Indonesia Speeds Up Development in 4 Strategic Tourism Destinations

JAKARTA, LELEMUKU.COM - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono has expressed the Government’s commitment to improve infrastructure and facilities in four tourism strategic areas (KSPN), namely Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Labuan Bajo, and Mandalika.

Those four tourism strategic areas are part of the Twelve National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN) known as “the New Bali”.

Basuki added that with adequate infrastructure and facilities, it is expected that tourists will stay longer in Indonesia. He also said that infrastructure development in those areas also takes into account disaster risk management.

In the meantime, Head of Center for Strategic Areas Development (BPIW) of Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing Hadi Sucahyono said that BPIW continued to coordinate with a number of related agencies such as the Geological Agency and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

“Infrastructure development in the KSPN is planned in an integrated manner, including by structuring the area, improving road access, providing raw water and clean water, managing waste and sanitation, and improving residents’ occupancy through an infrastructure development master plan prepared by the Regional Infrastructure Development Agency,” he said.

The master plan for the development of KSPN, he added, is made for the next ten years with more details made in a five-year plan, while an evaluation is carried out annually. “Key tourism areas become a top priority in our infrastructure development,” Hadi said.

“The focus is on the development of four KSPN given the number of tourists visiting the areas continues to increase. Investment is a key driver to boost economic potentials of the regions,” Hadi said, adding that infrastructure development is not only to attract tourists but also to improve quality of life of the communities and to boost local economic potentials.

“The Ministry supports the development of infrastructure that is not only beneficial for tourists but also for low-income communities,” Hadi added.

In Mandalika, the Government has made several efforts to re-structure Kuta village by repairing six roads, pavements, drainage systems, and public open spaces equipped with a playground that can be enjoyed by the locals.

The Government has also provided assistance for low-income communities with decent housings through 200 self-help housing programs in Central Lombok regency, which can be used as homestays. Moto GP circuit will also be built in Mandalika with the five-star hotel standard around the area.

In Lake Toba, the Government has improved access from Silangit airport to both the outer ring and the circumference in Lake Toba, including by dredging the river channel and building Tano Ponggol bridge as well as the Lumban Pea and Lumban Julu integrated rest area.

In Kampung Ujung, Labuan Bajo, which is the hub to cross to Komodo Island, eateries have been built, equipped with accessible roads and drainage.

In Borobudur Temple, the Government has revamped a number of tourist destinations near the temple such as Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, and Puthuk Setumbu. The Government has also improved access from the new airport in Kulonprogo. (Setkab)

Biggest Great White Shark on Record Thrills Divers off Hawaii

WASHNGTON, LELEMUKU.COM - The biggest great white shark on record is visiting the American island state of Hawaii, divers say.

A group of divers monitoring the carcass of a sperm whale off the coast of Oahu say they have gone swimming with the massive predator, and that based on the size and the markings, the shark is known as “Deep Blue,” one of the largest great whites on record.

“She was just this big, beautiful gentle giant wanting to use our boat as a scratching post,” diver Ocean Ramsey told The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Deep Blue is believed to be 6 meters long and at least 50 years old. The Smithsonian says the average female great white shark measures just less than 5 meters, while males measure just less than 4 meters.

Diver Mark Mohler said in a post on Instagram that he and fellow diver Kimberley Jeffries had confirmed the identity of the shark as Deep Blue. The Instagram post shows a diver swimming alongside Deep Blue.

Ramsey told the newspaper that the shark was “shockingly wide” and could be pregnant. She said hunger and the need for added nutrients might have brought Deep Blue to Hawaii, where the waters are usually too warm for great whites.

“Big pregnant females are actually the safest ones to be with — the biggest, oldest ones — because they’ve seen it all, including us,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey studies sharks, advocates for their conservation and leads cage-free shark diving tours. Ramsey and her team observe and identify sharks, and share that data with state and federal partners.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources warned people to stay away from the area where the carcass and Deep Blue have been seen.

“We don’t want anyone to get hurt if a shark swimming around the carcass mistakes them as food. Understandably, some people want to get into the water either out of fascination or to get photographs, but it is truly dangerous to be around this carcass with so much shark activity,” agency official Jason Redull said. (VOA)

The 2018 Darwin to Saumlaki Yacht Race Ready to be Held

SAUMLAKI, LELEMUKU.COM - Darwin Sailing Club will held its annual event of Yacht Race and Rally from Darwin, Territory of the Northern Australia to Saumlaki, West Maluku Regency, Maluku Province on 30th June 2018.

According to the chairman of Saumlaki Yacht Race Committee, Lucille Panting, the purpose of this yacht race and rally is providing an opportunity for the participants to see how beautiful Tanimbar Islands is, which has a unigue culture and remain a major centre for the production of traditional crafts like ikat cloth and carved wooden statues in Maluku, and also have their own forms of music and dance.

"We will start on 30th of June and we arrive here on 2nd or 3th of July. This sailing will be taken two days of trip or 48 hours to arrive here (Saumlaki)," She told to Lelemuku.com, on Thursday (17/05).

