Description

Aceh is a special territory (daerah istimewa) of Indonesia, located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Its full name is Naggroe Aceh Darussalam. It is thought to have been in Aceh where Islam was first established in Southeast Asia.In the early sevententh century the Sultanate of Aceh was the most wealthy, powerful and cultivated state in the Malacca Straits region. Aceh has a history of political independence and fierce resistance to control by outsiders, including the former Dutch colonists and the Indonesian goverment.Aceh has substantial natural resources, including oil and gas - some estimates put Aceh gas reserves as being the largest in the world. Relatively, to most Indonesia, it is a religiously conservative area.

History

Aceh, at the northwestern end of Sumatra, came into contact with the outside world as early as the sixth century AD. Chinese chronicles of that time speak of a kingdom on the northern tip of Sumatra named Po-Li. Several Arabic writings of the early ninth century, and later inscriptions found in India mention the area. In 1292, Marco Polo, on his voyage from China to Persia visited Sumatra and reported that on the northern part of Sumatra there were as many as six trading ports including Ferlec, Samudera and Lambri. It is ironic that this area is presently one of the least known of Indonesia.

Islam is reported to have reached Aceh between the seventh and eighth centuries AD and the first Islamic kingdom, Perlak was established in 804 AD. Then followed Samudera Pasai in 1042, Tamiah in 1184, Aceh in 1205 and Darussalam in 1511. In this year the Portuguese captured Malacca and many Asian and Arabic traders sought to avoid the Malacca Strait and called instead on Aceh's port, bringing wealth and prosperity. Aceh's dominance in trade and politics in northern parts of Sumatra began, reaching a climax between 1610 and 1640.

With the death of Sultan Iskandar Thani in 1641, Aceh's decline began. The British and Dutch both started to vie for influence. In 1824 the London Treaty was signed, giving the Dutch control over all British possessions in Sumatra in return for a Dutch surrender of their establishments in India and an abrogation of all claims on Singapore. The Dutch fought a long drawn out struggle in their attempt to subdue the Acehnese. The Aceh War, which lasted intermittently from 1873 to 1942, was the longest ever fought by Holland and cost the Dutch more than 10,000 lives. This struggle has stamped a deep imprint on the Acehnese outlook and mentality.

The era of industrialization arrived, and with it has come a more open attitude towards things alien. Visitors should keep in mind, though, that the Acehnese take their religion, their manners and their morals seriously.

Entry

Banda Aceh is only a forty-five minute flight from Medan. If you depart from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, it's best if you use a connecting flight to Medan and then to Banda Aceh. If you need to depart from Jakarta, the flight will take about two and half hours from its airport, Soekarno Hatta (CGK).

People & Culture

The city of Banda Aceh, capital of province of Aceh, is 18,5 Km from the site dand takes about 20 minutes by car. The local International airport is about 30 minutes away by car. Many surfers around the world are frequent the nearby of Lhok Nga village during the winter moths. Climate after 10.00 am it gets quite hot but seldom-above 30º C in the shade.

Banda Aceh city was named Kutaraja. On 26 December 2004, this city had damaged by tsunami that damaged about 60% of this city buildings. The city, which is also called Rencong Land, has 9 district, namely:
1. Baiturahman
2. Kuta Alam
3. Meuraxa
4. Syiah Kuala
5. Lueng Bata
6. Ulee Kareng
7. Banda Raya
8. Jaya Baru
9. Kutaraja

Banda Aceh, which was established on April 22, 1205 by Sultan Alaidin Johansyah, is one of the oldest Islamic cities in the South-East Asia. It has been known since the seventeenth century as following.
* Metropolitan City
* Trading City (economic)
* Center of Science
* Center of Political Activities
* Center of Islamic Education
* Center of Islamic Culture in Southeast of Asia

