The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - Modern Hotel with a Classical Touch

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/28/10 0 komentar
Classic aura directly ambushed when stepped into the area of The Phoenix Hotel, Yogyakarta. The atmosphere is able to bring to the early 1900s. Colonial-style hotel building was completely enriched with Javanese and Chinese-style decorations. Although it is very thick with the feel of a classic, yet contemporary comforts also

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Ibis Malioboro - Near Yogyakarta activity

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/21/10 0 komentar
Yogyakarta City can not be separated from Maliboro, the city center where shopping, art and life activity yogyakarta can we see here. On the afternoon along the Malioboro street full of traders and buyers, this location at night into a distinctive culinary yogya

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Gayam Community Back to invent Gamelan Festival

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/18/10 0 komentar
Gayam Community will held in Yogyakarta Gamelan Festival in July 2010 at 16-18 followed by a number of artists and gamelan lovers from 34 countries.

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Quality Grand Hotel Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta City Enjoying Another Angle

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/15/10 0 komentar
Given the famous tourist attraction such as Borobudur, Prambanan, exact figures could not be separated from the historic city of Yogyakarta. The town is also famous for its rich cultural heritage of this, always have been a target of the tourists from various parts of the world. Leisure accommodation becomes the one thing that can not be ignored, for the sake of providing exciting experiences for there.

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Yogyakarta paradise for the 'Backpackers'

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/14/10 0 komentar
Yogyakarta is a paradise for backpackers, adventure seekers of freedom and new experiences at low cost. Prima versatile facility is not the main hope of the traveler who is identical with the bag on the back of this. Number of adventures and new experiences is their travel destination.

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Solo Paragon Hotel and Residence Operates August 2010

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Paragon Hotel Solo in Solo, Central Java, began operations in August. Four star hotel located in Jalan Dr. Soetomo, Solo City, will be managed by Tauzia Hotel Management. During this Tauzia known manage Hotel Harris.


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Kraton Surakarta look dull

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Tourists want to repair the Palace Kasunanan Surakarta, Central Java, in order to enhance its appeal, but does not eliminate the importance of preserving the cultural history of the nation. "There should be improvements to the building to make it look luxurious palace but did not leave the elements of history," said a tourist who comes from Blora regency, Haryo (45), in Solo, Monday (12/07/2010).

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Its Time For Yogyakarta Expand Tourism Market

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Yogyakarta tourism markets overseas it's time to be extended in an effort to increase the number of tourist arrivals to the area through a vigorous campaign.

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Borobudur Regions will be reorganized

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/8/10 0 komentar
PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (TWC) has said it will rearrange the region through the development of Borobudur Temple renewals. The UN cultural agency, UNESCO urged to immediately TWC rearrangements because the master plan in 1975 is no longer appropriate to use the existing layout. If not immediately set, Borobudur threatened removed his status as world cultural heritage.

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Introducing Batik Kebon, from ruins house to the Exhibitions

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/7/10 0 komentar
Kebon village in Klaten district which became the village worst hit by an earthquake in 2006 ago, is now getting better. Improvement of economic sectors which is aimed at making of batik as well as agricultural production of rice and vegetables which become economic drivers of society.

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Surakarta Hotels Preparing Raise Hotel Rates

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Hotels in Surakarta, central counting to raise hotel room rates. The new tariff comes into effect if the government imposed the basic electricity tariff increase. "The increase in electric base rates will increase operating expenses," said Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association Soebandono Surakarta.

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Electricity Tariff Increases, Budget Hotels Get Rates Rise

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The managers of hotels in Yogyakarta will not raise the room rates if the increase in electric base rates apply from 1 July. Because the hotel was still under contract with travel agents and tourism agencies, both domestic and foreign.

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Malioboro tidying Welcomes Tourists

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 7/3/10 0 komentar
Shopping area of Malioboro, Yogyakarta, improve itself ahead of the holiday season is June to August. Various complaints of tourists such as parking, busker, cleanliness, and promised food prices will be corrected.

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Dragon Boat Festival in Yogyakarta

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Tourism Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) in cooperation with the Cultural and Tourism Department in Bantul district and Yogyakarta Tionghoa Dragon Boat Festival will be held at Weir Tegal, Canden, Jetis Bantul, June 13, 2010.

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Pedicab drivers will be trained English

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 6/30/10 0 komentar
In an effort to improve services to any foreign tourists who come, the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) in Surakarta in the near future will hold English training for rickshaw drivers. The training sessions were devoted to the rickshaw driver who had been hung around the hotels.

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Adisucipto Airport Yogyakarta Just landed Small Aircraft

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Operations Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I declare Halindra Adisucipto Airport Yogyakarta Adisucipto airport is not yet representative enough to be an access to international flights. Airport infrastructure constraints.

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Go: Art capital of Java

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/14/10 0 komentar

Batik, silverware, leather goods... HEIDI MUNAN visits Jogjakarta and is captivated by its many crafts

These workers are protected from inhaling dust and chemical fumes
These workers are protected from inhaling dust and chemical fumes

IN Java, wearing fine batik has been the prerogative of the high and mighty for as long as anybody can remember. The best artists were employed by the courts and they had no other work but to produce masterpieces for the noble families.


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Dazzling Entertainment in Indonesia

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/12/10 0 komentar

Indonesia, one of the densely populated areas of the world is really a place of attraction for travelers. Enriched with copious tourist places and exciting adventures, Indonesia is certain to deliver the joyful nature of traveling. It is this unique nature which invites people from all over the world. To spend time in Indonesia will definitely be a memorable event for travelers. Its rich source of tourism combined with nature's beauty entertains


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World Expo: Putting Indonesia on the map

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The Indonesian Pavilion attracted 20,000 visitors at the opening 
day on May 1. Primastuti HandayaniThe Indonesian Pavilion attracted 20,000 visitors at the opening day on May 1.

If Phileas Fogg and Passepartout need 80 days to travel the globe in Verne's classic Around the World in 80 Days to win £20,270 (US$30,000), we need less than that and less traveling once we are inside the World Expo 2010 Shanghai, China.

Located on a 5.28-square-kilometer plot of land, the 53rd expo features dozens of pavilions from 189 participating countries – after three countries withdrew from the event at the last minute – as well as 50 international organizations.


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Yogyakarta Tourism Unaffected by Europe's Dust

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Yogyakarta:The grounding of flights to Europe has not created any significant impact to the number of tourists coming to Yogyakarta. Until today, no tour and travel agencies have cancelled their trip, said Yogyakarta Public Relations chief, Deddy Pranowo Eryono, yesterday.

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"Belgian" Chocolate Comes to Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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When Belgian Thierry Detournay came to Yogyakarta to work as a lecturer for a local university nine years ago, he missed having good chocolate.

So armed with the knowledge gained from a chocolate cooking class back home in Belgium, the self-professed chocolate connoisseur created his own recipe for chocolate using a mix of European and Javanese tastes.

His home-based business started to take off and soon Detournay and two other Indonesian friends

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Jogja Three Expo at JEC

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Yogyakarta:The exhibition Jogja Three Expo will be organized at the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) on 12-16 May.

