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news
executive
J. P. PANDANGO :
WEST SUMBA, THE RISING STAR
events
Plant Today for A Greener Tomorrow
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op! Harris Hotel is located at Jl.Teuku Umar No. 74 Denpasar Bali held Green Opening under the theme of “Plant Today for a Greener Tomorrow" on 8th November 2010. The event is designed with the promotion of environmental awareness that attended by representatives from Tauzia Hotel Management, Denpasar Bureau of Gardening and Sanitation, and some green organizations. Pop! Harris Hotel will be associated with all initiatives related to environmental awareness both at the regional and national level. "We have established close cooperation with the Green Building Council Indonesia and registered as an active member "said Marc Steinmeyer, President Director of Tauzia Management. Pop! Harris Hotels is a network of 8 properties that will be opened within 18 months. The first opening was in September 2010 and took place on Jl.Teuku Umar , Depnasar – Bali. Two properties will be built in Bali, Jakarta, Manado, Surabaya and Yogyakarta.
ANA IVANOVIC
Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions 2010 (CBTC) Champion J. P. Pandango - West Sumba Regent photo by Igo Kleden
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est Sumba regency has the area of 4, 051.92 sq km with the population of 353,207 people (based on the census in 2000). The region is divided into fifteen districts and 192 sub-districts.
tion for both domestic and foreign tourists. The nine districts in the regency that have worth-tovisit beaches are Wanokaka, Lamboya, Kodi, Kodi
Since long time ago, West Sumba regency, which is also known as Bumi Pada Eweta Manda Elu in local language, has been recognized internationally as one of the most beautiful tourist destination in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, and even in Indonesia, due to its stunning tourism potentials.
Bangedo, Laura, Mamboro, Tana Righu, Katikutana and Umbu Ratu Nggay. Marosi Beach in Lamboya district (± 27 km from Waikabubak) is one of the most beautiful beaches in the regency. It is a perfect place for swimming, recreation and fishing. It is pretty close, about four kilometres, from the venue of Pasola. In Loura district, there is Newa Beach facing Komodo Island (Flores) and Sumbawa Island. It is about 50 kilometres from Waikabubak or 5 kilometres from Tambolaka Airport. The beach is suitable for recreational place. Besides those two beaches, there is also Ngihi Watu Beach in Rua village, Wanakoka district, about 30 kilometres from Waikabubak. No need to worry about accommodation for hotels with various modern facilities are available there.
Ultimo (U) : Why do you choose tourism sector?
U : What about Waikabubak as the capital, does it have any special potential?
Bupati (B) : Tourism is a predictable industry and going to experience rapid grow in the globalization and free trade era. Human mobilization that is going faster has given us a picture that entering the 21st century, the need of tourism industry is increasing and becoming inseparable part of human’s life especially in Indonesia where tourism sector contributes significant contribution to national income after oil and gas.
B : Waikabubak as the capital of West Sumba regency is considered as one of unique towns in East Nusa Tenggara. It is considering that in the midst of the modern settlement of its people, the town still has several traditional villages of Loli people with their own uniqueness such as Tarung village. This small town is often called as “a town inside a village and a village inside a town”. Cultural and spiritual tourism potentials can also be found around Waikabubak. It is recorded that there are around 34 traditional villages spread in 10 districts, namely: Loli, Waikabubak, Katikutana, Lamboya, Kodi, Kodi Bangedo, Mamboro, East Wewewa and south Wewewa. Several traditional villages that quite popular are Tambera, Bondo Maroto, Tarung and Sodana (Lamboya district). Besides traditional villages, ancient megalithic buildings are spread in those traditional villages. Data reveals that there are 32 megalithic tombs, which are highly attractive to tourists.
J.P Pandango, who holds the position of West Sumba Regent for the past two months, is a figure who has vision and is able to recognize the potentials of the region he led. Therefore, friendly atmosphere was instantly emerged when L’Ultimo Paradiso interview Mr. J.P Pandango at his office. It went more like a discussion instead of an interview.
