Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)

The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear in the world, but it is also considered by many to be the fiercest. It is currently listed as endangered, mostly due to hunting. In many countries, bile from the gallbladders of Sun Bears is praised for its medicinal qualities, and their paws are used for soup. In some countries, Sun Bears are kept as pets.

Sun bears are only found in southeast Asia. They are extremely good climbers, often found in the treetops. Because of this, Sun Bears are known as “basindo nan tenggil” in Malay, which translates to “he who likes to sit high.” There is evidence to suggest that the bears spend a great deal of time in the treetops, even sleeping up high in the trees. They are nocturnal, resting and enjoying the sunlight during the day, and do not hibernate as other bears do and are active all year. As not much study has been done on these bears, no one is certain how many actually still exist in the wild.

The Sun Bear’s small size, with the males only growing to reach about 145 pounds (65 kg) and the females only reaching 60 pounds (30 kg), makes them very distinctive. They have dark brown to black fur, which is very thick, and their skin is actually loose, which allows them to turn and bite when attacked and held by a predator. The bear’s muzzle is very short and is lighter than the rest of the fur, sometimes ranging to a light orange color. Their most distinctive feature is the crescent-shaped patch of fur on the chest that ranges from white to golden yellow. They have very long claws, which help them to climb trees. At sometimes up to 6 inches (15 cm), these claws are also used to defend against the bear’s natural predators.


Did You Know: The Sun Bear is named for the patch of fur on their chests which was once thought to resemble a rising or setting sun?

Sun Bears are complete omnivores. They have very long tongues that allow them to get to hard to reach honey and insects. They have been known to eat termites, birds, small animals, honey, and fruit, and, as their habitats decline and food become scarce, it is not unusual for a wild Sun Bear to raid commercial crops, such as oil palms.

Due to their decreased numbers and lack of information, not much is known about their breeding and reproductive patterns, unfortunately. It seems that they reach full sexual maturity at about three years in the female and four years in the male. There are many differing reports as to the gestational period for the Sun Bear. Nothing is known about their reproductive habits in the wild, but, in captivity, most Sun Bears give birth after a length of only 95-96 days. There doesn’t appear to be a peak mating season, as these bears seem to give birth throughout the year. They usually bear litters of two or three cubs, and these cubs are nursed until about 18 months of age, but they tend to stick with their mothers until they are fully mature and ready to mate.

Bibliography:
Charles Joseph Jonkel. Sun Bear. Encarta Encyclopedia, © 2000.
Honolulu Zoo. Sun Bear. Accessed August 11, 2004 at http://www.honoluluzoo.org/sun_bear.htm.
Sun Bear. Accessed August 11, 2004 at http://www.bearbiology.com/sudesc.html.
Malayan Sun Bear. Accessed August 11, 2004 at http://www.bears.org/animals/sun/.
Animal Fact Sheets. Accessed August 11, 2004 at http://www.zoo.org/educate/fact_sheets/sun_bear/sbear.htm

Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis/Bubalus quarlesi)

Anoas are grazers, eating mostly grasses, saplings, ferns, and fallen fruit. They also appear to get additional minerals that they need by drinking sea water. Relatively passive and shy animals, Anoas will, however, attack violently if cornered or threatened, disemboweling their enemies with their sharp, pointed horns, and they seem to be especially violent towards humans.

The anoa reach sexual maturity at about two to three years of age and will mate and give birth once a year. There doesn’t appear to be an obvious breeding season. After a gestational period of about 275-315 days, the mother will give birth to one baby, and very seldom will birth two. The young anoas are weaned after six to nine months, and they are reported to live approximately 15-20 years in the wild.

Since so much is unknown about the anoa, experts are still unsure whether the males are territorial or not. Males have been seen marking trees with their horns and scratching the soil after they urinate. No one is sure if they are marking their territories or just showing aggression.

Anoa come in two types, the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), and the mountain anoa (Bubalus quarlesi). The anoa is a species of pigmy buffalo, and they are the smallest of the wild cattle. Both species are currently listed as endangered, being threatened by clearing of the forests where they live and being hunted for their meat, horns, and hides.

Interesting Fact: Little is known about the habits of the anoa as they are one of the least-studied of all endangered species.

Anoa are only found on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. The lowland anoa is found in swampy forests, and the mountain anoa is found in higher-altitude forests. Unlike most cattle, anoas don’t live in herds but, rather, live solitary or in pairs and only will meet in groups when a female anoa is about to give birth. They are active most often in the morning and evening when it is still relatively cool, and they rest in the shade when the temperature rises in the afternoon. They will also bathe in mud or water to keep cool.

The lowland anoa most closely resembles a tiny water buffalo. They usually don’t grow more than 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulder and can weigh up to 660 pounds (300 kg). When they are young, they are covered with thick, light brown wooly hair, which thins as they grow older and becomes much darker. They have dark brown to black skin that can be easily seen through their hair. There are white marks on their heads and legs, and there is often a crescent-shaped area of white on the throat area. They also have horns, both males and females, that grow out of their foreheads and point straight back, growing to reach lengths of 15 inches (38 cm). Mountain anoas have essentially the same appearance, but they keep their wooly coats through adulthood, and their horns are somewhat smaller. They also are a more solid color without the throat and leg markings that the lowland anoas have.

Anoas are grazers, eating mostly grasses, saplings, ferns, and fallen fruit. They also appear to get additional minerals that they need by drinking sea water. Relatively passive and shy animals, Anoas will, however, attack violently if cornered or threatened, disemboweling their enemies with their sharp, pointed horns, and they seem to be especially violent towards humans.