There will be 78 tenants, from miscellaneous items, clothing and cars.
All necessities are there,� said Deru Samudera Risa, Jogja Three Point Project Officer,

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Enhance Focus to Visit Central Java 2011 - Why So Many Tourist coming from Yogyakarta?

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/11/10 0 komentar
Central Java Government must sharpen Visit Central Java in 2011 for this program to the maximum impact for all stakeholders from the tourism sector. The government should also fix the "door gate" sign so that tourists interested in visiting tourist destinations in Central Java.
Do not be compartmentalized. Destinations in Central Java, but why so many tourists coming from Yogyakarta.
 
This was raised in the show "Travel Agent Gathering" organized Losari Retreat and Spa in Grabag Coffee Plantation, Magelang regency, on Thursday (15 / 4). The event was attended by a number of tour participants.

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Solo Tourism Board Need It

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/10/10 0 komentar
The perpetrators of tourism in the city of Solo initiated the need for tourism promotion agency Solo (Solo Tourism Board) or STB. With the STB is expected to be more integrated tourism promotion efforts and give a more pronounced economic impact for the community.
 
"During this campaign conducted on their own with little funds, without segmentation and target markets clear so that a very small effect. We want the STB to raising campaigns and greater impact," said Chairman of the Tourism Association of Travel Agents (Asita) Solo City, Suharto, Wednesday (05/05/2010).

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Semarang revives Old City to lure tourists

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Semarang is progressing fast and developing into a leading business city, although floods caused by heavy rain and high tides affect some parts of the city.

Semarang is the country's third largest business city after Jakarta and Surabaya. It became a business city during colonial times after the establishment of Dutch trading company Verenigde Oost-Indie Compagnie (VOC) in 1705. Previously, the Dutch business center was in Jepara, Central Java.

The Dutch built Vijhoek fort and a connecting street, called Heeren Straat, which is now Jl. Letjen Soeprapto. One of the gates of the fort is at Berok Bridge, which was formerly called De Zuider Por.


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Badui Dance will Show at the OKI Session

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/8/10 0 komentar
Badui Dance Yogyakarta Sleman district plans are invited to enliven the opening session of the meeting of Islamic countries who are members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Yemen, June, said the Vice Regent of Sleman Sri Poernomo.
 
In meetings with the board meeting with new Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Branch of Yogyakarta, Sleman, Wednesday, he added Yemeni Embassy in Jakarta has been invited directly to the district government (Pemkab) Sleman to send a team of dancers to perform in the dance Badui meeting OIC members.
 
"I do not know the criteria so that the art of dance Badui Sleman District was selected to appear to enliven the show meeting the OIC member countries," says Sri Poernomo who was accompanied by Head of Public Relations Section of the Regional Secretariat of Sri Endah Widiastuti Sleman regency.
 
He said sure if Dance Baduis of Sleman have chosen to enrich the excess so that the event so that it is considered enough pride for the community because this area is the home of traditional dance will perform at the international stage.
 
"Currently we are coordinating to prepare the team Badui dancers dance to be sent to a meeting of OIC member countries," he said.
 
Meanwhile, the offensive about arts and culture development in Sleman district, he said the current government of Sleman district plan to build a cultural center of the district level in order to explore the potential of arts and culture which is owned in every village in Sleman.
 
"The spirit of the community of Sleman District will explore the potential of art and culture at the local level is high enough to attempt it is necessary to obtain local government support. The potential of arts and local culture into the tourism assets of this region," he said.
 
Translate from: Kompas.com

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Ninth century wooden houses found

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/7/10 0 komentar

A team of archeologists from the Yogyakarta Archeological Center have reportedly found three wooden houses, believed to be part of a village from the 9th century Ancient Mataram Kingdom.

The excavation, located in Liyangan, Purbasari subdistrict, Ngadirejo, Temanggung, was conducted from April 14-20 by a team comprising researchers Baskoro Daru Tjahjono, Sugeng Riyanto and Heri Priswanto with the assistance of Mujiono and Didik Santosa.

"One of the houses is still intact, one is partially-intact and the other is severely damaged," Baskoro told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

He added his team believed the houses were made of wood because they all had turned to charcoal possibly due to the eruption of Mt. Sindoro in the 9th century.

The extremely high temperature from the eruption turned the wooden houses into charcoal before they were buried by time.

He said the find, thanks to sand miners who first spotted the objects, was considered spectacular because it was the first time such a find had been made in Indonesia.

The team's belief that the houses came from the 9th century, according to Baskoro, was supported by the fact that a temple had also been found in the same site in 2008.

"The sand miners here were aware of the importance of ancient buildings. That's why they are extremely careful when they find stone constructions," he said.

"Yet, when they found charcoals, they had no idea they were part of important ancient constructions so they kept on digging," said Baskoro, explaining why one of the houses had been severely damaged when the team arrived on the site.

Sugeng Riyanto said that being reduced to charcoal had made the houses more resistant to aging.

He added the team also found a bronze Rukam script written in ancient Javanese letters not far from the site.

Other findings at the site include Tang Dynasty ceramics and earthenware lamps.

Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Temanggung, Central Java


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New Tourist Destination Yogyakarta

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/6/10 1 komentar
Animal Market Development and Ornamental Plants of Yogyakarta, located in Dongkelan, Village Gedongkiwo, Mantrijeron District aims to develop the economy of Yogyakarta, especially in the south.
 
"Actually, the establishment of Wildlife and Ornamental Crops Market Yogyakarta (PASTHY) not only can be used to generate the south of Yogyakarta city economy, but also the community of Bantul district," said the Governor of Yogyakarta Special Region lane (HB) X when reviewing PASTHY, Monday (12/04/2010).
 
According to Sultan, the existence PASTHY has the potential to become a new economic center in the southern city of Yogyakarta, as will a lot of money circulating in the market. Especially after all the traders of birds and wildlife from Ngasem market moved to a new location dibanguan on a land of about 15,000 square meters.
 
However, be reminded that the Government of Yogyakarta is not a hands-off just after moving into PASTHY Ngasem market traders, but must continue to innovate so that merchants do not get out of the new place.
 
Sultan said the region planning and promotion become important to do things municipal government, for example, through encouraging travel agents. "It would be nice if there was a travel agent who can offer a tour to visit PASTHY. Not to shop, but also enjoy the atmosphere while eating or drinking," he said.
 
Head of Market Management Department (Dinlopas) Yogyakarta Fadli Ahmad said the government is committed to continue to promote to the community to introduce PASTHY. Some events will be held at PASTHY, among them the Gold Fish Chef contests, band performances and a few coloring contest for children.
 
"We held a campaign a few days after the official move to PASTHY merchants. All the birds and wildlife traders in the market will move to PASTHY Ngasem on Thursday (22 / 4) with a carriage parade," he said.
 
Yogyakarta Mayor Herry Zudianto states, his party will support promotional activities PASTHY of them by installing signage and directions to the location of the bus line PASTHY Trans Jogja that supports public access to that market. "Path Trans Jogja bus would stop there," said Herry.
 
