Archive for July, 2008
Kris: Could It Pour Water From Heaven and Water Paddy Fields ? A thousand years-mystery was revealed yesterday at the Indonesia Pavilion, Expo Zaragoza, by a knowledgeable staff of the Pavilion.
Jakarta, Indonesia, July 30, 2008 –(PR.com)– Kris, an exotic form of traditional Indonesian war armor, could possibly pour water from heaven, at least according to the legend. Kris artist-maker at the time were regarded as holy and together with thousand villagers experiencing drought prayed to gods and goddesses for rain. Lo and behold, rain poured thanks to their unswerving faith.
Today it is not the case. Ministry of Public Works creates dams and reservoirs, maintains river courses, directs streams, builds bridges, etc. The myth was recreated as the Organizing Committee of the Expo Zaragoza determined the theme ‘Water for Life; Reassessment of Tradition, Art, Culture and Identity related to Water’ for interested participating pavilions. Nations and countries manifested the theme differently and are now for the public to see.
One of the many artifacts exhibited in the Indonesia Pavilion are several krises (or “keris” in the native language) from Java. For some with eyes for details, the handles are visibly made with decorative pattern. The curator of the pavilion chose some with watery decoration, waves and flows, droplets and streams. “It was not carved on the surface”, said Mr. Wagiono, the curator. “It was whacked, bent and fire-burnt wholly up to the deepest layer of the iron and ore. The result is the wavy pattern symbolizing water. Water has been and always is the symbol of life and prosperity. It is believed that whoever owns and keeps the kris will be prosperous and blessed with good life”, explained him. For him, that is the obvious interpretation of the theme determined by the Organizing Committee. And for many curators in other pavilions, traditions are being re-lived thanks to the Zaragoza water wisdom.
The Indonesia pavilion continued to receive approximately 5000 visitors a day, interesting despite the relatively small size of the unit. In July it was made more festive with the help of a dance troupe from Kalimantan Island. They performed both at the Balcony of Cultures and on the circular stage at the pavilion. Kalimantan is the least visited tourist destination of Indonesia hence their hard effort to rectify the situation. It has a world renowned exotic bird’s sanctuary and an established eco-tourism field that counts forest trees of hundred years. The inhabitants are Dayak tribe with distinguishable face feature of South East Asian’s and are expert forest hunters and keepers of wild life.
August will see the Indonesian National Day at Zaragoza Expo compound. Indonesia has prepared a chain of cultural performances to celebrate with the Spanish public.
Source: http://www.pr.com/
July 31st, 2008
The 14th Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) will take place in Makassar, South Sulawesi on 14-17 October 2008 at the Celebes Convention Centre (CCC).
In 2006, TIME attracted 110 international buyers from 21 countries with the top five buyers from the Netherlands, China, Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia with the expo generating an estimated US$15million of business, according to Lovely Indonesia.
“The conduct of TIME also supports the government program of ‘Visit Indonesia Year 2008’ which targeting 7 million of tourist arrivals to Indonesia, as TIME is aimed at promoting Indonesia as tourist destination in international market and at the same time raise the country image as one of global travel destinations” said Meity Robot, Chairwoman TIME 2008 Steering Committee.
TIME 2008 will be themed “Eco-Tourism and Maritime Tourism” and aim to present all popular tourist destinations, objects, new product development, all in relation to the theme.
In relation to TIME 2008 being held in Makassar, Meity explained that it was a strategic move to promote Eastern Indonesia to the international market as well as making use of the available supporting facilities and infrastructure.
She said, “With more tourists arriving there will be improvement in the infrastructure. Furthermore, buyers and international media are given the opportunity to take part in the post tour program, Toraja or Manado.”
Niko B. Pasaka Chairman, Local Organizing Committee of TIME 2008 pointed out that Makassar was also close to completing several supporting facilities for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) industry.
He said, “This includes the 11 kilometer of highway connecting Makassar city center to airport as well as the completion of Hasanuddin International Airport. We hope these facilities could finish on time to support TIME 2008.”
