INDONESIA a

No. 1/ IV, April 2009

n ek
ANewsletter of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bern, Switzerland

The Art of an Indonesian Artist in Liechtenstein

Indonesian Embassy, Elfenauweg 51, 3006 Bern
Tel. +41 31 352 0983 Fax. +41 31 352 6565
 Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia

In this Issue
Disclaimer: the views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors.

News & Features From the Newsroom.....

4 News Roundup

8 Celebrating Mother’s Day

10 The Art of Fauzie As’ad

Dear readers,

4
12 Revitalitations of weaving Songket It’s spring time! Shiny and colorful, resembles our magazine Aneka Indonesia. We are hop-
15 Potentials and Oppurtunities ing that you and your family are in good health to enjoy the upcoming summer. In this
edition, we highlight the revitalization of Sumatra Songket weaving, one of the most fas-
cinating handicraft from Sumatra, by a Swiss, whose desire is to revive the old motives of
Songket Indonesia. In the tourist destination section, we invite you to take a closer look to
Business & Political Affairs the province of South Sumatra, which is not only famous for its Songket, but also for its
bridge and its traditional cuisine, Pempek, which recipe you can try on page 24.
7 Indonesia Economic Outlook 2009

Meanwhile, this spring edition of Aneka Indonesia will also provide the readers with a re-
18 Heimtextil 2009
port on the painting exhibition of Indonesian famous artist in Switzerland, who currently
lives in Liechtenstein, Fauzie As`ad, as well as a report on the second Indonesian Diashow

17 Destination Indonesia in 9 cities across Switzerland and Germany, by Dominique Wirz, a Swiss, who has traveled
almost all provinces in Indonesia and collected memorable impressions in Indonesia, from
20 South Sumatra the marvelous island of Sumatra, then continued to the exotic island of Java, the paradise
island of Bali, the solely island of Sulawesi and lastly to the surprising island of Papua. In
24 Recipe: Mpek-mpek Palembang
this edition, we also bring you up to date on the situation in Indonesia, the Embassy’s activi-
25 Quick tips for travelers ties and the progress of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Switzerland over the past
26 Calendar of Events four months.

Last but by no means least, we would like to appeal to the readers to help improve Aneka
The Embassy Indonesia both in terms and contents and make it more enjoyable to read. Therefore please

28 3
9
Message from the newsroom
About us
do not hesitate to send us your contributions and comments and we will endeavor to incor-
porate your ideas into future editions. Moreover, should you or your family and friends wish
to receive the publications on a regular basis, please complete and return the subscription
28 Activities form on the last page.

In the meantime, all of us here from the newsroom of Aneka Indonesia would like to take
this opportunity to extend to you and your families, our best wishes.
Front cover:
The Art of Fauzie As’ad

The Editor
Published by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Elfenauweg 51, Bern 3006, Switzerland.
Tel: +41.31.352.0983-4 Fax: +41.31.351.6765 Website: www.indonesia-bern.org

2 3
Aneka Indonesia
News roundup
US eyes Indonesia as key partner
With its giant population and moderate brand
of Islam, Indonesia is fast emerging as a
cornerstone US partner for President Barack
Obama’s administration, observers say,
following the visit to Indonesia of the top US
diplomat, Agence France-Presse reported.
Obama spent four years of his childhood in
Jakarta and his secretary of state, Hillary
Clinton, took a nearly 6,000-km detour
to Jakarta from 18 to 19 February 2009,
between Tokyo and Seoul on her first official
visit abroad.
Clinton said the US is committed to building a
“comprehensive partnership” with Indonesia.
Clinton said in Jakarta, that Indonesia, being
the largest Muslim nation in the world, the
third-largest democracy, will play a leading
role in the promotion of that shared future.
In November, President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono also appealed during a visit to
Washington for a “strategic relationship” with
the United States.
Jonah Blank, the chief policy adviser on South
and Southeast Asia for the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee, said Obama had a
“golden opportunity” to make Indonesia a
pivotal US partner. Blank said there is greater
optimism now than any other point since the
founding of Indonesia as a modern nation-
state.
Lt. Col. Desmond Walton, who handles
Southeast Asia policy at the Pentagon,
said the US relationship with Indonesia
4 5
was “underdeveloped” considering the
archipelago’s vast size and economic
potential. The US is not the only country to
heap more importance on relations with
Indonesia. Prosperous Switzerland said last
week it had chosen Indonesia as one of the
priority countries in Asia for development of a
new partnership, The Jakarta Post reported.
Source: Coordinating Minister for Economic
Affairs Republic of Indonesia
Swiss-Indonesian relations soar
to new heights
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and
Indonesia have never been better, particularly
in the economic sector. Bilateral trade has
reached record double-digit growth, helped
by growing Swiss-Indonesian diplomatic
No. 1 / IV, April 2009
and business networks and initiatives.
Some 75 Swiss companies are currently
operating in Indonesia in sectors such as
banking, chemicals, foodstuffs, insurance
and pharmaceuticals, and many more are
expressing an interest to join them. As a
result, cumulative investments in Indonesia
have, to date, reached US$ 2,2 billion, with
increased growth expected in the future. Both
countries are also debating the possibility of
establishing a Joint Economic Commission to
further strengthen the partnership. Things
couldn’t get much better. Except they just
have.
Indeed, Switzerland has recently included
Indonesia on its list of seven priority countries
destined to benefit from increased cooperation
from 2008-2012. The Swiss decision was
motivated by Indonesia’s impressive economic
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009
growth--which recorded 6.1 percent in
2008 despite the global slowdown--and its
desire for greater integration in the global
economy. Southeast Asia’s largest economy
will therefore be joining those of Colombia,
Egypt, Ghana, Peru, South Africa and Vietnam
in sharing some 800 million Swiss francs,
which the Swiss Federal Council has already
provided to the State Secretariat for Economic
Affairs (SECO) to implement the program. The
latter will consist of mobilizing both domestic
and foreign investment, strengthening
competitiveness and trade diversification, as
well as stabilizing basic economic conditions
and improving basic infrastructure.
Swiss investments in Indonesia are already
much higher than in other Asian countries such
as India, South Korea, Malaysia or Vietnam.
Realized Swiss investments reached US$21
million for the first six months of 2008 and
Swiss cumulative investments topped US$ 2,2 This will entitle Indonesian passport holders
billion and are expected to continue growing. with a valid Schengen visa to enter Switzerland
Bilateral trade has also increased. Indonesia without the need for an additional Swiss
imports mostly machinery, foodstuffs, visa, as well to enter all the other Schengen
chemicals, medicine and medical equipment member states. The Indonesian Government,
from Switzerland, which in turn imports mainly for its part, seeks to encourage Swiss
furniture, textiles, garments and footwear, as visitors by including Switzerland on its list of
well as products such as tea, coffee and cocoa twenty-one countries whose citizens benefit
from Indonesia. Imports of textiles, garments from the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy which
and footwear have seen the most significant it recently introduced. With both countries
increase, although Switzerland is also actively drawing ever closer on a number of fronts
cooperating with Indonesia’s National Agency and bilateral relations at new heights, the
for Export Development, particularly in the time has therefore never been better to
areas of fishing and seafood, agricultural invest in or visit Indonesia.
products, handicrafts, educational toys and
furniture. Data from the Indonesian Central
Statistics Agency (BPS) show that bilateral
trade jumped from US$339.38 million in
2003, to US$668.90 million in 2007. However,
the year 2008 will remain a milestone in the
trading history between the two countries,
with trade increasing 64.4 percent in the first
10 months of 2008 to US$907.03 million,
up from US$551.74 million during the same
period in 2007.
Also in 2008, Switzerland became a member
of the Schengen Area, entitling it to issue
Schengen visas valid for up to three months.
Aneka Indonesia
Bandung declared most pleasant
city
Bandung has been elected the most pleasant
city by an international survey institute,
Mercer.
“I was informed by Regional Administration
Secretary Edi Siswadi that Bandung has been
elected the most pleasant city by Mercer,
an international survey institute,” Bandung
Mayor, Dada Rosada, said here Thursday.
He said that Mercer released the result of the
survey on February 2, 2009 in Jakarta.
The Mercer survey is unlike the data of the
KPK (corruption eradication commission) that
Bandung has the poorest public services.
He said that unlike the KPK survey about
public services, the Mercer survey covered
the facilities of cities. (*)
6 7
No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009
Indonesian Economic Outlook for 2009
The dynamics of the Indonesian economy are
very closely interlinked with the global and
regional economy and influenced by progress
improvements in the investment climate, in-
frastructure, productivity, competitiveness
and domestic supply constraints. Therefore,
due to the recent global economic crisis,
Indonesian government has revised its eco-
nomic growth target downward to 4.7% from
the previous level of 5% under the impact
of slackening global demand for Indonesian
products, according to Finance Minister Sri
Mulyani Indrawati on January 2009.
“The worst-case scenario for Indonesia’s ex-
port growth would be zero expansion. The to-
to the dollar, after weakening due to global Goeltom said that inflationary pressures as a
tal value of exports could grow by 0% to 5%,
factors. result of administered commodity and volatile
much lower than the 9% to 10% in 2008,”
food prices would decline as well. “This will
she said. The initial growth target was no
Bank Indonesia cut interest rates by 50 basis be in line with guaranteed supplies and food
longer realistic as the decrease in export and
points from the current 8.75% to 8.25%, in distribution in 2009,” she added. She said the
import volumes has been biting since October
line with analyst expectations. It was the third impact of fuel oil cuts in December 2008 and
2008, earlier than expected, Indrawati said.
cut in as many months. January 2009 was reflected in the deflation
The government meanwhile replaced Ari Soe- recorded in the past two months. If this was
Inflation for full-year 2008 was recorded at
marno as president director of state oil and followed by a cut in transport fares, inflation-
9.17% and fell to 0.07% on-month in Janu-
gas company Pertamina, installing upstream ary pressures could be minimized.
ary, The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS)
director Karen Agustiawan in his place. Agus-
reported. Exports slumped 9.57% month-on-
tiawan pledged after her inauguration to in- Goeltom said she was convinced that the in-
month in December, after falling 11.09% in
crease oil production and to improve the dis- flation target set at 6.2% in the state budget
November. On an annual basis, value dipped
tribution of oil products in the country. would be achieved. “These conditions are ex-
20.56% in December, compared with a 2.36%
pected to give a chance to BI to lower its rate
fall in the previous month, BPS said. Import
2009 inflation estimated at 5%: BI and banks are also expected to follow suit,
value fell 11.67% on a monthly basis in De-
including BI’s three-month certificates (SBI),”
cember, after falling 17.87% in November.
Inflation in 2009 could be at the lower range she said.
of the Bank Indonesia (BI) projection of 5%
Bank Indonesia Senior Deputy Governor, Mi-
to 7%, according to BI Senior Deputy Gover- The Central Bureau of Statistics said that con-
randa S. Goeltom confirmed the country’s
nor Miranda S. Goeltom. “BI’s latest assess- sumer prices rose 9.17% on-year in January
economy might be expanding more slowly
ment indicates inflation can be at the lower and fell 0.07% on-month. Finance Minister
than expected. She said the fiscal stimulus
range of BI’s projection,” she told a hearing Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the result was “the
prepared by the government could signifi-
with House of Representatives Commission XI, best” in many years and put Indonesia on
cantly boost public consumption and help to
which deals with financial affairs. She said that course for inflation of around 5% by August.
sustain the desired level of economic expan-
inflation could be curbed to a lower level of
sion.
5% as a result of reduced imported inflation Source :
Both Goeltom and the finance minister said
and declining international commodity prices Trade and Investment News, Ministry Coordi-
inflation was likely to come in at 5% in 2009,
as well as minimal output gap pressures and nator for. Economic Affairs, Republic of Indo-
while Indrawati added that the rupiah had
controlled inflation. nesia
found a new equilibrium at around Rp 11,000
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009