Legislative Chairman Henry Koencoroyekti Yogyakarta city states, the government needs to conduct the facilitation of all aspects of the PASTHY, including transportation and promotion. "Additional transportation routes are important, and also by networking with other places," he said

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Let's Try New Route Steam Train Ambarawa

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/5/10 0 komentar
In the near future visitors can enjoy a steam train two jagged routes, namely Ambarawa-Tuntang and Ambarawa-Bedono, in Semarang District. This is in line with the start of the turn in the sleepers-Tuntang Ambarawa path from the original timber bearing the iron.
 
"We expect August to be able to test the steam trains and diesel trains towing dolly."
- Eko S Mulyanto
 
"Route-Tuntang Ambarawa been approved, now just waiting for the completion of replacement bearings. We expect August to be able to test the steam trains and diesel trains towing lorry," said Eko S. Ambarawa Station Chief in Ambarawa Mulyanto, Thursday (08/04/2010) .
 
So far, only tourists can enjoy the steam train route as far Ambarawa-Bedono 20 kilometers. Ambarawa-Tuntang route along the 7.5 kilometers traversed by the locomotive was not a big man since 25 years ago because of rotted cushions.
 
According Lasiyo, supervisory workers in Tuntang bearing replacement, bearing replacement process could be completed two weeks' time when the sand and stone was ready. Materials needed to strengthen the bearing and rail.
 
The replacement of bearings implemented starting from Kilometre 29 to Kilometre 36 +470 +970 on Cross-Ambarawa Kedungjati. The replacement bearings are prepared to reach 12 569 units. These bearings are imported from the emplacement of the station in South Sumatra, West Sumatra and North Sumatra.
 
Eko optimistic opening new routes for the steam railway in Ambarawa-Tuntang tourists will be greeted positively. This route offers scenery from the edge of Slough Pening natural reservoirs, in contrast with Bedono Ambarawa-dominated landscapes of the mountains.
 
According to Eko, rental prices for both steam train's route will be distinguished. Certainty of the rental price is still awaiting a decision Railway headquarters. "KA-Tuntang Ambarawa steam began in March raised the rental price of USD 3.25 million to USD 5.25 million. This is to adjust the steam trains to leases Jaladara in Solo," he said.
 
Due to the increase, there is a travel agency to cancel the trip or raised objections and asked the old prices apply until the end of the year. However, the policy of the rental price is determined PT KA's head office.
 
Administrative data and Station Museum Ambarawa, this year's revenue target increased to USD 1.99 billion from USD 1.4 billion last year. Target users of steam railway also increased from an average of 18 to 19 trips per month. In KA Ambarawa Museum there are two steam locomotives which can operate, namely the B 2502 and B 2503. (GAL)
 
 

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Travel tips to Yogyakarta

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Who does not know Yogyakarta? Everyone knows, Yogyakarta is a place that must be visited during holidays or school holidays end. Choice of tourist attractions in Yogyakarta were diverse, such as visiting the Palace, visit Prambanan Temple, or to Parangtritis and more. No less importantly, you and your family would have to equip themselves with various tips about tourist attractions in Yogyakarta below.
 
1. Beware of pickpockets
Especially when the crowd at the Jalan Malioboro, be careful with your wallet. Store in a safe place, inside the bag, in front pants pocket, or leave valuables in your hotel room and bring lunch to taste. Do not show the valuables like jewelry are striking, cell phones, and others because it will attract pickpockets.
 
2. In sights
 
Hawkers
Well when you will enter the Borobudur, Kraton, and other objects, you will usually be "invaded" by the peddlers with all sorts merchandise. If you are not interested or do not intend to buy, do not try to haggle. Better to leave it with a fine and do not have cared.
 
Prepare a dime
If at any time you were approached by a group of street children, beggars, or singers, you better give up a dime to Rp 500 or Rp 1,000 instead of having to be made uncomfortable by their act.
 
No smoking
Especially in the Palace, you are not allowed to smoke and to behave / dress that is less polite.
 
3. Pedicab
One time when you need to go walk around town, you can use a pedicab transportation. The price you have to bargain, especially when a pedicab driver know you are a tourist who is considered not know the state of Yogyakarta. You will be subject to high tariffs. Ask your hotel staff or guides if you want to travel, either by pedicab or other transportation. Do not be influenced by the offer of a pedicab driver to take you to buy souvenirs, such as bakpia, dagadu t-shirts, and so forth.
 
4. Typical food
Yogya cuisine is Gudeg, bakpia pathok, Geplak, yangko, ampyang, nuts dent bantul (bigger, solid, crispy, and savory), kipo (very rare traditional dishes typical of Kotagede).
 
5. Lesehan
Before you eat, always ask what the price per recourse. Usually traders lesehan does not list prices.
 
Translate from Kompas.com

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Russian is Potential Tourism Market for Yogyakarta

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/4/10 0 komentar
Russia needs to be set as a target of Yogyakarta tourism market. During this time, the visit of Russian tourists to Yogyakarta is still minimal compared to other countries of tourists. In fact, Russia's potential markets with high economic growth and many new rich fabrics in there.
Russia is a country with a population of the world number seven, nearly 200 million people.
 
"Russia is a country with a population of the world number seven, nearly 200 million people. If we could capture just 2 percent of tourists, from 2 percent is a percent of a visit to Yogyakarta, it could very well," said Usmar Salam, professor of International Relations Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Science, Gadjah Mada University, on cultural dialogue entitled "Revitalization of the Cultural Diplomacy, Reflections 60 Years RI-Russia Relations" in Kepatihan, Yogyakarta, Tuesday (04/06/2010).
 
Yogyakarta Tourism Department data, the number of foreign tourists to Yogyakarta in 2008 as many as 128 660 people. Of that total, only 499 people of Russian tourists, were much smaller than 27 168 people of Dutch tourists, Malaysia 17 955, and Japan 16 638 people.
 
According Usmar, to hook a lot of Russian tourists need Yogyakarta cultural diplomacy mission to Russia. "There should be an obvious target for Russian tourists would come to the DIY and investment," said Usmar.
 
Month in May 2010, Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, Yogyakarta together represent Indonesia to send mission to Russian art. That is the mission of art counterattack against the Russian artistic mission last year.
 
Chairman of the Tourism Industry Development Board Yogyakarta Wiendu Nuryanti, Joko Pitoyo represented, say, Yogyakarta tourism market is now shifting from Japan, Australia, Malaysia and the Netherlands, to a potential market of new Middle East, China and Russia. Russia becomes potential market for Russian citizens visiting abroad is increasing every year up to 10 percent.
 
Increased foreign travel was driven Russia's economic stability, increase revenues and public spending, and increasingly lax policies on their visit to foreign countries set by the Government post-Soviet Russia.
 
"Income Russians grew, more and more rich people. Income per capita in 2004 reached 20,000 U.S. dollars," said Joko.
 
According to him, the arrival of Russian tourists in large numbers very profitable Yogyakarta. They brave a bomb threat was not easily frightened. Russia was not easy to remove the travel warning. "They are generous, not stingy, and likes to shop," he said. (RWN)

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Andong Yogyakarta interested by Tourist

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Andong, the traditional means of transportation or transportation of Yogyakarta similar gig seemed very popular tourist tourists both foreign and domestic, especially to get around the city. "Andong horsepower drawn with many found in various corners of the city, so travelers need not fret or worry about not getting transportation," said Head of Tourism Department of Yogyakarta, Yulia Rustiyaningsih in Mataram, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Thursday (04/08/2010 ).
If the carriage in Yogyakarta all around Rp. 5000, whereas once Cidomo around Rp 50,000.
 