Source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com/
July 25th, 2008
PHILIPPINE Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, is the first travel entity to confirm participation in the upcoming 3rd Mindanao Travel & Tour Expo 2008 set on August 8-10 at the Event Centre of SM City Mall.
Provincial Government participants that also signed up earlier for the three-day tourism and travel fair are Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Sarangani.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
More regional destinations are expected to join the biggest gathering of tourism players in Mindanao.
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano will grace the opening rites in the afternoon of August 8 with cultural presentations and a fashion show highlighting Mindanao-inspired collections.
The Consulate General’s office in Davao City is also participating in its capacity as partner in the BIMP-Eaga (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asian Growth Area) cooperation. It will have a booth promoting the destination areas around Indonesia, including a showcase of Indonesian traditional dances.
The MTTE 2008 also sees the gathering of tourism schools around Mindanao, with the Mindanao Technical Vocational Education and Training Association (MinTVET), including the Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation, Inc.
Regional offices of the Department of Tourism in Mindanao are also participating as they take the lead in promoting the different tourist destinations in their respected areas.
Anchored on the theme “Barkadahan sa Octo-Break,” the three-day tourism expo aims to expose students and other young people to affordable packages as they embark on tours during the semestral break, according to DOT regional director Sonia Garcia whose office is a chief MTTE cooperator.
Joji Ilagan-Bian, chairperson of the Mindanao TVET, which is the chief organizer of the event, said the coming tourism fair offers the best opportunity particularly to tourism schools offering Hospitality course and Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM).
The major components of Mindanao Travel and Tour Expo 2008 are the following:
* Daily destination showing and destination booth exhibit of the various tourist destinations in the Mindanao Region.
* Learning Tracks Sessions offered free to interested participants on significant topics like: Tour Guiding, Marketing & Promotion of Hotels and Resorts, International Hospitality, Opportunities in Wellness Tourism and Tourism Schools Standards.
* Jobs Fair targeting students and schools offering Tourism and Hospitality courses, labor leaders and the business community.
Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/
July 25th, 2008
I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Ubud
Bali bade farewell on Tuesday to Tjokorda Gede Agung Suyasa, the Prince of Ubud and the patron behind the ongoing revival of Balinese Hinduism in Indonesia, in a grand cremation ceremony.
The crowd reached an estimated 15,000 people.
Suyasa, who for three decades had served as the bendesa (chief) of the Ubud customary village, passed away last March after a prolonged illness. Ever since, his body had been placed in a pavilion at his family royal compound while waiting for the day of cremation.
The soft-spoken prince was the eldest son of the 10th child of the last king of Ubud, Tjokorda Gede Sukawati, who reigned from 1880 until 1917.
Well-known for his generosity in helping villages in Bali conduct religious festivals and rehabilitate places of worship, Suyasa played a vital role in the revival of Balinese Hinduism in Java, Kalimantan and West Nusa Tenggara.
He traveled frequently to those areas, offering advice and helping the local Hindu communities. Mandara Giri Semeru, the largest Hindu temple in East Java, was among Suyasa’s important legacies to Balinese Hinduism.
Under his leadership, the royal house of Ubud emerged as the most powerful royal family in Bali.
The last political decision Suyasa made as the family’s leader was selecting a member of the royal family, Tjok Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, as the family’s official candidate in the Gianyar regency election. The candidate won against the incumbent regent, a member of Gianyar’s royal family.
Tuesday’s cremation reflected the royal family’s tribute to the passing of their leader in a grand palebon, one of the largest royal cremations the island has ever seen. For three months, locals had worked to prepare the cremation.
“We have also been assisted by members of 67 traditional customary villages across Bali. They wanted to show respect to the deceased by participating in the preparation of his cremation,” the guardian of the royal family Tjokorda Raka Kerthyasa said.
Since early morning, streams of people flowed into downtown Ubud, where the Ubud Palace lies.
Some came from as far as Buleleng in northern Bali and Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara. By 10 a.m. the palace was surrounded by thousands of mourners and visitors.
