History, religion and culture (page 2)
Mosques and temples, languages, local peoples and politics.
Indonesia's Secular State under Siege
Indonesia is a nominally secular democracy. But the influence of conservative Islam is gaining in the world's biggest Muslim country .
Prostitution and Destitution: Indonesia
Most of you, at one time or another, have been approached on the street or in a bar by a kupu-kupu malam , a prostitute. If you were in Bali , then this occurs frequently and even during the day.
Muara Jambi Archaeological Site: Jambi, Sumatra
Jambi is the capital city of the Jambi province in Sumatra and a city that is worth visiting and stopping in for a few days or so.
The PKI - Indonesian Communist Party: Indonesia
Although it is not spoken off these days in Indonesia , at one time twenty-five years ago the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) was the largest aspiring revolutionary party in the world.
Singer Chrisye Dies at 56
Indonesia has lost one of the finest singer/songwriters the country has ever known. Top singer Chrisye died yesterday after suffering prolonged lung cancer. I was saddened by this creator’s loss.
A Sad Loss for Trunyan - Pancering Jagat Temple: Trunyan, Bali
Several years ago, Nick O’Neil of Baliblog fame, and I did several road trips and one place I wanted to show Nick was the Bali Aga village of Trunyan .
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – The Popularity Wains: Indonesia
Ever since the downfall of Soeharto , presidents have come and gone and most not being very successful in the eyes of the Indonesian people.
Kediri Archaeological Discovery: Kediri, East Java
Java is an archaeologists delight with so many antiquities still to be discovered, and, recent archaeological discoveries at a Tondowongso excavation site in the East Java town of Kediri have opened…
An Expert with Vision: Gianyar, Bali
It’s not that often that you read an interesting article about a person who has virtually devoted their lives in promoting Indonesia. One such Person is Toni Tack .
White Sandalwood Foundation: Bangli, Bali
I like to promote and inform of foundations and organisations that assist the poor in Indonesia and one that is helping those suffering psoriasis and other ailments.
The Restoration International of Prambanan Temple: Yogyakarta, Central Java
When you travel by air from Bali to Yogyakarta in Central Java , you will inevitably see the massive Hindu temple complex of Prambanan .
NTT Wants to be Island Province: Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara
The East Nusa Tenggara administration has officially proposed that the central government turn the province, which consists of 1,190 islands, into an island province.
Giriloyo Cemetery: Wukisari, Central Java
The entire area that covers Central Java , and in particular around Yogyakarta , is often referred to as an Archaeologists dream.
The Culture of Madura Island: East Java
Cultural forms in Madura are generally speaking similar to those of Java and, looked at from a wider viewpoint, belong to the Java - Bali - Madura - Sunda family.
Santa Maria de Fatima Church: Glodok, Jakarta
I have this passion. It is visiting places of worship no matter the religion. Each place has its own magic, charisma if you like, and each place has many unique stories to tell.
Sabokingking Royal Tomb: Palembang, South Sumatra
Cool air and an atmosphere of bygone times greets one upon entering the tomb of Sabokingking in the subdistrict of 3 Ilir, Ilir Timur district, in Palembang , South Sumatra. Located on Jl.
Chinese New Year: An Overview
The history of Chinese New Year is a fascinating one, the customs, rituals and the ways the days are celebrated. An Overview of Chinese New Year The Chinese New Year has a great history.
Imogiri Royal Cemetery: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Imogiri is the official cemetery of the royal descendants from Yogyakarta and Surakarta . Built by Sultan Agung in 1645, it is located some 17 kilometres south-east of Yogyakarta.
Antiquities Theft and Loss: Central Java
Over the centuries, throughout the world, the thieving and robbing of relics from tombs and sacred sites has been commonplace.
West Irian Jaya to Change Name
Although I studied politics for quite some time I am not one for debating the subject in blogs or on other sites.
Padmasana - Seat of the Gods: Bali
Balinese temples contain many structures and one of the most important being the Padmasana . This is found in the Jeroan , or inner courtyard of the temple.
Between the Petanu and Pakersian Rvers – Part 3: Bali
Travelling south of Bedulu there are located the remaining antiquities of the Pejeng Kingdom and those from the Bedulu Kingdom .
Between the Petanu and Pakersian Rivers – Part 2: Bali
In the northern region, just east of Tampaksaring , is the source of the holy river Pakersian . It is in this region you will find some of the earliest traces of Hinduism on Bali .
The Origin of Scouting in Indonesia
Indonesia recalls a significant strand in her pre-and post-independence history, the founding and growth of Gerakan Pramuka , the National Scout Organization .
Between the Petanu and Pakerisan Rivers – Part 1: Central Bali
In Central Bali there is an area of land situated between two holy rivers – the Pakerisan and the Petanu – and, in this narrow corridor there is to be found some of the of the most treasured…
Thesaurus Bahasa Indonesia
When I was studying Languages at University I was astounded at the complexity and how just one meaning could have a heap words for it.