On the tourism promotion activities in Yogyakarta that was attended by tourism actors, including Head of Tourism Department Mataram, Watan, he explained, in addition to carriage, tourists can walk around Yogyakarta by using pedicabs and bicycles. The public, especially tourists love to use carriage or rickshaw to get around the city because of its cost is very cheap, which is once around the city just Rp. 5000 per person.
 
KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO
Numerous attractions can be visited, among others, Taman Sari Palace, Castle Museum, Museum Sonobudoyo, Istana Negara Gedung Agung, Sultan Palace and Fortress Vredeburg Ngayogyakarta.
 
In Yogyakarta, he said, will be able to see a variety of arts and culture as sekaten, tumplak ceremony of diamonds, gerebeg, jamasan ceremony heritage, and how dumb mubeng Ruwatan fort.
 
It is said, the ceremony is a kind of diamonds tumplak food made from glutinous rice and palm sugar to initiate the making of the mountains that will be issued at the time of the ceremony gerebeg.
 
"Gerebeg conducted by the Sultan Palace as a symbol of charity for a king to the people and carried out three times a year, namely Gerebeg maulid Mulud to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad, Ramadhan Gerebeg on Hari Raya Idul Fitri and Idul Adha Gerebeg," he said.
 
Meanwhile, the Head of Tourism Department Mataram, Watan, said the traditional transport is still favored communities in Mataram, Lombok is cikar montor or Cidomo gig, also kind of buggy. Transport Cidomo favored by foreign tourists, especially in a tourist attraction in Terawangan Gili, Gili Meno and Gili Air. "If the carriage in Yogyakarta was around Rp 5,000, while the once Cidomo around Rp 50,000," said Watan.
 
source and translate from Kompas.com

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Browsing the popular eateries in Yogyakarta

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It's just after sunset in the back streets of Yogyakarta. There are a dozen or so bule standing about awkwardly in front of a small, dark building. Various taxis and motorbikes deliver them from the labyrinth of adjoining side streets.

They are meeting in front of Milas restaurant in the Prawirotaman area for dinner. Milas is where your hungry bohemian, culturally sensitive travellers die and go to heaven, but are then reincarnated because that's way hipper.

It is a very bamboo vegetarian eatery, which uses locally grown organic produce. And the kicker: Profits go to projects which aim to help local street kids. But tonight there's a sign on the door. It says that in 2009 they are closed, for tonight only. "The one night of the year we come," says a companion.

Luckily in Yogyakarta there are plenty of dining opportunities, of various qualities, usually within walking distance of wherever you may find yourself in the city. Not far from Milas we walk to Via Via, an interesting concept for a restaurant.

Owned by some enterprising Belgian travellers, it runs tours, courses and holds art exhibitions. It also offers a world menu as well as a specialised Indonesian selection, which is different for each day of the week. Tonight, tong seng is on the menu and my plate. A subtle mix of lamb, cabbage, spices and rice, it is highly recommended.

We are here because it is one of our companion's birthdays. He decided that a restaurant was the best way to celebrate, after an incident on his birthday last year while staying in a village in Sumatra.

Not knowing anyone, he decided to throw himself a party, not letting a lack of company stop him from singing, dancing and being stupidly happy. Unknown to him at the time, his birthday also happened to be the day Soeharto died.

"I was driven out by the local Soeharto supporters, who didn't understand why I was celebrating, that's why I'm in Yogya now," he jokes.

For lunch the next day we stop by at FM caf* on Jl Sosrowijayan, a happening street off the main road, Jl Malioboro. The caf* is sleepy during the day and we are the only customers. The menu includes lots of Western dishes.

"Let's see how they do pizza," a friend says.

So we all order a small pizza each. Quite some time later the waiter brings out three of our pizzas. Knowing that in Indonesia food for groups arriving at the same time is rare, we tuck in, but the girls at the table are still waiting by the time we finish.

They cancel their pizzas, which are soft and doughy anyway. My friend later insists that she was getting served last because she was a woman. Maybe, I say, could've been a jam in the kitchen, though. She doesn't find it funny.

Still hungry, the girls go looking for food only to hit the jackpot. Wandering the streets is a woman serving satay from atop her head. The girls place their order. The woman, never faltering, reaches up to the top of her head and brings down the food - the only way to serve to satay.

The next night we decide to go and see some reggae at Bintang Cafe. With little time to eat, we decide to go to a small food stall on the way to the bar. Like in other parts of Indonesia, a good bowl of fried noodles from a stall is a gamble.

While some make the dish themselves, many others, this one included, make it from the packets you find in supermarkets. Yogyakarta may be the cultural capital of Indonesia, but the reach of mass-produced packet food is simply too great. Luckily when we arrive at Bintang Caf*, the crowd is young and the reggae is perfect. Atmosphere you can only find in Yogyakarta, not in a packet.

Kyle Taylor, THE JAKARTA POST, YOGYAKARTA


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Holiday is full of sweet in Yogyakarta

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 0 komentar

The people with ready smile, becak, the palace, and one-bite size pie bakpia flashed in my mind when I was thinking about Yogyakarta. So, I decided to spend this semester break in the laid-back atmosphere but exotic place.

Together with my parents we started the holiday by visiting my grandfather in Wonosobo, a couple of hours driving in the outskirt of Yogyakarta. The family house is at the hill top and we have to drive circling round the hill to get there.

The view out of the car window was stunning with villages, rice terraces, big trees and the mountains at a distance lining up along the road.

My father had to return to Jakarta for work, so I and my mother took the Prameks train from Kutoarjo station to Tugu station in Yogyakarta.

We stayed at a relative, a retired couple who are still busy running their own business. Pakde Gegeng drove us to place, while Bude Sri, a wonderful cook, treated us local cuisines such as the spicy tempeh plenyet and scrambled tofu.

It was a holiday, but I couldn't ignore my studies. I went to the Gadjah Mada University, the biggest and oldest one in Yogyakarta, and made some search at the Archeology's library and laboratory to get research materials for my undergraduate thesis.

The archeology students were so helpful. They were not only helping me to find some books and research reports relevant to my thesis subject, they gave me a small tour.

My new friends Wiwit, Sari and Inu showed me around the town, the art and cultures Sonobudoyo Museum, the bustling Malioboro Street, the sultanate palace Keraton and the amazing park Taman Pintar.

The museum is located in front of the Keraton. It is filled with Yogyakarta's history, dated ages back. In Malioboro, I went to the Mirota Batik where I bought some souvenirs for friends back home.

We ate lotek for lunch that looks like salad with peanut sauce. It was similar with gado-gado, a specialty in Jakarta, but with bakwan (critters of vegetables) and noodles.

Full with food we continued walking to Taman Pintar, a playground for kids to play and learn. The park is located behind the heritage Vrederburg fortress. In the entrance there was a monument with the picture of the mythical Garuda picture on top and a scripture beneath that reads: "A big nation is one that respects its leaders and heroes".

