Indonesia has joined the race to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022

The Indonesian football federation officially expressed interest in staging one of the tournaments to FIFA late Tuesday, becoming the sixth potential host to show interest ahead of Monday’s deadline.

England, Japan, Qatar, Russia and a joint Spain-Portugal candidacy have already declared intentions to bid.

Other contenders including Australia, a combined Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg proposal, Canada, China, Mexico and the United States are expected to enter the first stage of a two-year selection process before the cutoff.

Though its team is currently No. 144 in the FIFA world rankings, Indonesia fulfills one major requirement of hosting the world’s most-watched sports event – it has a stadium capable of holding at least 80,000 spectators for the opening match and final.

The government-owned Bung Karno Stadium in the capital Jakarta has a capacity of 88,000 and staged the 2007 Asian Cup final, when Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0.

“Football is the most popular event in Indonesia, where its television rating beats everything else,” said Besoes, adding that joining the race would help speed up the development of players in a country of 235 million people.

FIFA began the process of choosing the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts two weeks ago. It will issue official bid forms next month, which must be returned by March 16.

Candidates capable of providing around 12 stadiums each holding at least 40,000 fans can apply for either the 2018 or the 2022 tournament, or for both.

“Ten years are enough for us to build, renovate or expand our stadiums to meet the requirement,” Besoes said.

FIFA said no South American country can apply for either tournament because Brazil is hosting the 2014 edition. African countries can bid only for the 2022 event because South Africa is hosting next year.

The hosts will be chosen by FIFA’s 24-man executive committee in December 2010.

By ten years Indonesia will have at least 12 great  stadium to host the event.

Here is the list of potential city/stadium to host the matches of FIFA World Cup:

1. Gelora Bung Karno Senayan, Jakarta

Bung Karno Stadium (formerly Gelora Senayan or Istora) is a multi-use stadium in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Construction began on the stadium in 1960 and finished in 1962 in time to host the fourth Asian Games held in Jakarta in 1962. The stadium’s original capacity of 100,800 people was reduced to 88,000 as a result of renovations for the 2007 Asian Cup. The stadium projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

Sport Event:

* Host for the 1962 Asian Games (1962)
* Host for SEA Games (1979, 1987 and 1997)
* Joint Host for the 2002 Tiger Cup with Singapore
* Host for the ASEAN Club Championship 2003
* Host for the 2004 Tiger Cup first leg Semifinal
* Host for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup for Group D matches, the Quarter Final and the Final

2. Palaran Stadium, Samarinda

Palaran Stadium is a multi-use all-seater stadium in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It opened in 2008 and has a seating capacity of 60,000. It is used by Persisam, a local football team. The stadium was the main venue for the 2008 National Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

3. Gelora Srivijaya Jakabaring, Palembang

Jakabaring Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Palembang, South Sumatra Indonesia. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 55,000 people. It was built in 2004. The stadium was the main venue for the 2004 National Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

Sport Event:
* 2005 AFF Asean Cup U-20 (2005)
* 2007 AFC Asian Cup for Group D Match, Third Place Play-Off
* 2004 National Games

4. Jalak Harupat Stadium

Jalak Harupat Soreang Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. It is currently used mostly for football matches. Now it’s the home stadium of Persikab – Kabupaten Bandung and Pelita Jaya Purwakarta The stadium holds 40,000 people.

5. Rumbai Stadium, Pekanbaru

Rumbai Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Pekanbaru,  Riau,  Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 70,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium will be the main venue for the 2012 National Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

6. Gedebage Stadium, Bandung

Gedebage Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 70,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium will be the main venue for the 2011 South East Asian Games and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup. It will be the home base for Persib Bandung.

7. Gelora Bung Tomo  Stadium, Surabaya

Gelora Bung Tomo  Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 60,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium will be the home base for Persebaya Surabaya  and projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

8. Tenggarong Stadium

Tenggarong  Stadium will be a multi-use stadium in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.  The stadium will holds 60,000 people. It still building and will finish in 2010. The stadium projected to host 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup.

