycles, canoes, sailing boats, and fishing gear. Stalls along the beach serve drinks and snacks while tents are available for sunbathers. Ancol is specially designed for family recreation. This place has a water park, theme park (Dunia Fantasi – Fantasy Land), an art market, oceanarium and Seaworld. On some events, Ancol will host several entertainments including music performances, wayang kulit (leather puppet), and a firework party. Public transport is a bit hard to fine. So again you should take the car. Well, taxi will do too. The beach is dirty in some parts and clean in others. Dunia Fantasy itself is great stuff for the family with lots of exciting rides. It is often updating, and even adding a new rides. Pasar Seni (Art markert) has a good variety of stuff and there is an outdoor stage with live music.
Directions: Entry Fee Entrance gate Individual Rp. 6.000,- Student groups Rp. 4.700,- Corporate groups Rp. 5.300,- Groups minimum 25 persons.
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Seaworld Indonesia
It is inside Ancol Dreamland, and offers a view of the wonders of Indonesia and the world’s seas and rivers. Seaworld is one of the most modern, progressive and well maintaine attractionsin Indonesia and has some very good displays. We can learn about all kinds of amazing fish, fearsome sharks and large stingrays. Film about frogs, sharks and coral reefs play continuously throughout the day in a roomy theatre. The underwater tunnel allows a great view of the sharks and other big fish. But beware on weekends if you suffer from claustrophobia, it can get jam packed in there! Seaworld Indonesia is divided into two worlds, fresh water and salt water. In the fresh water section, you can find out about ecosystems, South American fish, primitive cartilaginous fish, Piranha, Indonesian fish, the electric eel, African fish, baby crocodiles and giant robber crabs. Salt water consists of a special appearance tank (dugong), jelly fish, coral reef, miniature corals, schooling fish, dangerous sea creatures, the underwater world and much more. If all that makes you hungry, Seaworld also has a seafood restaurant and food court. Diving is also an option at Seaworld. You can try to dive programme and feed the fishes.
Directions: Opening hours Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm, entry fee Rp. 14.000,- Weekend and holiday -include school holiday, 9am – 7.30pm, Rp. 19.000,- Entry fee is exclusive of Ancol Dreamland fee
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Pergi Ke Dunia Fantasi… [OST-Dunia Fantasi]
Dunia Fantasi is the famous theme park In Jakarta besides Lippo Karawachi [indoor theme park]. There are so many rides and attractions in Dunia Fantasy.For kids and also for Adult [more challenging]. Located in Ancol Baycity, North jakarta, Dunia Fantasi is not hard to find. Just look for “Bianglala” The Great Ferris Wheel from far away as a pointer.Also u can see the venue of Jakarta City from above 200 m height.Great scenery! The weather is fairly hot.Wind blows from the sea. But still…ice cold water please…^_^… Tickets FAre : Rp. 70.000 [US$ 7] Open : daily : 11.00 - 20.00 The rides are[ highly recomended] : 1. Niagara Falls : u get wet a little 2. Kora-Kora : A Giant Boat ..not recomended if u just get your meal. 3. Halilintar [RollCoaster] : Thrilling 4. Kicir-Kicir [Power Surge] : OMG!!! My world is spinning round around..where’s my leg??!!my head??!! 5. Arung Jeram : u get wet and get shower! The attractions : 1. Festival Parade ; Marching Band 2. Balada Kera ; Monkey Theater {mascot of Dunia Fantasi] 3. Rama Shinta : [rides and attraction 4. Turbo Star Space War : Simulation Theater and so on. You also can enjoy all the other rides and attractions inside Dunia Fantasi, many more. But the most i like to ride in DuFan is : BOmBom Car !!! hahahahha I have seen theme park in Dream World BAngkok , Sunway LAgoon [KL] , and Genting Highland [Malaysia]…i think Dunia Fantasi got the best for rides . Sunway lagoon only the Tomahawk which is so thrilling. and Genting…sit and u will be dropped from more than 50 metres height [ i forgot what the ride is called] Let’s Go To Dunia Fantasi!!!
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: You must also spend some time…
You must also spend some time here at Jakarta’s all-in-one recreation park located on the waterfront in north Jakarta. There are cultural performances, a fun park (Dunia Fantasy), an art market, golf course, restaurants, a marina, discos and an oceanarium…etc… to capture every visitor’s imagination!
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Recreation, Art, Theatre, Sport, Sailing
… “Dreamland”… That is what Ancol has been named; a huge landscaped recreation park, providing non-stop entertainment, along the bayfront between Kota and Tanjung Priok. Have a great time with children and visit Ancol’s prime attractions include the Pasar Seni (Art Market), its many sidewalk cafes and gallery where there are often interesting exhibitions of modern Indonesian art and photography. Very crowded on weekends, but on week-days it’s fairly quiet and a splendid place to escape from the hassles of downtown city. Guess what I found: -> a painting of the Javanese Ratu Kidul, Spirit-Queen of the Southern Ocean. Cost-price 10.000$ included “special price-bargains” … so I started to paint myself 
))
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol: Jaya Ancol Dreamland & Fantasy…
Jaya Ancol Dreamland & Fantasy Land Jakarta Dreamland This is Jakarta’s largest and most popular recreation park. It is built on reclaimed beach land at the Bay of Jakarta, having, sea and freshwater aquariums, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing, boating, bowling, an assortment of nightclubs, restaurants, a steam-bath and massage parlors. Daily shows are held at the Aquarium where dolphins and sea lions perform. The Ancol complex includes a Marina, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy Land), a golf course, hotels and a drive-in theater. The ‘Pasar Seni’ or art market has a varied collection of Indonesian handicraft, paintings and souvenirs on sale. At a nearby open-air theater art performances are held using the local dialect. Fantasy Land A recent addition to Jakarta’s growing recreation facilities is the Fantasy Land, a 9.5 hectares (23.75 acres) entertainment park located inside the Ancol Dreamland. Planned to eventually become a part of a 200-hectares (500-acres) park designed to usher the visitors into the fascinating world of modern science and technology, the present facility takes them on an imaginative tour of Old Jakarta, Africa, America, Indonesia, Europe, Asia and the Palace of Dolls. Each of the areas is designed to give the visitor a feel of the region he is visiting through features and architecture of the area at a certain period of its history and by the use of animated puppets in the Palace of Dolls. The park also offers a number of restaurants and souvenir shops.