The toys are very interactive, playful, and educated. There are monuments of presidents, mazes, pulley, and satellite dish speakers for the visitors to play with.

On the next day, my mother and I visited Taman Sari that used to be part of the ancient kingdom ruling in most part of the country. It was used as a bathing place for kings and the nobles, later on as meditation or religion worship place, small batik industry, military training ground and for other purposes throughout the history.

Taman Sari nowadays is a beautiful tourism destination for both domestic and international tourists. The architecture style is an eclectic influence of Hindu, Buddha, Java, Islam, China, Portuguese and Europe, making it one of the province's most prestigious heritage sites.

I had already enough feast for the eyes, but Yogyakarta has more in store to satisfy my taste buds.

Before we left for Jakarta, my mother and I bought some of its specialty snacks, such as bakpia, peanut bars ting-ting, geplak and other sweets. Indeed, most of Yogyakarta's food is sweet. I guess that the people has sweet tooth just as their hospitality.

Prita Nur Aini Student of University of Indonesia.

TheJakartaPost


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Tourist Guides, Tour Itineraries for All Yogyakarta Designed

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Starting this year, Yogyakarta Tourism Department will issue a schedule of events and cultural tours throughout the DIY for one full year. This is to be a guide for tourists who visit the DIY. It is expected that in this way will be more and boost the number of tourist visits.
 
Head of Tourism Department of DIY Tazbir states, the institute targets tourist visits to DIY during the year 2010 increased by 10 percent from 2009. For that some breakthrough dilakuka n to achieve the goal of which publishes a schedule of tour events all district / municipal in DIY subs a year.
 
"Now being drafted, will soon be issued schedule of tour events. This is the guideline, so there are no tourists who told me I did not know there were events during its visit to DIY it," he said.
 
Disclosed to him, learn from the experiences of 2009 and previous years, a number of cultural events and other tourism events siphon potential domestic and foreign tourists visit the country held relatively sudden. It was difficult for promotional efforts in order to invite tourists in large numbers to witness the event.
 
"It's hard to invite people when all of a sudden. Starting from this year's fix it, we mapped all tour events, there was what in Sleman, B antul, Kulon Progo and Gunung Kidul City. Where's the national scale? From the schedule it can be seen on the DIY tour event for one year, "he said

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Enjoy Fruits in the Garden Mangunan in Bantul Yogyakarta

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/3/10 0 komentar
The launch coincided with the harvest of durian species Monthong. There are about 400 durian trees to bear fruit. On average each tree produces fruit 10-15.
 
In the event, Idham Samawi together with a delicious taste of durian Monthong officials. It was very appreciated kebuh fruit development under the control of Agriculture and Forestry Office of Bantul Regency.
 
According to him, in the early stages of pioneering many parties who oppose development plan Mangunan. Now, after the rapid development of many parties to contact him to offer cooperation. There are even interested in buying Mangunan worth USD 6 billion. "If calculated with the capital that has been issued, the offer has made us gain a lot. However, our orientation is not on income but the development community," he explained.
 
Head of Department of Agriculture and Forestry in Bantul regency, Suharyanto Edy said it will continue to improve and add infrastructure in Mangunan. Apart from fruit picking, visitors can fish, fish, out-bound, and camping. Manager also provides three of the inn.
 
Kompas.com

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Yogyakarta Tourism Promotion working on synergy

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Yogyakarta City will develop synergies with other areas both in Yogyakarta Special Region and other regions in Central Java province to promote tourism.
"Tourist destinations in the city of Yogyakarta is not too much."
- Deddy Pranowo Eryanto
 
"Tourist destinations in the city of Yogyakarta is not too much, there are only a few famous tourist destination such as the Kraton Yogyakarta, Taman Sari Taman Pintar and, therefore necessary to develop synergies with other areas to mendukung tourism promotion in the city of Yogyakarta," said Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Agency Yogyakarta (BP2KY), Deddy Pranowo Eryanto after the agency's new role as chairman of the period from 2010 to 2014 at City Hall in Yogyakarta, Friday (04/30/2010).
 
According to him, the purpose of the synergy that campaign is to conduct tourism promotion together and increase the number of tourist visits to the city of Yogyakarta as well as increased length of stay of tourists in the city.
 
"Usually, tourists choose to stay in Yogyakarta, although day trips in other areas. For example, tourists visiting the Solo, menginapnya in Yogyakarta. This potential needs to be developed," he said.
 
However, he keeps stressing that the development of tourism in Yogyakarta remained focused on a thematic tour in Yogyakarta that is culture-based tourism.
 
During this time, the weakness of tourism promotion in the city of Yogyakarta is unfulfilled adequate infrastructure facilities including the airport. "Recently there are direct flights from Malaysia and Singapore in Adisucipto Airport making it difficult to bring in tourists from Europe or other regions outside Asia," he said.
 
In 2009, the number of foreign tourists visiting Yogyakarta recorded 180 thousand people with 20 percent of them are from Malaysia. Number of foreign tourists visiting Yogyakarta in 2009 increased compared to 2008 which amounted to 120 thousand people.
 
"As a new board, I will continue the programs which have been shaped by the old board, with improvements to the program to develop the areas which have tourism potential," he said.
 
Meanwhile, Yogyakarta Mayor Herry Zudianto who inaugurated the committee states, tourism is the economic locomotive in Yogyakarta. "The tourism industry has the trickle down effect is very fast, has a unique and very broad market segment, so it is very interesting to develop," she said.
 
He affirmed that governments can not develop the tourism industry alone, but requires a partner who is able to embrace tourism industry players as well as other parties.
 
Herry also believes that the future, the tourism industry will be the economic drivers in DIY is not just in the city of Yogyakarta.

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Giriloyo, Batik, and Enjoying Village

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 5/2/10 0 komentar
Batik handicraft center in Giriloyo, Imogiri, Bantul regency, Yogyakarta (DIY), began to put up a village tour with leather centers Hamlet Pucung, Village Wukirsari.
    
"To start as a village tour, this time about ten home residents in the lodging Giriloyo prepared as tourists visiting the village," said chairman batik crafters community Giriloyo Nur Ahmadi in Bantul, Wednesday (01/06/2010).
    
He said every holiday long weekend holiday and religious holidays, these centers began to be visited a lot of domestic tourists. Besides their tour, also shopped batik products of local artisans.
    
"Therefore, by providing lodging house residents as tourists, they were expected to stay longer in Giriloyo, let alone most of the tourists coming from outside the DIY," he said.
    
According to him, a little or a lot of tourists who visit the center for batik craft in this region, for the local craftsmen is something exhilarating, because it means Giriloyo began to be known public.
    
"Every holiday season no matter how many tourists who visit Giriloyo still welcome a local batik craftsmen," he said.
    
He said to anticipate the number of tourists visiting the center of batik Giriloyo, the institute offers a tour package in the form of recreation around the hamlet and learning batik crafters with local instructors.
    
"Besides, we also prepare a traditional dish of food and drink that is peculiar Imogiri wedang uwuh and pecel turi flowers. With this dish, it is hoped visitors can enjoy a typical rural atmosphere Giriloyo," he said.
    