Inside, several figures including former officials offered their condolences to the royal family. Among them Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, Moerdiono, Laksamana Sukardi and Hendro Priyono. Former police officer Made Mangku Pastika, leading in the gubernatorial race, was also among the visitors.
At around 1 p.m. the ceremony began. The body of Tjokorda Gede Agung Suyasa was carried from the royal compound into the royal bade, a 28-meter-tall tower constructed from different woods and bamboo.
The tower was elaborately decorated with gold papers and various figures from Balinese Hinduism’s mythology. The 11-ton tower had nine tiered roofs, signifying the elevated social status of the deceased.
As the sound of the traditional ensemble of Gong Beri filled the air, the royal procession started moving. Leading the way were detachments of royal soldiers from the Solo sultanate, followed by spear-holding Balinese warriors. Then came the wooden sarcophagus in the form of a black bull, and the tower of Tjokorda Raka, another member of the royal family.
The crowd lining up to the royal cemetery of Dalem Puri cheered when the gigantic sarcophagus of Suyasa passed by. They made a louder response when the naga banda (dragon), the symbol of a ruler’s worldly attachments, followed. Yet nothing could beat their thunderous response when the towering bade moved before them.
It was carried on the shoulders of some 400 men.
“Upon carrying the bade for 150 meters they will be replaced by a fresh group of 400 men. Overall, 8,000 men are tasked with transporting the cremation’s giant structures,” Kerthyasa said.
On the base of the bade stood the royal family’s influential figures, including Tjokorda Raka Kerthyasa and Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati. They directed the movement of the bade and occasionally sprinkled holy water on the exhausted bearers.
The most breathtaking scene was directly behind the bade: A street filled with nothing but men and women, children and adults.
It took almost an hour before the crowd thinned.
“My God, I’ve never seen such a huge number of people before. Where did they come from?” a local housewife, Kadek Purnami, said.
Her uncle said the crowd showed that the deceased “was not only the prince of Ubud, but the prince of the whole of Bali.”
As the sun set, the body of Tjokorda Gede Agung Suyasa was surrendered to the blazing fire of purification. The sacred mantra uttered by some 60 Hindu high priest implored the Almighty to take the soul of this respected prince back into His eternal embrace.
Source: The Jakarta Post
July 17th, 2008
Foreign visitors to Indonesia increased by 17% in the first half of 2008, according to estimates from Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik. The number of visitors was approximately 3.1 million for the first six months of 2008, compared to 2.56 for the same period in 2007.
Additionally, the Minister estimated that tourism brought in some US $3 billion during the first half of the year. Earlier in May, the country’s Central Bureau of Statistics indicated that there had been a 13% increase in tourism for the year to date. Wacik said in an interview in the Indonesia Investor Daily newspaper that the number of visitors is expected to increase by even larger amounts of the second half of the year. The summer and early autumn months are traditional holiday months and are the busiest of the year for the country.
At the beginning of the year, the government of Indonesia initiated the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 program to increase tourism and interest in the country. The target for 2008 is 7 million foreign visitors. That will be a large increase from 2007’s 5.51 million visitors, which was up 13% from the year before. Bali is one of the country’s prime destinations, with the island’s Ngurah Rai airport seeing the highest number of overseas arrivals.
Useful Information
Source: http://www.homesgofast.com/
July 16th, 2008
Comprising 17,508 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic state. With a population of over 200 million people, it is the world’s fourth most populous country and the most populous Muslim-majority nation, although officially it is not an Islamic state.
Indonesia’s estimated 2007 gross domestic product came in at $408 billion. The services sector is the economy’s largest. This is followed by industry and agriculture. Agriculture though employs more people than other sectors. Major industries include petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, and mining. Major agricultural products include palm oil, rice, tea, coffee, spices, and rubber.
The East Asian financial crisis of 1997–98 hit Indonesia the hardest. Against the U.S. dollar, the local currency plunged from roughly 2,000 rupiah to 18,000 rupiah. The economy shrunk by almost 14 percent. The rupiah has since stabilized at around 10,000 against the dollar and there has been a slow but significant economic recovery.