Lucille reveals the reason for choosing the Tanimbar Islands as the destination of the voyage because of the distance from Tanimbar that is so close to Darwin City that is separated by the Arafura Sea. It's more advantageous than taking a trip to Ambon City or Dilli City, East Timor which takes up to 4 days of travel, while to Tanimbar only 2 days.

In addition to the close distance, the beauty of Tanimbar sea is also a reason for this sailing club to do snorkeling and swimming. And the same weather is the reason, where the location of Darwin City itself is relatively close to the equator line, then this city is the only major city in Australia which has tropical climate like Indonesia.

"We want to come here because Tanimbar is so close to our country, save from marine predator animals, friendly community, diving and swimming location is also very good and has the same weather with darwin," she said.

Lucille ensures that there are currently about 12 fleets of sailboats that will be involved in the race. His party is still open registration for interested participants until May 29, 2018.

"This is a trial between 10 to 15 boats, but not sure, we estimate about 12 boatss that have been registered," she explained.

Constraints of the implementation of the 2018 Darwin Saumlaki Yatch Race is the weather, which is too windy so it can affect the number of boats involved, because there are some small boats that can not withstand the wind.

"Last year on October cruise was not windy, so we chose this July because it was windy, but now it's just too much wind. This activity still roads just a few boats may fall because of its small size, for that we will be back to determine how many boats will come," Lucille added. (Laura Sobuber)

Festival Maksaira 2018 Entered Into MURI Record

SANANA, LELEMUKU.COM - The 2018 Maksaira Festival which opened on Saturday (14/04) became an opportunity for residents and government of Sula Islands District, North Maluku Province to record the achievement score at Museum Rekor Dunia Indonesia (Muri).

MURI successfully validated the Maksaira Festival in the record of Fish Grouper Fishing Competition by most anglers with the number reached 3,000 more people. This award was presented directly by MURI representative, Awan Rahargo, to Sula Hendrata Thes Islands Regent.

The second edition of Maksaira Festival held on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Pengeringan Beach, Sanana, has become a venue for fishery promotion to tourism potential in the District of Sula Islands. Regent Hendrata said, in addition to the potential of marine and fisheries, Sula Islands have a panorama under the sea is still unique and natural.

"Maksaira itself is interpreted as a meeting of traditional leaders Maksaira contains the meaning of regional philosophy such as mutual cooperation for unity," said Regent Hendrata in his speech before releasing the angler to the sea to catch grouper fish that became one of the fishery commodities of Sula Islands.

Fishing, says Hendrata, is one of the most common cultures in the Sula Islands. Hendrata expects this agenda to be sustainable every year to continue to introduce culture, local wisdom, as well as Sula's natural beauty to all over Indonesia, even the international world.

Sula Island District Government provides prizes of three boat fiber bodies and three boat engines worth a total of Rp 150-Rp 200 million. This prize is given to the angler who gets the most results.

The anglers catch the grouper with the traditional tools and ships they have. There are 713 sampan, 125 ketinting, 79 long boats, 248 fiber boats, and 12 ships used 3,041 registered participants from 47 villages. Thousands of these boats lined the 20-kilometer kilometer from Wai Ipa Beach to Bajo Village.

Maksaira herself, continued Hendrata, in the Sula regional language has gotong royong meaning. Previously, the activity in the Maksaira Festival itself was not fishing but burning fish along the 15 kilometers.

"This year wants to make something different. So it's impossible to burn the fish again, "he said.

Fishing, said Hendrata, is one of the most common cultures performed by people in the Sula Islands. Hendrata berahrap this agenda is expected to continue every year to be able to introduce Sula culture to all over Indonesia and even abroad.

In addition to the fishing competition, the Maksaira Festival is enlivened with local products such as handicrafts, snacks, typical Sula honey, and various innovations SKPD Kabupaten Sula Islands.

The public was also entertained by the artist of the Capital City, such as Selfi Nafilah (KDI), Trio Wrigala, and local artist who was loved, Brigadier Fahrin Ilham Silayar.

Also present Puteri Indonesia 2018, Sonia Fergina Citra, who share the experience and motivation while wearing and introducing Sula batik typical. Sonia who came from Belitung and claimed to like fishing is impressed with the warmth of Sula society. He hopes the Sula Islands are getting better and growing. (Detik)

Hendrata Thes Want to Develop Marine Tourism in Sula Islands

JAKARTA, LELEMUKU.COM -  Sula Islands Regent, Hendrata Thes wants to develop the Sula Islands as a marine tourism destination by relying on the potential of the region.

"We want to be different with marine tourism destinations Wakatobi or Raja Ampat. For that we need support Kemenpar conduct a study of the benefits of Sula destinations as a tourist attraction Sula Islands, "said Hendrata Thes during a press conference preparation of the event Maksaira Festival 2018, Sapta Pesona Building Jakarta, office Kemenpar, Monday (09/04).