About Us
Celebrating Mother’s Day The Embassy details

Address: Elfenauweg 51, 2006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours: 09.00—12.00 (consular section)
Telephone: + 44 (0) 31 352 0983-5
Telefax: + 44 (0) 31 351 6765
Email: kbribern@bgb.ch
On 20 December 2008, the Indone- Website: www.indonesia-bern.org
sian Embassy in Bern and Dharma
Wanita Persatuan KBRI Bern (the
Union of Indonesian Diplomat’s
Wives, who stationed in Bern) or-
ganized its annual Mother’s Day INDONESIAN EMBASSY OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS FOR 2009
which aimed at appreciating the
role of mother in raising the chil-
dren and taking a good care of the 1. Friday, 10 April, Good Friday (Wafat Yesus Kristus)

family not forgetting its role in sup- 2. Monday, 13 April, Easter Monday, Ostermontag
porting the husband as a Diplomat.
3. Saturday, 9 May, Birthday Anniversary of Buddha (Hari Raya Waisak 2553)
The event was held in Petruskirche
Gemeinde, Bern, from 12 pm un- 4. Thursday, 21 May, Ascension Day of Jesus Christ (Kenaikan Isa Almasih)
til noon, which were attended by 5. Monday, 1 June, Whitemonday, Pfingsmontag
nearly 200 guests. The Ambassa-
dor, H.E. Lucia H. Rustam delivered 6. Monday, 20 July, Ascension Day of Prophet Muhammad (Isra Mi’raj Nabi
her speech at the ceremony which Muhammad)
marked the opening of this event.
After the ceremony, Dharma Wanita
Persatuan KBRI Bern, performed
Indonesian popular songs, such as
Antara Anyer dan Jakarta and Jali –
jali and salsa dance. The children
were also participated in the event
by playing Angklung and perfomed
Indonesian modern dances. Lastly,
the visitors were allowed to enjoy
Indonesian cuisines, prepared by
Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI
Bern, and musical entertainment by
Mr. Candra Darusman, Indonesian
famous singer.

