Indonesia officially the Republic of Indonesia is a sovereign transcontinental country located

mainly

in Southeast

Asia with

some

territories

in Oceania.

Situated

between

the Indian and Pacific oceans, it is the world's largest island country, with more than thirteen
thousand islands.[8][9] It has an estimated population of over 258 million people and is the
world's fourth most populous country, most populous Austronesian nation, as well as the most
populous Muslim-majority country. The world's most populous island of Java contains more than
half of the country's population.
Indonesia's republican form of government includes an elected legislature and president.
Indonesia has 34 provinces, of which five have Special Administrative status. Its capital and most
populous city is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor,
and

the eastern

part of Malaysia.

Other

neighbouring

countries

include Singapore,

the Philippines, Australia,Palau, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Indonesia is a founding member of ASEAN and a member of theG-20 major economies.
The Indonesian economy is the world's 16th largest by nominal GDP and the 8th largest by GDP
at PPP.
The Indonesian archipelago has been an important region for trade since at least the 7th century,
when Srivijaya and then laterMajapahit traded with China and India. Local rulers gradually
absorbed foreign cultural, religious and political models from the early centuries CE,
and Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms flourished. Indonesian history has been influenced by foreign
powers drawn to its natural resources. Muslim traders and Sufi scholars brought the nowdominant Islam,[10][11] while European powers broughtChristianity and fought one another to
monopolise trade in the Spice Islands of Maluku during the Age of Discovery. Following three
and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism starting from Amboina and Batavia, and eventually all
of the archipelago including Timorand West Papua, at times interrupted by Portuguese, French
and British rule, Indonesia secured its independence after World War II. Indonesia's history has
since

been

turbulent,

with

challenges

posed

by

natural

disasters, mass

slaughter, corruption, separatism, a democratisation process, and periods of rapid economic

change.
Indonesia consists of hundreds of distinct native ethnic and linguistic groups. The largest and
politically dominant ethnic group are the Javanese. A shared identity has developed, defined by
a national language, ethnic diversity, religious pluralism within a Muslim-majority population, and
a history of colonialism and rebellion against it. Indonesia's national motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal
Ika"("Unity in Diversity" literally, "many, yet one"), articulates the diversity that shapes the country.
Despite its large population and densely populated regions, Indonesia has vast areas of
wilderness that support the world's second highest level of biodiversity. The country has
abundant natural resources like oil and natural gas, tin, copper and gold. Agriculture mainly
produces rice, tea, coffee,spices and rubber. Indonesia's major trading partners are Japan,
the United States and the surrounding countries of Singapore,Malaysia and Australia.

The name Indonesia derives from the Greek translation of the Indus River and the word nsos,
meaning "Indian island". The name dates to the 18th century, far predating the formation of
independent Indonesia. In 1850, George Windsor Earl, an Englishethnologist, proposed the
terms Indunesiansand, his preference, Malayunesiansfor the inhabitants of the "Indian
Archipelago or Malayan Archipelago". In the same publication, a student of Earl's, James
Richardson Logan, used Indonesia as a synonym forIndian Archipelago.However, Dutch
academics writing in East Indies publications were reluctant to use Indonesia. Instead, they used
the terms Malay Archipelago , the Netherlands East Indies (Nederlandsch Oost Indi),
popularly Indi; the East (de Oost); and Insulinde.
After 1900, the name Indonesia became more common in academic circles outside the
Netherlands, and Indonesian nationalist groups adopted it for political expression. Adolf Bastian,
of the University of Berlin, popularised the name through his bookIndonesien oder die Inseln des
Malayischen Archipels, 18841894. The first Indonesian scholar to use the name was Suwardi
Suryaningrat (Ki Hajar Dewantara), when he established a press bureau in the Netherlands with
the name Indonesisch Pers-bureauin 1913.
Fossils and the remains of tools show that the Indonesian archipelago was inhabited by Homo
erectus, popularly known as "Java Man", between 1.5 million years ago and 35,000 years ago.[19]
[20][21]