More stadium will be build in Indonesia due to will be a lot of sport event will be held in Indonesia such as 2011 South East Asian Games (Bandung, West Java and Semarang, Central Java), 2013 Islamic Solidarity Games (Serang, Banten), 2016 National Games (Makassar, South Sulawesi or Medan, North Sumatra), and 2020 National Games (Bandar Lampung, Lampung or Serang, Banten). Indonesia also plan to bid the host of 2018 Asian Games beside 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup. If the bidding process succes it will be more and more stadium build in Indonesia, especially in Batam as the most developing city in Indonesia and projected to be a little Singapore and also in Bali as the central of tourism industry in Indonesia.

No question, Indonesia will meet the requirement to host the 2018 – 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Continue next time…

The very first surf travelers who came Indonesia sent back reports of impossibly perfect crystal tubes, white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, warm weather and brilliant sunshine, and local people who were friendly and hospitable. It wasn’t just a surfing experience: it was paradise.

Indonesia offers the ultimate in surf travel adventures and is definitely an experience not to be missed. The first thing to understand about the surf is that there’s plenty of it. The swells come from the south and southwest, so all the islands that have coastlines facing in those directions get waves. That includes Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor, plus countless tiny offshore islands.

Here is the list of best of the best surfing spot in Indonesia..

1. Mentawai Island

Do i really need to tell you that the Mentawai Islands are one of the world’s most consistent surf destinations? If you surf, you already know that! The Mentawai Islands are one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. The mentawai islands are regarded as having some of the most consistent surf breaks in the world and home to some surf breaks that will blow your mind! With the discovery of the incredible surf of the Mentawai Islands off West Sumatra, the search for surfing perfection was over-here it lived in staggering abundance. Islet after islet, flawless reef after flawless reef; sun and blue water, offshore winds and spitting tubes.

2. Panaitan Island

Situated just off the coast of West Java, Panaitan Island hosts 7 excellent surf spots including the legendary One Palm Point and Apocalypse. Panaitan is rich of wildlife and now you can surf its world class waves in warm, clear blue water away from crowds. Panaitan is part of Ujung Kulon national park, which is a United Nations World Heritage site. One of the world’s longest (upto 800 yards), most perfect, most dangerous shallow left-hand barrelsreels across a reef point.

3. Bali Island

Bali is paradise island in the world and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. For those who have always wanted to surfing, Bali has very consistent surf and great warm weather. Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island. Bali gets the full force of southern ocean swells direct from the antarctic with its south-west and south-east coasts being littered with surf spots.

4. Lombok Islands

Lombok is also known for its best secret surf point, The Desert Point. A long walled and incredibly hollow left hander that on its day can break up to 300 meters, growing in size from takeoff to end. Best between 3-8 ft. You may need to hire boat from locals to take you to some of the wave’s point. If you stay in Kuta Beach Lombok, ask around, many locals surfer will guide you to find the waves. Kuta Lombok is “surfers’ paradise”. Waves are excellent and many good surf points, such as Mawi, Mawun and etc include “Point X”, along South coast of Lombok.

5. Sumbawa Islands

The islands of Sumbawa are located to the east of Bali, The region for this surf adventure boast a range of world class waves that work on varied conditions maximizing the potential for good surf. Sumbawa offers some classic tropical surfing with two main surfing areas: West Sumbawa and the Lakai area. This area has many steep cliffs that offer scenic backdrops to the epic surf. The coast of West Sumbawa is dotted with a series of quality breaks. The three main and most famous spots surfed on the west coast of Sumbawa are Scar Reef, Super Suck and Yo-Yo’s. When those all surfe is working, it is really working and will make your trip to Sumbawa more than worthwhile.