Cuisine

BANDA ACEH Aroma Jl. Cut Nyak Dhien 18 Penayong Phone: (0651) 32779 Braden Jl. Lhok Nga Km. 8 Phone: (0651) 22056 Cindy Baru Jl. Cut Nyak Dhien Phone: (0651) 21761 Taman Tepi Laut Jl. Lhoknga Km.18 Phone: (0651) 32029 Happy Jl. A. Yani 74-76 Penayong Tropicana Jl. A. Yani 90-92 Penayong Phone: (0651) 21442 Ujong Batee Jl. Krueng Raya Km. 14 Asia Utama Jl. Cut Meutia Sinar Surya Jl. Ratu Safiatuddin Phone: (0651) 22308	LHOKSEUMAWE Happy Jl. Sukaramai Phone: (0645) 21597 Golden Jl. Perdagangan Phone: (0645) 22313 Indra Malaya Jl. Perdagangan Phone: 21127 Horizon Jl. Sukaramai No. 43 Bali Jl. Sukaramai No. 40 Atra Baru Jl. Cut Meutia Juriza Jl.. Sukaramai Phone : (0645) 21708
TAKENGON Minang Surya Jl. Sri Ratu Safiatuddin Selecta Jl. Perdagangan Phone: (0652) 21273 Sinar Surya Jl. Jend. A. Yani Sativa Jl. Khairil Anwar Sabang Jl. Perdagangan Phone: (0652) 21363     Al Hilal Jl. Pasar Inpres Bismi Jl. Blang Mesra Delima Jl. Malem Diwa Yusra Baru Jl. Lebe Kader Rakan Ayu Jl. Malem Diwa Sinar Pagi Jl. Putri Ijo Sedap Jl. Sengeda	SIGLI Dua Berlian Jl. Iskandar Muda Phone: (0653) 21256 Riza Jl. Blok Sawah Phone: (0653) 21527 Permai Jl. Iskandar Muda Phone: (0653) 21060

Tourism Office

Jl. Tengku Cik Kuota Karang No. 3, Banda Aceh. Phone. (62-651) 23691, 26206, 21108 Fax. 33723 http://www.aceh.net

Description

Riau, which includes a large part of East Sumatra, is homeland to Malays and the source of Indonesians Malay-based national language. The first book of Malay grammar, called Bustanul Katibin, was written and published here in 1857.

Pekanbaru became the provincial capital in 1959, taking over from the former capital of Tanjungpinang on the Island of Bintan. About 160 kms upstream on the Siak River you can find a number of buildings in the traditional style. Among them are Balai Dang Merdu, Balai Adat and Taman Budaya Riau, or Riau Cultural Park.

History

Riau Islands were ruled by Malay kingdoms in the 16th century. The kings found it difficult to maintain their power because aside from fighting sea pirates, they also had to fend off attacks from Portuguese, Dutch and English who were keen in controlling this southern entrance of the Strait of Malacca--a strategic place for trade with China and India back then.

Oil was found near Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau, before World War 2. The first oil well was drilled in Minas, about 10-15 kms away from Pekanbaru. To this day, oil has become one of major sources of wealth in Riau Province.

Entry

Sultan Syarif Qasinm II International Airport is a busy visa free entry point. Firefly flies from Kuala Lumpur (Subang).

People & Culture

The people inhabited Riau provinces are mostly Malays. They are known for their geniality, warmth and affection, also diverse styles of language. There are several protected tribes too in Riau province, most famous perhaps Sakai tribe, that still lives and thrives on the woods.

Cuisine

Traditional Malay cuisine is normally spicy, however you can always find other types of food here. Most famous perhaps for its kare--some kind of curry--based dishes, Malay dishes offer fabulous recipes made of sea food ingredients. Due to its proximity to neighboring provinces, Riau also boasts collection of Western Sumatra and North Sumatra dishes. Western food and fast food are available virtually everywhere so tourists without strong stomachs will be able to get their fills here.

Tourism Office

Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 200, Pekanbaru Phone. (62-761) 31452, 40356, Fax. (62-761) 40356 http://www.budsenipar-riau.com

Description

Riau Archipelago with Tanjung Pinang as the capital is blessed with a lot potential tourism objects, beautiful beaches and cultural attractions.

Its waters are the backyard of native seafaring nomads who fish and trade for a living. Their traditional wooden sailing craft,s called 'pinisi' still manage to pass the forested channels of these islands, along with other indigenous craft,s fishing vessels and cargo ships. Tanjung Pinang lies on the largest island of Bintan archipelago. Once known as Riau, it was the heart of an ancient Malay kingdom. Today, Bintan is the latest hot spot of development in Indonesia's surging economy.

A master plan is underway to turn it into a major tourist destination. Barely an hour away from Singapore by ferry, tourist accommodation begins to take advantage from its strategic location. It consists of Riau Archipelago, Natuna Islands and Anambas Archipelago. Originally part of Riau Province, Riau Archipelago was split off as a separate Province in July 2004 with Tanjung Pinang as its capital. Anambas Archipelago, located between mainland Malaysia and Borneo were attached to the new province. By population, the most important islands in this area are are Bintan, Batam and Karimun. Size wise, however, the sparsely populated Natuna Islands are larger.