Homo sapiens reached the region by around 45,000 years ago.[22]Austronesian peoples, who

form the majority of the modern population, migrated to Southeast Asia from Taiwan. They
arrived in Indonesia around 2000 BCE, and as they spread through the archipelago, confined the
indigenous Melanesian peoples to the far eastern regions.[23]
Ideal agricultural conditions and the mastering of wet-field rice cultivation as early as the 8th
century BCE,[24] allowed villages, towns, and small kingdoms to flourish by the 1st century CE.
Indonesia's strategic sea-lane position fostered inter-island and international trade, including
links with Indian kingdoms and China, which were established several centuries BCE. [25] Trade
has since fundamentally shaped Indonesian history.[26][27]
From the 7th century CE, the powerful Srivijaya naval kingdom flourished as a result of trade and
the influences of Hinduism andBuddhism that were imported with it.[28] Between the eighth and
10th centuries CE, the agricultural Buddhist Sailendra and Hindu Mataramdynasties thrived and
declined in inland Java, leaving grand religious monuments such
as Borobudur, Sewu and Prambanan. This period marked a renaissance of Hindu-Buddhist art in
ancient Java.[29]
Around the first quarter of the 10th century, the centre of the kingdom was shifted from Mataram
area in Central Java to Brantas River valley in East Java by Mpu Sindok, who established
the Isyana Dynasty.[30]:128 Subsequently, series of Javanese Hindu-Buddhist polities rise and fall,
from Kahuripan kingdom ruled by Airlangga to Kadiri and Singhasari. In West Java, Sunda
Kingdom was re-established circa 1030 according to Sanghyang Tapak inscription. In Bali,
the Warmadewas established their rule on the Kingdom of Bali in the 10th century. The

Hindu Majapahit kingdom was founded in eastern Java in the late 13th century, and under Gajah
Mada, its influence stretched over much of Indonesia.[31]

Colonial era
Although Muslim traders first travelled through Southeast Asia early in the Islamic era,
the earliest evidence of Islamised populations in Indonesia dates to the 13th century in
northern Sumatra.[32] Other Indonesian areas gradually adopted Islam, and it was the dominant
religion in Java and Sumatra by the end of the 16th century. For the most part, Islam overlaid and
mixed with existing cultural and religious influences, which shaped the predominant form of Islam
in Indonesia, particularly in Java.[33]
The first regular contact between Europeans and the peoples of Indonesia began in 1512, when
Portuguese traders led by Francisco Serro, sought to monopolise the sources
of nutmeg, cloves, and cubeb pepper in Maluku.[34] Dutch and British traders followed. In 1602,
the Dutch established the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and in following decades, the Dutch
has gained foothold in Batavia and Amboina. Throughout 17th and 18th centuries, the company
became the dominant European power in the archipelago. [35]
Following bankruptcy, the VOC was formally dissolved in 1800, and the government of the
Netherlands established the Dutch East Indies as a nationalised colony.[36] For most ofthe colonial
period, Dutch control over the archipelago was tenuous outside of coastal strongholds; only in
the early 20th century did Dutch dominance extend to what was to become Indonesia's current
boundaries.[37] Despite major internal political, social and sectarian divisions during the National
Revolution, Indonesians, on the whole, found unity in their fight for independence. Japanese
occupation during World War II ended Dutch rule,[38] and encouraged the previously suppressed
Indonesian independence movement
A later UN report stated that four million people died in Indonesia as a result of famine and forced
labor during the Japanese occupation.[40] Two days after the surrender of Japan in August
1945, Sukarno, an influential nationalist leader, declared independence and was appointed
president.[41] The Netherlands tried to reestablish their rule, and an armed and diplomatic
struggle ended in December 1949, when in the face of international pressure, the Dutch formally
recognised Indonesian independence[42] (with the exception of the Dutch territory of West New
Guinea, which was incorporated into Indonesia following the 1962 New York Agreement, and the
UN-mandated Act of Free Choice of 1969).[43]
Sukarno moved Indonesia from democracy towards authoritarianism, and maintained his power
base by balancing the opposing forces of themilitary and the Communist Party of
Indonesia (Partai Komunis Indonesia, PKI).[44] An attempted coup on 30 September 1965 was
countered by the army, who led a violent anti-communist purge, during which the PKI was
blamed for the coup and effectively destroyed.[45][46][47] Large-scale killings took place which
targeted communists, ethnic Chinese and alleged leftists. The most widely accepted estimates