To support the marketing batik Giriloyo it hoped many promotional activities to include artisans in each exhibition, both at the national level as well as DIY.
    
In addition, he said, by holding his own exhibition in the gazebo Giriloyo batik handicraft centers are also expected to introduce directly the local batik production.
    
"We will cooperate with Yogyakarta Business Development Center for an exhibition at the gazebo batik batik handicraft center Giriloyo once every three months," he said.
    
During this time, according to him, gazebo Giriloyo batik used for the production process 12 groups of local batik crafters.
 
travel.kompas.com

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Borobudur, Prambanan, Boko Design Tour Package

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PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko (TWC) invites business partners to work together to design a tour package and bring more tourists to tourist destinations.
 
"We opened dialogue travel to enlarge cooperation with potential partners, especially in Jakarta," said Director General Secretary Destinations Development, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Winarno Sudjas, in Jakarta, Wednesday (01/20/2010).
 
On that occasion, the institute in cooperation with PT TWC held a dialogue that was attended by travel agents and users of tourism services from travel agents, oil companies, embassies, to educational institutions.
 
Winarno said today that three of the temple of Borobudur, Prambanan, and Boko has made various efforts to reform, restructuring, and revitalization, so getting ready to receive the visit of tourists both domestic and foreign. "There has been much improvement efforts in the area of the temple and now all ready visited," he said.
 
In addition, it also calls for tourism players such as travel agents or travel agency began to compile a package tour to the temple area.
 
In addition, users of tourism services such as large corporations, educational institutions, to the embassy advised not hesitate planning a vacation to Borobudur, Prambanan, and Boko. "This indeed is part of our strategic move to increase foreign tourists visiting and wisnus," he said.
 
Today not only are developing cultural tourism in the region, but others also have tour packages offered tour packages including agro (the villages around the temple), destination spas, and golf outings.
 
Management also said it has set up the temple area of the temple including the structuring of environmental vendors, local tour guides, travel and security guarantees. "Looking ahead, theme parks temple-themed show with a new format 'Million Looks One Location'," he said

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Main temple of Prambanan Still Damaged

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Nearly four years after the earthquake, the main temple of Prambanan Temple of Shiva completely untouched refurbishment. Nevertheless, the interest of tourists to visit is very high. Prambanan temple complex certainly safe.
If viewed from the physical construction of buildings, Shiva Temple showed no damage.
 
Shiva temple located in the middle of the Prambanan temple complex is not yet accessible by tourists. Shiva temple complex restoration hindered damage.
 
Until now, PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko is still fence Shiva Temple. Some boards ban went into the temple was written around Shiva Temple.
 
"When viewed from the physical construction of buildings, Shiva Temple showed no damage and still standing. When entering the temple, there are vertical cracks wide enough along more than two feet and hands can get into the cracks," said the Head Office of Prambanan, Djoko Sutono , Thursday (04/22/2010).
 
Some tourists who visit the Prambanan Temple complain because they can not get into the main temple. Two other temples are also not able to squeeze visitors accessed because it is still broken.
 
According to Djoko, time Shiva temple renovation unclear because it is still in study stage. Some time ago, some experts in the field of conservation and historical research and have not been able to determine the most appropriate way of renovation. "Shiva Temple has not been touched at all, not knowing whether to be totally or partially dismantled, or injected fluids," Djoko added.
 
Two other major temples, the Nandi and Garuda temple Temple has returned to its original state after the restoration process pascagempa. Nandi temple which is the restoration of vehicles Lord Shiva, for instance, takes five months in the year 2008 with a total cost of Rp 760 million.

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The Number of Cultural Conservation Areas to be Increased

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 4/30/10 0 komentar
TEMPO Interactive, Yogyakarta:The Yogyakarta Cultural Office will include more cultural conservation areas in addition to 13 areas already listed by the office. This is in line with the Yogyakarta Regional Regulation no. 11/2005 on the Management of Cultural Conservation Areas. "There are some areas which we must prioritize," said the office chief Djoko Dwiyanto, in a workshop titled Discussion on Recommendations for the Revision of the Cultural Conservation Law, yesterday. The regulation was seen as a step forward, considering the Law no. 5/1992 on Cultural Conservation Objects only regulate objects and sites, and not the areas themselves.

The areas to be added are Baciro in Yogyakarta, which has Dutch colonial-style homes and Mlangi in Sleman, which is a traditional area. Meanwhile, the 13 cultural conservation areas which have already been listed are Kotagede, Kota Baru, the Palace, Puro Pakualaman, Ambarbinangun, Ambarketawang, and Prambanan . "We will establish an organization to preserve the areas found in districts in Kotagede," said Kantil Foundation coordinator, Muhammad Natsir.


PITO AGUSTIN RUDIANA
Thursday, 29 April, 2010

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Student tourist raise Yogyakarta tourism

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 4/29/10 1 komentar
Tourist students are expected to become the market opportunity of handmade products, because they will be visiting as a tourist attraction as well as craft industry center in Yogyakarta.
Student tourist visits to the handicraft center, is expected to lift the lives of local artisans.
 
"The visit of thousands of students from outside the region through the course of study tours during school holidays to be hope for the artisans, because eventually they will buy handicrafts at craft centers that exist in this region," said Chairman of the Association of Craftsmen and Small Traders Mataram (Asperam) Yogyakarta, Budi Sarwono, in Yogyakarta, Wednesday (10/02/2010).
 
According to Budi, handmade products can not be separated from tourism, because tourists will be looking for local handicrafts as souvenirs.
 
With the number of tourists whose numbers tens of thousands of students, are expected to turn a small artisan passion to improve its products.
 
They are expected to be a buyer there are a variety of craft products at craft centers and displayed in a tourist attraction in this area.
 
"Thus, a student from tourist visits to the handicraft center, is expected to lift the lives of local artisans, crafters, especially small, since their product is sold," he said.
 
He said during the school holidays so that students who are interested in day trips to visit and buy craft products at the center of crafts, artisans and managers needed readiness center for local handicrafts.
 
"Craftsmen with crafts center managers should prepare ourselves to create product appeal for tourists," he said.
 
According to Budi, handicraft centers can also be directed and developed as a tourist attraction that is packaged in a package tour requests. "Thus, the tourists who come to the center of crafts can see directly in the drafting process," he said.
 
He said that although the student tourists usually buy handmade products in small amounts, but their visit could boost sales of handicraft products that support small artisans who now less than satisfactory condition.
 
"Now this little crafters to survive alone is heavy. So at least handicraft products that were sold during the school holidays could support a family of craftsmen," he said.
 
Some members Asperam Yogyakarta is a small artisan silver Kotagede center, the city of Yogyakarta, so every school holiday period arrived they were hoping their products sold in large quantities.
 
"Items in the center of silver handicrafts purchased Kotagede more among domestic tourists and local tourists, as well as tourists student," he added.
 
Source: Kompas

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Semarang revives Old City to lure tourists

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 4/28/10 0 komentar

Semarang is progressing fast and developing into a leading business city, although floods caused by heavy rain and high tides affect some parts of the city.