The anoa reach sexual maturity at about two to three years of age and will mate and give birth once a year. There doesn’t appear to be an obvious breeding season. After a gestational period of about 275-315 days, the mother will give birth to one baby, and very seldom will birth two. The young anoas are weaned after six to nine months, and they are reported to live approximately 15-20 years in the wild.

Since so much is unknown about the anoa, experts are still unsure whether the males are territorial or not. Males have been seen marking trees with their horns and scratching the soil after they urinate. No one is sure if they are marking their territories or just showing aggression.

Bibliography:

Anoa. Encarta Encyclopedia, © 2000.
Lowland anoa. Accessed on August 15, 2004 at http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Bubalus_depressicornis.html.
Animal Fact Sheets. Accessed on August 15, 2004 at http://www.zoo.org/educate/fact_sheets/anoa/anoa.htm.
Animal Info - Anoa. Accessed on August 15, 2004 at http://www.animalinfo.org/species/artiperi/anoadepr.htm.

Komodo Dragon

Varanidae: Varanus Komodoensis

The Komodo Dragon lizard, discovered by the West in 1910, is the world's largest lizard and can grow up to three metres (almost ten feet) in length. Average lifespan is around twenty years. They live on a small number of Indonesian islands, including the eponymous Komodo Island itself. Their preferred habitat is dry, hot places such as open grassland. They are currently classified as a vulnerable species however they could become endangered.
A komodo dragon
Komodos are part of the awesome monitor lizard family. They can see up to 300 metres and their eyes are better adapted to seeing movement than stationary objects. Komodo dragons were initially thought to be completely deaf, however more recent research has shown that they can hear, albeit in a restricted frequency range.

The Komodo's main hunting sense is that of smell. The lizard samples the air with its tongue then returns the two tongue tips to the mouth where the air is "analysed". A Komodo dragon can sense the smell of carrion up to four kilometres (two and a half miles) away.

Given their size, Komodo dragons are not built for a long chase - however they can sprint at up to 20 kilometres per hour (12 miles per hour) for short periods of time. Their preferred hunting strategy to get food is thus to sit quietly in one spot waiting for something big and tasty to come near.

In fact if the Komodo lizard's prey escapes after it is bitten then it could still become dragon food; the Komodo's bite is toxic to other creatures.

Big komodo dragons are quite capable of killing and eating a human being and there are many accounts of this occuring.

Note: The Komodo Dragon is sometimes referred to as the Komoto or even Comodo Dragon

Banteng - Bos Javanicus

Classification

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae
Subfamily : Bovinae
Genus : Bos

Taxonomy

Bos javanicus [d'Alton, 1823].
Citation: Die Skelete der Wiederkauer, abgebildt und verglichen, p. 7.
Type locality: Indonesia, Java.

The taxonomic record (above) is taken from Wilson and Reeder (1993). The banteng has been placed the subgenus Bibos, although recent evidence suggests a closer affinity to domestic cattle in the subgenus Bos [Linneaus, 1758] (Nowak, 1991). Invalid synonyms for B. javanicus include banteng, birmanicus, butleri, discolor, domesticus, leucoprymnus, longicornis, lowi, porteri, and sondaicus (Wilson and Reeder, 1993).

General Characteristics

Body Length: 190-225 cm / 6.3-7.5 ft.
Shoulder Height: 160 cm / 5.3 ft.
Tail Length: 65-70 cm / 2.1-2.3 ft.
Weight: 600-800 kg / 1320-1760 lb.

The banteng exhibits sexual dimorphism, allowing the sexes to be readily distinguished by appearances. Both males and females have white 'stockings' on their lower legs, a white rump, a white muzzle, and white spots above the eyes. The short-haired, rufous-chestnut coat in females and young is smooth, with a dark dorsal stripe. The build is trim and distinctly cattle-like. The horns of females are short and tightly curved, pointing inward at the tips. In mature males, the coat is blue-black or dark chestnut in colour. The horns are long, growing 60-75 cm / 2-2.5 feet long, and arc upwards, connected by a horn-like bald patch on the forehead. There is a hump on the back above the shoulders.

Ontogeny and Reproduction

Gestation Period : 285 days.
Young per Birth : 1
Weaning : At 6-9 months.
Sexual Maturity : At 2-3 years.
Life span : About 20 years.

While in captivity breeding has occurred throughout the year, wild banteng in Thailand mate during May and June.

Ecology and Behavior

While the banteng may be active during the night or day, in areas with heavy human encroachment the herds have become nocturnal. Herds have been recorded feeding throughout the night, pausing to rest and ruminate at intervals. These wild cattle are very shy and retiring, and due to their wariness they are hard to approach. Feeding in open clearings, banteng depend on dense thickets in which to retire for shelter and safety. During the wet seasons, banteng may leave the valleys to forage, heading for forests at higher elevations. As the dry season takes hold, they return to the opener lowlands.

Family group : Herds of 2-40 animals with a single mature male. Other males are live alone or in bachelor groups.
Diet : Grasses, leaves, and shoots.
Main Predators : Dhole.

Distribution

Dense forest and bamboo jungles in Indochina, Borneo, Java, and the Malay Peninsula.

Countries: Bangladesh [RE], Brunei Darussalam [RE], Cambodia, India [RE], Indonesia (Bali; Jawa; Kalimantan), Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia [RE]; Sabah; Sarawak?), Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam (IUCN, 2002).

Range Map (Redrawn from Corbet and Hill, 1992)

Conservation Status

The banteng is listed as endangered (A1cd+2cd, C1+2a) by the IUCN (2002), and is not listed by CITES.