are that between 500,000 and one million people were killed, with some estimates as high as two
to three million.[48][49][50]
The head of the military, General Suharto, outmaneuvered the politically weakened Sukarno and
was formally appointed president in March 1968. His New Order administration[51] was supported
by the US government,[52][53][54] and encouraged foreign direct investment in Indonesia, which was a
major factor in the subsequent three decades of substantial economic growth. However, the
authoritarian "New Order" was widely accused of corruption and suppression of political
opposition.[55][56][57]
Indonesia was the country hardest hit by the late 1990s Asian financial crisis.[58] This increased
popular discontent with the New Order and led topopular protest across the country. Suharto
resigned on 21 May 1998.[59] In 1999, East Timor voted to secede from Indonesia, after a twentyfive-year military occupation that was marked by international condemnation of repression of the
East Timorese.[60]
Since Suharto's resignation, a strengthening of democratic processes has included a regional
autonomy program, and the first direct presidential election in 2004, which was won by Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono, who went on to win a second term in 2009. Political and economic
instability, social unrest, corruption, and terrorism slowed progress; however, in the last five years
the economy has performed strongly. Although relations among different religious and ethnic
groups are largely harmonious, sectarian discontent and violence have persisted. [61] A political
settlement to an armed separatist conflict in Aceh was achieved in 2005.
Indonesia is a republic with a presidential system. As a unitary state, power is concentrated in the
central government. Following theresignation of President Suharto in 1998, Indonesian political
and governmental structures have undergone major reforms. Four amendments to the 1945
Constitution of Indonesia[63] have revamped the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.[64]
The president of Indonesia is the head of state and head of government, commander-inchief of Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian National Armed Forces), and the director of
domestic governance, policy-making, and foreign affairs. The president appoints a council of
ministers, who are not required to be elected members of the legislature. The 2004 presidential
election was the first in which the people directly elected the president and vice-president. [65] The
president may serve a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms.[66]
The highest representative body at national level is Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (People's
Consultative Assembly) or MPR. Its main functions are supporting and amending the constitution,
inaugurating the president, and formalising broad outlines of state policy. It has the power to
impeach the president.[67] The MPR comprises two houses; Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (People's
Representative Council) or DPR, with 560 members, and Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (Regional
Representative Council) or DPD, with 132 members.[68] The DPR passes legislation and monitors

the executive branch; party-aligned members are elected for five-year terms by proportional
representation.[64] Reforms since 1998 have markedly increased the DPR's role in national
governance.[69] The DPD is a new chamber for matters of regional management.[70]
Most civil disputes appear before Pengadilan Negeri (State Court); appeals are heard
before Pengadilan Tinggi (High Court). Mahkamah Agung is the country's highest court, and
hears final cessation appeals and conducts case reviews. Other courts include the Commercial
Court, which handles bankruptcy and insolvency; Pengadilan Tata Negara(State Administrative
Court) to hear administrative law cases against the government; Mahkamah
Konstitusi (Constitutional Court) to hear disputes concerning legality of law, general elections,
dissolution of political parties, and the scope of authority of state institutions; and Pengadilan
Agama (Religious Court) to deal with codified Sharia Law cases.[71]

Politics
Since 1999 Indonesia has had a multi-party system. In the two legislative elections since the fall
of the New Order regime, no political party has managed to win an overall majority of seats,
resulting in coalition governments.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan) is the
party of Joko Widodo, the Indonesian President.[72] The Great Indonesia Movement Party (Partai
Gerakan Indonesia Raya) is the third largest political party.[73]

Foreign relations
In contrast to Sukarno's anti-imperialistic antipathy to Western powers and tensions with
Malaysia, Indonesia's foreign relations since the New Order era have been based on economic
and political co-operation with the Western world. [74] Indonesia maintains close relationships with
its neighbours in Asia, and is a founding member of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit.[68] The
country restored relations with the People's Republic of China in 1990 following a freeze in place
since anti-communist purges early in the Suharto era.[71]
Indonesia has been a member of the United Nations since 1950, [75] and was a founder of
the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and theOrganisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
[68]

Indonesia is signatory to the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement, the Cairns Group, and

the World Trade Organization (WTO), and a member of OPEC. Indonesia has received
humanitarian and development aid since 1966, in particular from the United States, western
Europe, Australia, and Japan.[68]
The Indonesian government has worked with other countries to apprehend and prosecute
perpetrators of major bombings linked to militant Islamism and Al-Qaeda.[76] The deadliest
bombing killed 202 people (including 164 international tourists) in the Bali resort town ofKuta in