6. Nias Islands

Nias Island is the cite of some really fantastic surfing. Nias is famous for the perfect waves breaking off Lagundri Bay. The Nias wave operates perfectly from 2 to 15 feet. Access is easy thanks to a break in the reef called “The Keyhole” that will spare you getting over the sand bar no matter how big this obstacle is. The reef itself is not dangerous compared to other surfing spots in Indonesia. The corals are abundant but not aggressive. Because of the geographical position of the archipelago, this cluster of islands is one of the most interesting areas in the world.

7. G-Land (Grajagan Islands)

G-Land is a magical place and one of the surfing world’s most incredible surfing destinations. For many surfers, it’s been a very special surfing site of primitive beauty and perfect waves. Like the primitive magical sound of its name, the mentions of Grajagan is an Indonesia incantation that causes surfers everywhere gaze longingly at the horizon.The long lines are unmistakable perfect and the discovery that followed is now regarded as arguably the world’s best left-hander ever. Known for its consistent off-shore trade winds during the sessions. G-Land is a Mecca for travelling surfers and the global pilgrimage to G-Land occurs all year around as surfers travel to Java to sample G-Land jewels.

8. Sumba Island

Close to Bali, Sumba provides some excellent waves in beautiful surroundings. With an exciting local culture and a relatively small population, Sumba is one of the more pristine, unspoilt, undeveloped and least crowded regions of Indonesia. There are good waves all over the island providing options for surfers of all levels – from beginners right through to advanced surfers. On top of perfect tropical surf, the island is also great for fishing, snorkelling, bird watching, beach combing and relaxing. Uncrowded waves, laidback living and spectacular sights – Sumba is the spirit of surf travel.

9. Timor Islands

The West Timor islands have some of the best uncrowded waves in Indonesia. The islands of West Timor and Roti have some well-known, little surfed breaks (like T-Lands) as well as quite a few secret spots. T-Land is the ultimate fun wave, a lefthander where you can smack reo after reo, ride the nose forever or just cruise your way through section after section. Roti island is the furthest southern point of Indonesia, with beautiful unspoilt beaches combining amazing surfbreaks, pockets of lush tropical rainforests, savanna’s and rolling hills ending in sheer cliff. You now have the chance to experience this Indonesia dream.

10. Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan Islands

Nusa Penida region consists of 3 isles, which are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. These isles, located on the east-west side of Bali. Another secret place for some private time on beautiful white, sandy beaches and obviously a great spot to surf as well. Usually, the Nusa Penida region is visited by fanatic surfers seeking hideouts to surf. Explore the crystal clear, warm waves of the island of Nusa Lembongan. From the gentle fun waves of playgrounds to the hollow perfection of lacerations, Nusa Lembongan has a surf break for all levels.

With the hundreds great surfing spots in Indonesia, it’s hard to make it only Top 10 spots, so i give u a bonus for this surfing list edition. Enjoy the 11 perfect surfing spots in Indonesia.

11. Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno Islands

In a land of left handers, this place is a refreshing change. The locals are cool, the atmosphere on the Gili Islands is horizontal and the break, if a little fickle is well worth checking out. People doubt this spot, which is good because it keeps the crowds down. When its breaking you can’t miss it. This spot is called secrets by the local boys who are more than welcoming to traveling surfres, and it picks up more swell than you’d expect. The take off spot on the outside point is fairly easy, but it quickly jacks up to produce long and hollow walls. It breaks over a shallow reef for a long and fast ride. Its fun up to double overhead with long tube rides, but over that it becomes one serious wave that walls and walls and walls.

Visit Indonesia Year 2009 MICE & Marine Tourism
Travel Warning : Indonesia Dangerously Beautiful!!!

Here is the list of Top 10 Spots for Diving in Indonesia.. Best of the World..