Riau Archipelago with its thousands of island has plenty of scenic beaches and diving spots, among them Trikora on Bintan and Pasir Panjang on Rupat Island. The first is about 50 kilometers south of Tanjung Pinang on the eastern side of the island. Pasir Panjang, on the northern side of Rupat facing to Malacca Strait has natural beaches and they are also found on Terkulai and Soreh islands, about an hour's distance by boat from Tanjung Pinang. One of the most popular beaches is Nongsa on Batam Island. From here one can see the Singapore skyline.

Batam is one of the 3,000 islands, which make up the Riau Archipelago and is closest to Singapore, which is only 20 km away or twenty minutes by air-conditioned ferry. It has a rapid-growing population of around 100.000. As the island develops into a major industrial and tourist area, it attracts an ever-increasing population from other Indonesian islands who see Batam as a haven of opportunity. Once almost uninhabited, save for a few scattered fishing communities, Batam's history took a sharp turn beginning 1969, when it became support base for the State-owned 'Pertamina oil company' and its offshore oil exploration. In 1971 a presidential decree designated it as an industrial area and in 1975 the Batam Authority was formed. In 1978 Batam was established as a bonded area.

In addition to the oil support industries of Batu Ampar and a fast growing electronics industry, Batam now attracts increasing numbers of tourists. Many come from Singapore for a short holiday with friends and family, duty-free shopping and great seafood. The visitors to Singapore hope over for a day or weekend trip.

International standard hotels and numerous economy establishments cater to the expanding demand for accommodation. Business, as they say, is booming. An island two-thirds the size of Singapore, Batam progresses by leaps and bounds. Where virgin jungle once stood are now whole new towns, mosques, churches, temples and supermarkets, soon to be followed by reservoirs with enough water to supply a population of 800,000 and for industrial use, an airport-to become an international gateway ,a fine telecommunication system, well equipped industrial parks and the beginnings of a large new urban center.

History

From Sriwijaya era until the 16th century, Riau was a part of greater Malay kingdoms or sultanates, in the heart of what is often called the 'Malay World', which stretches from eastern Sumatra to Borneo. The Malay-related Orang Laut tribes inhabited the islands and formed the backbone of most Malay kingdoms from Sriwijaya to the Sultanate of Johor for the control of trade routes going through the straits. After the fall of Melaka in 1511, Riau islands became the center of political power of the mighty Sultanate of Johor or Johor - Riau, based on Bintan island, and were considered the center of Malay culture.

But history changed the fate of Riau as a political, cultural or economic center when European powers struggled to control the regional trade routes and took advantage of political weaknesses within the sultanate. Singapore Island, that had been for centuries part of the same greater Malay kingdoms and sultanates, and under direct control of Sultan of Johor, came under British control. The creation of a European-controlled territory in Johor-Riau heart natural boundaries broke the sultanate into two parts, destroying the cultural and political unity that had existed for centuries. The Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1824 consolidated this separation, with the British controlling all territories north of the Singapore Strait and Dutch controlling territories from Riau to Java.

After the European powers withdrew from the region, the new independent governments had to reorganize and find balance after inheriting 400 years of colonial boundaries. Before finding their current status, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Borneo territories struggled and even came into military conflict against each other, and Riau islands once again found themselves in the middle of regional struggle. But the once strong cultural unity of the region with Riau never returned, and the line drawn by the British in 1819 remained, this time marking the divide between three new countries as of 1965: Singapore, the Malaysian federation in the north and Indonesia in the south. These new countries, however, recreated unity in Riau world for the first time after 150 years with the creation of the Sijori Growth Triangle.

But while bringing back some economical wealth to Riau, the Sijori Growth Triangle somewhat broke the cultural unity within the islands. With Batam island receiving most of the industrial investments and dramatically developing into a regional industrial center, it attracted hundred of thousands of non-Malay Indonesian migrants, changing forever the demographic balance in the archipelago.

Today the name of Riau merely refers to this administrative region of Indonesia, a free trade zone heavily supported by Indonesian, Singaporean and international investments.