June 1st, 2006
In 1488, the area now named Bandung was the capital of the Kingdom of Padjajaran. But from ancient archeological finds, we know the city was home to Australopithecus, Java Man. These people lived on the banks of the Cikapundung in north Bandung, and on the shores of the Great Lake of Bandung. Flint artifacts can still be found in the Upper Dago area and the Geological Museum has displays and fragments of skeletal remains and artifacts.
The Sundanese were a pastoral people farming the fertile regions of Bandung. They developed a lively oral tradition which includes the still practiced Wayang Golek puppet theatre, and many musical forms. “There is a city called Bandung, comprising 25 to 30 houses,” wrote Juliaen de Silva in 1614.
Dutch Colonial Era
The achievements of European adventurers to try their luck in the fertile and prosperous Bandung area, led eventually to 1786 when a road was built connecting Jakarta, Bogor, Cianjur and Bandung. This flow was increased when in 1809 Louis Napoleon, the ruler of the Netherlands, ordered Governor General H.W. Daendels, to increase defences in Java against English. The vision was a chain of military defense units and a supply road between Batavia and Cirebon. But this coastal area was marsh and swamp, and it was easier to construct the road further south, across the Priangan highlands.
The Groote Postweg (Great Post Road) was built 11 miles north of the then capital of Bandung. With his usual terseness, Daendels ordered the capital to be relocated to the road. Bupati Wiranatakusumah II chose a site south of the road on the western bank of the Cikapundung, near a pair of holy wells, Sumur Bandung, supposedly protected by the ancient goddess Nyi Kentring Manik. On this site he built his dalem (palace) and the alun-alun (city square). Following traditional orientations, Mesjid Agung (The Grand Mosque) was placed on the western side, and the public market on the east. His residence and Pendopo (meeting place) was on the south facing the mystical mountain of Tangkuban Perahu. Thus was The Flower City born.
Around the middle of the l9th Century, South American cinchona (quinine), Assam tea, and coffee was introduced to the highlands. By the end of the century Priangan was registered as the most prosperous plantation area of the province. In 1880 the rail line connecting Jakarta and Bandung was completed, and promised a 2 1/2 hour trip from the blistering capital in Jakarta to Bandung.
With this life changed in Bandung, hotels, cafes, shops sprouted up to serve the planters who either came down from their highland plantations or up from the capital to frolic in Bandung. The Concordia Society was formed and with its large ballroom was the social magnet for weekend activities in the city. The Preanger Hotel and the Savoy Homann were the hotels of choice. The Braga became the promenade, lined with exclusive Europeans shops.
With the railroad, light industry flourished. Once raw plantation crops were sent directly to Jakarta for shipment to Europe, now primary processing could be done efficiently in Bandung. The Chinese who had never lived in Bandung in any number came to help run the facilities and vendor machines and services to the new industries. Chinatown dates from this period.
In the first years of the present century, Pax Neerlandica was proclaimed, resulting in the passing of military government to a civilian one. With this came the policy of decentralization to lighten the administrative burden of the central government. And so Bandung became a municipality in 1906.
This turn of events left a great impact on the city. City Hall was built at the north end of Braga to accommodate the new government, separate from the original native system. This was soon followed by a larger scale development when the military headquarters was moved from Batavia to Bandung around 1920. The chosen site was east of City Hall, and consisted of a residence for the Commander in Chief, offices, barracks and military housing.
By the early 20’s the need for skilled professionals drove the establishment of the technical high school that was sponsored by the citizens of Bandung. At the same time the plan to move the capital of the Netherlands Indies from Batavia to Bandung was already mature, the city was to be extended to the north. The capital district was placed in the northeast, an area that had formerly been rice fields, and a grand avenue was planned to run for about 2.5 kilometers facing the fabled Tangkuban Perahu volcano with Gedung Sate at the south end, and a colossal monument at the other. on both sides of this grand boulevard buildings would house the various offices of the massive colonial government.
Along the east bank of the Cikapundung River amidst natural scenery was the campus of the Technische Hoogeschool, dormitories and staff housing. The old campus buildings and its original landscaping reflect the genius of its architect Henri Maclain Pont. The southwestern section was reserved for the municipal hospital and the Pasteur Institute, in the neighborhood of the old quinine factory. These developments were carefully planned down to the architectural and maintenance details. These years shortly before World War II were the golden ones in Bandung and those alluded to today as Bandung Tempoe Doeloe.
Post-Independence Era
After Indonesian independence, Bandung was named as the provincial capital of West Java (Jawa Barat). Bandung was the site of the Bandung Conference which met April 18-April 24, 1955 with the aim of promoting economic and cultural cooperation among the African and Asian countries, and to counter the threat of colonialism or neocolonialism by the United States, the Soviet Union, or other imperialistic nations.
June 1st, 2006