1. Komodo Islands

Komodo Island and national park reserve offers just about every type of tropical diving imaginable – from calm and colourful shallow reefs alive with hundreds of colourful reef fishes and crammed with invertebrates, to current-swept deep water sea mounts, walls and pinnacles patrolled by sharks, tuna and other big fish. The variety of marine life for scuba diving in Komodo rivals the world’s best dive destinations. This is the world’s epicentre for marine diversity and you’ll see loads of stuff here on a diving cruise that you just won’t see anywhere else in the world – From whale sharks, sunfish, mantas and eagle rays to pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, clown frogfish, nudibranchs and blue-ringed octopus – all at home amongst a spectacular range of colourful sponges, sea squirts, tunicates and corals – a macro enthusiast’s heaven. The island is also famous for its Komodo dragon monitor lizard, the largest lizards in the world. An alert and agile predator and scavenger that can reach 2.5 metres in length and 125 kg, they are known locally as ‘Ora’ and now about 1,100 inhabit the island and about half that live on nearby Rinca Island.

2. Bunaken Island

To dive in the deep waters of the Bunaken Island National Marine Park in Manado is to be among some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, with outstanding fish variety and world-class wall diving. When you’re scuba diving in Bunaken you can see seven times more genera of coral than Hawaii, 33 species of butterflyfish and over 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific. From the smallest commensal shrimp to black tip reef sharks and eagle rays, there is something for everyone in this very special destination. Bunaken diving is very popular with fun divers and marine biologists both of whom can take great pleasure from the diversity of coral and fish found here. You will surely encounter marine life here that you have not come across elsewhere. Various schemes are being undertaken to encourage responsible attitudes towards the reefs, the sea life and with regards to refuse disposal in the area. In Bunaken your few dollars really do make a difference!

3. Raja Ampat Islands

Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals. Put simply, Raja Ampat diving is the bees knees in the world of scuba. If you don’t enjoy your dives here, you may as well sell your dive gear! According to the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Bulletin, the marine life diversity for scuba diving in Irian Jaya is considerably greater than all other areas sampled in the coral triangle of Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea – the cream of the cream in world diving. Over 1,200 fish species – a world record 284 on one single dive at Kofiau Island, the benchmark figure for an excellent dive site of 200 fish species surpassed on 51% of Raja Ampat dives (another world record), 600 coral species , 699 mollusc species – again another world high. The term “Frontier Diving” seems to have been invented for Raja Ampat in Irian Jaya. To visit these waters is to feel at the edge of the earth. To gaze over crystalline seas at the beehive-shaped, largely uninhabited islands is to be as far away from it all as you can imagine. At night time in Misool you can peer out at the horizon and maybe see one or two distant specks of light.

4. Bali Islands

One of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bali is Indonesia’s most popular dive holiday destination. Many visitors find the attraction of good shore-based diving set against a stunning back drop of huge, magnificent volcanoes and picturesque rice paddy terraces, simply irresistible. The greatest feature of scuba diving in Bali is the rich and varied sites – deep drop-offs and steep banks, coral ridges and bommies, one of the most famous wrecks in the world, volcanic outcrops and seagrass beds. With the colourful and diverse marine life, there’s enough here to keep you coming back for more. If you wanted to record all the animals you can see here, you’d need to bring along a mini-library of marine guide books. From hairy frogfish, cockatoo leaf fish and pygmy seahorses in Secret Bay and Menjangan on the north west tip of the island, to bumphead parrotfish and reef sharks in the north and east at Tulamben and Candi Dasa, to the sunfish and trevallies of nearby Nusa Penida and Lembongan islands, the Bali sights are truly fascinating. Allow yourself to be surprised for you really never know just what you might see in this ever-changing underwater jewel.

