Script, Indonesia Archipelago

Script of archipelago is often used in Indonesia, especially for writing local languages​​. With changing times, culture, and language of the user, a script may change the number of letters, form letters and sounds, although still considered part of the parent script, or in other words, do not split into the new script.

Several variations of the archipelago script include:

1.   Kawi Script (Old Javanese script)

Kayuwangi Script : This script is a script written in the Kawi, sloping rounded shape. Called Kayuwangi script because these variations are often found on inscriptions from before to after the reign of Rakai Kayuwangi, king of Mataram (855-885). Indonesia epigraphic experts,  this variation is considered as the most beautiful writing from Kawi. 
Squares Script: This script is a script written with the Kawi shape, resembling the letter box / square. This variation is often found in the inscriptions the kingdom of Kediri and Singosari.        
Majapahit Script : This script is an alphabet in which each letter of Kawi written with a lot of decoration that is sometimes difficult to identify / hard to read. Script called Majapahit because this variation encountered from the Kingdom of Majapahit.    

2.    Batak Script
        Toba Script: This variation is a script used to write the Batak Toba language.
        Karo Script: This variation is a script used to write the Batak Karo language.
        Dairi Script: This variation is a script used to write the Batak Dairi language.
        Simalungun Script: This variation is a script used to write the Batak Simalungun language.
        Mandailing Script: This variation is a script used to write the Batak Mandailing language.

3.      Lampung Script / ULU
        Ulu script to write dialect Pasemah
        Ulu script to write dialect Serawai
        Ulu script to write dialect Lembak
        To write the script Ulu Rejang dialects

4.      Java Script
        Java script to write the Java language.
        Java script to write the ancient Javanese language.
        Java script to write the Java language dialect Banten.
        Java script to write Cirebon Javanese dialect.
        Java script to write the Sundanese language / script Sunda Cacarakan.

5.      Balinese Script
        Balinese script to write the Balinese language.
        Balinese script to write the ancient Balinese language.
        Balinese to write Sasak language.

6.      Lontara Script
        Jangang-jangang script to write English Makassar.
        Lota Ende to write English Ende.
        Makassar Literacy used to write Makassar language.
        Bugis script used to write Lontara Bugis language.
        Lontara script used to write the Luwu  language.
        Lontara script used to write the Bima language.

Pencak Silat, Indonesia

Pencak silat (penchak silat and pentjak silat) is literally "to fight artfully" based on two different meanings are, "Pencak" is training method for self defense: it consist of wide range controlled body movement directed to that purpose; the latter one "Silat" is the application of the training method - the actual fight. There can be no silat without pencak, on the other hand pencak without silat skills is purposeless.

The leading organization of pencak silat in Indonesia is IPSI (Organization for Indonesian Pencak Silat). The liaison body for international pencak silat is the International Pencak Silat Association.

Pencak silat was chosen in 1948 as a unifying term for the Indonesian fighting styles. It was a compound of the two most commonly used words for martial arts in Indonesia. Pencak was the term used in central and east Java, while silat was used in Sumatra. In modern usage, pencak and silat are seen as being two aspects of the same practice. Pencak is the performance aspects of the martial art, while silat is the essence of the fighting and self-defense.

 

After Indonesia's independence, pencak silat was brought to Europe by Indo people of Eurasian (mixed Indonesian and European) ancestry, such as the well known Paatje Phefferkorn. The art is now popular in the Netherlands, Spain and France. Schools can also be found in the USA.

The Raid, an Indonesian martial arts action film

The Raid or Serbuan Maut is an Indonesian martial arts action film directed by Welsh Director Gareth Evans and starring Iko Uwais which is set for a 2012 release. This is the second collaboration of Evans and Uwais after their first action film, Merantau released in 2009. Both movies showcase Indonesian traditional martial art Pencak Silat in their choreography. The fight choreographers of The Raid are Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian who also worked together with Iko and Gareth in Merantau. The U.S. release of the film features music by Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park and Joseph Trapanese.
After its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), critics and audience alike hailed The Raid as one of the best action movies in years.

Source : Wikipedia

Interesting Facts about Indonesia

Indonesia comprises around 17,508 islands that extend 5,150 km all across, right from the east to the west. These beautiful mountains are dotted with green rainforests. Some of these mountains though are known to have active volcanoes.

Indonesia is also known as one of the worlds largest archipelagic state. An archipelago simply means a group of islands. Archipelagos are generally found in the open sea. Archipelagos are also generally volcanic in nature.

Indonesia is also known as the world's most thickly populated country. In 2007, the estimated figures were around 234 million people.

Indonesia is also known as the largest Islamic country. Around 87 percent of the population consists of Muslims. This has not been declared officially though.

Another interesting fact about Indonesia remains to be that this place has quite a diverse culture and one can see around 580 languages and dialects being used out here.

Amongst the mind-boggling 17,508 islands that comprise Indonesia, around 6,000 are inhabited in reality. The largest islands of Indonesia are - Java, Sumatra, New Guinea, Sulawesi and Kalimantan.

Indonesia also has numerous active volcanoes and people out here also have to be prepared due to the frequent number of earthquakes.

Indonesia is also known as the world's 16th largest country. This is based on the total land area in Indonesia.

Of the ten largest islands found in the world, Indonesia boasts of three that belong to its list.

Indonesia with its abundant green cover is also home to many interesting flora and fauna.

Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the whole world. This island is also the 5th highest island in the world.

Some of the world's largest produces of nutmeg come from Indonesia.