8 9
 No. 1 / IV, April 2009
The Art of Fauzie As`Ad
Fauzie`s Statement
“I have no doubt that Art is an interna-
tional Language for human beings to ex-
change emotion and express universali-
ties. Art has given me the possibilities of
combining the clear and definite north
geometric lines with free and dynamic flow
of south organic forms, as well as uniting
the east and west energetic influences in
my work until when I am working I can not
see the borderlines between the north,
east, south and west.”
PaintingExhibitioninBrunnen
From February 1 to March 8, 2009,
Fauzie As`ad, Indonesian artist living in
Liechtenstein, has conducted his painting
exhibition at the Galerie am Leewasser,
Brunnen, Switzerland, with theme: Kunst
ist Grenzenlos möglich/ Art knows no
limit, which were attended by many arts
lovers in Switzerland, curators, and the
Ambassador of the Republic of Indone-
sia in Bern, H.E. Mrs. Lucia H. Rustam.
Many of his paintings, which price rang-
ing from 999 Swiss francs to more than
18000 Swiss francs, are sold out within
a week. His sculptures are to be seen at
the centre of Vaduz, Liechtenstein, mak-
ing Fauzie As`ad, one of Indonesian artist
with international reputation, we should
be proud of.
Biography
Born: September 1st. 1968 in Bekasi,
West-Java, Indonesia.
Living and Working since 1995 as an Art-
ist in Principality of Liechtenstein.
10
No. 1 / IV, April 2009
Education
Workshops, Culture Exchange and Symposium
1974-1987 School in Bekasi and Tasik-
malaya, West-Java, Indonesia. Site Specific Art, Art Collaboration Indonesian-Australian in Yogyakarta (1993).
1987-1988 Student at the Academy of Experimental Art at Duta Plaza Bekasi, Bekasi West-Java (1993).
Interior Design in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Workshops at social work Program for Underdeveloped Village in Wonosari Yogyakarta
1989-1994 Study at Indonesian Art Insti- 0(1994).
tute of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Workshops-Art Collaboration with Militansi Seni Rupa Soboman 219 for Jogja Biennale
1997 Study How to work with Marble at VII (2005).
“Laboratorio Scultura Luigi Corsanini” in
Carrara, Italy. Artist Exchange Liechtenstein-Senegal (1998).
Artist Exchange Liechtenstein-Indonesien (2002).
Scholarships
Skulpturenwoche Bellevue-Quai Brunnen, Swiss (1999).
1987-1988 Scholarship from Pro Patria
Foundation at the Academy of Interior De-
Internationales Bildhauersymposion Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany(2001).
sign, Jakarta.
Internationales Bildhauersymposion in Mühlendorf-Teltow, Germany (2001).
1990-1993 Scholarship from Department
Dielsdorfer sKULpTUR Werkstadt, Zürich, Swiss (2003).
of Culture and Education of Indonesian
Government.
7th. China Changchun International Sculpture Symposium, Jilin Province, China
(2004).
1997 VP Bank- Cultural Scholarship from
VP Bank Vaduz, Liechtenstein.
“Man ist was man isst” Art Collaboration mit MSR S219 in Bukit Menoreh Yogyakarta,
Indonesia (2005).
2000-2001 Culture Scholarship from The
Government of Liechtenstein; Study tour,
Museums and Galleries Visit in Berlin,
Paris and London.
11
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009

During extensive travels in Asia together with

Revitalization of songket weaving

his wife, Bernhard Bart’s attention was drawn
to the weaving handicrafts, especially the art
of making textiles, the different techniques as

in West Sumatra
well as the patterns and motifs of textiles.

During six months (1977/78) they travelled

from Medan eastwards all through Indonesia
till Ambon and were overwhelmed by the many
different kinds of textiles produced: From the
west - the famous ulos of the Bataks in North
Sumatra - till far to the east - the tie-dyed
cloth called ikat on Tanimbar Island in South
East Maluku.

In 1996 he went to Padang, West Sumatra,

in order to learn Bahasa Indonesia. He not
only learnt the language, but also learnt a lot
about the special weaving technique called
“songket” of the Minangkabau people in West
Sumatra. Songket is a kind of “brocade”. It
is woven in supplementary weft technique,
which means that the supplementary, usually
metallic gold and silver threads form the pat-
terns.
In books he read that songket weaving in West
Sumatra almost completely stopped with the
Japanese occupation in 1942. The know-how
of the old techniques, the knowledge about
traditional patterns and pattern arrange-
ments was no longer handed down from one
generation to the other and therefore was al-
ready almost lost when, after independence,
the production started again. But the fineness
and extreme variety of the old motifs was
never reached again. He noticed that today’s
weavers no longer reproduce the old motifs
because old cloths, which could serve as ob- textiles he found in museums and antique fore World War II) have been photographically
jects of reference and comparison, are very shops he knew something had to be done in documented and more than eight hundred
hard to find. Besides, the weaving of the old, order to keep alive the knowledge about this patterns have been computerized and are
very intricate motifs and patterns is more dif- old artistic handicraft. ready to be woven again.
ficult, requires higher skills from the weavers
Bernhard Bart was born in 1947 in Bern. After having completed the regular schools in and, above all, is much more time consuming He began to collect data about Minangkabau By the way, his collection of songket textiles
Bern he studied architecture at the Technical High School in Burgdorf and then worked as than the weaving of contemporary patterns. songket - the patterns, the pattern arrange- consists mostly of photographs and he has
In West Sumatra, he found only three weavers
architect at different places in Switzerland until 1996. His only daughter from his first mar- at two places who still knew about the tradi-
ments, the materials used - wherever and only very few pieces of real textiles which he
whenever he could. At first, the main task keeps as objects of reference for his work. In
riage died from cancer in 2006. He has a grandson aged 12 years. Together with his second tional way of songket weaving. was to photograph the old patterns and to his opinion, these old textiles, witnesses of a
wife he, now lives most of the year in Batutaba near Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, and visits transform them into computer patterns, which former time, should not be sold but kept in
Switzerland from time to time. When he saw the poor quality textiles avail- could then be used as templates for the weav- the families.
able on the market and compared them with ers. Up to now, more than one thousand two
the richness and fineness of the old songket hundred old Minangkabau textiles (woven be-