U : What are tourism potentials that exist in West Sumba? B : Many! There are at least three types of tourism potentials in this regency, namely: adventures, cultures and spiritual. Cultural potentials consist of traditional villages with their megalithic graves, traditional ceremonies, and woven cloth. Adventure tourism comprises of trekking, jungle hiking, and some water activities such as surfing and snorkelling, waterfalls and beautiful nature panorama. U : Does West Sumba have many beaches? B : There are at least thirty beaches which are all very beautiful spread in nine districts. Those beaches have become tourist destina-
U : You’ve previously mentioned about caves and waterfalls. Can you further explain? B : Natural tourism potential in the regency consists of Matayagu waterfall in Katikutana district, Waikelo Sawah weaterfall in east
World Class Tour de Visit Banda Aceh 2011: Singkarak 2011 The beginning of revitalization for Aceh Tourism
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acilities and Promotion Director for Directorate General of Marketing Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Kemenbudpar) Esthy Reko Astuty, said to further improve the quality of Tour de Singkarak in West Sumatra, Kemenbudpar establish a joint cooperation with the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO). ASO Tour event is already known for its credibility, because it has successfully become tour event for Tour de France, Paris Dakar Rally, and the Paris Marathon. "Joint cooperation between Kemenbudpar and ASO is one way to make the Tour de Singkarak as important events in sport and world tourism. Our target is at least approaching the popularity of the Tour de France which has been carried out for over one hundred years old," said Esthy, recently in Jakarta. Tour de Singkarak initiated by Kemenbudpar is planned to be held in early June 2011. This is the third times Kemenbudpar establish a joint cooperation, including with the Federation of Indonesia Cycling (PB ISSI). "The two previous events of Tour de Singkarak were increasingly in demand by a number of world class cyclists such as from Iran, Australia, Japan and Korea," said Esthy. The second Tour de Singkarak in early June 2010 was followed by 22 teams from 11 countries with more than 100 world-class cyclists. The participants were able to record mileage of over 500 miles, through eight cities and regencies in West Sumatra. (*)
Miss Tourism Indonesia 2010 from Manado
Wewewa district, Pamate Lakera waterfall in south Wewewa district, and Praikalala waterfall in Mamboro district. We also have twelve natural caves spread in four districts. Those caves are Ubu Djara (Wanakoka), Kamar Tiga, Pal Tiga, Dasa Elu, Paro Mana Pungi Rota and Wai Takoma (Loli district), Liang Marapu, Liang Paniki and Matimaka Dewa (Katikutana) and Rambe Manu Benteng Wanakoka (Kodi district).
B : Of course it has certain correlation with the local culture. Cultural attractions in Sumba are strongly related to ancient religious ceremony called Marapu that consists of 22 ceremonies. Among them are pasola, pahola haulu, purung ta liang Marapu, wulla poddu, dokale, pawolung manu, matuatu titana, maruatu karekatana and tauna usu manua. Other attractions are folk games that include pajura and a horse race and traditional dance, which consists of 11 dances such as nego, kataga reja, woleka, manu wollu, dokale, kadola, gaza, elang (eagle), kijang (deer) and kuda (horse). Another cultural event that has become annual agenda for the people of West Sumba is wulla poddu (in November). Several wulla podu held are wulla podu Bondo Maroto and wulla podu Gollu in Kelembu Kuni district and Waikabubak, wulla podu Tarung in Tarung village, Sobawawi district, and Wikabubak, wulla podu Tabera in Doka Kaka and Loli district, wulla podu Sodana in Sodana village and Lamboya district, wulla podu Kadoku in Rua village and Wanukaka district, and wulla podu Umbu Koba in Umbu Koba village, Ndelo village and south Wewewa district. U : Pasola has been known widely, right? B : Pasola has become a major event that held annually and always crowded by visitors from Sumba and other regions in Indonesia, even foreign tourists. Pasola held in West Sumba is Pasola Lamboya in Hobakalla, Lamboya district and Pasola Kodi in Tossi, Kodi district (in February), Pasola Kodi Bangedo in Waingapu, Kodi Bangedo district (in March), Pasola Wanokaka in Kamaradana, Wanakaka diatrict (in March) and Pasola Gaura in Wetana, Lamboya district (in March). (Md)
"The launching of Visit Banda Aceh Year 2011 has become a strategic media to convey messages to domestic and foreign tourists that Aceh has potential as a tourist destination with many natural attractions, culture and hospitality of the people of Aceh that is based on local values and various support facilities tourism, "said Wacik. Related to the Visit Banda Aceh Year 2011, next year, the City Government of Banda Aceh is targeting to bring in 400,000 tourists, both foreign as well as domestic. "We’re ready to welcome visitors. We’re working on improving the infrastructure and is expected to be completed by December, "said Mayor of Banda Aceh, Mawardy Nurdin.
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ourism promotion campaign in Banda Aceh was officially launched through the program of "Visit Banda Aceh Year 2011" that is expected to be significant momentum for the revitalization of the tourism industry particularly in Banda Aceh and Aceh in general. It was stated by Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik in the opening of "Visit Banda Aceh Year 2011" at Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jakarta, Tuesday (19/10/10).
he Ministry of Culture and Tourism offers Indonesia as a place for the world to discuss the cultural issues. Local wisdom of Indonesia could be a solution to various problems of the world. "Indonesia can be a place for the international society to discuss the culture due to the richness of Indonesian culture," said Minister of Culture and Touruism Jero Wacik. Indonesia is directed to be the center of world culture which initiated through the plan of the World Culture Forum 2012 in Bali, said Jero Wacik. "Plan for the World Cultural Forum 2012 in Bali is based on the dream to make Indonesia as a center of world culture," said Jero Wacik.