2002.[77] The attacks, and subsequent travel warnings issued by other countries, severely
damaged Indonesia's tourism industryand foreign investment prospects.[78]
Indonesia's Armed Forces (TNI) include the Army (TNIAD), Navy (TNIAL, which
includes Marine Corps), and Air Force (TNIAU).[79]The army has about 400,000 active-duty
personnel. Defense spending in the national budget was 4% of GDP in 2006, and is
controversially supplemented by revenue from military commercial interests and foundations.
[80]

One of the reforms following the 1998 resignation of Suharto was the removal of formal TNI

representation in parliament; nevertheless, its political influence remains extensive. [81]

Separatist movements in the provinces of Aceh and Papua have led to armed conflict, and
subsequent allegations of human rights abuses and brutality from all sides. [82][83] Following a
sporadic thirty-year guerrilla war between the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM) and the Indonesian
military, a ceasefire agreement was reached in 2005.[84] In Papua, there has been a significant,
albeit imperfect, implementation of regional autonomy laws, and a reported decline in the levels
of violence and human rights abuses, since the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.[85]

Administrative divisions
Main articles: Provinces of Indonesia and Subdivisions of Indonesia
Administratively, Indonesia consists of 34 provinces, five of which have special status. Each
province has its own legislature and governor. The provinces are subdivided into regencies
(kabupaten) and cities (kota), which are further subdivided into districts (kecamatan or distrik in
Papua and West Papua), and again into administrative
villages (eitherdesa, kelurahan, kampung, nagari in West Sumatra, or gampong in Aceh).
The village is the lowest level of government administration in Indonesia. Furthermore, a village
is divided into several community groups (rukun warga (RW)) which are further divided into
neighbourhood groups (rukun tetangga (RT)). In Java the desa (village) is divided further into
smaller units called dusun or dukuh (hamlets), these units are the same as rukun warga.
Following the implementation of regional autonomy measures in 2001, the regencies and cities
have become the key administrative units, responsible for providing most government services.
The village administration level is the most influential on a citizen's daily life and handles matters
of a village or neighbourhood through an elected lurah or kepala desa (village chief).
The provinces of Aceh, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Papua, and West Papua have greater legislative
privileges and a higher degree of autonomy from the central government than the other
provinces. The Acehnese government, for example, has the right to create certain elements of an
independent legal system. In 2003, it instituted a form of sharia (Islamic law).[86]
Yogyakarta was granted the status of Special Region in recognition of its pivotal role in
supporting Indonesian Republicans during the Indonesian Revolution and its willingness to join
Indonesia as a republic.[87] Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya, was granted special autonomy
status in 2001 and was split into Papua and West Papua in February 2003. [88][89] Jakarta is the
country's special capital region.

BENGKULU
Bengkulu is the smallest and lowest populated province of Sumatra. Bengkulu province is located on the
southwest coast of Sumatra. It occupies of 19,831 sq. km area and has about one million populations,
comprising mostly Rejang, Malay, Bugis and Chinese ethnic ancestry people. Bukit Barisan mountain range
constitutes its northeastern border, beyond which laid of South Sumatra province and Jambi province. The
province protected by a stretch of mountains, which soon flow into the mighty Bukit Barisan. Tigers and
elephants wander through the remains of the original rainforest, where exotic rafflesia's and orchids grow..
The British founded Bengkulu in 1685. It is a university town and administrative centre. It is the last territory
in Indonesia to be held by the British. Fort Marlborough, constructed in 1762, is a castle with gatehouse that
contains old gravestones with English inscription. Sir Stamford Raffles, who later found Singapore, was
lieutenant - government of Bengkulu from 1818 to 1823.
Thomas Stamford Raffles was an important figure in Bengkulu history, which in 1817 was appointed as a
Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen, the only territory in the area, which the Dutch had never managed to
bring under their control. Raffles was an extraordinary and energetic man of wide-ranging interests. In the
year of his arrival, he and a botanist named Joseph Arnold discovered the world's largest flower, at Manna
River near Lubuktapi, in South Bengkulu. The flower is now known as Rafflesia Arnoldi and is
the officialsymbol of Bengkulu province.
Tabah Penanjung, an hour drive into the hills above Bengkulu is a nature reserve where rafflesias are often
found. Mt Bukit Kaba, near the hill town of Curup can be climbed in a day from Bengkulu.

