Indonesia’s beauty leaves a lasting impression on international tourists. Many share their experiences when they return home, often recommending the country to others. A Japanese citizen recently went a step further by introducing the hidden wonders of Indonesia tourism, beyond the famous Bali.
In a seminar titled “Not Just Bali! A Journey Around the Islands of Indonesia,” held in Tokyo on August 24, 2024, Rieko Yui from the Machida-Indonesia Friendship Association highlighted the cultural and natural diversity across the Indonesian archipelago. This event aimed to broaden the knowledge of Japanese, many of whom are only familiar with Bali as Indonesia tourism.
“Bali is seen as the only tourist spot in Indonesia. Most Japanese people don’t know about the other regions,” Yui explained. “I want to focus on introducing islands that have their own unique appeal, especially to capture the interest of people in Machida.”
Yui’s presentation showcased various regions of Indonesia, including North Sumatra, West Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, Bangka Belitung, East Nusa Tenggara, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, and Papua. She highlighted their cultural heritage, tourist attractions, and culinary delights.
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Some of the highlights included Minang spices and snacks, the stone-jumping ritual of the Nias tribe, the natural beauty of Komodo Island, the marine wonders of Raja Ampat, and the unique death rituals in Toraja.
The event also featured cultural performances. Representatives from the Duta Melati dance studio performed the Rantak Dance from West Sumatra and the Enggang Bird Dance from East Kalimantan’s Dayak tribe. Participants even got the chance to learn and perform the Maumere Dance from East Nusa Tenggara, led by Tini Kodrat, head of Sanggar Duta Melati.
This seminar was an initiative by the Machida City Government. It was organized in collaboration with the Tsurukawa Public Library, the Machida-Indonesia Friendship Association, and Duta Melati. Machida City had previously played a key role in welcoming the Indonesian team during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The local government is eager to continue this relationship by promoting Indonesian culture.
“There’s still much to learn about Indonesia here in Japan. This effort goes beyond economic ties; it delves into social and cultural aspects that are incredibly fascinating,” Yui said. She expressed hope that the seminar would expand participants’ knowledge of Indonesia and inspire a deeper appreciation for the country.
By introducing these lesser-known destinations and cultural practices, the seminar aimed to enrich Japan’s view of Indonesia, encouraging them to explore beyond Bali and discover the diverse offerings of this vast archipelago.