Moreover, he said that Indonesia deserves
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BTC finals this year belongs to Ana Ivanovic (Serbia) after beating Alisa Kleybanova (Russia). Ana won two straight sets 6-2 and 7-6 tie break 7-5 in the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), The Westin Nusa Dua Bali. "I’m very happy to be a champion in this Tournament, since I failed to pass the first round in 2006 tournament, "said Ana after the match. The third position was achieved by a Japanese player Kimiko Date-Krumm. The 40-year old tennis player won over Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia) with a score of 7-5 and 7-5.
Putra Hermawan : QUIKSILVER OPEN 2010 Champion
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ermawn has successfully won the Quiksilver Open Championship 2010 held in Keramas Beach, Gianyar Bali on November 1 – 2. He became the champion after defeated his closest competitor Dedi Santosa. Hermawan collected a total of 17.25 points. With the achieved points Hermawan was also awarded as "Coca Cola Best Wave Award 2010 ".
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ynthia (24), contestant from Manado has successfully become Putri Pariwisata (Miss Tourism) 2010 after outperforming her competitors from 33 provinces. The coronation of Miss Tourism 2010 was held at JITEC Mangga Dua Square, Jakarta, recently. After going through a long period of auditions, quarantine, until the final of Miss Tourism Indonesia 2010, the coronation was finally accomplished. The winner was announced on Friday (22/10/2010) night. Twenty four years old Cynthia Sandra tirayoh who is in sixth semester of her study at Faculty of Medicine, Samratulangi University Manado said that she was proud and happy being crowned as Miss Tourism 2010.
"Now I carry more responsibilities to promote Indonesia to the international in order to create more positive image of Indonesia in the eyes of international society," said Cynthia. In addition to the title of Miss Tourism Indonesia 2010, Cynthia also received a cash prize of Rp 35 million and postgraduate scholarships worth Rp 45 million. Born in Palu on 9 May 1986, entering the top five she smoothly answered questions given by Marcelino Lefrandt. A Basketball and swimming enthusiast, Cynthia is finally able to realize her dream to promote Indonesia to international level. Grand Final of Miss Tourism 2010 was enlivened by Cristian Bautista, Yuni Shara, Petra, Tengku Asty Ananta Vishnu. Muyia Sari Wirman from Lampung was crowned as Runner Up. Second runner up went to Audrie Adriana Sanova from DKI 3, third runner up to Dayu Prastini from West Java, and fourth runner up, Natasha Sutadisastra of DKI 2. (*)
"Main tourist destinations in Banda Aceh include sites that formerly destroyed by tsunami. In addition Banda Aceh also has historical heritage of Aceh Palace, such as Putroe Phang Park, Gunongan and Rumoh Aceh Museum, "said Mawardi. Mawardy said that the people of Aceh are ready to provide convenience for tourists. Implementation of Islamic Law in Aceh, he said, is not something that restricts the development of tourism sector. "Islamic Sharia is only appli-
cable to Muslims, while non-Muslim tourists do not have to follow," he said. Wacik also added that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is currently preparing cultural boundaries by holding cultural festivals in several border regions of Indonesia. "If the military consider it as the outer boundaries, so I interpret as cultural boundaries or cultural lines," said Wacik. Wacik said that the ministry has developed a number of festivals, which include Visit Banda Aceh in the western region,Lake Sentani Festival in eastern region Jayapura (Papua), and Sasando Festival in the southern region," he said. Miangas Festival and Miss Miangas Beauty Pageant are held in the northern region. "This is important because Miangas is an island situated just 30 minutes from Philippine, and 12 hours from Manado," he said. According to Wacik, those four cultural festivals are cultural line initiated by Menbudpar. Minister expects the existence of cultural lines will develop a deeper sense of love of the country among the people living in the outer regions of Indonesia. (*)
Indonesia Will Be World Cultural Center T
It is said in a press conference of "Wisdom 2010: World Conference on Culture, Education and Science and Colloqium in Honour of Dr. Ann Dunham Soetoro and Prof Dr Mubyarto" in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Jl Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, Monday (18 / 10 / 2010).
U : Regarding spiritual tourism, does it have any correlation with the local culture?