Remarks

These wild cattle have been domesticated in numerous locations, most notably on the island of Bali, where they are known, appropriately, as Bali cattle. Over 1.5 million domestic banteng are thought to exist. Mating between banteng and domestic cattle occurs freely, and the resulting offspring are usually fertile.

Banteng is a Malayan name. Bos (Latin) an ox. -icus (Latin) a suffix meaning belonging to: the banteng inhabits Java, among other islands in Malaya.

French
Banteng (Buchholtz, 1990)

German
Banteng (Buchholtz, 1990)

Literature Cited

Buchholtz, C. 1990. Cattle. In Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals. Edited by S. P. Parker. New York: McGraw-Hill. Volume 5, pp. 360-417.

Corbet, G. B., and J. E. Hill. 1992. the Mammals of the Indomalayan Region: A systematic review. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Nowak, R. M. [editor]. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World (Fifth Edition). Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder [editors]. 1993. Mammal Species of the World (Second Edition). Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press.

Additional Resources

Alikodra, H. 1987. The ecology of banteng (Bos javanicus) in the National Park of Ujung Kulon. Biotrop Special Publications 30: 161-167.

Ashby, K.R. and Santiapillai, C. 1986. An assessment of the status of the banteng (Bos javanicus) with particular reference to its interaction with the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Tigerpaper 13(4): 10-20.

Ashby, K.R. and Santiapillai, C. 1987. The life expectancy of banteng (Bos javanicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia. Biotrop Special Publications 30: 151-160.

Ashby, K.R. and Santiapillai, C. 1988. The status of the banteng (Bos javanicus) in Java and Bali. Tigerpaper 15(4): 16-25.

Bowman, D. 1992. Banteng. Australian Natural History 24(3): 16.

Davis, S., and B. Read. 1985. The status of North American captive herds of the banteng (Bovis javanicus). Zoo Biology 4(3): 269-279.

Duckworth, J. W., and S. Hedges. 1998. A Review of the Status of Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gaur, and Banteng in Viet Nam, Lao, Cambodia, and Yunnan (China), with Recommendations for Future Conservation Action. WWF Indochina Programme, Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Halder, U. 1976. Okologie und Verhalten des Banteng (Bos javanicus) in Java. Eine Feldstudie. Mammalia depicta 10, Verlag Paul Parey, Hamburg and Berlin, Germany.

Hedges, S. 1996. Proposal for inclusion of Banteng (Bos javanicus) in CITES Appendix I. Proposal prepared for the IUCN/SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group, the IUCN/SSC Wildlife Trade Programme, and the Thai Government.

Heng Kimchhay, Ouk Kimsan, Kry Masphal, Sin Polin, Uch Seiha, and H. Weiler. 1998. The Distribution of Tiger, Leopard, Elephant and Wild Cattle (Gaur, Banteng, Buffalo, Khting Vor and Kouprey) in Cambodia. Interm Report: July 1998. Wildlife Protection Office, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Payne, J., and C. M. Francis. 1985. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo. Sabah, Malaysia: Sabah Society with World Wildlife Fund Malaysia.

Srikosamatara, S., and V. Suteethorn. 1995. Populations of gaur and banteng and their management in Thailand. Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society 43(1): 55-83.

Cendrawasih Bird of Paradise

Cendrawasih is the Indonesian word for the bird of paradise. The Raggiana bird of paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is the national bird of New Guinea, and its figure graces everything from money to stamps to taxi cabs. Because they have such rare and beautiful plumage, birds of paradise have been hunted for centuries, and their feathers have been used for decoration and their supposed mystical properties. They are currently listed as endangered and trapping and export are illegal, but all species of the bird of paradise are still being traded illegally on the black market.

Interesting Fact: After trading plumes of birds of paradise with early European explorers, local tribes told them that the birds were the birds of the gods and never touched earth, feeding only on dew. This story accentuated the value of the birds for over 100 years, and the feathers were in such high demand that it almost killed off the species.

The cendrawasih is only found on the island of New Guinea. There are at least 37 other species of the bird of paradise that also make their homes on this island. The males are known to gather in a specific tree together in the morning and will engage in mutual display, where they fluff out their extensive colorful feathers to try and attract a female. They live in the tops of trees and in the underbrush, making nests in tree branches and holes.

Cendrawasih, or Birds of Paradise, are considered by many to be the most beautiful birds on the planet. The females are a relatively drab, dull brown, which helps them take cover when they are nesting and raising the young. They average about 13 inches in length (33 cm), about the size and build of a crow. The males are covered with different sizes and shapes of feathers in every conceivable color, and they often have patches of skin without feathers that are wild, shocking colors as well. The Raggiana has very long, orange, trailing tail feathers. His head and the nape of his neck are yellow, and he has a green chin.

Cendrawasih are primarily fruit eaters, but they will also eat berries, leaves, and small animals, such as lizards and frogs. Their flight is slow and ponderous, contrary to their graceful appearance, and they stay in the same area all year, not following any sort of migratory pattern.

Courtship is the main purpose of the cendrawasih’s gaudy appearance. The females outnumber the males, so the males must compete with each other to win favor of a female when she is ready to mate. The Raggiana especially is known for his overly energetic courtship dance. There are, however, some bird of paradise species that mate for life, and the males have drab brown feathers like the females and will help raise the young and tend the nest. Of the species that are polygamous, however, the female takes care of all nesting and raising duties, usually laying two eggs at a time.

