About Semarang

Semarang's history dates back to the ninth century, when it was known as Bergota. By the end of fifteenth century, a Javanese Islamic missionary from nearby Sultanate of Demak with the name of Kyai Pandan Arang founded a village and an Islamic boarding school in this place. On May 1, 1547, after consulting Sunan Kalijaga, Sultan Hadiwijaya of Pajang declared Kyai Pandan Arang the first bupati (regent) of Semarang, thus culturally and politically, on this day Semarang was born.

In 1678, Sunan Amangkurat II promised to give control of Semarang to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a part of a debt payment. In 1682, the Semarang state was founded by the Dutch colonial power. On October 5, 1705 after years of occupations, Semarang officially became a VOC city when Susuhunan Pakubuwono I made a deal to give extensive trade rights to the VOC in exchange of wiping out Mataram's debt. The VOC, and later, the Dutch East Indies government, established tobacco plantations in the region and built roads and railroads, making Semarang an important colonial trading centre.

In the 1920s, the city became a center of leftist and nationalist activism. With the founding of the Communist Party of Indonesia in the city, Semarang became known as the "Red City". The Japanese military occupied the city along with the rest of Java in 1942, during Pacific War of World War II. During that time, Semarang was headed by a military governor called a Shiko), and two vice governors known as Fuku Shiko. One of the vice governors was appointed from Japan, and the other was chosen from the local population. After Indonesian independence in 1945, Semarang became the capital of Central Java province.

Source: Prospective

Asian Studies

The countries of Asia are Australia’s largest trading partners and are of vital importance to Australia’s economic growth and security. For Australians, Asia increasingly defines who we are and our place in the world. A knowledge of Asia is thus a crucial national asset at a time of rapid globalisation and social change. International students wishing to add an Asian competency to their qualifications will find a broad range of subjects taught by experts in the Asian region.

Read More : Asia Institute

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Solo City

Solo is one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and attracts travelers from all across the globe. The useful information about Solo provides all the necessary information for the travelers while visiting this beautiful land.

Tourist Information Centre in Solo acts as a guide in exploring the major attractions of the city. Hospitals of Solo provide medical treatments thus ensuring complete safety of tourists and locals. Generally Solo is a safe place to visit in Indonesia and is very rich in its culture.

Solo useful information provides details on certain basic facts which one needs to know while visiting this city. When to Go to Solo states the appropriate time to visit this magnificent city.

Solo is a historic city with palaces, temples and the scenic landscape. Solo is a popular vacation spot in Indonesia and attracts tourists to enjoy amidst the tranquil location. ...>asiarooms

What's on Jakarta

INTERESTING PLACES In 1962 the bay between Sunda Kelapa Port and Tanjung Priok, central Jakarta was built huge recreation park. This park consist of night clubs various sports, hotels, cafes and art market. The art market is an exhibition of crafts, and various shops with side ways walk cafes, and life music shows on Sunday and Saturday.

In Jakarta city there are various museums preserving the historical fact of the city and also the highlight of events during the development of the city. Beside the main national museum of Indonesia, specially dedicated museum such as to the maritime, wayang puppet, history of Jakarta and others.

The Museum National is located on the side of Merdeka Square or Lapangan Merdeka and was built in 1862 at that time Dutch colonial administration realized about the great treasure of Indonesian cultural heritages and long history of Indonesia. The biggest surprised for the Western historians was the fact that historical record in Indonesia showing tremendous level of similarities with those in India.

One of spectacular Jakarta's recreation and educational place is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. The area covers 120 hectares in east Jakarta municipality. The concept of Mini Indonesia Indah is collecting and communicating the diversity of treasures of Indonesia. During the construction of this park Indonesia was still consisting of 27 provinces, so it was supposed to represent at least 27 highlight of Indonesian culture,

Taman Ismail Marzuki is Jakarta's showcase in culturalperformances. As it is well known Java island including west Java which is called Sunda had strongly influenced by the Hindu tradition in the past. The Hndu tradition, especially initiated by the palaces, were various entertainments,

When Java's history was disclosed starting 8th century West Java or more popular known as the land of Pasundan or Sunda in short had started also come to light. During the reign of Javanese king from both Cailendra dynasty who built Borobudur, and Sanjaya who built Prambanan temple, on west Java as the king of Galuh in 732 was also mentioned His Majesty king

To see more click here - Jakarta City Hotels

Indonesia launches women-only train service

Women-only train carriages have been launched in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, in an attempt to prevent sexual harassment on public transport.

The state-run train operator is running two new carriages for its female passengers on one busy commuter route.

The service has been introduced after a series of complaints of sexual harassment from women who travel on Jakarta's trains and buses.

The carriages are easy to spot - with brightly covered pink seats.

It is the afternoon rush hour at one of Jakarta's main railway stations. An announcement is telling passengers how much longer they have to wait.

The trains to the suburbs are always packed, with commuters trying to get from their offices in the city back to their homes.

Female passengers have been complaining that some male commuters are taking advantage.

The state-run rail operator wants to put a stop to sexual harrassment.

For Yanti, a 22-year-old student in Jakarta, the women-only carriages are part, but not all of the solution.

"Sometimes on the train there are men who bump and push into us on purpose, and they take advantage of the cramped conditions on the trains.

"But there must be other ways to stop sexual harassment. We have to try and raise awareness about the issue as well," she says.

The service has been introduced on the busy Jakarta to Bogor route and the train operator says it will launch more women-only carriages if the experiment is effective.

From. BBC News Indonesia

The Indonesia culture

The Indonesia culture is as vibrant and versatile as its landscape and natural beauty. The rich Indonesian culture is the result of the influence of the various neighboring countries and its very own ethnic culture.

The influence of India and the China since the ancient times and the European and the Middle Eastern influence in the medieval age are behind the vibrant culture of Indonesia. Religions also had a big effect on the Indonesian culture. Though a largest Muslim country in the world Indonesia still has the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism embedded in its everyday life. The culture of Indonesia is well depicted in the arts and crafts of this South Asian country.

Some of the prominent cultural sites of Indonesia are:

• Palembang which consists of the 18th century remnants of the Muslim rule
• Borobudur is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The site consists of the Hindu- Buddhist temple of the ninth century.
• Jakarta is also one of the cultural sites of Indonesia as it consists of a number of museums and markets which are dedicated to indigenous art and crafts.
• Taman Sari which is a water castle used by the kings and queens for bathing and relaxation.

Read More: mapoftheworld

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