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Saman Dance to be Acknowledged by UNESCO

Written By Heni Puspita on Friday, April 29, 2011 | 2:56 PM



Have you ever seen Saman dance performance? Saman dance is a Gayo tribal dance, usually performed during important celebrations or events. Recently the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said that Saman dance from Gayom which is performed by male dancers have been registered and will be acknowledged by UNESCO. The type of Saman dance registered is the original version from Gayo. This dance will be acknowledge and affirmed by UNESCO as world cultural heritage in November 2011. Thus, many more Indonesian cultures have been acknowledged by UNESCO, such as wayang, keris, batik, and angklung.

The efforts to register the Saman dance to finally be acknowledged and included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity have been doing since several years ago. Until now, there are 11 Indonesian cultural heritages acknowledged by UNESCO.

Source:
Picture - Original picture here.
Post - MetroTVNews.com & Kompas.com, April 28, 2011 & id.wikipedia.org
2:56 PM | 1 komentar | Read More

Titan Arum (Corpse Flower) Re-blooms in Cibodas




Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium Becc.) is an endemic plant from Sumatra, Indonesia, known as the plant with the biggest flowers in the world. Indonesian people call titan arum as corpse flower or bunga bangkai (bunga means flower, while bangkai means corpse or cadaver; for the same reason, the same title is also attributed to Rafflesia which, like the titan arum, also grows in the rainforests of Sumatra). This plant called the corpse flower because the flowers smell like rotting carcass. The smell is meant to attract beetles and flies as pollinators. People often mistake and couldn’t distinguish between titan arum and Rafflesia arnoldii, probably because both of them have got gigantic size.

Titan arum is now spread in various places in the world, especially in botanical gardens. Titan arum at Cibodas Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Cibodas), Indonesia, has previously bloomed twice in 2004 and 2007. This year, it’s predicted that the flower will re-bloom in May 2011.

This flower usually grows in the open and relatively oblique space with much sunlight. This flower grows in loose and fertile soil with good aeration. Titan arum at Cibodas Botanical Garden was taken from Kerinci Seblat National Park in 2000 at the altitude of 680 meters above sea level.

Titan arum has three growth phases, vegetative (leafy), generative (flowering), and dormant (resting). This flower usually blooms once every four years. That’s why this flower’s blossom becomes a special moment that will always be awaited and attract attention from visitors.

Source:
Picture - Original picture here.

9:48 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

Lampung Farmers Market Organic Rice through Facebook and Websites

Written By Heni Puspita on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 | 11:02 PM



Nowadays, Kelompok Tani Maju (farming group) in Tulangbawang Barat, have succeeded in producing organic rice as much as 500 kilograms per month. Rice is packed in bags weighing 10 kilograms.

“Organic rice species developed by our group are pandan wangi and rojo lele. Usually we market the product in person in Metro and Bandar Lampung area,” said Edhi, a farmer from the group.

Edhi and his farming group also plans to propose cooperation with the corporation or company to attract a wider market. “We will propose cooperation with Telkom. They expressed interest in organic rice, "said Edhi.

With members totaling 30 people and land area of 20 hectares, Kelompok Tani Maju do not stop trying to develop organic crops other than rice. "We are developing organic fruits and vegetables as well," said Edhi.

About the price that is relatively more expensive, Edhi said that it’s because farmers are still find difficulties post-harvest product processing and marketing. If the future of organic farmers and their production are increasing, he believes the selling price of organic products can be cheaper. "Prices can go down and could be cheaper than the price of inorganic rice, '" he said.

To help the marketing of organic rice, Yabima (Yayasan Bimbingan Mandiri) plans to launch the Organic Rice Lovers Community (Komunitas Pecinta Beras Organik - KPBO). The community consists of people with various professions, such as doctors, religious leaders, teachers, and others. "This is our purpose to spread the benefits of eating organic rice," said Yanti, one of the instigators of Yabima.

About the price of organic rice that is now above the average price of inorganic rice, it is because one a few farmers produce organic rice. She said that Yabima also plans to continue expanding producers of organic rice. "Hopefully, the selling price of organic rice will be the same or cheaper than inorganic rice. But, with better quality," she added.

Marketing and promotion will also be carried out through Facebook, websites, as well as meetings with customers.