Trivia

* The Red Bird of Paradise or Cendrawasih Merah is depicted on the front side of 1992 edition of Indonesia 20000 Rupiah banknote.

regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Paradisaeidae
genus = "Paradisaea"
species = "P. rubra"
binomial = "Paradisaea rubra"

Airport Soekarno-Hatta Guide to

Airport Name
Soekarno-Hatta Jakarta International Airport

Airport Location

The airport is located 12 miles northwest of Jakarta.
Terminals : 2
IATA Code : CGK
Telephone : +62 550 5179 or +62 550 5307/8/9

Airport Overview

The largest airport in Indonesia, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves Jakarta. The airport, which was designed by renowned architect Paul Andreu, has two terminals that serve 47 international and domestic airlines. A new terminal is being planned to serve low-cost airlines.

Terminal Transfer

A shuttle bus is available between the Domestic and International terminals (Terminal 1 and 2 respectively).

Getting into Town

Taxi: Taxis can be booked at counters in the Arrivals areas of the terminals (journey time to city center: 45 minutes).

Limousine: A limousine service is also available at the airport. Bus: The DAMRI shuttle bus route runs between Rawamangun, Blok M/Kebayoran, Gambir, Bekasi, Depok and Bogor (journey time: 1 hour).

Car Parking

Short-term and overnight parking is available at both terminals; parking lots are a five-minute walk from the terminals. Parking is, however, quite limited.

Information Desks

There are information desks in both terminals. There are also 24-hour tourist information desks (tel: +62 (0)21 550 5179 or 5307/8/9) in Terminal 2 (International Terminal).

Airport Facilities

Money and communications: Terminal 1 has banks, a bureau de change and a post office. Terminal 2 has banks, bureau de change facilities and ATMs, a post box and 24-hour telecommunications services, including fax and telex. Telephones are provided in both terminals; free local dialing is provided in the waiting lounges.

Eating and drinking: There are various food outlets in both terminals.

Shopping: There are numerous shops in Terminal 1. In Terminal 2, there are shops including duty-free, a gift shop, newsagents and bookshop.

Luggage: Baggage storage is located in Terminal 2 (hall D), while lost property offices are located in the Arrivals areas of both terminals. A porter service is available.
Other facilities: There is a medical center in each terminal. Terminal 2 also has a baby care room and prayer rooms.

Airport Hotels

The Aspac Quality Hotel (tel: +62 (0)21 559 0008) is a three-star transit hotel at Terminal 2 and the four-star Sheraton Bandara (tel: +62 (0)21 559 7777) is also situated at the airport; a hotel reservations desk can be found in each terminal. Nearby hotels include the Crowne Plaza Jakarta, Ibis Slipi, Dusit Mangga Dua, Marriot JW Jakarta, Ibis Kemayoran Jaskarta and the Ibis Mangga Dua Jakarta, all situated within 5 miles of the airport. A hotel reservation service is available in both terminals. Some hotels can arrange a shuttle transfer service, which can be organized via hotel representatives in the Arrivals areas of both terminals.

Airport Disabled Facilities

There are toilets and an elevator for disabled passengers. Wheelchairs can also be provided on request; passengers requiring assistance should inform their airline prior to travel.

Airport Conference and Business Facilities

There is a 24-hour telecommunications service available in Departures and Arrivals (D and F) in Terminal 2, including telephones, fax and telex facilities. Four executive lounges are located in the transit lounge, in the Departures area of Terminal 2, as well as a number of airline lounges; a VIP lounge is located in the Departures area of Terminal 1. Several meeting rooms are available to rent at the nearby Sheraton Bandara (tel: +62 (0)21 559 7777).

NGURAH RAI AIRPORT GUIDE

Airport Name
Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar)

Airport Location
The airport is located in southern Bali, 9 miles from Denpasar.

Terminals : 2

Airport Overview
Indonesia’s third-busiest airport (after Jakarta and Surabaya), Ngurah Rai is situated in Bali near the town of Denpasar and is also known as Bali International Airport. Almost 30 airlines use the airport, flying to destinations in Europe, the United States and worldwide. The airport is a major arrival point for tourists visiting South Bali

Terminal Transfer
The two terminals are within walking distance of each other.

Getting into Town

Taxi: If requiring a taxi, it is advisable to use the pre-paid Airport Taxi Service, which is located to the left of the terminal exit. Prices for this service are fixed (passengers can purchase a coupon at the desk in Arrivals), whereas other taxi drivers tend to haggle; passengers should insist that a meter is used. Prices for the airport taxis are displayed outside the terminal buildings and give passengers a rough indication of how much to expect to pay for a taxi hailed on the street.

Bus: Buses run frequently between Tegal bus station in Denpasar and the airport (journey time: 50 minutes). Passengers can also travel by bemo (a chartered vehicle with driver which can carry up to ten people). Bemos have to pay a fee to enter the airport grounds, so it is often cheaper to walk outside the airport gates and wait. Bemos wait in an area located to the left of the airport gates.

Car Parking

There is space for 2,000 cars in one large parking lot, located next to the airport’s terminal buildings.

Information Desks

There are information desks (tel: +62 (0)361 751 011, ext. 1313 and 1314) located in both terminals. Tourist information and hotel reservation are available in International Arrivals.

Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There are banks and bureau de change in both terminals. The post office is located near the Domestic Departures area. Telephones are located throughout the airport.

Eating and drinking: Restaurants and cafeterias are generally open from 6am-last flight in both International and Domestic Departures areas.

Shopping: The airport has a variety of shops, including duty-free in the Plaza Bali outlet in International Departures.