One of the efforts is by conducting the 2018 Maksaira Festival which is as an event of cultural and marine tourism attractions. Characteristic of this festival is the activity of grouper fish fishing with fishing location at Wai Ipa Village Beach to Bajo Village beach.

It is said iven that has entered the third year and will be listed as MURI record breaking for the largest grouper fishing participant targeted by 3000 participants in 2018, where year 2017 followed by 1700 participants.

"The MURI Record Creation effort is not the first thing to do, because in 2015 MURI award was achieved by Sula Islands District for an event to burn fish together along 15 kilometers," said Hendrata Thes.

Festival Maksaira 2018, will take place at Wai Ipa Beach to Bajo Village Beach, Sula Islands Regency, North Maluku Province on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at 14:00 to 18:00 CET

Kepulaun Sula regency has potential as a marine tourism destination, especially for diving and fishing. However, holistic study of what characteristic and excellence of this region is needed to be developed into special interest tourism. (Kemenpar)

Government Supports Tourism Promotion in Sula Islands

JAKARTA, LELEMUKU.COM - The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) is ready to support the promotion of tourism destination potential of the District of Sula Islands, North Maluku Province.

Demographically located between the crossroads of Wakatobi and Raja Ampat tourist areas, it is ideally developed as marine tourism and special interest tourism for diving enthusiasts.

"Kemenpar ready to help the Government of Kabupaten Sulaun Sula to conduct market review. Frankly until now we do not have a study of tourism about the Sula Islands. The regional characteristics are similar to Wakatobi and Raja Ampat as world class marine tourism destinations, both of which have the largest markets of Japan and Europe, "said I Gde Pitana, Deputy of Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism,  during a press conference preparation for the Maksaira Festival 2018, at Gedung Sapta Pesona Jakarta, Kemenpar office, Monday (09/04).

Festival Maksaira 2018, will take place at Wai Ipa Beach to Bajo Village Beach, Sula Islands Regency, North Maluku Province on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at 14:00 to 18:00 CET

According to I Gde Pitana, Kepulaun Sula Regency has potential as a marine tourism destination, especially for diving and fishing. However, holistic study of what characteristic and excellence of this region is needed to be developed into special interest tourism.

Whilea the Sula Islands Regent, Hendrata Thes stated, his regency wants to develop as a marine tourism destination by relying on the potential of the region, "We want to be different with marine tourism destinations or Raja Ampat Wakatobi. 

"So we need support from Tourism Ministry to conduct a study of the benefits of Sula destinations as a tourist attraction Sula Islands, "said Hendrata Thes.

Maksaira Festival 2018 event, said Hendrata Thes, as a cultural and marine tourism attraction event has entered the third year and will be listed as MURI record breaking for the largest grouper fishing participant targeted by 3000 participants in 2018, where year 2017 followed by 1700 participants. (Kemenpar)

Kei Islands Became the Image of Maluku Tourism

LANGGUR, LELEMUKU.COM - Southeast Maluku Regent, Maluku Province, Samuel Risembess said there are a number of efforts to promote Southeast Maluku tourism has been done primarily in improving accessibility and promotion, because now the Kei Islands so the image of tourism in Maluku.

"Currently Kei is the face of Maluku province tourism, because most of the tourism potential of Maluku is in the district," said Samuel in Langgur, Southeast Maluku, Friday (16/3).

For accessibility, the Southeast Maluku Regency in cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation plans to extend the runway of Karel Sadsuitubun Airport from 2350 m to 2500 m.

"In addition to the planned runway extension, last January the Southeast Moluccas managed to bring Sriwijaya Airlines from Makassar to Langgur and Batik Air is also planned to fly to Langgur," said Samuel.

In terms of promotion, Southeast Maluku boosted its tourism potential through the holding of events. One of them is the 2018 Wonderful Sail event which will be held on 23-27 July 2018.

"For the 2018 Wonderful Sail, we will focus on preparing excellent products from each village in Southeast Maluku Regency as an attraction later" said Samuel.

Still on the promotion side, Southeast Maluku Regency has also successfully organized big event that is Bali Kei Archipelago Festival (BKAF) which is the first international event in Kei Island and Meti Kei Festival which both held in October of 2017.

Another tourism program plan that is "one village, one product" that seeks to create excellent products of culinary, handicraft, and art from each village in Southeast Maluku district is expected to continue even after the Wonderful Sail Event 2018 is completed.

"Our expectation of the typical product of each village can extend the lenght of stay from the tourists who come," said Head of Southeast Maluku Tourism Office, Roy Rahajaan.

All the commitments and efforts undertaken to promote tourism by the district government and dispar of Southeast Maluku are not without challenges. Natural conditions for unpredictable travel, telecoms availability or very limited providers, minimal amenitas, access to islands that still only rely on speed boats and fishing boats with long travel time, waste in tourist destinations, and human resources tourism is still a number of obstacles.

"The challenge is a lot but the funds are limited, but we keep trying to fix one by one the problem, the connection with the garbage, for example, we have just signed the MoU Cipta Karya, got the garbage car and recycling garbage.Furthermore, the waste will be assisted by Cipta Karya to handle, "Roy Rahayu said.