5. Sumbawa & Flores Islands

Diving in Flores gives you the perfect chance to add new, small fish and aquatic animals to your knowledge base since it is known for its endemic species. Although the combined effects of dynamite fishing and the earthquake and tsunami of 1992 caused damage to certain areas including Maumere, the regeneration of the reefs here is cause for celebration. Space was cleared by these natural phenomena, which has allowed new corals to flourish and bring an even greater diversity to the sites. These sheltered and varied havens offer crystal-clear waters, deep and vibrant walls, steaming underwater volcanic vents, fertile breeding grounds and conditions that are prefect for some fantastic macro diving opportunities. Sumbawa scuba diving has its own vast schools of countless triggerfish and butterflyfish, macro sightings of blue-ringed octopus, clown frogfish and nudibranchs, numerous reef sharks and tunas in the deep walled sections. Allied to this are the topside visual attractions of volcanoes and bat colonies, and you’ll soon have enough reasons to plunge deep and explore the underwater tapestry of Sumbawa.

6. Lombok island

Some People think they have seen it all, but they dont, Lombok diving offer spectacular diving destination with untouched coral reefs, pinnacles and home of “Hammerhead” sharks and other giant creatures. For divers who would like to enjoy some pristine dive sites, we offer a world of 100% intact coral and a unique variety of species. “…It’s an Eldora do for underwater photographers.” Lombok are the perfect place when you want to escape from it all. The peaceful Lombok atmosphere is the best place for holiday with white sand beach and under water panoramas. The many drop-offs, plateaus and slopes around the Lombok’’s reflect a good cross-section of what Indonesia has to offer. Dive in and be fascinated by a variety of turtles, White-tip Reef Sharks, Cuttlefish, Moray Eels, Angel Fish, Ghost Pipefish, Snappers, Mantas, Eagle rays and more. This is always a very popular dive site which will offer you a large diversity and abundance in marine on a single dive. The sea mounds and canyon walls differ in size and offer you an interesting collection of overhangs and outcrops, all covered in a variety of hard and soft corals. Huge sea fans and other interesting coral formations will fascinate you from start to finish.

7. Bangka & Belitung Islands

The islands of Bangka and Belitung, with its rolling hills of green fields and forests, and the nearby islands of Gangga and Talise offer over 25 dive sites with fringing reef slopes and pinnacles carpeted in soft corals. The row of underwater boulder pinnacles that just break the surface here form giant steps underwater. This is a drift dive that requires a negatively buoyant entry, as waves can be present at the surface at drop off and pick up points. As you descend down the pinnacles you will marvel at the proliferation of green and golden brown soft corals, huge elephant ear sponges, dense thickets of branching green cup coral and table corals. There are carpets of frilled leather corals and pink, brown, cream and lilac soft coral trees swaying in the shallow surge. “Breathtaking” and “awesome” are oft-used words on the boat after this Bangka & Belitung dive.

8. Banda Islands

Seemingly insignificant islands in the middle of nowhere in the Banda Sea, in fact the Banda Islands are steeped in history and blessed with some of the finest diving in the country. Central to the spice trade of old, and former home to exiled freedom fighters, the islands are now enjoying a growing reputation for what goes on below the surface. The remoteness of the islands in the wide open Banda Sea, and the low levels of human population, have meant less fishing pressures, and a vibrant, natural and healthy reef system. The results of this are fishes in incredible numbers, huge seafans and sponges, and some monumental hard corals. At most sites you’ll see enormous schools of fusiliers and thousands of redtooth tirggerfish. One certainty is that you will see plenty of big stuff as well as no shortage of colourful reef life. Topside, these islands boast climbable volcanic mountains which are covered in lush green vegetation. For a taste of historic atmosphere going ashore in Banda Neira is a must for its remnants from the old spice trade of colonial times.

9. Wakatobi Islands

Rising from the depths of the Banda Sea, the main islands of Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea, Binongki – WaKaToBi – dish up large portions of all the world’s reef types – fringing, atoll and barrier – and are served with lashings of healthy corals and dense schools of fish. Being a national park, fishing is strictly limited and the reefs are protected, meaning plenty of action for you the diver. Local fishing communities obtain a fair share of the income generated by dive tourism in exchange for adopting more sustainable practices, such as leaving large stretches of reef completely untouched. Other contributions go towards education and strengthening local support for the marine park. Word is beginning to spread about Wakatobi but it is still relatively new. Indeed there are even new sites out there waiting to be discovered, particularly in the outer atolls which are virtually untouched. Dive in and discover the animal attractions here in the Banda Sea.