Tourism remains to be the main industry in Indonesia. Some of the major attractions of Indonesia remain to be tropical climate and the rich culture of this place.

It is said that the highest point in Indonesia is the Puncak Jaya. This is located in the highlands of Papua.

Indonesia is also home to the Javan rhinoceros, which is not found anywhere else in the world.

Locally, Indonesia is also known as Tanah Air Kita. This means Our Land and Water.

Bali remains to be the most popular destinations in Indonesia. This beautiful place attracts tourists and nature lovers from all over the world due to its scenic beauty. Tourists have plenty to explore out here. Some of the other attractions remain to be the cultural activities of art and dance along with exquisite leatherwork and foot tapping music.

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia remains to be the 11th largest city in the world and is also densely populated. This city itself has a wide variety of places of interest for tourists that flock over here from all over the world.

Barack Obama lived in indonesia as a child, from 1967 to 1971, with his mother and stepfather.

Anggun is the first Indonesian artist to break into the international music scene, having charted in the American and European record charts.

The Indonesian Constitution guarantees the right to the freedom of religion. However, the government only recognizes six official religions, namely Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.


Komodo dragon, is a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo. (Komodo Island was selected to be the NEW Seven Wonders of the World)

The Grasberg Mine is the largest gold mine and the third largest copper mine in the world. It is located in the province of Papua in Indonesia. (despite having the largest gold mines in the world, but Indonesia is still becoming poorer country.

Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of plywood, cloves, and nutmeg, and also of liquified natural gas.

Indonesia has the largest extent of mangroves, and the world’s longest snake, smallest primate (the tarsier at just ten cm. long), and largest flower—the rafflesia, which has blooms growing up to one meter in diameter.
 

sources : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-about-indonesia.html, wikipedia, http://www.asian-studies.org/EAA/drake.htm

Amed, Bali, Indonesia.

Just like Lovina in the north, Amed Bali is not just one village but a string of smaller villages located on a 10km road in the Karangasem province.
It starts with the village Amed in the north followed by Congkang, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning and ending with Aas.

Most travelers stay in the 4 most eastern villages as there is more choice in accommodation, restaurants and dive operators. Aas is the less visited village of them all.
But more developments are taking place along this strip so perhaps soon enough it will be one of the tourist areas to visit when in Bali.

Now Amed Bali is mostly a quiet place with a stunning ocean view. Since this area is one of the best places to go to for scuba diving in Bali, travelers mainly come here to marvel at the diverse sea life.

Besides diving and snorkeling the main activity is just relaxing far away from the crowds in the south...
As mentioned before the Amed area offers stunning ocean vistas. Headland after headland offers amazing ocean landscapes. Everywhere you go you will see crystal clear water.

Climate wise this part of East Bali is not ideally located. It is located on the dry side of the mountains Agung and Saraya resulting in minimum rain throughout the year.

Every time we went to Amed area it was really dry and hot. It felt like the sun was setting the whole area on fire. The landscape is very arid and the slopes of the mountain all look bare.

Rice fields are out of the question and the only food that is grown in the wet season are peanuts, soya beans and corn.

So what makes Amed Bali special?
I guess besides the fact that it is right at the sea and its refreshing breeze, Amed is a really easy going place where you could be the only one staying in one of the hotels or restaurants.
And the locals in Amed seem to mind their own business. Despite the fact that they are friendly and helpful, the Balinese in this part of the island don't seem to be behind you everytime you turn around.

While we are usually up and about during our trips through Bali, Amed made us just want to slow down a bit and enjoy the breathtaking setting.
So if you want to leave the crowd behind without anybody wanting something from you then this Amed Bali definitely the place to go.

source : http://www.bali-travel-life.com/amed-bali.html

Pintu Kota Beach, Ambon, Indonesia.

Pintu Kota (City Gate) is one of the beaches in the area around the town of Ambon, which unique is the presence of a large hole through the rock cliffs on both sides until translucent. On the reefs which are hollow if we stood on the beach, then we can see the sea directly through the hole.

Pintu Kota is often used as a tourist beach, shooting Prewedding, Wedding, modeling, fashion and product ads or movies.

Lombok Island, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

Lombok is the most popular destination in Nusa Tenggara – a province in South Central Indonesia.  Visitors head here for both underwater and on-land exploration. Situated east of Bali, it can be accessed by plane or boat. The island consists of virginal sandy beaches and a hilly terrain, fringed by mesmerizing azure shores, making it a favourite destination for trekking, surfing and beach lounging.
Lombok is paradise mixed with a dash of adventure and a hint of exoticism, blessed with majestic waterfalls and a volcano – Mount Rijani. ‘Unspoiled Bali’, would be an apt description.
Ultimately, Lombok is a place to chill. Popular with honeymooners, it offers a subdued alternative to the more mainstream Bali, while not compromising on beauty or comfort, just cost – it’s decidedly cheaper. Complete with quiet bays, white and grey sand beaches, a tranquil village style and half a dozen small islands, it retains an undiscovered tropical charm.

The Holiday Resort Lombok is a tranquil resort nestled between lush tropical mountains and pristine beaches. Accommodations include garden chalets, ocean view rooms, beach bungalows and family apartment. The swimming pool, surrounded by landscaped garden, the spa, gourmet restaurants and a comfortable bar ensure an unforgettable holiday experience.

Boutique beach resort and spa, is set amidst a coconut grove in Sekotong Bay on the south-west corner of Lombok Island.

source : http://www.indonesia-holidays.com/lombok-island/