Story of Indonesia, Every Picture Tells A Story

The beat of the vibrant capital city Jakarta was pounding louder as thousands of music enthusiasts thronged to ISTORA Senayan Stadium in the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex on the last weekend of September to experience for themselves the most anticipated Java Soulnation Festival 2012.

Held over three days running, from Friday (28/09/12) to Sunday (30/09/12), the festival brought some of the world's prominent names in popular music including James Morrison, Robin Thicke, Jay Sean, Color Me Badd, Scissor Sisters, and many more. From Indonesia's own music scene, the festival featured Sandhy Sandoro, Raisa, Dewi Sandra, Ras Muhammad, Calvin Jeremy, and many others. As stated at the press conference on Thursday, the Festival not only presented the "usual" shows as the artists were challenged to come up with something fresh for each of their performances. The shows were held in 4 outdoor stages and 1 main stage inside the Istora Stadium.

Fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the three days music festival proved that show business and the music industry in Indonesia are once again on the rise. Representative of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy stated at the press Conference on Thursday, that the development of the creative industries especially in the field of Show Business has been included in the government's program with the establishment of the new Directorate for the Development of the Performing Arts and the Music Industry in the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

It is expected that in future, the Ministry can support and further participate in this type of events since musical events and performing arts in Indonesia have grown significantly and have contributed to the regional and national economy as well as improve people's welfare.

Photo by Aris Bronson - Indonesia.travel

World-class thrilling waves meet jaw-dropping scenery at the secluded surfers’ paradise of Suluban Beach. Located not too far from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple, this beach is the actual site of the famous Uluwatu surf break. This beach extends right up and joins the Uluwatu Beach. Together they are the Mecca for wave chasing junkees who come to Bali.

The beach is blessed with a breathtaking view on the Indian Ocean which offers a serene atmosphere and spectacular sunsets in the late afternoons, creating that most romantic aura. Approaching the area, visitors will be greeted by fascinating scenery of white rock cliffs that stretch as far as the eyes can see. Descending some 50 meters down to the shore, a vast white sandy beach kissed by turquoise blue waters await, while the pounding waves play the true resounding sounds of nature: the perfect setting for a thrilling surfing adventure.

Photo by Andi Muhaimin/www.indonesia.travel