10. Sangihe & Talaud Archipelago

The Sangihe Archipelago is a chain of volcanic islands off the north east peninsula of North Sulawesi. Consisting of about forty volcanic islands some of which are over 1,500 metres high, the archipelago’s waters are some of deepest in the world and deep-water currents bring plankton and nutrients from the deep. Be the man from Atlantis by diving what was once a thriving village. Feeling like an archeologist you cruise around through the numerous black corals and investigate the tunnels and doorways. Diving here amongst topography carved out by man’s own hand stands in stark contrast to the norm of diving among nature’s splendour and is definitely one you won’t forget. Diving just off the dormant volcano of Ruang Island always gets the thumbs up from those who have been here. It is as if the Creator has put every shape, size and colour of sponge and crinoid here in this one spot. This provides a magnificent backdrop against which you can spot some of the many sharks, dogtooth tuna and extraordinarily large schools of barracudas that call this place home.

Visit Indonesia Year 2009 MICE & Marine Tourism
Travel Warning : Indonesia Dangerously Beautiful!!!

Indonesian Ministry for Culture and Tourism will continue Visit Indonesia Year program in 2009, however focus of the program will be narrowed down to specific market of MICE (meetings, incentives, convention and exhibition) and marine tourism. Marine tourism is a specific interest exposing remote locations which are far away from crowd. In 2009 Indonesia is going to have the general election and to host the World Ocean Conference (WOC). The two products – marine and convention tourism – are expected to become the main attractions to bring 8 million visiting tourists in 2009. Indonesia has lots of beautiful tourism attraction place, and in the 2009, the more emphasis on marine tourism and MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Exhibition).

To support this program, i will publish an articles that explore Indonesia beautiful of marine life (beach, diving, snorkeling, surfing etc.) and also Indonesia best place to develop your business with MICE.

Wanna know?… Just wait..

Hi all,, my name is Syahid Deradjat,, my friends call me Syahid..

I was born in Bandung “The City of Flower”,, Capital of West Java, In the beautiful Indonesia Archipelago.. At July 11, 1987.. So I’m 21 when I introduce this blog for the very first time..

I study Environmental Engineering in Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB),, which is the most prestigious university in my lovely country.. haha.. Sorry if it sounds lil bit cocky..

I’m growing up in the happy family,, I live in the small house,, with my great mom and dad,, and also with my lovely sister and brother (Icha and Adi).. I’m a Sundanese,, it’s one of the major ethnic in Indonesia.. and I born as a Muslim..

I love listen to music,, especially pop and acid jazz.. I really like to eat and also cooking,, I love spicy and sour dish.. and sometimes I’m swimming and walking to try out my body..

Oow,, my time is running out.. I will continue this post next time.. bye all..

This is my list of Indonesia Top Historical Sites..

1. Candi Borobudur (Borobudur Temple)

Borobudur Temple

The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century. For each direction there are ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues and 1,460 relief scenes.

2. Candi Prambanan (Prambanan Temple)

Prambanan Temple Complex

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple compound in Central Java in Indonesia, located approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples. It was built around 850 CE by either Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty, or Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Sanjaya Dynasty. Not long after its construction, the temple was abandoned and began to deteriorate.

3. Masjid Raya Baiturrahman (Baiturrahman Great Mosque)

Baiturrahman Great Mosque

Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman is a large mosque located in the center of the city of Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia. It is of great symbolic significance to the Acehnese people as a symbol of Acehnese religion and culture, especially since it survived the devastating 2004 tsunami intact. Construction of the mosque commenced in 1879 and was completed in 1881. The mosque survived the massive 2004 tsunami which destroyed much of the rest of the city of Banda Aceh.