In addition, in 2017, the focus dispar of Southeast Maluku is to improve the quality of tourism human resources by conducting training and workshops, this year Dispar Maluku Tenggara focuses on the preparation of tourism objects. Roy explained, one of the efforts made by Dispar by building a culinary center at a tourist spot such as the long beach, which had just finished last year. (Kemenpar)

Southeast Maluku Govt. Ready to Promote Tourism

LANGGUR, LELEMUKU.COM - Southeast Maluku Regency, Maluku Province continues to show its commitment in promoting regional tourism. Southeast Maluku Regency has great potential in tourism and fisheries because 93 percent of Southeast Maluku region is waters and the rest of the land.

"Currently, we continue to make various efforts to lift the potential of tourism by utilizing 93 percent of the territorial waters, especially the island of Kei" said Samuel Risembessy, Regent of Southeast Maluku, in a joint audience Forum Tourism Journalist and Public Communication Communication Bureau Ministry of Tourism, at Langgur, Southeast Maluku, on Friday (16/3).

According to Samuel, a number of efforts to promote Southeast Maluku tourism have been carried out primarily in improving accessibility and promotion. Moreover, according to Samuel, this time Kei lah who became the tourist face of Maluku province, because most of the tourism potential of Maluku is in the district.

For accessibility, the Southeast Maluku Regency in cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation plans to extend the runway of Karel Sadsuitubun Airport from 2350 m to 2500 m.

"In addition to the planned runway extension, last January the Southeast Moluccas managed to bring Sriwijaya Airlines from Makassar to Langgur and Batik Air is also planned to fly to Langgur," said Samuel. (Kemenpar)

Festival Tidore East- West World Monument Bring a Rich Cultural Tradition

TIDORE, LELEMUKU.COM - Various events held to celebrate the 910th anniversary of the Tidore Palace with the main event of the Tidore East-West World Monument 2018 held from 30 March to 12 April 2018. In the 10th edition of the Tidore Festival 2018 will highlight the traditional culture of its rich and well-preserved society to this day.

Tidore Festival 2018 officially opened on Friday (30/03) and begins with custom procession Rora Ake Dango or Bamboo Water, in Sonine Gurua which is a field where customary rituals Gurabunga Village, Tidore Village, Tidore Islands City, North Maluku Province.

Ake Dango is the most sacred ritual of some series of events that exist. According to the Head of Culture and Tourism Office of Tidore City, Jacob Husain, this ritual is the original tradition of Tidore. Authenticity can be seen from the ritual of taking holy water (Tagi Kie) and clean mountain.

"Tagi Kie and clean mountain have not been publicized to the public and the media because this ritual is done by special people while taking water from the top of Mount Tidore," he said on the sidelines of Ake Dango, a few days ago, Kemenpar) on Wednesday (11/4).

The water source at the top of Mount Tidore is a sacred place. This water source is also called the main actor or the main source of life. Not just anyone can take the water. Only the descendants of the five Sowohi (tribal chiefs) may take it.

"There is also a source of water, and this water assumes that we are here as holy water and as a source of human life," he said.

Water becomes important, because delivered to the Sultanate of Tidore, on Saturday, March 31, 2018. And continued with Procession Ratib Haddad Farraj. However, the water was first installed in five custom homes of the five Sowohi clans in the Tidore Sultanate. Sowohi this is the guardian of Tidore Sultanate.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Tidore Islands, H Ali Ibrahim, said the Ake Dango procession is a ritual of the Five Marga meeting. The procession is to deliver water using Rau that has been taken from the top of the mountain. Water and Rau are united in Bamboo (Dango).

"The water that was put together in bamboo (Ake Dango) was continued overnight at Sonine Gurua, guarded by a representative of Five Marga armed with machetes and salawaku, which was done for the sake of safety so that Ake Dango will not be disturbed until the next morning," Ali said.

The procession is done at 21.00 WIT. With a dark atmosphere only illuminated by torches of fire. This ritual becomes an exciting spectacle for the people and tourists who come to Tidore.

Tidore and Ternate are two small islands west of the larger Halmahera island in North Maluku, now better known as the original Spice Island. In history, both Ternate and Tidore were once ruling sultans who ruled around the oceans of Eastern Indonesia.

The 2018 Tidore Festival features three main activities. The first is the Juanga Parade featuring sailing vessels of colorful traditional ships in war formations. The fleet was led by Sultan Tidore himself accompanied by the royal family and guarded by the army.

The second is the Paji Exploration, a retrace of the journey undertaken by the Sultan at the time of the Uprising by Sultan Nuku. The third is the royal procession of Sultan Tidore and his entourage, which was soon followed by the opening of the World Maritime Museum at Tidore Palace. (Kemenpar/PedomanWisata)

The Jailolo Bay Festival is Ready to be Held in May

JAILOLO, LELEMUKU.COM - West Halmahera (Halbar) Regency Government, North Maluku Province is ready to hold the agenda of Jailolo Bay Festival or Festival Teluk Jailolo (FTJ) 2018 which will be held on 3-5 May 2018 in District Jailolo.

