DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES

International Student Services

Global Spotlight: INDONESIA

The Global Spotlight program offers international students the opportunity to share their cultures with the Reed community. Here are some pictures and information about some different places in Indonesia !

 

komodo

Komodo Island. The island is famous for its native, the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. The island is one of the driest places in Indonesia. Besides dragon spotting, the island is popular for its scuba diving spots. (image courtesy of Scotty Graham)

kalimantan


Tanjung Puting National Park. The island of Kalimantan (Borneo) is home to one of the two species of orangutans in the world. The word orangutan comes from the Indonesian words “orang” (man) and “hutan” (forest); hence “man of the forest”. Unfortunately, orangutans are becoming increasingly endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching. (image courtesy  of Monika Moechtar)

 

Toraja

Toraja. Situated on the island of Sulawesi, Toraja is well-known for its unique funeral rites. Coffins are placed in caves or hung off a cliff. In some cases, effigies are placed outside of the cave. The area is also famous for its Toraja Kalossi coffee.

borobudur


Borobudur. Candi Borobudur (Borobudur Temple) is the single most-visited tourist attraction in Indonesia, and the largest Buddhist monument in the world. The temple is surrounded by numerous Buddha statues and stupas. The walls are decorated with reliefs, one of them depicting the life of the Buddha. It is also a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. (image courtesy of Scotty Graham)

jakarta

 

Jakarta. Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia. With a population approaching ten million people, and over twenty million people live in the metro area, the city is full of contrasts. With a sky decorated with modern skyscrapers on one side, Jakarta still possesses its Dutch colonial era buildings.

merapi


Merapi. Mount Merapi is currently the most active volcano in Indonesia. The name literally translates to “fire mountain” and past eruptions have caused numerous deaths. Over tens of thousands of people call this place home. Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” being home to several famous volcanoes, such as Mount Tambora and Mount Krakatoa. (image courtesy of Scotty Graham)

aceh

Aceh. Aceh is located on the northern tip of Sumatra. One of the deadliest natural disasters occurred here back in December 2004. The tsunami killed over 230,000 people, and Indonesia was hit the hardest. It is estimated that 160,000 people were killed by waves reaching almost 80 feet. After six years, the region continues to struggle with recovery, which is hindered by separatist movement. (image courtesy of Scotty Graham)

westpapua


 

Komoro Man. The Komoros are one of the many indigenous groups in West Papua. Most of West Papua is untouched by modernization, though some regions suffer from natural resource exploitation. The Grasberg mine belonging to Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc is subject to environmental concern. (image courtesy of Scotty Graham)

 

 

java

Tanah Lot Temple. Sitting on a large offshore rock on the beach, the Tanah Lot Temple is one of the sacred Hindu pilgrimage places. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, the island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia’s Hindu minority. The island of Bali is known mostly for its beaches, surfing, and unique art culture. (image courtesy of Scotty Graham)