 |
|
| |
issue 4, year XIX, 2012 |
|
|
H. E. BUNYAN SAPTOMO, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
Interview by Valentin Kostov
Page 4
INDONESIA: A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Page 6
LOCATION AND RELIEF
The Republic of Indonesia is situated in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The country consists of about 17 000 islands, however only 6000 of them are inhabited. The biggest islands of the Indonesian archipelago are Borneo, Papua, Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Towards Indonesia are also thousands of smaller islands, including the famous Bali Island.
CLIMATE
Indonesia has a tropical climate and the rain forests are typical for the country.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Indonesia is a republic with a presidential system. The President and the government are directly elected by the people. The People’s Consultative Assembly is the supreme legislative body in Indonesia.
POPULATION
Indonesia is a multicultural country. That is why "Unity in Diversity" is the official motto of the State. Indonesia’s population is about 238 millions. Most of the islands are multiethnic. The different nationalities on the archipelago are over 300 and the languages are about 567. However, the official language is Bahasa Indonesia.
RELIGION
The Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia provides for the freedom of religion. The majority of Indonesians are Islam, with Christians, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists and Confucianism making up the rest.
BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
By the Department of Asia, Australia and Oceania, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Page 9
The diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Indonesia have been established on 20 September 1956. The latest Ambassador of Bulgaria to Indonesia Boyko Mirchev was accredited also to Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as a permanent representative of Bulgaria to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. On 20 April 2012 the newly appointed Ambassador of Indonesia to Bulgaria Mr. Bunyan Saptomo has submitted his credentials to the President of Bulgaria. Indonesia and Bulgaria have developed cooperation in various fields, especially in the fields of trade, culture, education, tourism and sport.
THE INDONESIAN ECONOMIC PROFILE
By the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Page 11
In 2011 the Indonesian economy demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of mounting uncertainties in the global economy, reflected in even stronger growth performance and steady, prudently managed macroeconomic stability. The Government worked hard to boost the quality of economic growth through improvements to the investment climate, accelerated construction of infrastructure, stronger competitiveness in industry and exports and greater national food resilience, including measures to stabilize prices. In the outlook for 2012, Indonesia’s economy is predicted to forge ahead.
INDONESIA - A COUNTRY WITH RICH HISTORY
By Krasin Himirski
Page 15
The new history of Indonesia began with the arrival of the Indians and the establishment of the Buddhist Empire. The Empire was replaced by the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram, which later became possession of the mighty Empire of Madjapahit. The penetration of Islam in the 14th century led to the proclamation of the Islamic country of Mataram in 1575.
During the Age of Discovery the Portuguese were the first colonizers of the country. Later the Dutch conquered the whole archipelago.
In the beginning of the 20th century the National Liberation Movement gained strength against the Dutch domination. In 1927 the National party of Indonesia was founded by the future President of the country - Sukarno. After the Japanese occupation of Indonesia Sukarno proclaimed Indonesia’s Independence on 17th August 1945.
On 30th September 1965 the army, led by the General Suharto took over the power from Sukarno. In 1968 Suharto became Head of state of Indonesia.
Thirty years later the Indonesians elected the daughter of Sukarno - Megawati Sukarnoputri to be President. The nowadays head of state of Indonesia is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
THE ASSOCIATION "FRIENDS OF INDONESIA - NUSANTARA"
By Krasin Himirski
Page 19
Both Bulgaria and Indonesia are countries with rich cultural heritage, which gives them the opportunity to cooperate with each other in the field of culture, education and tourism. Main role in the bilateral collaboration plays the Association "Friends of Indonesia - Nusantara", which was founded in 1993. President of the Association is Krasin Himirski. "Nusantara" organizes different cultural events - meetings with all the ambassadors of Indonesia to Bulgaria, lectures and Indonesian cultural nights.
BAHASA INDONESIA: ANCIENT AND MODERN LANGUAGE OF THE RICH ASIAN CULTURE
By Krasin Himirski
Page 22
The nationalities in Indonesia speak over 500 major languages and dialects. However, the classical Malay language - Bahasa Melayu unified them as "lingua franca". Through the ages Hinduism and Islam influenced the Indonesian language. The Europeans also left their word heritage. During the Dutch domination, the Dutch was a compulsory subject in schools. On 28 October 1928 the Indonesian language, which was based on the Malay, was officially called Bahasa Indonesia.
A WEDDING AND A COCK FIGHT IN INDONESIA
By Alexander Mitev
Page 24
This is the personal impression of the photographer Alexander Mitev, who was invited to an Indonesian wedding and to a traditional ceremony of cock fighting on Bali Island.
THE KOMODO DRAGONS AND THEIR ISLANDS
By the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Page 27
The Komodo dragon is a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands. The scientists confirmed the existence of these giant lizards in the early 1900s. The Komodo is about two or three meters in length and weighs about 165 kilograms. It hunts and ambushes prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals. The current population of Komodo is about 5,000 animals. The Komodo dragon can only be found in the Komodo National Park (KNP) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
MEETINGS WITH THE PRESIDENT SUKARNO
By Krasin Himirski
Page 28
The diplomat Krasin Himirski shares his impression of the President Sukarno, gathered during their meetings in Indonesia.
