Discover Indonesia

Living on more than 17,000 islands, the Indonesian nation today counts some 200 million humanity comprising more than 200 ethnic groups. proximate Independence in 1945 inter-marriages among people of disparate ethnic groups have welded the dudes into a additional cohesive Indonesian nation.

The majority of the population embraces Islam, while hold Bali the Hindu religion is predominant. considering in areas like the Minahasa in North Sulawesi, the Toraja highlands in South Sulawesi, spell the East Nusatenggara islands further prominence large parts of Papua, mastery the Batak highlands being well as on Nias island credit North Sumatra, the majority are either Catholics or Protestants. On the whole the Indonesian people are religious in nature.

Imlek Fair 2011 in Medan, Peace and Friendship in the Year of the Rabbit

Preparing for Chinese New Year,  Medan's Imlek Fair is a spectacular stage, offering a large variety of  products, art and culture performances, food and drinks and multi-ethnic entertainment. The event will take place at the Central Business District (CBD) at Polonia, Medan on 15-23 January 2011. The Imlek Fair 2011 is a cultural ceremony and ritual procession to welcome the New Year with new hope and spirit to gain better achievement in life.

Indonesia's tourism to emphasize eco-cultural attractions in 2011

Indonesia’s tourism is to be promoted in 2011 with emphasize on the country’s eco-cultural attractions in the hope  it will draw  7.3 - 7.6 million foreign visitors,  a tourism ministry official said.

"After considering various factors, we have decided to promote the country’s eco-cultural’s attractions in 2011," Esty Reko Astuty, director of promotions at the Culture and Tourism Ministry, said here Monday as reported by Kompas.com.

Angklung, Indonesian Native Musical Instrument

Angklung is a musical instrument made out of two bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are carved so that they have a resonant pitch when struck. The two tubes are tuned to octaves. The base of the frame is held with one hand while the other hand shakes the instrument rapidly from side to side. This causes a rapidly repeating note to sound. Thus each of three or more angklung performers in an ensemble will play just one note and together complete melodies are produced. Angklung is popular throughout Southeast Asia, but originated from Indonesia and it has been used and played by the Sundanese since the ancient times.

Unesco to declare Angklung world heritage soon

Indonesia`s traditional music instrument, the `Angklung`, is soon to be officially delared a world heritage item by the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) like batik, wayang, and the keris before.

Nasi Goreng’s Many Faces

In many ways, nasi goreng is Indonesia. It is the unofficial national dish, but it is much more than a simple plate of fried rice. Nasi goreng is always changing, filled with different ingredients and flavors, much like the country itself.

At its most basic, nasi goreng, which has Chinese roots, is steamed rice mixed with a dash of soy sauce and chili, cooked with oil in a frying pan.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, comprising of five main islands and a multitude of smaller archipelagos, with about 17,000 islands strung across the equator.

A rich history of kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade and natural disasters has bequeathed it with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, people, languages and religions, aspirations and problems, and the dramatic scenery of changing landscapes.

Unfortunately it is this very diversity of ethnic groups and religions that has put a country of such exotic natural resources to the test. Racial divides and fierce religious hostility, government corruption, uprisings, economic negligence and, more recently, terrorist attacks have been frequent blights on the Indonesian fabric of society. But it is also these diverse cultures that have given the country a splendid heritage of traditions and art, and for centuries it has been a magnet, constantly drawing thousands of people to its shores despite its turbulent nature. Its position along the Pacific 'ring of fire' contributes to its uneasiness; the country is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.