Semarang is the country's third largest business city after Jakarta and Surabaya. It became a business city during colonial times after the establishment of Dutch trading company Verenigde Oost-Indie Compagnie (VOC) in 1705. Previously, the Dutch business center was in Jepara, Central Java.

The Dutch built Vijhoek fort and a connecting street, called Heeren Straat, which is now Jl. Letjen Soeprapto. One of the gates of the fort is at Berok Bridge, which was formerly called De Zuider Por.

Semarang grew into a business city starting from the fort as its center point. The fort area was called Oudestad van Samarang or the Old City of Semarang and was often called Little Netherlands. The whole area was the city's administration and business center with a number of residential areas that were divided into areas and streets, particularly for Arabs (Pekojan) and Chinese (Pecinan).

After three decades, the Old City is now relatively deserted. The reason is that most of the area is often flooded. The business center gradually moved southward to higher ground. Jl. Mataram turned into one of the city's business centers. Pekojan, where Arabs used to live, is now a residential area for many Chinese-Indonesians.

Business centers in Semarang have now spread all over the city, including to Simpang Lima, which was once a quiet area. Today there are three malls here: Matahari Plaza, Ciputra Mall and Ramayana Mall.

Jl Pandanaran, which is close by, has turned into a snack center. Here modern shops sell bandeng presto (grilled milkfish), wingko babat (coconut and sugar snack), lunpia (shrimp and bamboo snack) as well as many other Indonesian snacks.

Meanwhile, Johar Market, the largest traditional market in Central Java, is a reliable business center in the heart of the city with thousands of large and small vendors.

Chinatown or Pecinan has been preserved and has 10 temples that are actively visited by worshippers. Since the reform era, Chinese culture and traditions have once again flourished. In Semarang, Chinese New Year is celebrated with a fair, namely the two-day Pasar Imlek Semawis prior to Chinese New Year. In Semarang's Chinatown, traditional Chinese drugstores are always crowded with customers.

In Pecinan is Warung Semawis, a food stall selling both Chinese and Javanese food and snacks, such as pork satay, hot mung bean soup, lunpia, fried noodles, fried rice and much more. It is open only on Friday and Saturday evenings. There is a stage where visitors can sing. Food prices here are very reasonable even by local standards.

The night fair, called Jie Kao Mee in the Chinese language, and later the Imlek Semawis Fair has been held since 2004. "The fair has been modified with a modern touch to attract the younger generation as well," said Ong Gwan Djien alias Dharmadi.

The fair sees performances of Chinese, Javanese and even Arabic culture and traditions.

The old temples are also worth a visit, such as Kwan Im Ting (established in 1476) in Gang Belakang, Sioe Hok Bio (1753) in Gang Baru, Tek Hay Bio (1756) in Gang Gambiran, Tay Kak Sie (1771) in Gang Lombok, Tong Pek Bio (1782) in Gang Pinggir, Hoo Hok Bio (1792) in Gang Mangkok, Wie Wie Kiong (1814) in Kampong Sebandaran, Kong Tik Soe (1845) in the Tay Kak Sie complex, Liong Hok Bio (1866) in Gang Besen and See Hoo Kiong (1881) in Sebandaran. Gang means alley in English.

The temple manager will gladly answer any questions related to the Khonghucu, Tao and Buddhist temples. One of the best temples is Tay Kak Sie, which is the largest in Chinatown. It has three large statues of Buddha and a number of small statuettes of Buddha, while there are numerous statues of gods in the other room.

If you want to see Southeast Asia's largest temple then visit Sam Po Kong at Gedung Batu, Simongan, Semarang, which is about five kilometers from Simpang Lima in the heart of the city. Here one can enter the temple complex, but has to pray in the main temple to see the ornamental relic of the trip taken by Adm. Cheng Ho around the world.

When you have finished your tour of Semarang's Chinatown, you can visit the Old City, which is 31 hectares in area. Here you will find 50 buildings built during Dutch times. One of the oldest buildings is the historical Immanuel Church, locally called Gereja Blenduk, which is more than two centuries old and located on Jl. Letjen Suprapto. Just opposite the church is the Murba Building. Most of the buildings are still standing strong. Some are unoccupied, while some have been turned into offices, warehouses or restaurants.

The Semarang city administration is attempting to revive the Old City and make it a tourist destination. Srigunting Park, near the church, has been renovated and the street repaved. Foreign tourists, especially from the Netherlands, often visit the Old City. It seems that Little Netherlands is quite an attraction for them.

"It is a pity that we have not been able to solve the flood problem there. However, the Old City remains one of the city's best tourist destinations, said the marketing head of the Semarang Cultural and Tourism Office.

Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang


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Visitors still enjoying tourist sites

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Massive waves failed to discourage tourists in Yogyakarta and Bali from flocking to popular beaches Saturday.The long weekend has contributed to an increased number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting Bandung, Bali and Yogyakarta. In Bali, thousands of tourists visited popular Kuta beach trying to get a glance at the giant waves, forcing Water Tourism Safety Agency workers to repeatedly request people to remain a safe distance from the water, Antara news agency reported.

The giant waves caused widespread panic among tourists relaxing on the island's beaches Friday, and destroyed small houses on the Kedongan and Jimbaran beaches.

Austrian tourist Manfred Jelovcan was continuing his holiday at Parangtritis beach in Yogyakarta despite reports of massive waves devastating southern coastal areas in Java, Bali and Sumatra. ""We love the sea so we take every chance we have to go to Parangtritis beach,"" Jelovcan, who lives in Semarang, said Saturday.

On Saturday more than 800 people flocked to Parangtritis beach, a large jump from the average of 500 visitors. However, according to Hadi, a ticket seller at the beach, there were not as many visitors as during other public holidays.

""If there had not been reports of massive waves, the number of visitors might have increased by four times the usual number. These massive waves are an annual phenomenon and there is no need for such fear,"" he said Saturday.

Meanwhile, due to the public holiday, most hotels in Yogyakarta are fully booked.

Melia Purosani hotel's public relations officer, Diyah Fatmawati, said 250 of the hotel's 280 rooms were in use, with the remaining rooms still being repaired following the May 27 earthquake last year.

""All of the 250 rooms were fully booked from Thursday until Sunday,"" she said.

Hyatt Yogyakarta hotel was also experiencing steady business due to the long weekend. A member of the hotel's marketing team, Christoporus Yunanto, said the hotel's 260 rooms were fully booked, with 60 percent of the guests being domestic visitors and 40 percent foreign visitors.

""Yogyakarta's tourism industry has now recovered and many foreign visitors, such as Malaysians, are spending their holidays here,"" he said.

The operator of Saptapari travel agency, Fauzan, said Yogyakarta has become a popular place to hold business meetings and family gatherings.

He said the massive waves had not affected tourism in Yogyakarta. ""Yogyakarta is immune to such things. A month after the earthquake last year and Mount Merapi's eruption, tourists started returning here. As long as there are no security or terrorism issues, people will continue to visit Yogyakarta,"" Fauzan said.

The long weekend has also resulted in train company PT Kereta Api Indonesia having an increase in business. With many tourists returning to Jakarta from Yogyakarta, all tickets for economy and executive trains are sold out until Sunday.

In Bandung, hundreds of hotel rooms were booked by guests who reserved rooms well in advance.