12 13
Aneka Indonesia
Another task was to look for the right materials
and he found it quite difficult to obtain threads
- cotton, silk and gold and silver threads - of
the same fine quality as used in former times.
He also had to construct new looms and to
engage and instruct the weavers.
In 2005, together with Indonesian friends,
he founded the Studio Songket ErikaRianti to
support him in his efforts and finally, in No-
vember 2006, the Studio Songket ErikaRianti
exhibited 46 cloths which are replicas of old
Minangkabau songkets in the “Galeri 6 Cema-
ra”, Jakarta. It also published a book entitled
“Revitalisasi Songket Lama Minangkabau”,
telling about this process of revitalising the
weaving of old Minangkabau songket.
What was the reason for Bernhard Bart to
keep these traditional motifs alive, to encour-
age their re-weaving and to revitalize the ones
already lost? First it was the wish to preserve
14
or revive something beauti-
ful, a fascinating handicraft,
including the techniques and
materials used in former
times. But then, through
his Indonesian friends, he
became aware that it was
also an important tool to
strengthen the identity of
the matrilineal Minang-
kabau people in view of
the invasion by economical
and cultural globalization,
because each motif has
a specific philosophical
meaning and does not
only serve as an orna-
ment as in other re-
gions. Each motif also
has a name and repre-
sents an object, which
is a symbol for an adat
saying. Thus, the song-
ket motifs are a means
to preserve the culture
and the identity of the Minangkabau people,
and they are as well a medium to transmit the
teaching of the adat, since the Minangkabau
tradition is not left on record.
Besides of producing replicas of traditional
songket textiles, the Studio Songket Erika-
Rianti also tries to transform the traditional
motifs used in wood carving in such a way,
that they can be used in songket weaving. An-
other goal is to create fashionable, contem-
porary songkets but still using the traditional
Minangkabau motifs, thus bringing their philo-
sophical meaning into a modern context. Also,
Bernhard Bart copied textile motifs carved in
stone on statues from the 13th century found
in Indonesia. For the first time such a carved
“stone textile” has now been woven with
threads.
Near Bukittinggi in the highlands of West Su-
matra he has designed and built a weaving at-
elier for the Studio Songket ErikaRianti and a
home for his friends and himself and his wife,
which has just been completed. When produc-
No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009
tion at this place will have started again and
is working well, he hopes to be able to have
another exhibition.
Potentials and Opportunities
Tradition is still quite strong in West Sumatra
and he is convinced that, as long as the adat
is the basic foundation of the daily life of
the Minangkabau people, as long as certain
textiles are worn at certain occasions, and,
above all, as long as people are conscious
of the meaningfulness of these textiles, his
project will successfully go on and the art of
weaving sophisticated Minangakabau song-
kets will endure. But on the other hand, he
wishes more private initiative: Indonesia is
very rich at raw materials (wood, rattan, gam-
bir, palm oil, gas, rubber, and many more),
which should not just be exported as done
today, but processed first, thus creating more
labour and income. Then it would be possible,
for instance, to obtain silk “made in Indone-
sia”, which is quite difficult at the moment.
When asked why he - as an architect - is so
fascinated by the weaving techniques he an-
swers: “There are many similarities between
architecture and the weaving handicraft:
Whether building a house or creating a woven Bernhard Bart, when was the first time Second, the history: In the relatively small West Sumatra are the finest in Indonesia and
textile, you have to consider the habits of the that you came to Indonesia? area of the highlands of West Sumatra, the belong to the finest hand-woven brocade tex-
people you work for. The house as well as the heartland of the Minangkabau people, there tiles of the world.
cloth has to be designed and calculated, and I visited Indonesia for the first time in 1977. used to be many different weaving centres
everything has to be planned in advance. You Together with my wife I travelled during 6 (for example Koto Gadang, Limapuluh Kota, Besides, for the Minangkabau people each
have to know about the materials and their months from Medan eastwards all through In- Tanjung Sungayang, Batusangkar, Ampek motif on a songket cloth has a specific philo-
special qualities, about the different tech- donesia till Ambon, using public transport like Angkek, Pandai Sikek, Silungkang, Solok, sophical meaning and does not only serve
niques and the colours. Building a house is buses, ships, and the railway. Already then I Muara Labuh, Lintau, Padang Magek, Pitalah) as an ornament as in other regions. Most
creating a home for people, weaving a cloth is was overwhelmed by the many different kinds and each centre had its own very distinctive Minangkabau motifs have three meanings
creating a home for the body”. of woven textiles produced. typical motifs and pattern arrangements. (a literal, an implied and a hidden meaning),
which I shall explain by means of the following
example, the motif “bada mudiak” (fish swim-
Studio Songket ErikaRianti What makes songket so interesting for What is your favourite songket? From ming upstream):
Komplek SMKN 1 you? which province? And why?
Jorong Panca, Batutaba 1. Literally, this motif is a symbol of courage
Kec. Ampek Angkek, Kab. Agam There are two reasons: In Indonesia, songkets with metallic threads and determination, since it requires courage
West Sumatra, Indonesia First, the technique. Unlike other techniques were woven in Sumatra, West Kalimantan and to swim against the current. Also, the fish are
- for example batik where the pattern is cre- Bali. My favourite songket textiles are the doing this in a swarm, which obviously means
Website: www.songketminang.com ated on an already woven cloth, or ikat where ones from the Minangkabau people in West that difficulties can be overcome more easily
E-mail: bernhardbart@yahoo.com the pattern is made before weaving - in song- Sumatra. Within this area the old songkets by acting together as members of the com-
ket weaving the pattern develops during the from Koto Gadang show the finest and most munity.
process of weaving. intricate motifs. I think the old songkets from
15
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009

2. What is the reason the fish are swimming

upstream? On its way to the sea the river gets ErikaRianti are intended for the market in or-
contaminated, therefore, the clearest water is der to keep up the traditional handicraft of
found at its source. This implies that in order songket weaving. Quite many Minangkabau
to solve a problem you have to find and ex- people living in Jakarta admire and purchase
amine its source. our products and therefore support our ef-
forts to revitalise songket weaving.
3. Only very few old Minangkabau people still
know that there is a third, a theological mean-
ing hidden behind these values: seeking for How is the Studio Songket ErikaRianti
the pure truth, you have to go back to the progressing and what are your plans
supreme source which is the truth of God. for the future?

In November 2006 the Studio Songket Erika-

What does this mean “Songket Revi-
talization”?
Today, only two weaving centres are left,
Silungkang and Pandai Sikek, and the former
richness of different typical patterns is lost.
The Pandai Sikek patterns have spread all
over West Sumatra and nowadays the major-
ity of songkets is woven in Pandai Sikek style.
Therefore, songket revitalization means to
produce sophisticated textiles which show the
same fineness, the richness and extreme va-
riety of patterns and the same intricate motifs
as they were woven about 100 years ago.
Moreover, by its production of replicas of old
traditional songket textiles the Studio Songket
ErikaRianti returns the significance to these
textiles, returns the meanings to the motifs,
revives one of the many local “colours” of
the Minangkabau cultural heritage, which is
unique in the world.
You founded the Studio Songket Erika-
Rianti, what kind of difficulties you’ve
found so far in operating the weaving
studio?
Together with Indonesian friends I founded
the Studio Songket ErikaRianti in 2005. First it
was difficult to find high quality metallic thread
(gold and silver) as well as high quality silk
thread. This problem has now been solved
but it is still very difficult to work together with
local suppliers of threads and weaving tools
since they often sell wholesale only. Still an-
other problem is to find weavers, which pos-
sess the high skills to weave the demanding,
very complicated old patterns and, on top,
have the patience to work on the same cloth
for 2 - 3 months. A simple cloth as it is woven
today is usually finished in only 2 weeks.
Do you sell your songket collection as
well?
My songket collection consists mainly of pho-
tographs. I possess only a few pieces of real
textiles which serve as objects of reference
for my work and as teaching material for our
weavers, and are not for sale.
The replicas produced by the Studio Songket
Rianti had an exhibition in the “Galeri 6 Ce-
mara” in Jakarta, showing 46 cloths which are
replicas of old Minangkabau songkets. The
originals which served as models for these
replicas are to be admired in the Museum der
Kulturen in Basel, in the Fowler Museum in
Los Angeles, in the Museum Adityawarman in
Padang and in private collections. This was
the first step: To prove that it is still possible
to produce songkets of the same high quality
and as fine and complex as they were woven
long ago.
Having reached this goal the Studio Songket
ErikaRianti tries to produce fashionable con-
temporary songkets still using the traditional
Minangkabau motifs. It also adapted tradi-
tional motifs used in woodcarving and motifs
found on a stone statue in East Java (13th
century) in such a way that they could be
used in songket weaving.
At the moment the Studio Songket ErikaRianti
is training local people to weave these sophis-
ticated songkets in order to restore this tradi-
tional handicraft to a centre (Ampek Angkek)
where songket weaving was once flourishing.
Do you have any plans to promote Mi-
nangkabau Songkets in Switzerland?
Not really. The typical Minangkabau songkets
(that is our replicas) are intended for the Mi-
nangkabau people; they do belong to their
culture. Certainly, I would like to show and
make known this handicraft product to the
Swiss people, since they are in general inter-
ested in foreign cultures. But I don’t think that
there will be a big market for songket because
Swiss people don’t have a tradition to wear
textiles showing such a lot of gold.
Do you think Minangkabau Songket
can get the attention of the internation-
al market?
Certainly. Especially the Arab countries like
golden textiles. But the Studio Songket Erika- building the basis for further development.
Rianti is too small a firm to produce for an Moreover, when the patterns are still woven
international market. the knowledge about their meanings is kept
alive. Tradition has to live and as long as
the adat (custom) is the basic foundation of
Lastly, what is your hope for Minang- the daily life of the Minangkabau people and
kabau Songket? as long as people are conscious about the
meaningfulness of these textiles, the art of
I hope that the richness and variety of song- weaving sophisticated Minangkabau songkets
ket textiles, the fine and complex patterns of will endure. To achieve this it is important to
former times and the know-how of the differ- further the Indonesian people to take pride in
ent techniques can be restored again, thus their own cultural heritage.

