INTRODUCTION
The Tourism Research and Development Centre, Bandung Institute of Technology (The Centre) was established in August 1993 to answer the need of providing skillful manpower and integrative interdisciplinary research which could support the growth and development of tourism. Through cooperation with the Directorate General of Tourism, Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, several provincial and local government as well as private sectors, The Centre has shown its contribution to tourism development in both national and local scale.
VISIONS
Establishment of a society and its constituent communities who are completely aware of benefit and cost of tourism and their potential role in achieving sustainable tourism development
Establishment of tourism industries and communities who resolutely promote knowledge-based and sustainable tourism development and undertaking
MISSIONS
Developing the body of knowledge of tourism and its dissemination
Responding tourism development challenges through institutionalizing the development of creativity in planning, designing; art and technology to improve the quality of tourism product
Providing inputs for national policy on tourism development based on basic, applied or empirical studies
Developing and creating software and hardware as a tool (of controlling) or as a part of tourism product
Establishing an information centre for tourism in Indonesia, serving academicians, decision makers, policy makers as well as private business in tourism
Supporting the expertise and field of interest developed in the graduate program
ORGANIZATION & SUPPORTING RESOURCES
The Centre is part of the Institute for Research ITB that link to 30 departments in Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and have access to ITB facilities. The involvement of faculty members from various departments in ITB ensures significant roles of the centre in the present and future tourism development.
Source : http://www.aseanjournal.com/
February 9th, 2007
Laying directly across the equator and the main gate way into the Province of West Kalimantan is the provincial capital of Pontianak. This rapidly developing and surprisingly large city was founded in 1771 by Syarif Abdul Rahman Al-Kadri of Saudi Arabia and is now a bustling economic hub as well as home to a sizeable university and a giant indoor sports stadium. Canals crisscross the city and one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Kapuas 1.143 km long, divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link. Like Java and Sumatra, West Kalimantan was once an important cultural crossroads.
Hinduism reached West Kalimantan by about the year 400 and evidence of both early Hindu and Buddhist civilizations in the region have been discovered. Stone carvings and ceramics can be traced as far back as the 5th century, but it is the influence of Islam that has had the most impact on this region.
The advent of Islam in West Kalimantan occurred at about the same time as the rise of the first Islamic Kingdom in Aceh in the 15th century and was introduced primarily from South Sumatra and North Kalimantan, and the country of Brunei. Islam was rapidly embraced and various kingdoms grew in strength and power particularly because of Kalimantan’s strategic importance along trade routes to China and the Philippines.
West Kalimantan covers an area of over 146.807 sq km, which is rich in a variety of minerals and precious stones and remains largely unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100 rivers sculpting the flat plains, but in the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains, there are many Dayak villages.
The Dayaks have ancient traditions and beliefs which are expressed in various forms; earlobes elongated by heavy earings, tattoos intricate paintings, designs and carvings and wonderful dances of respect, heroism, welcome and cure. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian ethnic groups account for the rest of the inhabitants of the province.
West Kalimantan is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air and boat and over land journeys provide a rare opportunity to see the interior of one of the world’ largest and richest islands.
^ PLACE OF INTEREST
Pontianak
As the capital of West Kalimantan, there are some interesting places to visit, among others the Equator Monument, Kadariah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak Bridges with a river view and floating market. Dine can simply relax in the recreational park Tirta Ria. The beach resort of Kijing and Temajoh Island are good places for diving, fishing and sailing.
Betana (Long House)
On the outskirts of Pontianak is a Daya traditional long house at Saham village, 158 from Pontianak. The measures of long house are: 186 m long, 6 m wide 269 people live there. There is no accommodation here.
Pasir Panjang
It lies 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency. There is the beach resort of Pasir Panjang, ideal for swimming. Comfortable cottages are available equipped with a tennis court. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng hill resort with its fresh air is a good place for nature lovers.
National Park and Nature Reserve
The Gunung [Mount) Palung national park located in the Ketapang regency is home to miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also interesting to visit to see the Rafflesia or the Giant Flower.
Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature recerves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang Regency. While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang Karimun nature reserve where lake Sentarum and the protected Siluk fish (Sclerop hages Formocus) are found.
Sambas Palace
This palace is one of the remnants of the Kingdom of Sambas. Up to the present time it is still kept in good condition. There are manya antiques to be seen.
Source : http://www.kbri-bangkok.com/
February 9th, 2007