Source:
Picture - Original picture here.
Post - Tribun Lampung, April 24, 2011.
11:02 PM | 2 komentar | Read More

Kalimaya Stones from Lebak Penetrate World Market


Fossil and kalimaya stones craftsmen in Lebak regency, Banten province are able to penetrate the ASEAN market since the demand is high enough in those countries.

“We’re overwhelmed to fulfill the demand for gemstone crafts to neighboring countries,” said Ardineswati, a craftwoman from Rangkasbitung district, Lebak. She said that fossil and kalimaya stones are natural wealth existing in Lebak regency. The stones worth hundreds of millions of dollars are available in a number of areas in Lebak, such as Sajira, Maja, Cipanas, Cimarga, and Muncang.

According to Ardineswati, the craftsmen sells handicrafts made from fossil and kalimaya stones to some ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysian, Thailand, and Philippines. The price for each handicraft varies from Rp 500,000 to Rp 100 million. “I think customers are interested in gemstones because they’ve got high artistic value,” she said.


Nong, a gemstone craftsman in Rangkasbitung, Lebak admitted that kalimaya stones from this area are the best in the world because the stones have got different color types compared with gemstones from Australia, Latin America, and Somalia. Kalimaya stones from Lebak are very fascinating because they have got different colors like black, brown, yellow, purple, blue and rainbow colors.

To get the gems, he said, traditional exploitation is needed, which is digging a hole to the underground to tens of meters. “It there’s a kalimaya stone underground, there’ll be visible ray,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Department of Industry and Trade of Lebak regency, Herisnen said, local government continue to develop kalimaya and fossil stones craftsmen because it can improve the local economy as well as employment. 

Source:
Picture - Original picture here and here.
Post - Kompas.com, April 20, 2011.
10:58 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

CCAI Employees Wear Recycled Uniform



Coca Cola Amatil Indonesia (CCAI) celebrated Earth Day in a unique way. This company made a breakthrough in supporting the preservation of the environment, all Coca Cola employees has been wearing Eco Uniform since the beginning of April.

CCAI President Director Peter Kelly expressed, Eco Uniform is made from recycled PET plastic material and organic cotton. By using uniform made from recycled materials, the company is applying the principles of reduce (reduction of new plastic), recycle (recycle PET plastic), and reuse.

“The uniform can be used comfortably and trendily, although made from recycled materials. CCAI employees throughout Indonesia, about 10 thousand people, for the first step this year received three pieces of uniform each,” said Kelly.

Kelly explains, the idea is no other than to minimize the use of PET plastic material. In the world of textile, known as PET polyester and is widely used for garment production. So, recycling this material is very relevant to reduce the use of PET or new resin of polyester.

“We are proud of our environmentally friendly initiatives. Hopefully, our latest innovation with Eco Uniform can be followed by other organizations. So, we can provide a more tangible impact for our environment through recycling plastic waste,” he concluded.

Source:
Picture - Original picture here.
Post - Lampung.tribunnews.com, April 23, 2011.
10:48 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

Film about Bajo Tribe Received an International Award


One more Indonesian film received an international award. Film "The Mirror Never Lies" which tells about the story in Bajo Tribe in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi was awarded an Honorable Mention from Global Film Initiative on April 14, 2011. The film was considered worthy of Honorable Mention award based on criteria of artistic presentation, storyline, and cultural perspectives in everyday life.

The film produced by Garin Nugroho is a joint partnership among the government of Wakatobi, World Wide Fund for Nature Indonesia, and the SET Film Workshop. Kamila Andini the director said that the idea of the film is inspired by sea state of Indonesia. "As one of the sea lovers, I want to lift the story of Bajo culture," she continued.

According to the director who was familiarly called Dini, the film "The Mirror Never Lies" is the first wide screen film directed by her. She stated that this film isn't a documentary but it's a family film that elevates local knowledge Bajo Tribe through everyday life and culture.

The film starred by Reza Rahardian, Atiqah Hasiholan, and three Wakatobi children, Gita, Eko, and Zainal took two years to complete. The constraints that Dini, crews and the actors/actresses faced were many decisions to be taken, they had to do some research since documentation concerning Bajo Tribe is very limited. Weather also hindered the process of filming.