16 17
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Heimtextil 2009
Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO),
facilitated three of Indonesian Small and Me-
dium-sized Enterprises (SMEs); Aneka Tusma,
PT Piviko Manunggal and PT Retota Sakti to
participate in a collective stand, together with
4 Vietnamese companies at the International
Trade Fair, Heimtextil, Frankfurt on January
14-17 2009. At the invitation of SIPPO, Indo-
nesian Ambassador to Switzerland, H. E. Mrs.
Lucia H. Rustam on January 15-16 2009 were
visiting the exhibition.
sel, April 28-30 2009
HEIMTEXTIL is the world’s largest internation- designers, interior design and decorators. Apart from the exhibition, this event was also
al trade fair for home and contract textiles. The top ten visitor nations after Germany are: accompanied by seminars and workshops that • Vitafoods International - Nutraceutical, Cos
The Heimtextil presents the latest develop- Italy, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, covered the latest development and trend of meceutical and Functional Food Ingredi-
ments from the fields of fashion, design and France, Belgium, Turkey, Poland, Greece and design, colour, etc., which offer visions for de- ents industry, Geneva, May 5-7 2009
architecture for exhibitors and visitors. This the USA. Against the trend, some African sign in the coming season. In these regard,
year’s fair featured a total of 2,700 exhibitors countries, such as Egypt and Algeria, regis- participation of Indonesian exhibitors, re- • Interzum - event for suppliers of the fur
from 60 countries. exceeded by a significant margin. The wide tered an increase in visitor numbers, albeit a lated government officials, and private sector niture industry, exhibited Wooden Products,
This year’s exhibition was dominated by three
range of products and themes covered at very small one. leaders would be an excellent opportunity to Parquet, Panelling, Doors, Windows, Semi-
Asian countries : India, Pakistan and China.
Swiss Import Promotion Programme is a man- Heimtextil 2009 was also well received on the acquire an in-depth knowledge on latest de- Finished Products,
Whereas for Europe, was mostly dominated
date from the State Secretariat for Economic visitor side with 91 percent of visitors from According to the three Indonesian SMEs that velopments in the textile sector, obstacles fac- Köln, May 13-16 2009. Two Indonesian
by Germany as the host country, followed by
Affairs of Switzerland (SECO), carried out by home and abroad saying they were highly sat- joined HEIMTEXTIL 2009, their appointment ing the sector and means to overcome them, SMEs will be participated in the exhibition.
Italy and Spain. Products that were exhibited
Osec. The programme supports SMEs from isfied with the results of the fair and praised by SIPPO not only because of their experi- which in turn will improve the development of
was grouped into:
emerging markets and markets in transition the quality of the innovations and marketing ence in the field of fashion, the size of com- textile industry in Indonesia. • Tendence Lifestyle Decorate Life – Inter
to access the Swiss and European markets. incentives offered by exhibitors for the com- pany’s export, and activity in product devel- national consumer goods fair for the au
1. Window, consists of : fabrics, curtains, tex
Due to an increasing demand for home-textile ing season. opment and design; but also because their tumn, winter and Christmas, Frankfurt, July
tile curtains accessories;
products in the international market, since companies utilize a lot of manpower from Other Trade Fairs which will be supported by 3-7 2009
2. Upholstery, consists of : upholstery fab-
1999 SIPPO has been participating every Although Heimtextil 2009 attracted fewer the local inhabitants, and the use of environ- SIPPO in 2009 are :
rics, upholstery leather, decorative cush
year at the Heimtextil. SIPPO has also been visitors than in 2008 (74,000 from 121 mentally friendly material in their production. • CPD – Womenswear, Düsseldorf, July 26-28
ion;
supporting Indonesian SMEs in several Euro- countries), SIPPO reported that their collec- These three SMEs employ approximately 100 • CEBIT – Information Technology (IT), Han 2009
3. Floor, consists of : carpets, floor covering;
pean International Fairs for many times now. tive stand were able to receive valuable new – 600 people, and have also exported their nover, March 3-8, 2009
4. Sun, consists of : sun protection systems
Participation in these fairs is a good chance contacts and they were especially satisfied products to the United States, Japan and sev- • Spoga – Garden Furniture, Köln, August
(internal and external sun protection sys-
for Indonesian SMEs to enlarge their relation- with the customer frequentation on the sec- eral European countries (Germany, Sweden, • Hannover Messe - Technical Products, 30– September 1, 2009
tems), non-textile curtain accessories;
ship and promote their products within Euro- ond day. In total the companies made 205 Denmark and Switzerland). Metal Processing, Automation
5. Wall, consists of : wallpapers, wall cover-
pean buyers. new contacts. Several offers and even orders Hannover, April 20-24, 2009. • Travel Trade Workshop (TTW) in Montreux,
ings, accessories;
could be noted directly at the fair. The follow- Beside the trio, there were actually two other Indonesian SME which will be participated November 4-6 2009
6. Decor, consists of : Non-textile and coated
The products of Indonesian SMEs that were up consists in preparation of 60 offers and Indonesian companies participated at the ex- in the event is ATMI from Surakarta, a man
table coverings, films and foils, colours,
exhibited in HEIMTEXTIL 2009 including ta- the companies hope to establish approxi- hibition at their own expense, i.e. PT Indah ufacturer of plastic injection molds for their • FiE - Food Ingredients Europe und Ni-
varnishes, wall design;
blewares, interior accessories, upholstery, mately 25 new business-relations within the Jaya from Jati Uwung Tangerang-Banten and molast and thermoset, plastic injection Natural Ingredients Europe,
handbags, baskets & boxes, housewares, next 7 months. PT Paberik Tekstil Kassrie from Pandaan-East parts, precision parts (automotive, elec Frankfurt, November 17-19 2009
After coming to Frankfurt under the shadow
fashion accessories, gifts & accessories, Java. They have participated in the Heimtextil tronic and medical parts), and automation
of the worldwide economic downturn and a
which are made of textile and various fibres The visitor profile of the exhibition included many times before, and this year both compa- engineering.
sense of crisis, numerous exhibitors found
such as mendong, pandan leaf, enceng gon- purchasers, retailers, hotel and restaurant, nies exhibited towels.
their expectations of the fair to have been
dok and seaweed. • European Seafood Exposition (ESE), Brus-