Entry

Riau Island can easily be reached by air. Batam’s Hang Nadim International Airport and have international flight from Kuala Lumpur (Subang) by Firefly. There are also regular ferry services from Kukup (Johor) to Tanjung Balai, Karimun..

People & Culture

Malay people who inhabit Riau Islands are renowned for their hospitality and warm welcome. However due to the economical and opportunity increases in certain islands, many people try to seek their fortune here thus creating Riau Islands as melting pot for various ethnic groups and races.

Cuisine

Renowned for its freshl ingredients and Malay-influenced cuisine, Riau Islands offer fabulous places to eat for sea food lovers.

Batam Island    Batu Merah Seafood  (Indonesian food)  Batu Merah, Batam Island  Phone: (0778) 468610     Indonesia Delight  Jl. R. E. Martadinata,  Sekupang  Phone: (0778) 321276    King Prawn Restaurant  Jl. Pembangunan II,  Komp. Batama  Phone: (0778) 467920    Shangri-La Food Restaurant  Jl. RE. Martadinata, Sekupang  Phone: (0778) 321276    King's International  Jl. Lubuk Baja 1/10 Nagoya  Phone : (0778) 468706    Lamarnina  Jl. Raja Ali Haji  Phone: (0778) 468707    Tunas Baru (Chinese food)  Lubuk Baja Blok E/42, Batam  Phone: 68498	Tanjung Pinang    Fast food Indonesia  Teuku Umar Street 88  Phone: (0771) 318185    Gerai Selera Rasa Restaurant  Tugu Pahlawan Street 217  Phone: (0771) 22379    Kelong Sangrila Restaurant  Sei Jang Street  Phone: (0771) 312838          Adem Ayem Restaurant  Sukarno Hatta Street 3  Phone: (0771) 317559    Bali Restaurant  Jend Basuki Rahmat Street 2  Phone: (0771) 317295    CGA Restaurant  Pemuda Street 1  Phone: (0771) 316761
Tanjung Balai, Karimun    Tanjung Balai Karimun  Golden Lion Restaurant  Nusantara Street  Phone: (0777) 31331    Lai Xing Restaurant  Pegadaian Street  Phone: (0777) 22288    Cippes Restaurant  Pramuka Street  Phone: (0777) 328288    Do & Me Fried Chicken  Nusantara Street 48  Phone: (0777) 324045    Brother One Restaurant  Trikora Street 19  Phone: (0777) 324313    Empat Lima Restaurant  Baru Meral Market  Phone: (0777) 328165    Moro Jaya Restaurant  Kampung Tgh Street  Phone: (0777) 511254	Elok Saiyo Restaurant  Ksatria Street 2  Phone: (0777) 324132    178 Restaurant  Trikora Street  Phone: (0777) 31478    Aur Duri Restaurant  Dr Setiabudi Street  Phone: (0777) 323825    Batang Imang Restaurant  Kom L Yos Sudarso Street  Phone: (0777) 326622    Bengawan Solo Restaurant  Dr Setiabudi Street  Phone: (0777) 31469    Moeslim Food  Nusantara Street 50  Phone: (0777) 21403    Minang Jaya  Merdeka Street  Phone: (0771) 81203

Tourism Office

Jl. D. I Panjaitan km. 8 No. 12, Tj. Pinang - Kep. Riau
Phone/Fax (62-771) 443377

Description

Much of its highland is formed by the Bukit Barisan Mountain range; virgin jungles inhabited by elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos. Minang people have spicy-hot dishes and ancient matriarchal customs. The women own property and the men leave home to seek their fame and fortune. Traveling is considered a mark of success, Padang restaurants are found in all major towns across the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent. They primarily speak bahasa Minang, with poetic style of speech.

Entry

Getting There : Padang's Minangkau International Airport is the main gateway to West Sumatra and is served by Air Asia from Kuala Kumpur. West Sumatra days are filled with colorful ceremonies and festivals. Legend of the Minangkabau is descendants of the youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. During the early 19th century, the area was disrupted by wars between the followers of the traditional Islam or Padris, and those adhering to the traditional law (Adat) of the Minangkabau.

Tourism Office

Wst Sumatra : Jl. Khatib Sulaiman 7 Padang,
Phone. (62-751) 7055711, 446282,
Fax. 7055183
http://www.minangkabautourism.info

Mentawai Island : Jl. Raya Tuapejat km 4,
Phone. (62-759) 320042