Bukit Daun
This is a protected recreation forest located between Bengkulu and Curup, about 45 km from Bengkulu. It is
inhabited by a great variety ofanimal species. Located in a sparsely populated region of Sumatra, Bukit
Daun forms a twin volcano with Gedang volcano, which is truncated by a 3-km-wide probable caldera. The
600-m-wide summit crater of Bukit Daun contains a crater lake; a smaller crater lake is found at Tologo
Kecil on the SSW flank. No historical eruptions are known from Bukit Daun, although active fumaroles occur
in the SSW flank crater

Bukit Kaba Crater

Kaba Volcano is located at Rejanglebong Regency, Bengkulu, Sumatra Island. There are 8 craters show
historical explosive activity. The summit area of Kaba volcano contains three high peaks - Bukit Kaba, Bukit
Itam (1893 m) and Bukit Malintang (1713 m) with three craters among them called Kaba west-old crater,
Kaba middle-new crater and kaba vogel sang crater, one of them is still active. Vapors incessantly escape
from 12 fissures in the earth and hot water springs are found in the vicinity. For those who like mountain
climbing, this crater complex is in the sulfurous mountains.

Curup
Curup is the capital of Rejang Lebong regency in Bengkulu. Located on the slopes of Bukit Barisan
Mountains. The motto of Curup Administration "KOTA IDAMAN", a dream city, IDAMAN is an abreviation

from INDAH dan AMAN means BEAUTIFUL and SAFE, the peoples said beautiful of its green forest,
beautiful of mountains, beautiful of water fall, beautiful its virgin of nature and SAFE for who come and visit
this small and cool Bengkulu town. This is a rich area in recreation spots. There are hot water springs at
Suban, 7 km from Curup, and at Tambang Sawah about 4 km away. Kepala Curup waterfall is 31 km from
the town.

Dendam Tak Sudah Lake

This small lake, located 8 km from Bengkulu, has been curiously named Dendam Tak Sudah ('never-ending
grudge'). The lake has facilities for water-skiing and boating and its surroundings feature an abundance of
orchids known as Vanda hokriana. When they bloom, the lakeside transforms into a huge exotic flower
garden. Dendam Tak Sudah Lake is surrounded by mountainous scenery and hosted by habitat for typical
water orchid called Vanda Hookeriana (Merr.), naturally a hydro parasitic plant, as well as a means of
natural conservation in biodiversity. This lake has been used for fishing, canoeing and other water sports
facility proposed.

Emas Lake
Inhabited by schools of carp, this lake is located near Curup, in Rejang Lebong regency. Emas Lake means
GOLD LAKE, a place for recreation.Anyhow, the place is look so nice, a lake withabundant of- Water Lily -a
small Lotus flower, a small island at the center, a play ground for children, Rental boat, and many rest
house, small cafe and restaurant, some villa at the slope of hill side. Many cottages have been built around
the lakeside to accommodate the holidaymakers.

Panjang Beach
This beach is located 3 km west of Bengkulu town, and stretches forapproximately 7 km. Many cottages are
available as well as other recreational facilities. The Long, Clean, white-sand beach is good for sunbathing.
There is a public swimming pool and tennis facility, along with restaurants, seaside cottages and hotels.
This long white clean beach is hard to find in another Indonesian beaches, which is good for sunbathing and
has some marine attractions.

Tikus Island Sea Garden

Tikus Island is a group of small islands is excellent for fishing, snorkeling and diving with easy access.
Mountain air makes this a pleasant stop for a couple of days. There is popular hot springs near Curup at
Suban. Tikus is the name of a cluster if islets surrounded by coral reefs that teem with various forms of
marine life, soft and hard corals, and fish of all colors and sizes. The islets can be seen from Bengkulu
town.