18 19
Aneka Indonesia
Destination
SOUTH SUMATRA
One of the greatest kingdoms in Indonesian
history, the Buddhist Empire of Sriwijaya,
prospered along the banks of Musi River in
South Sumatra over a thousand years ago.
Located on the southern-most rim of the
South China Sea, close to the one of the
world’s busiest shipping lanes linking the
Far East with Europe, the Region’s historical
background is rich and colourful. The
Sriwijaya kingdom practised a bustling and
incrative trade with ancient China during its
era of powerful dynasties. In 672 the Chinese
scholar, I Tsing, recorded that a thousand
monks and scholars could be seen translating
and studying Sanskrit in Palembang. Few relics
of this memorable are remain. Stretching
20
from the foothills of the mighty Bukit Barisan
mountain range, this province is relatively flat
but very fertile, with numerous rivers cutting
across the landscape and meandering their
way to the sea. Coffee and tea plantations
are scattered across the province, but area’s
enormous wealth comes from oil, natural gas,
coal, tin and quartz reserves.
South Sumatra Province is situated on the
eastern side of Bukit Barisan mountain
range South Sumatra province is relatively
flat, nevertheless fertile, as numerous rivers
crisscross and meander through out the
region. Palembang is its capital city and as
the gateway to the province, lies right on the
banks of the great Musi River, 60 km upstream
Aneka Indonesia Dream destination No. 1 / IV, April 2009
southernmost rim of the South China Sea
and close to one of world’s busiest sea-
lanes linking the Far East with Europe, the
region’s historical background is undoubtedly
rich and colorful. Once the very site of the
Buddhist Kingdom of Sriwijaya, it practiced a
bustling trade with then ancient China during
its era dynasties. Inevitable of course, were
the interacting forces of the two different
cultures at the time, which nowadays are still
noticeable as consequences of the past.
The visitors can easily reach South Sumatra by
air through four major airports at Palembang,
Pangkal Pinang, Bangka and Belitung islands,
all having direct connections with Medan,
Batam, Padang, Jakarta, and not long from
now with Singapore too. Air-conditioned buses
from points North and West of Palembang are
regularly available, as well as from cities on
Java and Bali.
Geographically
Geographically, South Sumatra province is
located between 1o and 4o South Latitude and
between 102o and 108o East Longitude.
The boundaries of the area is:
North side: South China Sea
West side: Jambi Province and Bengkulu
Province
South side: Lampung Province
and navigable by oceangoing vessels. No
East side: Java Sea
wonder that most major social and economic
Administratively
activities should center in Palembang and
Musi River where the region’s pride, Ampera
South Sumatra Province is divided among 8
Bridge, is found as well.
regencies, 2 municipals and 3 administrative
South Sumatra is famous for Songket wearing
towns with Palempang as its capital city.
which are made of silk thread combined with
gold thread. Palembang also famous for its
Temperature
wood carving motifs which are influenced
by the chinese and Buddhist. The carving
The humidity of south Sumatra province is
are dominated by decorations in the form
78%. The rainfall range is variation between
of jasmine flower and lotus that can be seen
2,000 - 3,000 mm per year and an average
in the furnitures and lacquers. Palembang’s
wind velocity of 3.23 km per hour. And the
famous fruits are pineaple and duku (Lansium
temperature ranges between 21.8o C and
domisticum).
32.2o C.
Because of its sheer location on the
21
Aneka Indonesia
Demography
A migration flow to this province is supported
by the existence of heavy plantation exertion,
mining and transmigration program. The
population density of this province is 58,8
people per Km2 (1994). Compared to the
average national population growth amounted
to 2.144% per year, this province was on the
lower level with 1.10% per year.
Wide Area
The area of south Sumatra province is
103,688 sq. km width.
Medan and other towns of North Sumatra.
Its largest groups are Chinese and Indian,
being naturalized Indonesian citizens.
Other Indonesian tribes like Acehnese,
Minangkabau, Javanese, etc. also live in many
parts here. Each of the mentioned tribes as
well as the ethnic groups has its own dialect,
religion, beliefs, traditional customs, etc. Arts
and cultures make this region, a paradise
for social scientists. Among the ancient
Indonesian cultures which can be seen at
Samosir island are the centuries old tombs of
Batak Toba kings and a stone-table with its
benches, where meetings were formerly held
by the Siallagan chiefs.
HERITAGE SITE in Palembang, South
Sumatra
1. Kuto Besak Fortress
An interesting fact about this museum is that it
took 17 years to build it, started in 1780 and
inaugurated to use it in Monda 21st Februari
1797. The idea of f this fortress development
was Mahmud Badaruddin Sultanate I (1724
- 1758).
It has 288,75m length, 183, 75 m width,
9.99 m height and 1.99 m thick. Each
22
Dream destination
corner provide entrance, the Northwest side
entrance is different with three others. The
same 3 entrances represent the characteristic
of Kuto Besak Fortress. The main entrance,
Lawang Kuto allowed visitors to look out to
Musi River. While the entrance in the back
door called Lawang Buritan.
This fortress has become Palembangnese
proud since its the biggest and the only
fortress made-up from stone wall and strongly
No. 1 / IV, April 2009
related as the witness of their successes
fought against European enemy.
2.SultanMahmudBadaruddinMuseum
This museum was the former Kuto Lama
Fortress where the Sultan Mahmud
Badaruddin Jayo Wikramo and Sultan Mahmud
Badaruddin I (1724 - 1758) stated their
Keraton (palace).
Aneka Indonesia
Dream destination No. 1 / IV, April 2009
In 1821, this palace attacked by the Dutch
Colony and in October 17th, 1823 demolished
under Dutch Commissaries requirement, I.L
Van Seven House as the revenge to Sultanate
who burnt Aur rive Loji. The museum rebuilt
in 1825 and become Dutch government
secretariat and resident.
In 1942 - 1945 during Japanese expansion,
this building ruled by Japanese armies
and handed over to Palembangnese after
the independence proclaimed in 1945. In
1949, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum
renovated and punctuated the function as
Sriwijaya II Toritorium and used as central
rezimen of Sriwijaya IV. Based on the research
the water so daily household activities can be
conducted by National Archeological team in done in privacy. These very ornate wooden
1988, the Kuto Lama brick foundation found houses are raised on stills, and usually 15-20
under the scalded wooden-block.
meters in width and from 30-60 meters, from
Colums; door and window frames to ventilation
3. Water Tower Office panels are intricately carved.
This building was founded in 1982 and
Natural Beauty of South Sumatra
previously used Syuco office during Japanese
era in 1942-1945 and then used as city hall
Curup Tenang Waterfall
untuil 1956. This building provided water
treatment supplies for public office. In 1963
Curup Tenang Waterfall is 2 hours drive from
Water Tower Office changed into Palembang Palembang. It is a land of rivers and waterfalls,
Government Central Office.
where the water cascades from a height of 90
meters into deep pool.
4. Ampera Bridge
Putri Cave
Built above Musi River which has 1.777 m
length, 22 m width and 11.50 m height funded Putri Cave is situated at the edge of Padang
from war confiscation of Japanese Government Windu Village, 35 Km from Baturaja. It is 156
there are a complete facilities to see the
by Soekarno instruction, Indonesia President m long and 8-20 m wide. The maximum height
natural tea plantation in Pagar Alam it is the
started in April 1962 and finished 1964. is 20 m. In the cave there are many stalagtites highest peak in South Sumatra and might be
Previously named Musi Bridge then changed and stalagmites and a stream which empties
reached directly from Palembang city by car
to Ampera Bridge since it operated on New into River Ogan. about 6 hours drive (295 kilometers). Enjoy
Era period. AMPERA word stands for Amanat
the mountain bike, camping, tea walk and
Penderitaan Rakyat (Message of Folks Ranau Lake
hiking.
Tribulation).
Before 1970, the center part of Ampera
Ranau Lake is 125 Km from Baturaja. It is Sembilang National Park
Bridge could be lift up and passed by big ship 8x16 sq km and surrounded hills and valleys
with 44.50 m height on maximum. Now days,
in Mount Seminung. Sembilang National Park. has a 45.000 sq
for maintenance reason ship isnt allowed to
hectares wildlife reserve. It is a paradise for
cross over. Mount Dempo
various kinds of birds (pelican, hornbill, milky
5. Limas Traditional House
stork, etc) there are two kinds of Sumatran
Built along the river banks, facing away from Mount Dempo. On the skirt of Mt. Dempo Crocodile and numpback dolphins.
23
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009

