Indonesian speakers are very relaxed about mistakes, pronunciation etc. The fact that Bahasa Indonesia is often not their mother tongue may account for this, as they often get it a bit wrong. Try these out and see the response.
Welcome Selamat datang
Good morning Selamat pagi
Good afternoon selemate sore
Good evening Selemat malam
Good night Selemat tidur (sleep)
Thank you Terimakasih
You’re welcome Sama sama
Where are you going? Mau ke mana? (be prepared to be asked this often)
Lombok is the sister island of Bali. Lombok is a destination that is sought after by every adventure lover, be it a diver, surfer, beach-lover or mountain lover. Lombok offers a treat for every single visitor. You need enough time to explore every corner of the exotic island.
Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani)
Is one of three blessed mountains beside Gunung Semeru in Central Java and Gunung Agung in Bali. The Rinjani volcano also has an outstanding reputation worldwide for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Especially the emerald, pine-fringed crater lake Segara Anak, which is normally used as a campsite. There are three starting points for visitors, namely the Desa Sembalun (Sembalun village), the Senaru route and the Aik Berik route.
Gunung Rinjani from Gili Gede
Trio Gili
The three islands of Gili off the west coast of Lombok is an absolute must for Lombok visitors. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are popular destinations for many tourists. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the Gili Islands, is the most coveted island of travelers. This Island, is also called Party Island, and offers a variety of fully equipped accommodations. However, if you are looking for some quite place, you have the opportunity to travel to Gili Meno or Gili Air. I personally liked Gili Meno much better than Gili T or Gili A., but again is all about what you are looking for. Despite everything, the Gillis trio are overcrowded with the guests arriving by speedboat daily from Bali. There is a speedboat connection from Padang Bali, East Bali to Gili T.
Gili Meno
Gili Gede
Gili Gede means “big island” and the island is approx. 4km long and varies from 300m to 1.5km in width. There are five main villages on the island; Tanjungan, Labuan Cenik, Orong Bukal, Pengametan and Gedang Siang. The locals are generally fishermen or boat builders or both and are seen daily repairing their nets, boats and motors. The predominant, mother tongue, language spoken by the people, as with much of southern Lombok, is Sasak. Bahasa Indonesia is a second language and used for general and inter-tribe communication in the whole of Indonesia.
If you are also passionate about learning languages then why not Bahasa Indonesia? The Ministry of Education of Indonesia gives the opportunity for foreign students to live and study in Indonesia for one year. The scholarship program is called Darmasiswa. Last year, I became one of the lucky ones who got the Darmasiswa Scholarship to study Bahasa Indonesia at the Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY).
UNY is one of the universities in Indonesia which has been taking on Darmasiswa students since 1999. Also, UNY is the institutional organiser of BIPA ( Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers).
Darmasiswa Students and Tutors
In the first semester, the program emphasises on survival language. Including activities inside and outside the school. For example, going to the Pasar (market) and learn how to bargain.
The language classes are based on theory and practice, including activities which are carried out regularly by lecturer and tutors. Therefore,the Learning module is based on lecturing, tutorials, workshops and excursion.
Lecturing: Three times a week. Students can learn the language which lecturers in class. Learning orientation is on communication skills and grammar.
Tutorials: Tutors as teaching assistants has the responsibility to strengthen the learning outcomes with lecturers. Tutorial activity is more practical.
Workshops: Workshops were mainly on Fridays and the main purpose to the workshops is to learn more about Indonesian art and culture.
Excursion: Through excursions, student get to know Indonesia closer in literature , social communities, tourism, and cultural heritage. This activity is conducted by discussion model, exploration study, and direct visit.
OUR visit to Culture Camp, first hand experience with the local villagers.
Gunung Kidu Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
During the Culture camp we stayed with local families.
Few things you need to know before traveling to Indonesia.
The majority of the population is Muslim and very conservative especially in small villages, when you are walking around and through villages make sure you dress appropriately.
It is important to exchange money before you arrive to Indonesia as it is difficult to exchange currency in most cities. Also, carry cash with you as many places don’t offer card payment.
Another very important thing I have noticed when travelling through Indonesia is that cellular network (2G,3G) are widespread throughout Indonesia. However, 4G network is usually available in the major cities. Therefore, I would recommend to have google offline map.
It would be impossible to visit Indonesia without noticing Batik. Batik is the art of decoration cloth by using technique of wax-resist dyeing. This technique is an ancient tradition and has been practised for centuries in Java, Indonesia. When I went to buy my first Batik I was overwhelmed by the choice.
I could not decide which colours or patterns I liked so I spent the whole day on Jalan Malioboro (Malioboro street), Yogyakarta, and return back home without a Batik.
I signed up for a batik course at my university, and there, I learned first about the philosophy of batik, and the meaning of every motive and their origins. I think it is important to know about the meaning before you buy your first traditional batik.
Parang Yogyakarta
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
One of the holy and the most powerful motives. Parang means war and this motive served as warfare. The Parang Barong (large Parang motive) is only used by the king. One of the myths of this batik is that if you wear this Parang batik on your wedding, you will always fight with your partner like the meaning of the word Parang.
Parang Solo
Traditional Batik, Solo, Indonesia
Same meaning as above.
Sidomukti Yogyakarta
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The meaning of the batik is wealth, prosperity, well-being. Is usually given as present with the meaning of life can finally prosperous in the world and the hereafter.
Sidoluhur Yogyakarta
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
According to my Javanese friends this batik means that life consists in finding the majesty of material and non-material. Sublimation material could mean fulfilling all bodily needs with hard work.
Truntum Mangkoro Yogyakarta
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The meaning of this motive is that the person who wearing this batik is expected to lead or be role model for others. More specifically, this motive is used by the groom in the hope of being able to take the bride into the married life. Likewise, parents are expected to be good role modes for their children.
Ciptoning Yogyakarta
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The meaning of this motive is the symbol of wisdom. In the old days this batik was worn by the knights.
Kawung Yogyakarta
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The pattern of this motive symbolises justice and power. This batik us worn by the king and his family. Also, it symbolises that people will always remember their origins.