But political instability since the resignation of President Suharto in 1998, slow economic reform, and corruption at all levels of government and business, have contributed to the patchy nature of the recovery. Indonesia has never realized its dream of becoming the next big country.
In an interview with CNBC, Jim Walker of Asianomics comments, ” I’m afraid I think it is quite a long way off. It should be part of the bright universe given the size of the country and the potential of the country. But the fact is that in comparison with the early 1990s, the growth rate in Indonesia is not that impressive. And I’m afraid the economic policy-making of Indonesia over the last few years has left a lot to be desired. So they’ve got a long way to go before they really make a breakthrough and one of the desirable emerging markets.”
Where is Indonesia heading and how will it get there?
All this week, CNBC Asia’s Squawk Box goes on the road in Indonesia. We’ll be looking at issues including trade and investment, energy, and tourism. And we’ll talk to the country’s movers and shakers, including the Minister of Energy & Mineral Resources, Purnomo Yusgiantoro and the Minister of Trade Mari Pangestu.We’ll also be at the Jakarta Stock Exchange on Wednesday when Indonesia’s biggest ever initial public offering, Adaro Energy, makes it debut. Stay tuned to our special coverage all this week on CNBC Asia and CNBC.com.
© 2008 CNBC.com
Source: http://www.cnbc.com/
July 15th, 2008
It starts tomorrow and lasts for almost two weeks. The aim is for local small and business enterprises (SMEs) to “gain access to information of overseas products.” This time, the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) is organising a “Catalogue Show of Indonesian Products and Services,” together with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong.
From tomorrow until July 25 the Indonesian products’ catalogue show will be on display at the centre, as a continuation of the debut Thai Catalogue Show held in May.
With both shows, the SME Service Centre of IPIM is planning a series of country-themed catalogue shows for local SMEs.
Being a member of ASEAN, Indonesia has gradually become a significant trading partner for Macau. Trading activities between Indonesia and Macau has been increasing since the SAR’s handover in 1999, with trade figures growing intensively and recording a 28.74 per cent increase from 2006 to 2007, up 32.97 per cent year on year.
According to statistical data, there is a growth of 13.83 per cent in the annual import value from Indonesia since 2000. Last year, total import value from Indonesia reached 203 million patacas, of which around 70 per cent were edible bird’s nest, food products, tableware and kitchenware, pumice stones, coffee and electronic products.
“The rich natural resources of Indonesia will enable Macau and Indonesia to benefit from long-term development in different arrays of business and economic co-operation,” a statement from IPIM said.
Through the joint efforts of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture and Coordinating Board of Investment of Indonesia, an assorted collection of over 40 types of catalogues will be on display and over 5,000 catalogues will be available for distribution.
In addition, a wide range of materials, covering investment and travel guides, MICE information, promotional materials of food and beverages, agriculture, seafood, spices, handicraft industries and product pamphlets of Indonesian companies will also be included in the collection.
IPIM is encouraging local SMEs in search for partners or distribution rights from Indonesia or any other interested parties to visit the Catalogue Show.
The show will run from 9am to 6pm daily at IPIM’s Macao Business Support Centre, located on the 19th floor of their office in the China Civil Plaza at Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpçao No. 263, in Nape.
Source: http://www.macaudailytimesnews.com/
July 14th, 2008
A COASTAL town in Mindanao has sought funding for the construction of a P250 million modern seaport to boost trade exchanges with Indonesia’s northern area.
Mayor Alex B. Wangkay of Jose Abad Santos town in Davao del Sur said the local government unit has asked the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to finance the project in line with efforts to spur economic development along with two other towns in Mindanao.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
Jose Abad Santos is part of the Jags-CT economic grouping. It stands for Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle.
Sarangani town is also part of Davao del Sur, while the municipality of Glan is under the province of Sarangani.
Jags-CT was formed in 2003 in support to the initiatives of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines - East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga). The economic triangle aims to increase trade, tourism and investments by enhancing cross-border linkages with the northern Sulawesi province of Indonesia.