Cuisine
MPEK MPEK Quick tips for travellers
PALEMBANG
Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients:
• 300 g flesh of Spanish mackerels, grinded
• 100 cc warm water
• 1 tsp salt
Traditional canoes, Bali Rice paddies, Ubud, Bali Senggigi Beach, Lombok Great Mosque, Medan
• 200 g sago palm flour
Photos by Jill Gocher and Bambang Wijanarko
• 100 g wheat flour
• 6 eggs, broke into a bowl Immigration Customs and border regulations Rental car rates vary from area to area—ask
Sauce: at your local hotel for more information on
• 750 cc water Foreigners planning to visit Indonesia should Before entering Indonesia, be sure to respect rates and distances. Other forms of transport
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed be aware of recent developments in the Indonesian Government customs regulations. in Indonesia are the bajaj for two passengers,
• 5 chilies, chopped laws, regulations and procedures concerning A maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages, the becak, and small buses and vans plying
• 1 tbsp soy sauce visas that have been set by the Indonesian 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of regular routes—all of which require advanced
• 150 g sugar Government, such as the new immigration tobacco, and a reasonable amount of perfume bargaining in order to come to a mutually
regulations concerning the new Index of Visa are allowed per entry, per adult. Cameras, accepted fare. Buses are very crowded,
• 150 g brown sugar
and Visa on Arrival. video cameras, portable radios and cassette particularly in the cities. Trains are available
• 1 tsp salt
recorders, binoculars and sport equipment on the island of Java and in parts of Sumatra.
• 3 tbsp vinegar As of 12 June 2006, the nationals from the are allowed provided they are taken out on To cut down on travel time, Garuda Indonesia
• 2 cucumbers cut into cube sized pieces following 52 countries can apply for visas on departure. They must also be declared at flies daily to all major cities of the archipelago.
• 100 g wet noodles arrival for short visits (tourist purposes): customs. Firearms, narcotics, pornography, Other companies such as Merpati Nusantara,
• 150 g dried shrimps, grinded Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers Bouraq, and Mandala, Lion Air, Awair and Pelita
Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, and cordless telephones are prohibited. The also have an extensive network of domestic
Directions: Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, penalties for smuggling drugs are severe and routes. Airport authorities levy airport taxes
1. Mix flesh of fish, warm water and salt. Add sago palm flour and wheat flour little by little while mixing France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, include the death penalty. Films, pre-recorded of Rp. 50,000 for travellers on international
until it is mixed. India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, video tapes and laser disks must be screened routes and Rp. 11,000 for those on domestic
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Maldives, by the Censor Board. While there are no routes. Visitors arriving in Soekarno-Hatta
2. Form it oval (about 75 g); make a hole in the middle by point finger. Then turn it around while pressed Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, New restrictions on the import or export of foreign airport should be aware of the fact that
until it becomes a pocket and put some broke raw egg in. Shut and close the hole tightly. Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, currencies and travellers checks, the import taxi drivers add road tolls of Rp. 7,000 and
the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and export of Indonesian currency exceeding surcharges ranging from Rp. 7,500 to Rp.
South Africa, South Korea, Surinam, Sweden, Rp. 5 million is prohibited. 14,000 depending on the destination within
3. Boil some water and put pempek one by one. Wait pempek until it floats at the surface. Take them out
Switzerland, Taiwan, Qatar, the United Arab Jakarta. Buses also run from the airport to
and drained.
Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United Transport five destinations within Jakarta every 20
4. Soup: Boil some water. Put in garlic, chilies, soy sauce, sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Boil them and States of America. The visa on arrival facility is minutes and charge Rp, 5,000 per person
sugar was soluble. Filter the dregs. Add vinegar and mix it. valid for a maximum of 30 days and costs US$ Metered taxis exist in Jakarta, Surabaya, plus luggage. At other airports there are
10 for 7 days and US$ 30 for 25 days. The Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali transport counters with fixed fares for taxis.
5. Fry pempek in much oil enough. Take them out and drain when they are brownish. visa can be obtained from all major airports and Lampung. Although the fares fluctuate
and seaports across Indonesia. In addition to with the price of oil, they range from Rp.3,000- Communication and electricity
6. Serving: Cut fried pempek into bite sized pieces and put in a plate. Add noodles and cucumbers above the visa, all visitors to Indonesia must be in 5,000 for hailing an air-conditioned cab
them and pour the soup. Pempek kapal selam is ready to be offered. possession of a passport valid for at least six (approximately Rp. 2,800 for each additional Long Distance, IDD, facsimile and internet
months and have proof of onward passage. kilometer) to Rp. 6,000 for Silverbird taxis. services are available in all major cities and

