VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Komodo National Park goes international after it officially becomes one of seven natural wonders of the world. The natural beauty in the region cannot be missed. Even, before entering the tourism object, you will be amazed on the natural beauty from its gate, namely  Lawadarat island or in local language called ‘Gili Lawadarat’. Before arriving on Komodo island, tourists will pass Gili Lawadarat. The island is located at the North part of Komodo island and it includes in one island which has existed at Komodo National Park since 1980. Interestingly, here, you can find sea as well as cluster of exotic islands. Gili Lawadarat is one of islands which protects the biggest lizard habitat in the world besides Komodo, Rinca, and Padar island. Almost the entire island is overgrown with grass. The grass overlay has captivated tourists who visit the island. Tourists, who want to get relaxed, can do trekking for 30 minutes to the peak of the island in order to be able to enjoy the beauty of panorama and the exotic nature. The right time to visit Gili Lawadarat is before sunrise. Because at that time, you will see sunrise which is really extra ordinarily beautiful. If you are lucky, you can see the beauty of sun and moon at the same time. Moreover, sea surface makes this place unforgettable to its beauty. If you visit this tourism destination, you can pass two routes, namely through Lombok or Flores island. But to save your time, we suggest you to take Flores route. Because the airport in Flores is near with Labuan Bajo. From  Labuan Bajo, the trip is continued to Gili Lawadarat by speed boat for several hours.

Culture or tradition of a nation is the national identity, because with the existence of the culture, we know who we are and where we come from. Indonesian has many cultures and traditions because every region has different and unique culture, such as West Nusa Tenggara –NTB which has Gendang Beleq. Precisely, Gendang Beleq is from Sasak tribe, Lombok, NTB. The word of Beleq is from Sasak language meaning big. Earlier, Gendang Beleq was for the spirit of the soldiers who fought in the war and returned after the war.  The sound, which was produced, was believed to make the soldiers be braver defending the kingdom. Now, Gendang Beleq is played to accompany traditional ceremony, such as wedding, circumcision, Aqiqah, and other ritual ceremonies. Gendang Beleq is made from Meranti tree which is flourish in Lombok. It produces big and echo sound. The sound is produced with 50 diameters and length 1.5 meters of tree trunk. Its center of the tree is perforated and covered with leather of goat, cow or buffalo. Gendang Beleq is traditional instrument which is played in a group. It is usually played along with other instruments such as gong, terumpang, pencek, oncer, and flute. With a thunderous sound, Gendang Beleq performance is more interesting and entertaining. Gendang Beleq player is called “Sekaha”. Sekaha consists of 2 main players. Those Sekahas perform by wearing Lombok traditional clothes including “Sapo”, Lombok typcal headband. Although the size of Gendang Baleq is big, Sekahas have no difficulty to play it by hanging on their shoulder.

Fascination of tourism object in Bandung, West Java never stops to give surprise to tourists. Bandung as if giving innovation attracts domestic or foreign tourists. In today’s edition, Voice of Indonesia will discuss one of tourism destinations in Bandung which has natural nuance and can be enjoyed along with the family. The tourism object is Batu Malakasari hamlet. This tourism destination is located on Jalan Raya Bancaran Rencong, Malakasari, Bale Endah. Earlier, Batu Malakasari hamlet was stone mining area. The condition of its location was poor after being neglected for several years. But, someday, there was an investor, Ir. H. Waryo who came and built Batu Malakasari hamlet as tourism destination. Several months later, the dry location which was neglected, becomes interesting tourism destination. In additional to relying on its natural fascination which is beautiful and exotic, tourists who visit will be also spoiled with various educational rides.  Batu Malakasari hamlet looks like natural laboratory. Because at the place, tourists can try various kinds of interesting activities. The activities which can be conducted here are related to nature and life creature surrounding areas, such as interacting with animals like cows, sheep, rabbits and goats at animal husbandry. Here, you can also see spotted deer at the breeding, learn about agriculture and local art at the studio and Sundanese traditional house. Besides, other interesting activities are outbound, flying fox, and going down Batu hill which make you closer with the nature. Many people say that Batu Malakasari hamlet is one of completed tourism destinations in Bandung because it has many facilities. Therefore, the place is suitable to become alternative to spend holidays along with the family, especially for them who love nature. Batu Malakasari hamlet opens every day starting from 9 am until 4 pm. On weekends and holidays, this tourism object opens 30 minutes earlier and closes one hour longer than weekdays.  

Binarundak is one of the typical foods in Motoboi Besar, Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi Province. However, something similar to it is also known in many parts in Indonesia. For instance, most people in North Sulawesi call it Nasi Jaha, or in Gorontalo it is known as Nasi Bulu. In some places on the island of Sumatra, Binarundak is known as Lemang.In Motoboi Besar, Binarundak has become an Icon. There is a Binarundak monument erected in the area with a height of 18 meters. Inaugurated by the Mayor of Kotamobagu on August 2, 2014 it stands upright and strong in the middle of the village. Eating binarundak in Motoboi Besar has become a tradition. Usually 1 week after Idul Fitri day, local people always hold the celebration of Binarundak Lebaran.  The tradition is said to be deliberately created by people who return home from other areas. Besides being a series of Idul Fitri celebrations, this tradition is also an opportunity to ask forgiveness from people at the hometown, especially the elders, for any wrongdoing made, intentionally or unintentionally, before the travelers return to their respective cities.At the peak of the celebration, tons of coconut husk and Binarundak ingredient are prepared by residents. The process is fairly unique, glutinous rice is mixed with herbs and spices such as onion, ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk. Then a mixture of the rice and spices are put into bamboo stems covered with banana leaves inside. After that the bamboo is grilled with coconut husk and shell. Throughout the process of making Binarundak, people take turns flipping the typical food to cook evenly. When Binarundak is being pepared in every house, thick smoke will billow along the street. At this timeday , those who have not had time to visit each other during Idul Fitri fitri, will use the opportunity to do it.In the afternoon, most of the Binarundak is ready to be transported by a committee assigned to a designated place. Here, the Binarundak is set aside and served to be eaten together.