Rafflesia Arnoldi
The world's largest flower is found in manyareas in Bengkulu forests, on the slopes of Bukit Barisan
Mountains. The flower has a diameter of about one meter in full bloom. It has no visible root or stem, and no
leaves. The weigth up to 7 kg, it takes the buds up to 8 months to mature. The flower stays in bloom from 1-

15 days and can be seen during the months of September-December. Rafflesia Arnoldi is a big Flower in
the worlds, if one visit Rejang Lebong, the Flower was stand at the City Center of CURUP as a monument,
that is why, the people call Bengkulu is A LAND OF RAFFLESIA, or in Indonesian means BUMI
RAFFLESIA, because in a certain seasons, if we are lucky, we can see a beautiful flower of Rafflesia, in the
forest, which appear in periodic of 5 years or more.

Enggano Island
Enggano lies about 177 km (110 mi) south of Bengkulu city. It is about 35 km (22 mi) long east west and 16
km (10 mi) wide north south. Its average elevation is about 100 m (330 ft). Hills, rising to about 281 m (922
ft) cover most of the area. The island covers an area of 40,260 hectares, which is dominated by dense
rainforest with its wild buffaloes. Mainly we can see the culture, or the life manners of traditional society and
native's Enggano dances. A pioneer boat at Baai Island Harbour or hiring a small boat at Bintuhan seaport
can reach the island. Visitors can see the culture, or the life manners of traditional society and native's
Enggano dances. A pioneer bat at pulau Baai harbor or hiring a small boat at Bintuhan seaport can reach
the island.
There are 5 clans Isukul spread over the entire island: The Kaharuba, Kaarubi, Kaitora, Kaahoao and the
Kauno. A matrilineal society, descent is traced through the female line and daughters usually inherit
farmlands. Half call them Christian, the other half call them Mosleem. But actually this society is one of the
last truly animist strongholds in Indonesia. Engganese culture is sure now to disappear as a result of
assimilation into an indiscriminate Indonesian culture.

Fort Marlborough
FORT MARLBOROUGH is an old fortress Built in 1713 till 1719 by British East India. As a British colonial
heritage, Marlborough is located in the main street of Bengkulu. Inside the building, there is a subway
connected to the outside. It was as the second strongest fort built by British in the east after Fort George in
Madras, India. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1817 wasappointed by British Administration as Lieutenant
Governor of Bengcoolen (Bengkulu), during his administration, a botanist JOSEPH ARNOLD discovered the
world largest flower at Manna district, southern parts of Bengkulu, the Flower is well known as RAFFLESIA
ARNOLDI.
The British ruled the region more than 100 years, then in 1825 under the London treaty, the administration
was Handing over to the Dutch until Indonesia get the Independence Day in 1945.

Tabot Ceremony
One of the special events in this province is the Tabot Festival. Tabot ceremony is an interesting festival
ceremony, which recalls the death of Hasan and Husen, the grandchildren of the Prophet Mohammed, who
were killed in a fight to defend Islam. The Tabot feast is held annually, in the Islamic month of Muharram. It
is known as the festival of fifty colorful towers (tabots), which are made of bamboo and decorated with
colored paper.
This tabot ceremony is commemurated by Bengkulu people who are descents from India benggala,
performed every yera from 1 till 10 Muharram 61 Hijriah in Bengkulu City. The ceremony is held between
09.00 pm to 01.00 am

Tikus Island
Tikus island or Mouse island is a small island that located on Bengkulu coastal waters
and it part of Bengkulu province. This island is precisely located in west side of Bengkulu
town. To reach this island, the visitors can ride the rental fisherman boat from Zakat
beach or Tapak Pader beach, it takes 45 minutes.
This island is clean and having beauty natural sightseeing, especially the water, which is
very clear and sparkling. The visitors may see some fishes swimming around the coral
which surround this small island clearly. Moreover, the tourists can also do snorkeling
and swimming at the sea.
The existence of Tikus island is not that popular than Bali or Lombok, but everything in
Bengkulu is having potential value that worth to be visited. Tikus Island has a natural
atmosphere, it clean and soothing. You will feel as it your private island, for it
uninhabited and it still virgin. In addition, there is also a lighthouse on the island
because this place was a formerly used as a stop ships.
This is the perfect place to have a wonderful escape

Deforestation Blamed for

Worsening Water Supply in
Sumatra
Jakarta. Sumatras watersheds ridges of land that separate waters flowing to
different rivers and keep those waters pristine have lost the largest amount of
forest cover in the world over the course of 15 years, drastically reducing the quality
of its water supply, World Research Institute's Global Forest Watch Water revealed
on Tuesday (30/08).
More than 22 percent of Sumatra's forest cover, or 8 million hectares an area
almost as large as the entire province of North Sumatra was destroyed from 2000
to 2014.
"Research shows that agricultural expansion, logging and infrastructure extension as
a result of expanding global markets for pulp, timber and oil palm are among the
major causes of this massive loss in forest cover," Yiyuan Qin, a research analyst for
the WRIs Natural Infrastructure for Water project, wrote.