“We want it [proposed sea port] to be part of the Roro (roll-on, roll-off) nautical highway that would serve the routes up to Sulawesi in Indonesia,” said the singer-turned politician popularly known as Zander Khan.
In October 2006, the local economic cluster embarked on a historic voyage from the port of Glan to Bitung in Indonesia, bringing 170 metric tons of various goods such as activated carbon, papaya soaps and mangoes, among others.
However, it was not sustained due to the absence of regular shipping firms plying the route.
Transportation Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza was reported to have expressed his agency’s interest to finance the construction of the proposed seaport. It will be located in the village of Balangunan.
Wangkay said the port project would augur well for trade exchanges between the three localities and the northern portion of Indonesia, which is about 30 hours apart on a regular sea travel.
Glan Mayor Enrique B. Yap Jr., Jags-CT chair, said they are firming up the economic triangle’s potentials by developing vital road networks, ports and a 25-hectare economic zone, to lure investors.
In Glan, he said the local government unit has approved a 25-hectare economic zone and that in Sarangani town, a P43 million seaport complex has been completed.
Undersecretary Virgilio L. Leyretana, chair of the Mindanao Economic Development Council, cited officials of the three towns for their efforts in helping accelerate the attainment of economic developments of depressed areas not only in the Philippines but in nearby northern Indonesia as well.
He added that better relations between the two countries should be maintained to facilitate trade and commerce.
Yap said: “Jags-CT can prove to other municipalities and countries that smaller growth areas can develop if they just only cooperate with each other.”
He said Jags-CT is solely run and financed by the local government units of Jose Abad Santos, Glan and Sarangani municipality.
Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/
July 14th, 2008
Indonesia has high scores in terms of natural resources, with several World Heritage natural sites and the richness of its flora and fauna.
These are our strengths that should be developed seriously to cover our major weaknesses, such us underdeveloped infrastructure, including air and ground transportation.
With those strengths, we have to focus on developing adventure and nature-based tourism and eco-tourism, including community-based tourism.
This kind of tourism does not need much infrastructure locally but absorbs many local resources, particularly local human resources. We also don’t need generally massive promotion strategies, but selective ones where the market target should be selected.
I’m sure that we only have two strategic choices: develop our strengths or ignore them. Visit Indonesia Year ignores the country’s strengths, resulting in it not having an impact on Indonesia’s general tourism development.
AMBO UPE
Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi
Source: The Jakarta Post
July 11th, 2008
After last year being held parallel with the PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2007 in Bali, this year’s Indonesia’s annual travel mart Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) or Pasar Wisata Indonesia returns to Makassar, South Sulawesi. This Indonesian premier tourism event will be held on 14 – 17 October 2008 at Celebes Convention Center (CCC). Entering its 14th years of conduct, TIME is organized by the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB) and supported by entire tourism components in Indonesia.
The Chairwoman and Steering Committee of TIME 2008, Meity Robot, said “the conduct of TIME also supports the government program of “Visit Indonesia Year 2008” which targeting 7 million of tourist arrivals to Indonesia, as TIME is aimed at promoting Indonesia as tourist destination in international market and at the same time raise the country image as one of global travel destinations.
TIME is the only international travel mart in Indonesia with business to business concept. The event is a meeting place for those who sell tourism products and services in Indonesia (seller) to international market (buyer). TIME has been listed in the calendar of international travel mart together with ITB Berlin, WTM London, Arabian Travel Mart (ATM), PATA Travel Mart, and so on,” Meity said.
“Bearing the theme of “Eco-Tourism and Maritime Tourism”, TIME 2008 will present all tourist destinations, inclusding popular travel destinations, tourism objects, new product development particularly those which relate to Eco-Tourism dan Maritime Tourism,” Meity continued.