Luggage: There is a baggage storage counter next to the International Departures Terminal entrance.

Other facilities: There is a pharmacy and an observation gallery on the third floor.

Airport Hotels

There are no hotels within the airport grounds. There are, however, a number of three and four-star hotels located in the Tuban resort area, less than five minutes’ drive from the airport. The Kartika Plaza Beach Hotel (tel: +62 (0)361 751 067) and Holiday Inn Resort Balihai (tel: +62 (0)361 753 035) are both less than five minutes’ drive from the airport. The Karthi Hotel (tel: +62 (0)361 754 810) offers a free transfer bus from the airport to the hotel. A hotel reservation service is available in International Arrivals (tel: +62 (0)361 751 011 ext. 1154 International Terminal or 1147 Domestic Terminal). Some hotels provide a courtesy shuttle service to/from the airport.

Airport Disabled Facilities

Wheelchairs, elevators and assistance are available; passengers requiring special assistance should inform their airline prior to travel.

Airport Conference and Business Facilities

Citibank operates executive lounges in both terminals for Citibank cardholders; free for Gold and Platinum cardholders. There is an executive lounge on the third floor of the International Terminal, with Internet access and showers. The nearby Kartika Plaza Beach Hotel (tel: +62 (0)361 751 067) has conference facilities, with a variety of rooms, including the Kharisma Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Secretarial support and catering are available and equipment can be rented. Also located close to the airport, the Holiday Inn Resort Balihai (tel: +62 (0)361 753 035) offers meeting rooms and conference facilities, accommodating up to 300, with audiovisual equipment to rent. The hotel also has a business center and secretarial services

The Bogor Botanical Gardens

When it comes to any form of horticulture then I am there. I am what you call a keen gardener. Yeah I know, sounds crazy for a guy but it’s this passion I have for beauty in the floral world of Indonesia. There are numerous botanical gardens in Indonesia including an excellent one at Candikunung on the island of Bali.

The ultimate in botanical gardens, however, had to be the Bogor Botanical Gardens located 60 km south of the capital of Jakarta in Bogor. Covering more than 80 hectares, it adjoin the Istana Bogor or Presidential Palace.

The Gardens are also a major centre for botanical research. The garden contains more than 15,000 species of trees and plants, 400 types of palms as well as orchid houses that contain some 3000 varieties. Put these together with flowing streams and lotus ponds and you have a botanical garden worthy to match any other in the world.

Recently, expat resident of Jakarta Simon Marcus Gower wrote this small article about the splendour of the Bogor Botanical Gardens:

It is often said that when things are practically on our doorstep, we can have a tendency to overlook them and not truly appreciate them for what they are.

This is perhaps true of the excellent Bogor Botanical Gardens, which is close to Jakarta and so perhaps not as fully appreciated as it should be.

For example, acquaintances have cited how they see the gardens as not much more than a kind of “major traffic island in the center of Bogor”, because of the way in which Bogor’s traffic congestion circumvents it.

Others can be complainants and dismissive of the great gardens because of “the masses of people” that visit on weekends or national holidays. But even when the “masses” do enter the gardens, the sheer size of this splendor in the center of the city still means that quiet and secluded parts can be found.

The gardens’ size is impressive too. Though roads encircle the park, at 87 hectares the Bogor Botanical Gardens is unquestionably the predominant and preeminent feature of the city.

But how did this wonderful place come to be, and why are we still able to appreciate them nearly 200 years after they were first established?

The first question can lead to some debate, as some will credit Sir Stamford Raffles as providing the inspiration and the instructions to begin the gardens. More widely credited as the “founding father of the gardens” is German botanist Professor Reinwardt.

There is now a stone monument within the gardens that identifies Reinwardt as its founder. Its plaque indicates that in 1817 at the behest of then Dutch governor-general Van de Capellan, Reinwardt was commissioned to establish the gardens. Along with colleagues from England’s Kew Gardens, Reinwardt began the green, landscaped expanse that we see today.

The gardens is indeed a tribute to the vision of those men: Its avenues of palm trees provide stunning vistas; its collections of exotic plants create labyrinthine intrigue; the matured, skyscraping trees are a spectacular sight; and botanical wonders assail the eye throughout.

The design of the gardens seems to combine the manicured and ordered seriousness of formal gardens with the more chaotic and free areas of almost overgrown wilderness. The latter surrounds the relatively small portion of the gardens known as the Dutch Cemetery.

Here, hidden in a secluded part of the gardens, sit some 42 graves dating back to Indonesia’s colonial past. Sheltering these graves are massive bamboos that crowd around in a seemingly disordered manner.

The presence of the bamboo, however, creates a remarkably — and appropriately — peaceful corner. The graves are remarkable too, in both their ages and those that they commemorate. In fact, some even predate the gardens.

Among those marked here in their final resting place are Dutch governor-generals and the biologists who worked in the gardens. There is even a relatively recent grave: that of Dutch botanist Professor Kostermans, who requested that he be buried among “the plants and environment that he loved”, which was duly carried out in 1994.

Not too far from the Dutch Cemetery is another commemoration of a European resident of the archipelago. This monument to the memory of Olivia Raffles, the wife of Sir Stamford Raffles, is a delicate, domed and colonnaded dedication to an evidently beloved wife.

The inscription of the monument tells much of the love that was felt, as well as the age in which it was written: “Thou who ne’er my constant heart one monument hath forgot, tho’ fate severe has bid us part yet still — forget me not”.

These are perhaps some of the more romanticized and artistic aspects of the gardens, but it also possesses commercial and scientific aspects that add to its significance, both historically and presently.

