Culture of Indonesia
Definition of culture by ICOMO:
Culture can be defined as the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterise a community, society or social group. It includes not only arts and literature, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs. Culture encompasses the living or contemporary characteristics and values of a community as well as those that have survived from the past.
Arts of Indonesia
World Heritage Sites
As a cultural tourist, one should definitely visit Indonesia as it houses 7 United Nation Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world heritage sites in Indonesia. 3 out of the 7 sites are natural.
- Borobudur Temple Compounds
- Komodo National Park
- Prambanan Temple Compounds
- Ujung Kulon National Park
- Sangiran Early Man Site
- Lorentz National Park
- Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
Borobudur Temple Compounds
Borobudur which is located in Yogyakarta, is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. The Buddhist Borobudur was built between AD 750 and 842. However it was only rediscovered in 1814 as it was hidden under volcanic ash.
The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha. A restoration program undertaken between 1973 and 1984 returned much of the complex to its former glory, and the site has since become a destination of Buddhist pilgrimage.
Credits to .buddhistchannel.tv
It was recently reported by Jakarta post on 21 of February 2010 that the University of Indonesia (UI) and PT Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) have decided to sign a MoU to preserve and further develop the national heritage sites of Borobudur, Prambanan and Boko temples. One of measures to preserve the sites, which began on Feb. 1 was the implementation of visitors wearing batik sarongs. As Borobudur is a sacred site, visitors are expected to show their respect in terms of behaviour and dressing. In addition, visitors are also required to wear rubber sandals to minimize the impacts of the footprints. Visitors can either to choose to rent or purchase these items.
Komodo National Park
The Komodo National Park located in Nusa Tenggara was founded in 1980. It is a home to Komodo dragons which is found nowhere else on earth and many other species, marine or otherwise. The park was initially set up by the Indonesian government to protect about 2,500 specimens of world's largest living lizard within its borders.
In 1996, the Indonesian government invited The Nature Conservancy to help with the managing of the park. New and creative strategies that protect the biodiversity and allow people to enjoy the park are constantly being implemented, this includes:
Credits to moreindonesia.com
- Carefully managed ecotourism;
- Alternative livelihoods for local people; and
- Collaborative protection strategies, such as anti-poaching patrols.
Thus the Conservancy decided to join hands with the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) to create Putri Naga Komodo (PNK). PNK helps the Indonesian government successfully implement the strategies mentioned above.
Bali
Bali has many cultural sites as well. The island is rich in culture and attracts numerous cultural tourists.
Traditional rice fields Jatiluwih, Credits to vvipheaventour88
Bali proposes 3 heritage sites to UNSECO
As mentioned in an article published on 21 December 2009 in Jakarta Post, Indonesia has decided to propose 3 historical sites located in Bali for the upcoming 2010 selection process by UNSECO. The three sites include the Pakerisan Riverbed in Gianyar, traditional rice fields Jatiluwih and Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi, Badung regency.
As mentioned by Director General for History and Archaeology Hari Untoro Drajat, "The three sites have strategic value to safeguard Bali's culture, traditions and environment,"
These 3 sites were chosen by the government as it is said that they clearly portray the lives of the Balinese people and their tradition and culture during the Tri Hita Karana era, which focused on harmonious relations between nature, the people and the Creator.
Dewa Wisnu, Credits to B10m Garuda Bird, credits to wibowo rusli
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park situated in Bali houses the unfinished statue of Dewa Wisnu/ Garuda designed by Balinese artist Nyoman Nuarta. Once completed, the statue would be 140 metres high, even taller than the statue of liberty. The statue is expected to use up about 4,000 tons of brass and copper.
The park when completed is envisioned to consist of Festival Park, an exhibition hall, a lotus pond, and so many other facilities on site. Despite many looking forward to the complete of the statue, it has sparked off much controversy. It has been said that Bali is imitating Disneyland trying to make the Garuda bird and Bali world famous. When one thinks if Disney land, the iconic Mickey Mouse house comes to mind. That is what Bali is trying to do. The governor, Ida Bagus Oka even compares the sculpture to the Eiffel tower in Paris. Although some see the modern sculpture as a reflection of modern Bali, others perceive otherwise and categorise it as another tourist attraction.
It is expected that once Bali has successfully related Garuda to the city, tourists can be sure to look out for the merchandise. Key chains, cups, and merchandise bearing the image of the Garuda would be snapped up as tourists want to show others they had visited Bali. In this way not only would tourist associate Garuda with Bali but it is also a new source of revenue.
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