According to Qin, the massive loss of forest cover has made the land more
vulnerable to both flooding and drought, and contaminated its water supply, as the
land lost its natural ability to regulate the water flow and filter it.
Sumatra has suffered from more floods, landslides, forest and peat fires and water
pollution thanks to uncontrollable forest clearing activities.
What happens in Sumatra reflects what has been happening around the globe.
Forest degradation has threatened water security everywhere as natural
infrastructures such as upstream forests and wetlands are stripped and the soil
can no longer filter water naturally.
"The worlds watersheds lost 6 percent of their tree cover on average from 20002014, putting citizens at risk of losing their water supplies, Qin said, adding that
watersheds face the most danger from forest cover loss, fires and erosion.
Establishing conservation zones, engaging in agroforestry and other sustainable
forestry practices are some approaches Qin and her team suggested to mitigate
watershed damage.
In the watershed of Krishna, India, only 3 percent of its trees remain, leaving the
area more prone to frequent droughts and floods, with high levels of water pollution
thanks to urbanization and cropland expansion.
Meanwhile in the Philippines, erosion caused by expansive agriculture is the main
threat for the Southern Leyte watershed, making the area more susceptible to
landslides.
In Angola, not only are fires there killing off trees, they have also contaminated the
water supply and interrupted its flow to many communities.
To improve water security at risk from forest cover loss, fires and unsustainable land
use, WRI launched the Global Forest Watch Water to educate the public about the
importance of protecting water supplies.
The platform also provides data sets, statistics and risk scores of 230 watersheds
around the world.

Over 40% of Riau's Forests Have

Been Cut Down: NGO
Jakarta. The Indonesian arm of the World Research Institute's Global Forest Watch
has revealed that over 40 percent of Riau's forests have been cut down for

concessions since 2001, ranking it as the province with the highest level of
deforestation in the country.
"You can see from the map that over the years, tree cover loss in Riau has
accumulatively grown since 2001," WRI Indonesia member Hidayah Hamzan said in
Jakarta on Thursday (21/07). He added that 75 percent of the province was once
covered by forests.
However, on the bright side, GFW's maps which are freely available for public
access also showed that tree cover has increased in Riau in recent years, making
WRI Indonesia hopeful for the future of the province's forests.
"There are a number of replanting, restoring and regenerating activities in the area.
Although some tree cover loss is near protected areas [such as the Tesso Nilo
National Park], we must ensure and warn forest rangers about possible deforestation
in those areas," Hidayah said.
Global Forest Watch recently launched a map to identify and predict forest fires
around the world, including Indonesia, to help companies see improvements or lawbreaking issues happening in their concessions.
They have also added the new Global Land Analysis and Discovery (GLAD) alert
system for Kalimantan's forests to act as a warning system and to spot potential fires
almost in real time by using satellite data.
Users are able to see recent tree cover loss data, as the map is updated weekly.
They can also subscribe to alerts on the website. GLAD alerts have been installed
for Kalimantan, with the WRI hoping to expand the system throughout the
archipelago.
Another recently added feature Global Forest Watch has on their maps is the
commodities palm risk tool, which indicates and analyses each mill's risk of
unsustainability and legality, helpful for businesses to learn about more sustainable
methods.
Together with global consumer goods company Unilever, it is part of an initiative that
would help businesses to move towards sustainable supply chain commodity
practices by using deforestation-free palm oil.
"We're working together with our global partner Unilever, who is committed to be
deforestation-free by 2019, and they help us by giving us input of what data
companies need to move towards a sustainable development," WRI Indonesia
deputy director Andika Putraditama said. "Palm oil is the most problematic
commodity, and we want to change that."