The Bogor Botanical Gardens achieved world renown for the research conducted within its premises, notably on the local cash crops of coffee, tea and rubber — not to mention tobacco. In conducting such activities, the gardens was significant in helping to develop and to realize the success of the country’s plantations.

Its plants and trees also highlights the great significance of the gardens. With an estimated collection of more than 15,000 species of plants and trees, including some 400 different types of palm and an greenhouse containing thousands of orchid varieties, the gardens’ collection is nothing short of extensive and impressive.

The range and variety of things to see in the Bogor Botanical Gardens can make for an excellent day trip. From huge trees with spectacular buttress roots firmly holding them in the ground, to broad, sweeping lawns, and from avenues of trees to lakes, ponds, streams and a river running through its center, there is much to take in.

While simple bridges allow for views onto a river strewn with rocks and boulders, it is the red suspension bridge that offers the most excitement: people crossing it bounce along as its suspension cables swing and take up the strain.

Any visit to the Bogor Botanical Gardens will mean a direct and enjoyable encounter with natural splendor. The gardens represent simultaneously a better side to the colonial past as well as the natural tropical wonders that are to be found within the Indonesian archipelago and beyond.

The modest entrance fee allows for a good day out and the possibility of contributing to the maintenance of this natural treasure trove of Indonesia — said to be among the best gardens in the world.

YOGYAKARTA PALACE

Yogyakarta Presidential Palace is located at the southern end of Jl. Akhmad Yani (formerly Jl. Malioboro); Ngupasan, Gondomanan Sub District, Yogyakarta. The complex was built on 43,585 meters per square land. Since it was built, the palace has not changed much. At the front yard, stands a two meters tall statue of a giant gurding the entrance (Dwarapala). Moreover, there is a 3 and half meters “tugu” (a statue in the form of tall pillar) named ‘Tugu Dagoba” (the Yogyakartans call it “Tugu Lilin/candle”), with artificial flame on top. It is made of “andesite” rock. The backyard is full of big trees shading the presidential palace with their thick leaves. Yogyakarta Presidential Palace is also well known as “Gedung Agung” (the Great Building) or “Gedung Negara” (the State Building). One of the main functions of the main building of the palace is a place to receive royal guests.

Yogyakarta Presidential Palace was formerly an officicial house of the 18th Resident in Yogyakarta (1823 – 1825). He was a Dutch named Anthonie Hendriks Smissaert, who was also the one initiating the construction of the “Gedung Agung”. The building was built in May 1824 by A. Payen, an architect appointed by the Governor General of West Indies. The construction was temporarily delayed due to the Diponegoro War (1825 – 1830) and continued after the war was over (1832). Among several Dutch governors who lived in the building were J.E. Jesper (1926 – 1927); P.R.W. van Gesseler Verschuur (1929 – 1932); H.M. de Kock (1932 – 1935); J. Bijlevel (1935 – 1940); and L. Adam (1940 – 1942). At the time of Japan colonization, the palace served as the official house for the leader in Yogyakarta, Koochi Zimmukyoku Tyookan.

On 6 January 1946, Yogyakarta was announced as the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia after the Indonesian Government moved from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. At that time, “Gedung Agung” became a Presdintial Palace, a home for president Soekarno, the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as his family.

On 28 December 1949, President Soekarno moved to Jakarta, and since then the palace was no longer the home of the president. After the independence, when the second president of the Republic of Indonesia ruled to be exact, since 17 April 1988, Yogyakarta Presidential Palace/”Gedung Agung” has been functioning as a place to conduct the Afternoon Parade Ceremony every 17 August, to hold initiation events for the Indonesian Air Forces’ newcomers as well as farewel parties between the Indonesian Armed Forces junior officer graduates and the Governor and people of Yogyakarta. Furthermore, since 17 August 1991, D.I. Yogyakarta has been commemorating the Seconds of the Proclamation of the Independence at Yogyakarta Presidential Palace.

CIPANAS PALACE

Cipanas Presidential Palace is located in Cipanas Village, Pacet Sub District, Cianjur Regency, at the foot of Mountain Gede, West Java, reconstructed from a “bantunan” (a house of landlord) built in 1740 by a Dutch landlord named Van Heots, 1,100 meters above sea level on approximately 26 acres of land and the building is 7,760 meters per square. In 1916, when the Dutch governed, three buildings were constructed and until now they are called Pavilion Yudistira, Pavilion Bima and Pavilion Arjuna. In 1954, when the first Indonesian President, Ir. Soekarno governed, a building doted by stones was built (Bentol Building).

The palace was encircled by beatiful natural surrounding, blessed with fresh cool air and Mountain Gede as its background. In the forest of the palace, until 2001, according to a catalog composed alphabetically, which was published by the Presidential Palace in cooperation with LIPI (the national scientific Council), live 1,334 speciments, 171 species, 132 “marga” and 61 tribes. Other than beautiful natural surrounding, the palace have plenty natural warm water. The palace serves as a resting house for the president, the vice president and their family as well as a place to spend the night for visiting heads of states. In 1971, Queen Yuliana spent time visiting the palace.

Bentol Building

Bentol Building is situated behind the main buildings, on the slope of the mountain, therefore it is taller than the other buildings, and it is a product of two Indonesian architects: R.M. Soedarsono and F. Silaban. The atmosphere is quiet and serene and these qualities were beneficial for President Soekarno in formulating plans and strategies in leading the nation, which were manifested in a state speech delivered in every commemoration day of the proclamation of independence.