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to be a world cultural center for its richness in cultural diversity. Even Indonesia can be regarded as one of the highest cultural repository in the Asia Pacific region. "To pursue the dream Indonesia of becoming the center of the technology is too difficult and takes time. But to make Indonesia as a cultural center would be easier because we have rich diversity of culture," he said.
still going to pioneer the implementation of the World Culture Forum in Indonesia and Bali is the place most suitable to host the event," If Davos in Switzerland becomes the venue for world economic discussions forum through the World Economic Forum (WEF), Indonesia wants to be the venue for world culture discussion forum through the World Culture Forum (WCF).
According to Wacik, Indonesia is one of the warehouses of local wisdom which has become the root of the culture of other nations. Thus, the wisdom, if reviewed and discussed can be great contributions to the world to solve global problems. One of the attempts to make Indonesia as one of the world cultural center includes the plan to hold the World Culture Forum 2012 in Bali.
Meanwhile, the Rector of UGM Prof. Sudjarwadi said it is time to make Asia the center of world culture. "If Europe in the 19th century became the center of world culture, America in the 20th century, then it's time for Asia to become the center of world culture in the 21st century," said Sudjarwadi.
The minister said the plan to hold World Culture Forum has been rolled out since 2008 and even Indonesia had formed organizing team led by Ali Alatas. However, due to the global financial crisis, the implementation of the World Culture Forum had to be delayed. "We're
The ministry is ready to support and participate in the implementation of the World Culture Forum in 2012 by organizing activities that is started by the event of Wisdom 2010 which will be held in Yogyakarta on 8 to 11 November 2010. He hopes the event will become an effective stepping stone towards the implementation of the World Culture Forum 2012. (*)
Aston Paramount Serpong Hotel Officially Opened
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ston International has recently opened its latest four-star hotel, Aston Paramount Serpong Hotel & Conference Center in the Central Business District (CBD) Gading Serpong. It was officially opened by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik on Monday (1/11/2010) in Serpong, Tangerang. This hotel is expected to serve the needs of local markets in the area of conferences, business trips and vacation growing in the area of West Jakarta, Serpong , Tangerang and the surrounding area. The opening was attended by Jero Wacik, Director General of Tourism Destination Development Firmansyah Rahim, Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah, President Director of Paramount Serpong Tanto Kurniawan, President Commissioner of PT Paramount Propertindo Tbk Elizabeth Sindoro and Director of Aston International Jules Brookfield. According to Wacik, the presence of the hotel supports the establishment of government programs in the field of tourism because it will bring in tourists and create jobs. "With many new hotels appeared, it proves that the Indonesian economy and tourism sector have grown and improved positively. I hope this new hotel can quickly reach the high level of occupancy so that it can improve the welfare of the hotel employees and the neighboring communities, "said Wacik. Wacik also stated that Indonesia currently needs a lot of hotels for a lot of tourist destinations spread throughout Indonesia are still lack of accommodation facilities. This is in line with the improvement of tourist arrivals in Indonesia. "Until the end of October, foreign tourists entered Indonesia is recorded as many as 5.9 million foreign tourists. I am optimistic the target
of 7 million foreign tourists visit will be achieved if there are no security constraints until the end of the year," he said. He added, though Indonesia is now in the middle of the disaster, the economy must keep running. "Indonesia's economy continues to improve, and it is indicated by tourism sites that always visited by tourists. It can also be seen from the difficulty in getting flight tickets and accommodations to the tourist attractions," he added. This first non-resort four-star hotel in the province of Banten with a total investment of Rp120 billion is operated by Aston International Indonesia and is fully owned by PT Paramount Propertindo. Aston Paramount Serpong built on an area of 4038 m2 with the concept of modern lifestyle and is part of the development plan of Gading Serpong CBD area which is the center of commercial activity from Paramount Serpong. The hotel has 173 elegant and modern rooms, spacious meeting room facilities with capacity up to 600 people and 4 other meeting rooms. With a blend of classic elegance and contemporary design, complete facilities, strategic location just 25 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta Airport, and located right beside the entertainment complex and shopping center Summare-
con Mall Serpong, making Aston Paramount Hotel & Conference Center can meet the needs of quality accommodation and professional conference facilities in Tangerang. The hotel also has easy access via Jakarta – Banten toll, so it can become the hotel of choice for partners from companies and business people in West Jakarta who wanted to visit their factories around Jakarta and Tangerang. Norbert Vas as VP Sales & Marketing Aston International said, "Aston Paramount Serpong Hotel & Conference Center is the fifth hotel that opened by Aston International in Greater Jakarta area which allows us to give to choice to the guests related to complete business hotel and conference center," he said. Supported by a variety of facilities within the hotel and also close to shopping areas, makes the Aston Paramount Serpong Hotel & Conference Center the perfect choice in a strategic location. (*)