4. Istana Bogor (Bogor Palace)

Bogor Palace

Istana Bogor is one of 6 Presidential Palaces in Indonesia. The palace is noted for its distinctive architectural, historical, features, as well as the adjoining botanical gardens.  The gardens of the palace have an area of 284,000 square metres (28.4 hectares). The original colonial building on the site of Istana Bogor was a mansion named Buitenzorg (also Sans Souci), which was built from August 1744 as a country retreat for the Dutch Governors, including also during the period of British administration.

5. Monumen Nasional (National Monument)

National Monument

The Monumen Nasional (or Tugu Monas, the National Monument tower) is a 450 ft (137 m) tall tower in Central Jakarta, symbolizing the fight for Indonesia’s independence.  It is topped by a 14.5 ton bronze flame, which is plated in 35 kg (1,125 troy ounces) of gold. The design of the monument is meant to combine elements of masculine and feminine. The design based on Lingga-Yoni, the symbol of fertility in ancient Hindu-Javanese belief.  This golden flame is intended to symbolize the spirit of freedom and the struggle for independence of Indonesian people.

6. Pura Besakih (Besakih Temple)

Besakih Temple

Pura Besakih is a sanctuary over a thousand years old and is known as the Mother Temple of Bali. The greatest of all Balinese sanctuaries perched high on the slopes of Mount Agung it’s the holiest of all Balinese temples present. With 22 separate structures, the temples were built between the 14th and the 17th centuries. In the courtyard seats the prominent shrines of Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu in their lotus throne. It’s one of the most important historical places of Indonesia even today.

7. Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Palace)

Yogyakarta Palace

It is located in the center of the city of Yogyakarta or just Yogya as the local people call it. Karaton means a place where the Ratu-king lives, other word is Kedaton, with the same meaning. In the Javanese teachings, it has a deep philosophical meaning.  The 14.000 sq. m of the Karaton Yogya has deep philosophical meaning with all its building, courts, carving, trees, and location. This is a Karaton full of significant symbols of human life.

Indonesia Dangerously Beautiful…

It’s my top list of Indonesian 7 Wonders of Nature..

1. Lake Toba

Lake Toba

Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world. At 100 km long and 30 km wide, measuring 505 m at its deepest point, it is situated in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Surrounded by tall mountains, it cradles the large island of Samosir in its middle.

2. Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat islands

Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. Over 1,070 fish species, 537 coral species, and 699 mollusca species, the variety of marine life is staggering.

3. Krakatau Volcanic Island

Krakatau Volcanic Islands

Nestled between the large Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra is the Krakatau Volcano National Park. In the fourth century, a single marine volcano stood at this site, but in 416 A.D., the caldera of the volcano collapsed. The remnants formed a new caldera, or volcanic feature formed by the collapse of land following an eruption, around 7 km in diameter, with the peak’s remnants becoming the three islands of Verlaten, Lang and Krakatau.

4. Komodo Island

Komodo Island

Indonesia’s Komodo National Park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones, for a total area of 1,817 square kilometers (603 square kilometers of it land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon.

5. Carstensz Pyramid

Carstensz Pyramid

Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia, the highest peak in Oceania. Rising to over 5000 meters on the tropical island of New Guinea. It’s a steep granite wall with sharp good climbable rock.

6. Heart of Borneo Forest

Heart of Borneo Forest

The forests of the Heart of Borneo are some of the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth, possessing staggeringly high numbers of unique plant and flower. The Heart of Borneo’s forest area is 1 of the only 2 places on Earth where orang-utans, elephants and rhinoceros still co-exist and where forests are currently large enough to maintain viable populations.

7. Bromo Mountains

Bromo Mountain

The land is one of great variety and natural beauty. Inland, smouldering volcanic peaks soar upwards to heights of more than three thousand metres. The pre-dawn departure and trek across the mountain’s ’sand sea’ to watch the sun rise at the crater rim has become a daily ritual.

Travel Warning : Indonesia Dangerously Beautiful..