Parangtritis: Yogyakarta, Central Java
When my long time Javanese friend and driver, Surya , suggested we visit the beach, my first reaction was to wonder why.
The Moon of Pejeng: Pejeng, Bali
Not far from Pura Kebo Edan is Pura Penataran Sasih otherwise known as the ‘ Moon Temple ’. Its contribution to the Holy Land is a large Bronze Gong .
The Pawukon Calendar: Bali
The other day I put up an article about the Balinese Calendar , but there is another calendar that is used and one that was imposed on the Balinese after the Majapahit invasion occurred, the Pawukon…
Hobbit Chamber Found: Flores, East Nusa Tenggara
The chance discovery of an enormous chamber beneath the Indonesian cave where hobbit-like creatures were discovered promises to settle the debate about who or what the tiny creatures were.
Kampung Luar Batang: Jakarta
Jakarta is truly a city of neighborhoods, each with its own physical, social and economic characteristics.
Bramavihara Bhuddist Monastery: North Bali
About ten kilometres south of Lovina is the small village of Banjar to the east of Pengastulan . Nestled in the mountains is the Bramavihara Bhuddist monastery .
Glodok Temples: Jakarta
If there is one feature that heavily characterizes everyday life in Glodok , it is the temples. In fact, the oldest Chinese temple in Jakarta is located on Jl.
The Mysteries of the Majapahit: Indonesia
As a writer and traveller, I have this passion for books. Whenever a new tome is published and it takes my fancy then I buy it for my collection.
Keramat Mosque: Luar Batang, Jakarta
Some come here to pray, some hope for a miracle, while others merely sit waiting for anyone to hand them food or money.
Aceh Women and Caning: Banda Aceh, Sumatra
Respecting the laws of any country you travel in is paramount. Having said that, I am a tad concerned about the implementation of Sharia Law on women in Aceh .
Restoring Lok Bon Bon: Jakarta
Ever since I was a kid I have been a great lover of trains, steam trains to be precise. On my numerous travels around the world I have travelled on many and visited many railway museums.
The Tanimbarese: Maluku Islands
In the southeastern part of Maluku Province lived more than 60,000 residents of the Tanimbar archipelago in the early 1990s.
Religious Tolerance in Kampung Sawah: Bekasi, West Java
Jacobus Napiun , a Betawi with a Catholic upbringing, considers himself blessed to have experienced such a rich, religious life in his birthplace of Kampung Sawah in Pondok Gede , Bekasi .
Towering Hindu Temple: Malang, East Java
Hindus living outside the religion’s enclave of Bali now have their own reason to be proud — the tallest temple in Java .
Christianity in Indonesia
Christianity had a long history in the islands, with Portuguese Jesuits and Dominicans operating in the Malukus , southern Sulawesi , and Timor in the sixteenth century.
Kala Sunda: West Java
The heartland of the Sudanese people is located on the interior plateau of West Java called Priangan . They have a distinct culture and one that is non-Javanese.
Demons & Spirits of Bali: Bali
Throughout the island of Bali , the Balinese people have this innate fear of ghosts and spirits, things that go bump in the night and hob-goblins alike.
A Kethek Discovery: Central Java
During the years I was in Java , I saw a lot of temples. So, every time Archaeologists unearth a new temple then I get excited at the prospects of visiting the place.
Sudanese Dictionary Available: West Java
Travelling in Indonesia it helps to learn some of the language ( Bahasa Indonesia ) if it’s only for just getting around town, asking for something, or seeking help.
Klenteng Ling Gwan Kiong - Singaraja, Bali
Just off Jalan Erlangga and a stones throw from the ocean sits the beautiful Chinese temple Ling Gwan Kiong .
Overview of Balinese History: Bali
The history of Bali varies from one book to another depending on your choice of resource.
Statue Not a Fitting Monument: Jakarta, West Java
For most people, the statue of three men holding a torch to the sky that is located in the middle of the intersection in front of the Mauk district administration and district military command…
The Chinese in Indonesia
Identifying someone in Indonesia as a member of the Chinese ( orang Tionghoa ) ethnic group is not an easy matter, because physical characteristics, language, name, geographical location, and…
Candi Mendut Bhuddist Monastery: Yogyakarta, Central Java
When I visited the Bhuddist Monastery near Candi Mendut some forty kilometres from the Central Javanese city of Yogyakarta , I was also particularly interested in seeing any changes to Candi Mendut –…
Historical Treasure Troves Looted: West and Central Java
It appears that too many Indonesian farmers and the ilk have been watching Lara Cross and Tomb Raider recently.
Lighthouse on Madura: Madura, Island
It’s a sad fact but not many tourists or travellers go to Madura Island on their visits to Java, and yet, it is one of the most interesting islands in the archipelago.