The film is scheduled to be premiered in theaters in five cities in Indonesia and there'll be watching the movie together event in Wakatobi. Remarkably, there are several countries that have requested the film to be shown there, including Australia, India, China (Hong Kong), and Malaysia.

Marketing and Communication Director of WWF Indonesia, Devy Suradji, expects that through this film there'll be more parties to give more attention to preserve the rich biodiversity in the World's Coral Triangle.

Source:
Picture - Original picture here and here.
Post - Kompas.com, April 27, 2011.

10:19 PM | 0 komentar | Read More

Indonesian Researcher Found Eco Friendly Coal


The need for cheap, efficient, and more eco friendly energy sources is increasing. Researcher from Indonesia, Ir. Harsudi Supandi successfully developed Geo Coal technology. Technology that is now in process of obtaining patent rights was launched on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Jakarta.

Harsudi who is also the President Director of Total Synergy International (TSI) revealed that there are two types of coal. The first type is the high rank coal. This type of coal has got a low water and a high energy content, high calorie and more efficient. This type of coal is widely used.

The second type is the low rank coal. This type of coal has got a high water content (nearly 80 percent), low energy content and calorie, and less efficient. This type of coal is usually soft, easily broken or fractured, and easy to burn out of control. However, this type of coal turned out to have advantages, which are abundant in number and the low content of sulfur and ash.

Harsudi developed the technology to increase the calorie of the low rank coal. The process is conducted through several phases namely, preparation, demolition of the coal, drying, setting, and cooling. The process is able to increase the calorie of coal by 50 to 100 percent. This process can maintain the levels of sulfur and ash remain low so that the resulting product is more environmentally friendly. Last but not least, this coal upgrading process is more cost efficient.

Currently, TSI have signed an agreement with PLN to use Geo Coal in one of the power stations in Tamiang Layang, Central Kalimantan in June 2011. Among the amid fears of decreasing oil reserves and the impacts of nuclear energy, hopefully Geo Coal technology become the cheap, reliable, and environmentally alternative energy resource. For Indonesia, this cheap energy resource can certainly spur economic growth.

Source:
Picture - Original picture here.
Post - Kompas.com, April 20, 2011.
5:04 PM | 1 komentar | Read More

Agnes Monica Won Seven International Awards


Indonesian talented singer and actress Agnes Monica won another international awards. Recently, Agnes won seven of eight nominations in Jpop Asia International Music Award (JIMA) 2011 held by www.jpopasia.com site. Seven awards were achieved by Agnes from these categories: Favourite Artist/Band, Best Female Solo, Most Promising Artist/Band, Best Musical Ability, Sexiest Female Singer, Most Wanted Female Singer, and Best Use of Social Media.

Remarkably, Agnes managed to beat famous women musicians from Asia such as Yui, Ayumi Hamasaki, and Utada Hikaru. Agnes also managed to beat top singers and music groups such as Zhang Liyin, Coco Lee, Arashi, KAT-TUN, and Super Junior. Hopefully these awards will water down her path to go international. Congratulations, Agnes!

Source:
Picture - Original picture here
Post - Tribun Lampung, April 25, 2011 & Jpopasia.com.
7:50 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

Fish Products from South Sulawesi are Popular in Japan

Written By Heni Puspita on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 | 9:24 AM


It is not a secret that the Japanese people loved to eat fish. Some of the products that they enjoy eating are fish products from Bantaeng district, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Although Japan has just hit by the tsunami, but the demand for processed fish products of PT. Global Seafood International Indonesia remains high.

Last week, PT. Global Seafood International Indonesia exported 20 tons of surimi and fish fillets. Previously, the company has already sent 13 containers of the same products. Surimi made from kurisi fish, sardines, and flying fish is the main raw material of kamaboko, fish nuggets and fish ball in Japan.

Afandy, production manager at the company say that they began to develop other products in addition to surimi, such as frozen pelagic fish and frozen octopus. In addition, they also will process frozen tuna exclusively for the domestic market.

The company employs more than 100 indigenous people Bantaeng. Good news isn’t it? Expanding job fileds for the local people while improving the country's foreign exchange through exporting processed fish products.

Source:
Picture - Original picture here.
Post - Kompas.com, April 23, 2011.
9:24 AM | 0 komentar | Read More

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