President’s Bathing Facility

At the back of the main buildings, several other buildings exist, but the most influential entity for Cipanas Presidential Palace is the source of hot water, which is rich with minerals.
The hot water is good for health, therefore two buildings were built to accommodate the stream of the hot water. One of the building is specially provided as a bathing facility for the president, the vice president and their family, while the other one goes for the group of staff accompanying the president and the vice president.

TAMPAKSIRING PALACE

Tampaksiring Presidential Palace is situated approximately 700 meters above sea level, located on the hills in Tampaksiring Village, Tampaksiring Sub District, Gianyar Regency, Bali. The palace is the one and only palace constructed at the time when the Indonesian Government rules (1957 – 1960). Initiated by the first President of Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno, the palace was built by a hundred percent Indonesian architects and constructors.

The name, Tampaksiring, is taken from two Balinese words. “Tampak” means sole of foot and “siring” means slanting. According to a legend recorded on Usana Bali lontar leaf (lontar leaf was used as paper in ancient time), the name was originally rooted from the trace of feet of a king named Mayadenawa. The forest roamed through by King Mayadewa by walking with slanting feet is the area now called Tampaksiring (slanting sole).

Tampaksiring was constructed gradually, the architect was R.M. Soedarsono. The first buildings to be built were Merdeka House and Yudhistira House in 1957 and the construction was completed in 1963. Furthermore, to accommodate the XIV ASEAN Summit in Bali on 7 – 8 October 2003, a new building was built and Balai (a conference room) Wantilan was renovated, a new entrance building accompanied by Bentar Temple, Kori Agung, parking lot as well as Balai Bengong were also constructed.

Tampaksiring Palace does not only function as a place to convene state or governmental events which include the presence of the president or the vice president, but also serves as a resting house for the president, the vice president and their family. Among various state guests recorded to have visited tha palace were President Ne Win from Burma (presently Myanmar), President Tito from Yugoslavia, President Ho Chi Minh from Vietnam, Prime Minister Nehru from India, Prime Minister Khruschev from the Uni Soviet, Queen Juliana from the Netherlands and Emperor Hirohito from Japan.

Presently, the complex of Tampaksiring Presidential Palace consists of five main buildings and one “pendapa” (hall). Two of the main buildings are called Merdeka House (1,200 meters per square) and Negara House (1,476 meters per square), separated by two slopes around 15 meters deep but connected by a 40 meters bridge, the other three main buildings are called Yudhistira House, Bima House, a conference room as well as Balai Wantilan.

BOGOR PALACE

The Main Building

Bogor Presidential Palace is located in Paledang, Sub District of Central Bogor City, Bogor, East Java. It is approximately 60 km from Jakarta or 43 km from Cipanas. The palace is situated on 28.86 acres level land. 290 meters above sea level, the palace is in a city blessed with mild climate, a cool city where people come to refresh themselves. The palace is blessed with beautiful and cozy natural surrounding. The garden of the palace is trimmed nicely it serves as a giant green carpet encircling the palace. All you can see is fresh green grasses shaded by 346 types of trees. 591 deers live around the garden, running here and there; and the ponds accentuated by lotuses and fountains enhance its beauty.

The history of Bogor Presidential Palace can be tracked down from the time when a Dutch Governor General was in a search of a resting house and managed to find a villa (10 August 1744) called Buitenzorg (free from problems). He himself redesigned and rebuilt the place (1745 – 1750), imitating the architecture of Bleinhem Palace, the residence of Duke Malborough, located near Oxford, England.

A natural disaster struck on 10 October 1834. An earthquake brought a great destruction to the palace. When Governor General Albertus Yacob Duijmayer Van Twist ruled (1851 – 1856), the ruin of the old building was torn down and then it was rebuilt, using the IX Century European architecture. In 1870, the Buitenzorg was announced as the official residence of Dutch Governor Generals. The last resident of the Buitenzorg Palace was Governor General Tjarda van Starkenborg Stachhourwer, who was forced to submit the palace to General Imamura from the Japan colonizers. However, not less than 44 Governor Generals lived in the palace. After the independence, the Indonesian Government took over the palace (1950).

The Main Building as a Presidential Office

The Presidential Palace, at the times of Dutch colonization, mainly functioned as a villa for the residents to relax, but after the independence, it has been functioning as a presidential office and official residence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

Consequently, the following historical events took place at Bogor Presidential Palace:
a. Five States Conference (28 – 29 December 1954)
b. The signing of 11 March 1966 Letter of Order, well known as Supersemar
c. The discussion of conflict in Cambodia, Jakarta Informal Meeting (JIM)
d. APEC Summit (15 November 1994)

The components of Bogor Presidential Palace: the Main Building consists of Garuda Room as the function room; Teratai Room where guests are received; the Film Room where films are played; the President Office; the Library; the Living Room and Bedrooms; Holding Room for Ministers to wait before an event starts. The left wing of the Main Building consists of Panca Negara Room, which was once functioned as a place to prepare Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung; Bedrooms in the center part for the president and state guests and royal guests to spend the night. The right wing of the Main Building functions as the place for presidents from other countries and other state guests to spend the night. The left wing pavilion serves as the residential office of Bogor Presidential Palace while the right wing pavilion is used as the place for state officials and staff of state guests. In 1964, the palace was specifically used for a resting house for the president and his family, known as Dyah Bayurini.