The Mayor of Makassar, Ilham Arief Sirajuddin, which is also Organizing Committe Chairman of TIME 2008, welcomes the appointment of Makassar as host of TIME for the second time. “The appointment of Makassar as host of IME 2008 should be embraced by the people of Makassar since it could directly promote the city’s tourism sector. This oppotunity shows that Makassar was successful in hosting TIME in 2006 indicated by the significant transaction between the international buyers and Indonesian tourism industry (sellers) at the event. Moreover, buyers have seen the tourism potentiality Makassar and South Sulawesi have. We also received positive comments from buyers, sellers and international media on the conduct of TIME in Makassar”, said Ilham.
Local Organizing Committee of TIME 2008 and concurrent Chairman of ASITA and INCCA, Niko B. Pasaka, stated that this year Makassar is more ready in hosting TIME 2008. “Presently, a number supporting facilties are closing to completion. This includes the 11 kilometer of highway connecting Makassar city center to airport as well as the completion of Hasanuddin International Airport. We hope these facilities could finish on time to support TIME 2008″, Nico continued.
South Sulawesi is among the Five Golden Destinations in Indonesia. Moreover, Makassar has become one of MICE (Meeting, Incentive Conference & Exhibition) destinations in Indonesia. Makassar and its neighboring areas have a lot to offer to international travelers. To name of these, Port of Rotterdam, Somba Opu Fortress, Lagaligo Museum, Mandala Museum, as well as beaches such as Losari, Tanjung Bunga , Akkarena, Kayangan island, Kodingareng island, Bantimrung fountain, butterfly palace in Maros regency and many more.
The appointment of Makassar as host of this year’s TIME is in line with the previous commitment that the city is entitled to host TIME for two period of time. “TIME last year was held in Bali parallel with PATA Travel Mart, now it is the second period for Makassar. Secondly, support and cooperation from the provincial government of South Sulawesi and city of Makassar, associations in South Sulawesi and Makassar as well as their tourism industry to support TIME 2008. Third, the more readiness of Makassar to host this international tourism event due to the availabilty of infrastructure and supporting facilties. Finally, the shifting of TIME to the gateway of Eastern Indonesia is aimed promoting Makassar, South Sulawesi as well as east Indonesia to the international market. With more tourists arriving there will be improvement in the infrastructure. Furthermore, buyers and international media are given the opportunity to take part in the post tour program, Toraja or Manado,” Meity went on.
TIME 2006 successfully attracted total attendants of 110 international buyers from 21 countries, with top five buyers including Netherlands, China, Korea, Malaysia & Indonesia, and 124 sellers from 20 provinces in Indonesia, which mostly coming from Jakarta, Bali, South Sulawesi, North Sulawesi & Central Java. The percentage of sellers based on industry are hotels & resorts (43%), tour operators & travel agencies (29%), NTO (20%), and others include diving, golf, airline, travel portal (8%). The estimated contracts signed at TIME 2006 exceeds US$ 15 million or increasing 2% from its previous year.
Compared to TIME 2005 and 2004 held in Yogyakarta, TIME 2005 was attended by 84 buyers from 23 countries with top buyers coming from Netherlands, Indonesia, Korea, USA, Australia, Germany, India, Italia, Spain, Thailand, China, and Belgium, and 128 sellers from 20 provinces. Whereas, TIME 2004 attracted 102 buyers from 28 countries and 147 sellers from 23 provinces. “The number of buyers attending TIME for six consecutive years have been relatively steady since these are potential buyers which sell Indonesian tourism products and services in their markets respectively,” Meity concluded.
TIME 2008 is supported by the travel and tourism industry in Indonesia, namely Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, South Sulawesi Provincial Government, City of Makassar, South Sulawesi Tourism Board, Makassar Tourism Board, Garuda Indonesia as the Official Carrier, Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA), Board of Airline Representatives Indonesia (BARINDO), Association of Indonesian Tour Operators and Travel Agencies (ASITA), ASITA South Sulawesi, Indonesian Conference and Convention Association (INCCA), Indonesia Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI), PHRI South Sulawesi, PHRI Makassar, Pacto Convex as the event organizer, and also supported by international and national media partners.
Source: http://www.traveldailynews.com/
July 11th, 2008
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