According to the Head of Tourism Office of Halbar, Fenny Kiat, this folk party is guaranteed to be festive and interesting. Because of the annual event held since 2009 and this presents a variety of local wisdom in the western region of Halmahera Island.

"The beauty of nature, the potential of the underwater, the cultural potential and the culinary of the taste buds can be an attraction in this event.A variety of interesting attractions will be featured in this festival.All tribes and our community involved to succeed this event," said Head of West Halmahera Tourism Office , Fenny Kiat as quoted from Genpi.co on Saturday (14/4).

He said the charm of Jailolo Bay, must have been familiar to that often travel to the eastern part of Indonesia. Around the beautiful bay, the festival is held, mainly in three tourist villages, namely Gamtala, Guaeria and Bobanehena. So the series of events that will be held in the Festival of Jailolo Bay 2018 include traditional children's game party, Cultural Art Exhibition of Se-Halmahera West Tribe such as Sasadu in the Sea, Moloku Kie Raha, Sigofi Ngolo, Orom Sasadu, Jailolo Kitchen Snack Market, Moloku Kie Raha and Gelar Western Halmahera Culinary.

"There are also attractions Sigofi Ngolo Ritual, Cultural Exhibition and FTJ Dance Festive Dance Performance," he said.

Fenny explained, that the ceremony Sigofi Ngolo Ritual is a ritual offerings for nature to FTJ activities run smoothly. In addition, the main attraction at the top of this Jailolo Bay Festival is the appearance of Sasadu on the Sea. The show features International Performance from Cry Jailolo and Balabala. Besides also featuring a national band, Slank is guaranteed to add to the festive FTJ 2018.

"In closing the FTJ 2018 series provided Fun Trip to Loloda to see the hidden natural beauty of Sosota Island, Kahatola Waterfall, Ngaramabeno and Mariporoco Cliffs and in the afternoon until the evening served BBQ in Pastofiri Island," he said.

He stated for those who want to attend the Jailolo Bay Festival, there is no difficult word to get to the location of the event. There are flights to Sultan Baabulah Airport in Ternate, as well as sea transport services to Ternate. From Ternate to Jailolo, we can ride fast boat or wooden ship. Problem accommodation during the Jailolo, not to worry. There are a number of one star hotels and homestays in around Jailolo Bay. The cost per night is relatively inexpensive.

"Let's go to West Halmahera and experience the thrill of a decade of celebration of the 2018 Jailolo Bay Festival," said Fenny. (Genpi)

Nomadic Concept is Suitable for Developing Tourism in North Maluku

JAKARTA, LELEMUKU.COM - Nomadic tourism, a concept that relies on temporary supporting facilities, is suitable for developing tourism in North Maluku, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya stated.

"North Maluku has a huge tourism potential, supported by its natural wealth and cultural richness. A survey from the Central Statistics Agency showed that North Maluku was at the top of the Happiness Index in 2017, with 75.68 score," the minister noted in a statement received by Antara on Wednesday.

However, attracting more foreign tourists to visit the province will require tourism development of international standards, which requires a large investment and a long period of time.

To develop a region into a world-class tourist destination, it needs an international airport, the construction of which would be quite costly and may take years, Yahya mentioned as an example.

"Therefore, the development of tourism in North Maluku can be carried out through the concept of nomadic tourism," he added.

Instead of building an international airport, a seaplane facility is preferably suggested to support accessibility in North Maluku.

Such a facility can be combined with other temporary supportive facilities, such as glam camp and home pod.

The North Maluku Tourism Office has been encouraged to run the program, while the Tourism Ministry would help look out for investors.

Nomadic tourism is expected to be developed in regions that have no permanent tourism facilities, such as hotels and homestays.

This concept is a solution, initiated by the ministry, to boost the number of tourism amenities to be in balance with the growth of tourist arrivals.

"This is because the trend of amenities at the global level has switched to experience-based amenities. Previously, people were looking for starred and non-starred hotels, but now, a lot of people are looking for specialty lodgings, homestays, guest houses, or glampings," the ministry`s nomadic tourism PIC Waizly Darwin revealed.

Morotai North Maluku is one of the 10 priority tourism destinations, with marine tourism as the main attraction.

Currently, various supporting facilities have been carried out in the region, including airport construction, hardening, and widening the runway from 2,400 x 30 meters to 2,400 x 45 meters.

The construction process has entered the auction stage, where the terminal building is targeted to be completed on March 31, or at the latest by April 2018. (Antara)

North Maluku Prepare 33 Tourism Event in 2018

JAKARTA, LELEMUKU.COM - North Maluku Provinces prepare 33 tourism events, three of which are included in the National Top 100 Calendar of Events (CoE) 2018 launched by Tourism Minister Arief Yahya at Gedung Sapta Pesona, Ministry of Tourism Jakarta, Tuesday (13 / 3)

All three consist of the Tidore Festival in Tidore Islands Town on March 23-April 12, 2018, Jailolo Gulf Festival in West Halmahera District on 3-5 May 2018 and Kora-Kora Festival in Ternate City on 1-3 December 2018.

