VIVAnews - The claim on several Indonesian cultural heritage by Malaysia has caused the people of Indonesia to feel repugnant over the neighboring country.
As reported by the Asia Sentinel on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, Indonesia’s protest against the use of Bali traditional dance, Pendet as Malaysia’s tourism icon may be reasonable.
How could Malaysia, who treated the Hindus inappropriately and tried to omit the religion’s historical remarks, claim a dance from Bali where the majority of people embrace Hinduism?
Malaysia's ‘Truly Asia’, the tourism catch phrase of Malaysia, is probably just a myth. The reality obviously opposes the exhibition of various ethnicity, Asian food, languages, religions, skin colors and dances.
Although it was finally revoked, Malaysia initially intended to impose whipping punishment on those who drink beers. Malaysians were also accused of being abusive to Indonesian and Philippino workers.
Compared to other neighboring countries, Malaysia is actually intolerant. However, we have to admit that Malaysia is able to attract large number of tourists with its inconsiderable beaches and Petronas Twin Tower which is boasted as their tourism icon.
How about Indonesia? Introspections might be the answer. The richness and variety of Indonesian culture is familiar to only a small number of foreigners. If it was not ‘stolen’ by Malaysia, there would be less Indonesians who treasured the country’s art forms such as batik, Reog Ponorogo and the Pendet dance.
Indonesia has numerous cultural attractions. But, the promotion is wrenching. It is fair to assume that Indonesia has failed in accentuating its art, historical values and cultural variety.
To some of foreign tourists, Bali is the only place they know. The island, which is only a tiny part of Indonesia, is more famous than Indonesia.
Bali’s fame later spread to its surrounding areas like Lombok and East Nusa Tenggara which is known as the natural habitat of komodo,” the last dinosaur on earth’.
Despite their beauty and cultural appeal, there are a few tourism brochures about Sumatra and Java. However, Sumatra has a better luck. The ‘wave hunters’ from Australia often visit Nias and Mentawai to surf while Toba Lake has been regularly visited by tourists from Singapore.
What about Java? Compared to Angkor Wat, Borobudur’s charm only attracts a few foreigners. It is indeed a poor evidence taking into account Borobudur can be reached by a direct flight from Malaysia or Singapore to Jogjakarta.
The same story goes to Prambanan. The two beautiful temples are only appealing to domestic tourists. This is due to lack of information and promotion.
Bali and Jakarta bombings may be the failure factor. But, another factor is the inadequacy of public transportation such as trains and airplanes.
Accommodations are another problem. Luxurious and expensive hotels like the Amanjiwo in Borobudur, Roemahkoe in Solo and Majapahit in Surabaya would only attract individual tourists, not in groups.
Borobudur is an authentic proof of Indonesia’s failure in selling its rich culture and historical treasure. Instead of spending a big amount of money to build skyscrapers as Malaysia’s competition, the government should start thinking of promoting Indonesia’s historical assets and culture.
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Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