Alas Kedaton: Bali
I had heard tales of this place. A place where huge bats with massive two metre wingspans hang threateningly from the bows of trees, and where the jungle is so thick, you would need a machete.
The Weyewa: Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
The Weyewa inhabit the western highlands of Sumba , Nusa Tenggara Timur Province , where they cultivate rice, corn, and cassava using slash-and-burn farming methods as well continuous irrigation of…
Kebun Jeruk Mosque: Jakarta, Indonesia
I like visiting places of worship wherever I travel in the world, and, in Indonesia , you will often find me at a mosque talking with Muslims and enjoying the friendly atmosphere.
Warung Rokok: Indonesia
They are less than two square meters wide and pop up in front of you every 100 steps in busy roads or at least every two alleys in quiet neighbourhoods. They are Warung Rokok .
Gedung Batu: Semarang, Central Java
The northern coastal harbour-city of Semarang , Central Java is a divided city – the old and the new.
Buddha Statue to be Unveiled: Medan, Suamtra
According to a small article in the Jakarta Post , dozens of monks are scheduled to attend a ceremony to unveil the country's biggest Buddha statue on Jan. 20 in Medan , North Sumatra .
Chinatown Rich in Jakarta History: Jakarta
On the main strip of Jl. Gajah Mada and Jl. Hayam Wuruk in Glodok businesses both large and small are never short of customers.
Chinese Delight: Tanjung Benoa, Bali
One place I found whilst exploring Tanjung Benoa was a beautifully constructed Chinese temple , or Klenteng . Klenteng Darma Yasa is located to the east of the northern most point of the peninsula.
The Javanese
There were approximately 70 million Javanese in the early 1990s, the majority of whom lived in East Java and Central Java and the rest of whom lived on Sumatra , Kalimantan , Sulawesi , and other…
Sembako - The Necessities: Indonesia
If you have ever read an Indonesian newspaper or watched Indonesian TV, then at some time you will no doubt have heard of the complaints from the Indonesian people regarding the rise in Sembako .
Taman Sari: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Taman Sari Royal Water Park in Yogyakarta is a spectacular place to visit and a must-see on your itinerary when visiting the beautiful city.
Languages of Indonesia
The major languages of Indonesia are Austronesian. Austronesian is a family of agglutinative languages spoken in the area bounded by Madagascar in the western Indian Ocean and Easter Island in the…
Acronyms in Indonesia
If you have ever read an English language Indonesian newspaper or watched the television in Indonesia, then you will no doubt have seen the initials representing a government body or an area in…
History of Bahasa Indonesia
Learning the language or even a few phrases to get around of any country that you travel to is really a must-do thing. Bahasa Indonesia is a relatively easy language to learn.
The Coming of Islam: Indonesia
The Indian Ocean continued to serve as both a commercial and a cultural link between Indonesia and the countries to the west.
Indonesian Satellite in Orbit
Indonesia has finally joined the space race. Well, not really your NASA type assault in outer space but they do have a surveillance satellite zooming around ‘up there’ keeping an eye on happenings in…
The Dayak People: Kalimantan
Another group of ethnic minorities struggling for recognition in the 1980s were the peoples of southern Kalimantan .
Bali Bombers Closer To Death
I don’t very often comment on matters of law in Indonesia but this Bali bombers fiasco has become a run-around circus.
Chinese in Lampung Discriminated: Bandar Lampung, Sumatra
I can recall the day my wife, who is Chinese-Indonesian , finally obtained her Indonesian citizenship . She had been living in the country all her life having been born here.
10thC Indonesian Ships Superior
Five hundred years before groups of ocean conquistadors from Portugal began their journey to look for new territories, ships from the islands now known as Indonesia were traveling around Asian waters…
Vihara Maitreya: Surabaya, East Java
The new Vihara Maitreya in Surabaya is one place that would be well worth a visit. Opened in late November last year, it functions not only as a centre for prayer but also for teaching.
The Wali's of Indonesia
The nine walis were Sufi teachers who spread Islam and did all variety of powerful and unusual acts across Java . The histories of these men are not always clear.
Vihara Amurva Bhumi: Blahbatuh, Central Bali
Occasionally on my travels over the decades I come across little gems of places. Most are rarely seen by the usual day-trippers.
Backward Villages at Eastern Region of Indonesia
I started off three decades ago with the ambition of visiting every island within the archipelago of Indonesia but a few factors intervened (marriage etc).
Tourists Returning to Indonesia
Government security forces managed to keep Islamic terrorists and Islamic radicals in general, under control in 2006.
Betawi People & the Church: Jakarta, Indonesia
Look at any country in the world and its culture, you will find how Christianity has played an influential role in the development somewhere down the line.
The Dangers of Fundamentalism 2007: Indonesia
It seems to be a fact of life wherever we travel in the world these days; the threat of danger from radical groups bent on the destruction of the western world.