North Maluku Governor Task Force H. Muhammad Natsir Thaib affirmed the progress of North Maluku tourism has been felt with the establishment of Morotai Island as one of 10 priority destinations to be made "Bali Baru" which accelerated development.

"Tourism in North Maluku is growing with the support of attractions, elements of amenitas and elements of accessibility are getting better," said Natsir Thaib.

In addition North Maluku Province wants to develop itself into a world-class marine tourism destination, considering the potential of marine tourism and geographic location is very supportive to realize the keingingan it.

"Among the islands in North Maluku is very suitable to be developed as marine tourism. Currently in Pulau Jailolo has begun to be developed marine tourism by professional entrepreneurs, "said Natsir Thaib.

Ternate, Tidore, Bacan and Jailolo for a long time around the XIII century have been known to the world community as a source of spice world, and North Maluku has an advantage in historical tourism because there are many fortress relics of the Portuguese, Spayol, England, and the site of World War II relic from Japan and the United States.

The launch of CoE Maluku Province in 2018 is expected to increase the number of tourist arrivals targeted to reach 11,000 foreign tourists (tourists) and 350,000 movements of domestic tourists (wisnus), as well as supporting the national tourism target of 2018 as many as 17 million foreign tourists and 270 million domestic tourists. (Albert Batlayeri)

Launching Calendar of Event North Maluku 2018, Arief Yahya Affirm Main Criteria

JAKARTA,LELEMUKU.COM - North Maluku Province has many natural beauty, cultural diversity, strategic geographic location, supported by beautiful underwater panorama. The number of potentials will be able to make the tourism sector in North Maluku continues to grow if supported by the implementation of tourism events.

Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya officially launches Calendar of Events (CoE) North Maluku 2018 which is marked by beating of tifa music instrument accompanied by several ranks of Ministry of Tourism and North Maluku local government. 

The launch of CoE North Maluku 2018 was also attended by North Maluku Governor, M. Natsir Thaib, and the Regents of North Maluku Province, as well as the Sultan of Ternate and Sultan Tidore.

"In applying the CoE must have the main criterion that is the implementation of a professional and implemented on time. There is or no official, the event must take place because the goal is for tourists, "said Minister Arief Yahya when giving a speech in Launching Calendar of Event North Maluku event, in Sapta Pesona Building, Ministry of Tourism Jakarta, Tuesday (13/3) night.

Taking the theme "Enchantment Kie Raha Shake the World", North Maluku Province is expected to be able to promote the potential of tourism to the world. Therefore, according to Menpar, events in North Maluku CoE should have cultural values ​​and commercial values ​​that will have a positive impact in improving the economy of the community. (Albert Batlayeri)

Tanimbar Weaving Fabrics Should Be Promoted

SAUMLAKI, LELEMUKU.COM - Indonesia is known as a country that has a variety of traditions and culture. One of them is through weaving fabric that comes from the Regency of West Southeast Maluku (MTB) in Mollucas Province.

According to Chairman of the union branch of police wives in MTB or Bhayangkari, Mrs. Hery Dian Dwiharto, Tanimbar Islands has beautiful woven fabric with various motifs namely Sair, Tunis,  Matantur, Orchid Flower, Wulan Lihir, Eman Matan Lihir and Ulerati.

"The motives of woven fabric in Tanimbar are very numerous and various types, ranging from Selaru to the island of Fordata" said Mrs. Hery in Sanggar Natar Sere, Tumbur Village, Wertamrian District on Monday (20/11).

She asked the people of Tanimbar should be proud of this tradition, because the woven tanimbar fabric has been promoted overseas, one of them is the Wastra Nusantara at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tokyo, Japan in early April 2017.

"Wastra Indonesia through designers Wignyo Rahadi and Chossy have introduced the beauty of Tanimbar's weaving to the world," she explained.

She said the woven studio like this are hard to find. So there should be support from all parties, especially from local governments to empowering the potential of this tradition.

"Studio like this should be improved even more, because to find a studio that led by Mrs. Olifa Reresi is very difficult. Because she is the most skilled weave and hardly to get people like her, "she added.

In addition to the already rare start of weaving studios, she also considered the younger generation Tanimbar in MTB less interested in the art of weaving.

"Maybe because most people think weaving is an outdated habit. And if you can mix with the current trend, it will become a modern woven fabric. While the overseas people are a classic-classic," she said.

She hopes the local government in this case the Department of Tourism and the Creative Economy has a big responsibility to further promote this Tanimbar weaving.

"My hope this studio will be great because the government assistance that cooperates in promoting this potential, because the thing that the weavers are most concerned about is the marketing problem" she said. (Laura Sobuber)

Hong Kong Turns to Virtual Reality to Honour Ancestors

HONGKONG, LELEMUKU.COM - A lack of space for cemeteries in crowded Hong Kong clashes with the age-old Chinese tradition of reverence for one's ancestors.