24 25
Aneka Indonesia
Lombok Sunset
hotels, as well as in the telecommunications
offices (Wartel). While most hotels in big
cities use 220 volts and a two-pronged plug,
a number of establishments in the provinces
may still use 110 volts, so it is better to check
before using an appliance.
Weather
The dry season in Indonesia lasts from
June to October and the rainy season lasts
from November to March. The temperature
fluctuates between 33°C (62°F) and 21°C
(41°F) and humidity is high at all times.
Tipping and bargaining
A service charge of 10% is added to the bill
in most hotels. Tips of between 5 to 10% are
deemed reasonable in restaurants where no
service charge has been added. Airport or
hotel porters expect to receive Rp. 5,000 per
bag. Tipping taxi drivers or leaving the change
is appreciated but not mandatory—make
sure to carry small change as taxi drivers
frequently run out. Shops and department
stores in the big cities have fixed prices
and are open from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
everyday, including sometimes Sunday, but
be prepared to bargain in smaller shops.
Food and drink
Restaurants specialising in European,
American and Oriental cuisine including
fast food restaurants can be found across
Indonesia. Many of Indonesia’s traditional
dishes are hot and spicy; be sure to ask both
how hot and how much they will cost before
ordering. Imported and local beverages are
widely available, stick to bottled drinks when
in doubt.
26
Calender of Events
May
Waisak Festival at Borobudur
Indonesians celebrate the Waisak Festival,
remembering the birth, enlightenment and
death of Buddha, at Borobudur, the world’s
largest Buddhist monument.
The five-mile pilgrimage from Mendut to the
serene sitting Buddha on the top of Boro-
bodur is walked by hundreds of monks in
saffron robes carrying offerings of flowers
and candles. As the moon rises over the ho-
rizon, throwing white light onto the smooth
stone exterior of the ancient temple, candles
are lit and the monks begin praying, medi-
tating and chanting well into the evening, a
vision guaranteed to remain with you for-
ever. Borobodur is an amazing place at any
time of year, but the holiness of the site is
particularly apparent during this important
religious festival.
ISEM MULANG A DAYAK ART AND
CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Isen Mulang is an Art and Cultural Event, it
is the representation of the Dayak art and
culture, it is also the blending of Indonesian
art and culture under the spirit of Bhinneka
Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity). It is an an-
nual agenda in Central Kalimantan province
that is always conducted in the spirit of sim-
plicity and away from the glamorous living.
Be yourself and lets go to discover the
unique world of art and traditional culture of
beautiful land of Dayak in Central Kaliman-
tan on 19 to 23 of May 2006 at Palangka
Raya city, the capital of central Kalimantan
Province - Indonesia.
World Ocean Conference 2009
Manado, Indonesia, 11-15 May 2009
Indonesia is proudly hosting the
No. 1 / IV, April 2009
World Ocean Conference 2009 to build com-
mitment
for sustainable management of marine re-
sources
Indonesia has taken the initiative to organize
the World Ocean Conference (WOC 2009) in
Manado, Noth Sulawesi Province, Indonesia,
from 11 to 15 May 2009. WOC 2009 will be
attended by Ministers and High Level Govern-
ment Officials as well as by Senior Officials
from Multilateral Organization. It is aimed at
developing a common understanding and
firm commitment to face up to the impact of
climate change on the state of the world’s
oceans and to increase our understanding of
the role of the oceans in determining the rate
of global climate change. The city of Manado
will also host the Coral Triangle Initiative/CTI
Summit 2009 scheduled to be held on 15
may 2009. Heads of state/government from
six member countries (Malaysia, the Philip-
pines, Papua new Guinea, Solomon islands
Timor Leste and Indonesia) and two observer
countries, namely Australia and USA, are ex-
pected to attend the Summit. President of the
Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, scheduled to officially open WOC
2009, will invite a number of world leaders to
attend the conference.
www.woc2009.org
June
Sriwijaya Festival
June 16 – 23
Palembang, South Sumatra
The main goal of this festival is to increase the
appreciation of the locals to their own culture.
One of the annual events in Palembang, this
festival includes traditional and contemporary
cultural performances, speed boat races,
boat decorating contests, and exhibition of
old Sriwijaya (the ancient kingdom in Palem-
bang) boat and other entertainments.
July
Bali Arts Festival
The Bali Arts Festival is a full month of daily
performances, handicraft exhibitions and oth-
er related cultural and commercial activities
during which literally the whole of Bali comes
to the city to present its offerings of dance,
music and beauty. On display are trances
from remote mountain slopes, forgotten or
recently revived village dances, food and of-
fering contests, classical palace dances, stars
No. 1 / IV, April 2009
of Balinese stage, odd musical performances,
“kreasi baru” (new creations) from the dance
schools of Denpasar, as well as contemporary
choreography and dance companies from
other islands and from abroad.
http://www.baliculturefestival.com/home.htm
Toba Lake Festival
Parapat and Samosir Island, North
Sumatra
Lasting a whole week, this festival is centered
around Toba Lake, the largest lake in Asia, southern tip of Sumatra.
and situated in the highlands of North Sumat-
ra. Featuring traditional sports, boat races, Borneo Festival
cultural performances and contemporary
shows, horse racing and water sports com- Banjarmasin, South Kalimatan
petition, also local handicrafts exhibition
Honoring the Dayak and Melayu culture, the
August
event is participated by all the provinces in
Kalimantan, as well as Malaysia and Brunei
Krakatau Festival
Darussalam as honored guests.
Lampung
This annual event is held at the end of Au-
gust to remember Krakatau`s eruption in the
late 19th century. The volcano is located in
the Sunda Strait, South of Lampung, in the
27
 c t i
Aneka Indonesia
v i t i e s
A March
In this section, Aneka Indonesia states on the main activities and events organised
and attended by the Embassy during the months of January to April 2009.
January
World Economic Forum Annual
Meeting 2009
Founded in 1971, the Geneva-based World
Economic Forum (WEF) meets annually in
Davos, Switzerland to bring together top
business and political leaders as well as mostly
neoliberal minded intellectuals, economists,
journalists, and others.
Began on January 28th 2009, amid one of
the worst global financial crisis in decades,
the objective of WEF’s 39th annual meeting
is in line with this year’s theme “Shaping the
Post-Crisis World”, to catalyse a holistic and
systematic approach to improve the state
of the world in a manner that integrates all
stakeholders of global society.
Indonesian contingent to the meeting included
Trade Minister, Mari Pangestu and Bank
Indonesia Senior Deputy Governor, Miranda
S. Goeltom.
Concerning the issue of protectionism, in
an interview with Reuter in Davos, Mari
Pangestu mentioned, “Indonesia is also
beginning to encounter barriers to its exports
from developed and developing countries”,
she said, echoing concerns about growing
28
protectionism from many trade ministers as
the economic crisis intensifies. “However, these
measures are quite sector-specific”, she said,
pointing to anti-dumping measures by Turkey,
Egypt and Brazil against Indonesian textile
yarn, and by Australia against Indonesian
paper. “We are concerned that there will
be increases of such measures, including
possible other kinds of regulations that would
appear to restrict imports,” she said.
Pangestu added that Indonesia wanted a
conclusion of the World Trade Organisation’s
No. 1 / IV, April 2009
Doha round to free up world trade, which was
even more important now to shield developing
countries from protectionist moves by rich
nations, but this would require a push from
political leaders. “The relevancy and the
existence of the WTO is even more imperative
now. We should not reinvent architecture,
because it’s still the best architecture we
have, and it’s still the fairest architecture we
have for developing countries,” she said.
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009
Pasar Senggol
Following the success of the first Pasarsenggol in
2008 at Schützenhaus Thalwil, the third Pasarsen-
ggol was held on March 21, 2009, which took place
at the same venue as last year. Pasarsenggol then
becomes an annual event, held twice a year, aimed
at promoting Indonesia culture, traditional Indone-
sian food and drink as well as Indonesian home
products to Indonesian society in Switzerland.
There were around 300 visitors participated in
this event. Besides presenting traditional Indone-
sian food and drink stands, there were also some
stands presenting Indonesian home products, such
as Indonesian pearls and batik. Visitors had the
opportunity to enjoy various Indonesian culinary
delights and buy Indonesian unique products.
The Embassy of Indonesia in Bern also opened a
stand as to promote Indonesian tourism and cul-
ture by giving free flyers and brochures of Indo-
nesia tourism with theme: “VISIT INDONESIA YEAR
2009”. H.E. Mrs. Lucia H. Rustam, Ambassador of
the Republic of Indonesia to Switzerland, and H.E.
Mr. Dian Triansyah Djani, Head of Indonesian Per-
manent Mission to the United Nation Organizations
in Geneva, also attended this event. Pasarsenggol
continued until 11 pm, allowing the guests to meet
some new and old friends and enjoy the Indone-
sian atmosphere.
Indonesia Diashow – Across the Mysterious Archipelago
By Dominique Wirz
From 2nd to 15th of March 2009, Dominique ed his presentation by showing the guests his
Wirz has performed his renowned picture adventurous journey throughout the island of
show “Indonesia – Across the Mysterious Sumatra, then continued to the exotic island
Archipelago”, in 9 cities across Switzerland, of Java, the paradise island of Bali, the mar-
such as in Winterthur, Zug, Zürich, St. Gallen, velous island of Sulawesi and lastly to the sur-
Wil, Bern, Biel, Olten, Effretikon and in Efre- prising island of Papua, allowing the guests
tikon, Germany. Around 500 visitors attended to discover the natural beauty of Indonesia
the show on March 10, at Hotel Jardin in and to reveal some of the last secrets of this
Bern. The show consists of splendid images mysterious archipelago.
projected onto a big screen, arranged with
excellent music, original sounds and exciting
live comment from Dominique Wirz. He start-
29
Aneka Indonesia No. 1 / IV, April 2009 Aneka Indonesia - December 2006 Volume 1, No. 3

o n the
e
Top Indonesian Badminton players, such as
i d
s ion
a
Indonesia
Joko Riyadi, Candra Wijaya, Nova Widhian-
I n t
to, Lilyana Natsir, Hendra Setiawan, Taufiq
next
e d i
e k
An
Hidayat, and other Indonesian Badminton
top players have competed with 300 Bad-
minton top players from 35 countries at the
annual prestigious badminton champion-
ship, Wilson Badminton Swiss Open 2009,
which took place from the 10th to the 15th
of March 2009 at St.Jakobshalle in the city
of Basel. Despite its excellent performance, Aneka Indonesia will be featuring Komodo and Lombok
the Indonesian team has to admit the suc-
Island as main topic in its Dream Destination section in
cess of other teams, as three top Indone-
sian players have lost during the semifinals, the next edition.
making it unable to following the success
of Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, who Komodo and Lombok Island will be presented in details
won the second place at the men’s double which include its famous art and culture.
category of Wilson Badminton Swiss Open
in 2008. However, visitors of Wilson Bad-
minton Swiss Open have shown great en- The next edition will also be featuring the Pencak Silat
thusiasm, as Indonesian team performed, (Indonesian traditional martial arts) Association in Swit-
particularly during the performance of Tau- zerland.
fiq Hidayat, which got a huge applause from
the audience. Some audiences at the St.
Last but not least, the traditional recipe of Ayam Taliwang
Jakobshalle Basle were coming from neigh-
boring countries, such as Germany, France has been chosen as the recipe of the next edition for its
and England famous among the tourists and Indonesians.

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