""Three-star hotels in our company have been fully booked since Thursday and most guests are staying until Sunday,"" Dadang, a member of the management team at a popular hotel, told Antara on Saturday, adding that most guests were visiting from Jakarta.

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Yogyakarta


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Holiday is full of sweet in Yogyakarta

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 4/25/10 0 komentar

The people with ready smile, becak, the palace, and one-bite size pie bakpia flashed in my mind when I was thinking about Yogyakarta. So, I decided to spend this semester break in the laid-back atmosphere but exotic place.


Together with my parents we started the holiday by visiting my grandfather in Wonosobo, a couple of hours driving in the outskirt of Yogyakarta. The family house is at the hill top and we have to drive circling round the hill to get there.


The view out of the car window was stunning with villages, rice terraces, big trees and the mountains at a distance lining up along the road.

My father had to return to Jakarta for work, so I and my mother took the Prameks train from Kutoarjo station to Tugu station in Yogyakarta.


We stayed at a relative, a retired couple who are still busy running their own business. Pakde Gegeng drove us to place, while Bude Sri, a wonderful cook, treated us local cuisines such as the spicy tempeh plenyet and scrambled tofu.


It was a holiday, but I couldn't ignore my studies. I went to the Gadjah Mada University, the biggest and oldest one in Yogyakarta, and made some search at the Archeology's library and laboratory to get research materials for my undergraduate thesis.


The archeology students were so helpful. They were not only helping me to find some books and research reports relevant to my thesis subject, they gave me a small tour.

My new friends Wiwit, Sari and Inu showed me around the town, the art and cultures Sonobudoyo Museum, the bustling Malioboro Street, the sultanate palace Keraton and the amazing park Taman Pintar.

The museum is located in front of the Keraton. It is filled with Yogyakarta's history, dated ages back. In Malioboro, I went to the Mirota Batik where I bought some souvenirs for friends back home.


We ate lotek for lunch that looks like salad with peanut sauce. It was similar with gado-gado, a specialty in Jakarta, but with bakwan (critters of vegetables) and noodles.

Full with food we continued walking to Taman Pintar, a playground for kids to play and learn. The park is located behind the heritage Vrederburg fortress. In the entrance there was a monument with the picture of the mythical Garuda picture on top and a scripture beneath that reads: "A big nation is one that respects its leaders and heroes".

The toys are very interactive, playful, and educated. There are monuments of presidents, mazes, pulley, and satellite dish speakers for the visitors to play with.

On the next day, my mother and I visited Taman Sari that used to be part of the ancient kingdom ruling in most part of the country. It was used as a bathing place for kings and the nobles, later on as meditation or religion worship place, small batik industry, military training ground and for other purposes throughout the history.


Taman Sari nowadays is a beautiful tourism destination for both domestic and international tourists. The architecture style is an eclectic influence of Hindu, Buddha, Java, Islam, China, Portuguese and Europe, making it one of the province's most prestigious heritage sites.

I had already enough feast for the eyes, but Yogyakarta has more in store to satisfy my taste buds.


Before we left for Jakarta, my mother and I bought some of its specialty snacks, such as bakpia, peanut bars ting-ting, geplak and other sweets. Indeed, most of Yogyakarta's food is sweet. I guess that the people has sweet tooth just as their hospitality.

Prita Nur Aini Student of University of Indonesia.





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End of an era for Yogyakarta's 'blangkon'

Posted by Lambang Insiwarifianto 0 komentar

YOGYAKARTA (JP): The golden age of the traditional Javanese men's cap made out of batik fabric, which is locally known as blangkon, has almost faded away.

Now, only two families are still producing blangkon in Pronosutan, a craft center known for its Yogyakarta-style blangkon production which is located in Nanggulan district, Kulon Progo regency, some 30 km west of the city center.


Earlier, when the uniquely-shaped blangkon enjoyed its heyday prior to 1960, there were some 25 families involved in blangkon production.

The business is said to have started to decline somewhere around the 1960s, but according to veteran blangkon businessman Praptowiyono, the business really got worse in 1965 when batik clothing and the peci (men's black cap) were declared to be the national costume.


""But I will keep running my business. I'm sure that as long as the Yogyakarta palace and its Sultan (king) exist, the blangkon business will continue to survive as the cap represents Yogyakarta's special character,"" said the 64-year-old man who has been in business from 1953 until now.

When he started his business in the 1990s, Praptowiyono and his five assistants could produce an average of eight blangkon per day. The blangkon were then sold in the Beringhardjo market in Yogyakarta.


""But that is an old story. Now, I no longer produce as many blangkon as Iused to. In creating blangkon, I don't emphasize quantity anymore, but rather quality,"" Praptowiyono said.

He realizes that blangkon are losing out against competition from batik clothing and peci. And consumers prefer buying these instead of blangkon, he added.

Now, he is assisted solely by his son and wife. He is only capable of producing about one or two blangkon per day. In marketing his product, he mostly relies on word of mouth.

""Producing a blangkon needs talent, patience. One should not get easily upset because the process involves a harmonious blend of heart and mind,"" Praptowiyono said.


Since his production is now limited, customers, including foreign tourists from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States, sometimes have to order the products by directly coming to Praptowiyono's house.

Sometimes, a customer may have to wait up to two or three weeks to get the desired blangkon. But the wait is worth it, as the product should last for about five years.

To date, his products have also spread as far as Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya, Solo and Semarang.


""If you watch (the traditional comedy show) Ketoprak Humor on RCTI, you'll see that they are wearing my blangkon. RCTI once placed an order with me for 200 blangkon,"" he said.

Besides being officially worn by servants when they present themselves tothe king, blangkon are also popular among artists and are one of Yogyakarta's famous souvenir items.


Farming

Although he is well-known for his blangkon, Praptowiyono is also a farmer.

For him, farming is a way to exercise and helps him not to get tired easily when creating blangkon.

However, he also admitted that his blangkon business did not earn him much money. Blangkon are sold for between Rp 50,000 and Rp 90,000 each. Most customers, however, prefer to order those priced between Rp 50,000 andRp 60,000.


The price of a blangkon depends on the material being used. The most expensive blangkon is made from a fine handmade batik fabric, which could cost one hundreds of thousands of rupiah.


Most of the time, Praptowiyono will ask his clients to bring their own material so he only has to make the blangkon. He said that if he had to buythe material on his own, his blangkon would be very expensive.

With the limited number of customers interested in purchasing blangkon, Praptowiyono is unable to do much to improve his meager income.


He quietly added that unlike the time when blangkon were still in their heyday, most people now only buy blangkon when they had to.

In 1999, Kulon Progo regency's industrial development office started a program to prevent the extinction of the blangkon business. However, the program was more concerned with the business development aspect rather thanhuman resources.

Under the program, blangkon craftsman received a Rp 450,000 cash injection to procure tools, such as sewing machines, thread, mats and plonco, a wooden object shaped like a man's head which is used to measure the blangkon.


But Praptowiyono greeted the program without much enthusiasm.

""The program will not do much to help since there are not so many young men around who can make blangkon. Let's say there are plenty of orders coming in. Who is going to fill them?


The Jakarta Post, Jakarta


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