But one entrepreneur uses virtual reality software to reconcile the two, allowing people to honour Confucian traditions of filial obligation in the territory where it can cost up to $130,000 to store the ashes of loved ones.

Anthony Yau's firm, iVeneration.com, offers users the ability to create virtual headstones anywhere in an augmented reality landscape of Hong Kong, including such unlikely places as a downtown park.

Apart from the cost savings, Yau expects his business model to appeal to more eco-conscious young residents.

"The dead are taking so much more space than those who are still alive, as those buried use that piece of land for many years," said Yau, as he manipulated his mobile telephone to correctly position a candle in front of a virtual headstone.

"For those who are still alive, they won't stay on the same piece of land forever."

Yau, who hopes to launch the website to the public in the first quarter of 2018, has already attracted 300 users.
   
Filial piety, or respect for parents and older people, is a paramount virtue in the Confucian tradition.
 
"We need to educate the next generation on filial piety, no matter how you show it, as long as it comes from the heart," Yau added. "We think the next generation might use these services for their parents.

Alex Lee, a 46-year-old employee of a technology company, uses iVeneration to pay his respects to his departed grandfather.

"Everyone is aware the lack of land is a problem in Hong Kong and the government has been encouraging green burial," said Lee, as he leafed through an album of family photographs.

"For me, you dont have to go to a thing to remember those passed away, its all in your heart." (Antara)

Govt Continues To Develop Widi Islands as Tourism Destination

JAKARTA, KALWEDO - The South Halmahera Regency government in North Maluku Province continues to develop Widi Islands as a global marine tourism destination in the province.

Situated in the south of Halmahera, Widi Islands, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and colorful coral, has been one of Indonesias best diving sites. 

Hence, the South Halmahera district government is making every effort to transform Widi Islands into a superior marine tourism destination to attract more local and foreign tourists.

According to Head of the Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office Nur Kamarullah, the local government is demonstrating greater commitment to managing the area by focusing on marine tourism development.

He noted that Widi Islands has become the local governments key focus in the effort, as the island is already widely known as one of the worlds paradise destinations for beach lovers.

Comprising 99 small islands with white sandy beaches, Widi is often juxtaposed with other tourist attractions in the world and is often referred to as the "Maldives" of Indonesia.

"Widi Islands is indeed the future of the rise of tourism in South Halmahera and North Maluku, in general, and thus, the Department of Tourism has given the task of promoting it on a large scale," Kamarullah remarked in Ternate recently.

In addition to the large-scale development of Widi Islands, various festivals and tourism-based events are also planned to be held throughout the year, with the aim of increasing tourist visits to the area.

One such event is the International Fishing Tournament to be held in October 2017, which is also planned to be officially opened by President Joko Widodo. 

Kamarullah noted that more than 100 anglers from various countries in the world, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and India, have confirmed their attendance at the International Fishing Tournament at Widi Islands.

According to Kamarullah, a culinary and cultural festival will also be held during the upcoming fishing tournament. 

In June 2015, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked between North Maluku Province and PT Leadership Island Indonesia to develop Widi Islands into a tourist destination.

North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba remarked at the time that he highly lauded PT Leadership Island Indonesias commitment to transforming Widi Islands into a tourist area in South Halmahera District.

Kasuba expressed hope that Widi Islands would be transformed into an international tourist destination in the eastern part of Indonesia, particularly in North Maluku.

He noted that in comparison with the beauty of the islands in Raja Ampat District, West Papua, Widi is much more scenic.

"Hence, with the signing of the MoU, Widi islands will soon be developed into a tourist destination in North Maluku," Kasuba remarked at the time.

In the meantime, spokesperson of PT Leadership Island Indonesia Natalia remarked that the company will soon follow up on the MoU to develop Widi Islands. 

She noted that following the development of Widi Islands, the area could be visited by tourists from several countries.

Widi is one of at least 400 scenic islands in South Halmahera District, North Maluku.

Earlier in 2014, the South Halmahera district government had cooperated with a Canadian investor to develop Widi Islands into a global tourism destination.

As part of an MoU, the district administration will issue policies and regulations to support the development of the islands as a tourism destination and will also build infrastructure, such as a transportation network.

In the meantime, the Canadian investor will focus on the construction of accommodation facilities on Widi Islands, such as resorts and cottages for the visitors, and hold a global promotion campaign.

The journey to Widi Islands from Labuha, the capital city of South Halmahera, via sea transportation takes 11 hours.

Widi Islands, with white sandy beaches and panoramic natural views of the sea, comprise 99 small scenic islands that have the potential to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

To visit Widi Islands, tourists can take a flight to Ternate and then continue their journey using sea transportation or board a small plane to Labuha. The visitors can finally board a ship to reach the islands in South Halmahera.