BOROBUDUR - A MASTERPIECE OF THE BUDDHIST ART
By Veneta Gencheva
Page 30
The Temple of Borobudur is a Buddhist monument in Indonesia. Borobudur, which is 85 meters high, was built in 824 and its construction took 75 years. The original idea for the temple was to be built in the form of a lotus, because of the legend about the birth of Buddha. Gunadharma is considered to be the architect of Borobudur. The famous temple is actually in the form of a bell, which symbolizes the state of Nirvana.
THE CITIES OF INDONESIA
By Krasin Himirski
Page 32
JAKARTA - THE MULTIMILLION CAPITAL OF FREE INDONESIA
The capital city of Jakarta is the political, economic and cultural center of Indonesia. It is situated in Northwest Java and has population of about 9,607,787 people (as per the census 2010). Jakarta was proclaimed a capital while Indonesia was still under Dutch domination. Here is situated the biggest port of Indonesia. There are many universities, historical monuments, museums, galleries and parks in Jakarta.
SURABAYA - CITY OF HEROES
Surabaya is the second biggest city of Indonesia. It is situated on the north side of Java Island and has population of about 3,5 million people. There are 6 state universities, an international airport and a big port in Surabaya. The city is also a cultural centre with many museums, theatres and galleries.
DENPASAR - CAPITAL OF ART
The city of Denpasar is the capital of Bali Island and has population of about 788 000 people. Bali is the most visited island of Indonesia with annual stream of about 3,5 million tourists. Bali airport is the second busiest in Indonesia. The Ksatria Castle, The Royal Temple and the Temple of Pura Agung Jagatnata are among Bali’s sightseeing.
PANTUN
By Krasin Himirski
Page 40
The Pantuns are Malay and Indonesian folk songs. They appear together with the Malay language and the classical Malay literature. Many of these songs are in the form of incantations or are addressed to different deities. The Pantun consists of two parts - the first one describes the nature and the second one deduces wisdom. These songs are popular in Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan and Malaka.
INDONESIAN BATAVIA MADRIGAL SINGERS WON VARNA GRAND PRIX PRIZE 2012
By the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Page 42
The Batavia Madrigal Singers (BMS) once again won a prestigious award at the 34th International May Choir "Prof. Georgi Dimitrov" in Varna, Bulgaria. Avip Priatna (Conductor of BMS) was chosen as Best Conductor at the same competition. BMS is one of the leading vocal ensembles in Indonesia. It was founded in 1996 and since than has performed periodical concerts and has participated in many prominent events in Indonesia and abroad: France, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and many others. It has also collaborated with different orchestras.
A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
By Geni Janeva
Page 44
The experience of a little girl, dancing traditional Indonesian dance with her Indonesian schoolmates.
BATIK - THE INDONESIAN CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE
By Evgenia Dimitrova
Page 46
Batik is an ancient art technique in which Indonesians use wax to draw on different kind of fabrics. After the wax is laid on, the texture is being dipped into paint and the wax figures remain unpainted. The drawings express motives of the life and traditions of Indonesians and the beautiful nature of the country. Batik is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This kind of art is very popular on Java and Bali. There is even a museum of the Batik art in Indonesia.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS IN INDONESIA
By the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Page 48
There is religious pluralism in Indonesia, despite the majority of Muslim population. The Constitution of the country provides for the freedom of religion. In the 2010 Indonesian census 87.18% of Indonesians identified themselves as Muslim, 6,96% Protestant, 2,9% Catholic, 1,69% Hindu, 0.72% Buddhist, 0.05% Khong Hu Chu, 0.13% other, and 0.38% unstated or not asked.
The most important month for the Moslems is Ramadhan, during which they fast and pray. At the end of it, they celebrate Lebaran or Idul Fitri by gathering round the table.
The Majority of the Balinese are adherent to Hinduism. Some Hindu holidays are Galungan, Kuningan and Nyepi.
Among the other Indonesian religious holidays are the Buddhist Waisak Day, the Christian Easter and Christmas and the Chinese New Year.
THE INDONESIAN CUISINE
Page 51
FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM INDONESIA:
Page 53
SUKARNO
BACHARUDDIN JUSUF HABIBIE
ABDURRAHMAN WAHID
SRI MULYANI
CHRISTINE HAKIM
PHOTOATELIER PRESENTS: ALEXANDER MITEV
Page 56
LITART PRESENTS: CONTEMPORARY POETS FROM INDONESIA
Page 61
SUTAN TAKDIR ALISJAHBANA
SITOR SITUMORANG
WILLIBRORDUS S. RENDRA
NIRVAN DEVANTO
ATELIER PRESENTS:
CANI VASILEV - THE ART OF CANI VASILEV
By Dotchka Kisiova-Gogova
Page 65
EVSTATI MARINOV - THE MATURITY OF THE MASTER
By Ognian Stamboliev
Page 68
|
|
|
|
| Translated by Ilina Vasileva |
|
| top |
|
|
|
|