JAKARTA PRESIDENTIAL PALACES

The complex of Jakarta Presidential Palaces is located on Jl. Merdeka Utara, near the park of National Monument (Monas), at the heart of the capital city, approximately 6.8 acres and 5 metres above sea level. The Jakarta Presidential Palaces consists of two palaces: the Merdeka Palace, which faces Monas, and the Negara Palace (State Palace), accrross Ciliwung River and Jl. Veteran. Several other buildings are also located in the complex of the palaces. They are the Presidential Office, the House of State, Baiturrahim Mosque and the Museum of Presidential Palaces. In the garden grow big old shading trees with long dangling roots as well as grasses covering the land like a green carpet and all these succeeds to make the Jakarta Presidential Palaces a shady cool place. Mainly functioning as a place to convene presidential events, the Jakarta Presidential Palaces also serve as the Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the centre of governmental activities and a place to hold state events, to have Indonesian Armed Forces’ junior officers sworn in, to receive state guests, a place for ambassadors from other countries to submit their credentials to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, a place to hold the opening ceremony of national meetings and workshops, national or international congresses and a place for commemorating the moment of proclamation of independence of the Republic of Indonesia every August 17.

Negara Palace
Negara Palace is a witness of numerous historical events, among them are the moment when General de Kock laid out his scheme to bring to an end Prince Diponegoro’s fight and formulate his strategy to deal with Tuanku Imam Bonjol to Governor General Baron Van der Capellen, and the time when Governor General Johannes van de Bosch applied the cultuurstelsel system, which forced the colonized people to cultivate land without payment. Subsequent to the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, on 25 March 1947, the building also witnessed the signing of Linggarjati Agreement by Sultan Sjahrir from the Indonesian side and Dr. Van Mook representing the Netherlands.

Merdeka Palace
Merdeka Palace was built in 1879 and it recorded many important events, which are influential to Indonesian governmental stance, hence, it owns a special place at the heart of Indonesian people. One of them is the history of the title of the place itself: “Merdeka” (Independent). The word “Merdeka” is truly significant, it is a symbol of hope that emphasizes the end of colonization on Indonesian land as well as the beginning of life as an independent nation. On 27 December 1949, Merdeka Palace witnessed the historical event concerning the Netherlands’ recognition of the independence of the United Republic of Indonesia proceeded through a series of ceremony conducted both in Amsterdam, the Netherlands at 10 a.m. and in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Indonesia at 4 p.m. That day, the whole country was waiting for the radio broadcast from Jakarta announcing the tremendous news, the news on the signing and the submission of the text conveying the Netherlands’ recognition of the United Republic of Indonesia’s independence. At the same time, the Red and White Flag rose before the Independence Palace, taking over the place of the Netherland flag, the Indonesia Raya anthem was sung and people all over Indonesia shouted “Merdeka!, merdeka!, merdeka!” As a result, the palace is called Merdeka Palace. The commemoration of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was first held on 17 August 1950 in Merdeka Palace. The State Palace.

Tara Temple, the Oldest Buddhism Inheritance in Yogyakarta

Most people will mention Borobudur when talking about Buddhism temples. Whereas, there are many other Buddhism temples in Yogyakarta; one of them that is closely related to Borobudur is Tara temple. This temple that is located in Kalibening village in Kalasan was built by the same person who conceptualized Borobudur temple, namely Rakai Panangkaran. Since it is located in Kalasan area, this temple is popular with the name of Kalasan temple.

Completed in 778 AD, Tara temple becomes the oldest Buddhism temple in Yogyakarta. This temple that is situated close to Yogya-Solo Street was a present of the marriage of Pancapana of Sanjaya dynasty to Dyah Pramudya Wardhani of Syailendra dynasty. In addition to a marriage present, the temple was also realization of the kings' proposal to build another holy temple for goddess Tara and a monastery for the monks.

Tara temple is a building in the form of a cube with the size of each side of 45 meters and 34 meters high. Vertically, this temple consists of three parts, namely temple foot, temple body and temple roof. The foot of the temple is a building on square stones and a wide stone. On this part, there is a stair with makara ornament at the end. Meanwhile, around the temple foot there are ornaments of climbing plants that come out from pots.

The body of the temple protrudes at the central side. At the outer surface of the temple body, a hollow is ornamented with a standing goddess holding lotus. In southeast part, there is a small room with throne ornamented with the motif of a lion standing on an elephant's back. The room can be accessed from the other room at the east side.

The roof of the temple is octagonal and consists of two stories. An effigy describing Buddha is located in the first story while on the second story there is a statue describing Yani Buddha. The top of the temple is a square symbolizing Semeru summit with ornaments of domes. At the interface of the temple body and the roof, there is a flower ornament of a dwarf named Gana.

If you observe the temple in detail, you will also find beautiful relief on its surface; for example, relief of tree of god and cloud and the dwellers of the heaven producing sounds. The dwellers of the heaven hold rebab (two-stringed music instrument), shell, and camara. There are also ornaments of flowers, leaves and climbing plants. Relief at Tara temple is typical since they are coated with special cement called Brajalepha, made from sap of certain tree.

Around the temple, there are 52 domes as high as around 4.6 meters. Even though those domes are not intact anymore, since some parts are missing, you can still enjoy them. Visiting this temple of which construction history is known from Candi inscription in Panagari letters, you will acknowledge the greatness of Rakai Panangkaran who even had the opportunity to build a holy building in Thailand.

This temple also proves that in the past there was an effort to unite people of different religions. The proof is that Panangkaran who was a Hindu built the Tara temple in response to the proposal of Buddhism monks to be presented to Pancapana who is also a Buddhist. This temple is also one of the holy buildings that inspired Atisha, a Buddhist from India who once visited Borobodur and spread Buddhism to Tibet.