Several foreign tourists will make South Halmahera a destination for marine tourism, since it offers panoramic views of the sea.

South Halmahera has a variety of places that can be used as a maritime tourism attraction for foreign tourists.

The district currently has several marine tourism mainstays that have been known to the public, including the panoramic coastal submarine Guraici Island, Nusa Raa tourist center, and the white sandy beach on the island of Widi in the Gane Timur Sub-district.(antara)

Marine and Fisheries Potential Development is Necessary for Maluku`s Development

AMBON,LELEMUKU.COM - The Maluku archipelago is the largest province in Indonesia, where 92.4 percent of its area constitutes the sea, and so, the focus of its development should be oriented to the sea rather than land.

Malukus marine and fisheries potential is huge and varied, and has a high economic value. Hence, the government should make a breakthrough and implement concrete steps to change the paradigm of regional development, which should be oriented to the sea.

Speaking at a seminar on "Export Potential of the Golden Fishing Ground" in the provincial city of Ambon on Thursday, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Deputy Chairman for Banking and Finance Rosan Perkasa Roeslani stated that development in the province must be oriented to the sea.

Roeslani noted that Kadin had lent its support to Maluku province as the center for conducting maritime research and studies in the country.

"Taking into account Malukus huge maritime and fisheries potential with high economic value, we fully support the province as the center for conducting maritime research and studies in Indonesia," Roeslani remarked.

He noted that the seminar in Ambon, organized by Kadin and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, aimed to boost exports of small and medium entrepreneurs.

Therefore, Roeslani remarked that all parties should be motivated to come and conduct in-depth studies on all maritime issues in Maluku.

"Anyone, especially young people, interested in exploring issues related to the maritime sector can come to Maluku to study," he pointed out, adding that all studies did not necessarily have to be conducted in only Jakarta or other parts of the country.

Roeslani affirmed that he would also encourage businesses, including from foreign countries, to visit Maluku and study the provinces maritime issues.

He affirmed that Maluku offered a variety of opportunities to study maritime objects in terms of fisheries, aquaculture, coastal areas, marine parks, and a wealth of marine life, with high economic value in the global market.

He emphasized that Maluku is the center of fisheries and the nations fish barn, and therefore, the province should be placed at the forefront of maritime studies for special reasons.

The Kadin deputy chairman for banking and finance also voiced his support to the Maluku provincial government to gain recognition as the nations fish barn.

The government has declared Maluku as the national fish barn since the area has a huge fishery potential of 1.64 million tons per year to improve the prosperity of the province and the nation.

Maluku has 600 thousand square kilometers of sea, with extensive marine resources for the prosperity of the local people and to support economic growth.

Malukus fishery potential is concentrated in three Fishery Management Areas (WPP) --- the Banda Sea, Seram Sea, and Arafura Sea --- that are also referred by several countries and fishery entrepreneurs as the "golden fishing ground."

The fishery production from these three WPP in Maluku can reach 1.64 million tons per year, or around 26.3 percent of the nations fishery potential.

Data from Malukus Central Bureau of Statistics indicated that in September 2015, Malukus export realization reached US$11.04 million, a significant increase compared to that recorded in August 2015.

The total export value in Maluku from January to September 2015 reached US$31.25 million, which comprised US$3.75 million from the exports of fishery and shrimp commodity, US$26.47 million from mineral fuels, and US$1.03 million from other commodities.

China was Malukus leading export destination country, with exports amounting to US$16.54 million followed by the Republic of Korea at US$11.04 million.

Roeslani emphasized that Kadin will also help to boost Small Medium Businesses (UKM) in Maluku, especially for those who develop the local flagship potential but encounter difficulties in sourcing capital.

He stated that Kadin will assist the UKM through banks and other financial institutions.

With regard to several approaches to develop the local potentials, new entrepreneurs in Maluku can capitalize on the potential of small businesses currently facing funding problems.

"Through the Palapa Nusantara Berdikari capital institution, Kadin will select potential UKM in Maluku based on certain standards to obtain capital and mentoring to develop a business that has been initiated," he emphasized.

Maluku Governor Said Assagaff shed light on the presence of the integrated fishing firm PT Maritim Timur Jaya (MTJ) in Tual, Southeast Maluku District.

"MTJ is the largest firm in the fishing industry in Maluku province and is also the biggest contributor to the regional revenue," the Maluku governor stated during a visit to the fishing firm in Tual some time ago.

Assagaff noted that both the Maluku provincial and Tual city administrations will continue to encourage PT MTJ to increase its operations to help improve the local peoples welfare, particularly the fishermen.

"We fully support the operations of this company as it has contributed significantly to improving the fishermens welfare," the governor noted.

He pointed out that the presence of the fishing company, as part of the Artha Graha groups network, is the embryo to embody the vision of the government and the people to make Maluku province the nations fish barn.

He lauded the progress achieved and PT MTJs investment in the fisheries sector in the eastern part of Indonesia.

According to the governor, PT MTJ is the most complete and advanced fishing firm in the eastern regions of Indonesia. (antara)