Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo 2008 returns to Makassar

After last year being held parallel with the PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2007 in Bali, this year’s Indonesia’s annual travel mart Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) or Pasar Wisata Indonesia returns to Makassar, South Sulawesi. This Indonesian premier tourism event will be held on 14 – 17 October 2008 at Celebes Convention Center (CCC). Entering its 14th years of conduct, TIME is organized by the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB) and supported by entire tourism components in Indonesia.

The Chairwoman and Steering Committee of TIME 2008, Meity Robot, said the conduct of TIME also supports the government program of “Visit Indonesia Year 2008” which targeting 7 million of tourist arrivals to Indonesia, as TIME is aimed at promoting Indonesia as tourist destination in international market and at the same time raise the country image as one of global travel destinations.

TIME is the only international travel mart in Indonesia with business to business concept. The event is a meeting place for those who sell tourism products and services in Indonesia (seller) to international market (buyer). TIME has been listed in the calendar of international travel mart together with ITB Berlin, WTM London, Arabian Travel Mart (ATM), PATA Travel Mart, and so on,” Meity said.

“Bearing the theme of “Eco-Tourism and Maritime Tourism”, TIME 2008 will present all tourist destinations, inclusding popular travel destinations, tourism objects, new product development particularly those which relate to Eco-Tourism dan Maritime Tourism,” Meity continued.

The Mayor of Makassar, Ilham Arief Sirajuddin, which is also Organizing Committe Chairman of TIME 2008, welcomes the appointment of Makassar as host of TIME for the second time. “The appointment of Makassar as host of IME 2008 should be embraced by the people of Makassar since it could directly promote the city’s tourism sector. This oppotunity shows that Makassar was successful in hosting TIME in 2006 indicated by the significant transaction between the international buyers and Indonesian tourism industry (sellers) at the event. Moreover, buyers have seen the tourism potentiality Makassar and South Sulawesi have. We also received positive comments from buyers, sellers and international media on the conduct of TIME in Makassar,” said Ilham.

Local Organizing Committee of TIME 2008 and concurrent Chairman of ASITA and INCCA, Niko B. Pasaka, stated that this year Makassar is more ready in hosting TIME 2008. “Presently, a number supporting facilties are closing to completion. This includes the 11 kilometer of highway connecting Makassar city center to airport as well as the completion of Hasanuddin International Airport. We hope these facilities could finish on time to support TIME 2008,” Nico continued.

South Sulawesi is among the Five Golden Destinations in Indonesia. Moreover, Makassar has become one of MICE (Meeting, Incentive Conference & Exhibition) destinations in Indonesia. Makassar and its neighboring areas have a lot to offer to international travelers. To name of these, Port of Rotterdam, Somba Opu Fortress, Lagaligo Museum, Mandala Museum, as well as beaches such as Losari, Tanjung Bunga , Akkarena, Kayangan island, Kodingareng island, Bantimrung fountain, butterfly palace in Maros regency and many more.

The appointment of Makassar as host of this year’s TIME is in line with the previous commitment that the city is entitled to host TIME for two period of time. “TIME last year was held in Bali parallel with PATA Travel Mart, now it is the second period for Makassar. Secondly, support and cooperation from the provincial government of South Sulawesi and city of Makassar, associations in South Sulawesi and Makassar as well as their tourism industry to support TIME 2008. Third, the more readiness of Makassar to host this international tourism event due to the availabilty of infrastructure and supporting facilties. Finally, the shifting of TIME to the gateway of Eastern Indonesia is aimed promoting Makassar, South Sulawesi as well as east Indonesia to the international market. With more tourists arriving there will be improvement in the infrastructure. Furthermore, buyers and international media are given the opportunity to take part in the post tour program, Toraja or Manado,” Meity went on.

TIME 2006 successfully attracted total attendants of 110 international buyers from 21 countries, with top five buyers including Netherlands, China, Korea, Malaysia & Indonesia, and 124 sellers from 20 provinces in Indonesia, which mostly coming from Jakarta, Bali, South Sulawesi, North Sulawesi & Central Java. The percentage of sellers based on industry are hotels & resorts (43%), tour operators & travel agencies (29%), NTO (20%), and others include diving, golf, airline, travel portal (8%). The estimated contracts signed at TIME 2006 exceeds US$ 15 million or increasing 2% from its previous year.

Compared to TIME 2005 and 2004 held in Yogyakarta, TIME 2005 was attended by 84 buyers from 23 countries with top buyers coming from Netherlands, Indonesia, Korea, USA, Australia, Germany, India, Italia, Spain, Thailand, China, and Belgium, and 128 sellers from 20 provinces. Whereas, TIME 2004 attracted 102 buyers from 28 countries and 147 sellers from 23 provinces. “The number of buyers attending TIME for six consecutive years have been relatively steady since these are potential buyers which sell Indonesian tourism products and services in their markets respectively,” Meity concluded.

SANDEQ 2008, Pinisi Rendezvous and an extention to the Darwin-Kupang Race

If you're planning a visit to Indonesia in the month of August, the Sandeq Race is something that you might want to include in your itinerary. The Sandeq Race 2008 is now in its 12th year. This year's competition includes 30+ of these traditional boats, crewed by local fishermen from an area in the Northern part of South Sulawesi called Mandar. The Mandarese people have used these fast fishing vessels to return their catch to market as quickly as possible. The race starts in the city of Majene, and ends 7 days later in the capital of South Sulawesi, Makassar. Each city visited during this open sea race, throws a local festival with dancing, music and local foods. After this festive event in Majene, the race moves on to Polewali, South Sulawesi and yet another event is launched, the process continues till the race arrives in Makassar, and merges with the National Independence Day celebrations in that historic port. All 30+ Sandeq vessels stern in along Makassar's Pantai Losari to create a traditional sailing photo opportunity, that is hard to recreate. This years event will be something special with a call being made for Pinisi Schooners from around Indonesia to Rendevou is the historical harbor of Makassar. We expect to have 20-30 vessels, with the President of the Republic of Indonesia, scheduled to open another major Marine Tourism event in the city of Makassar. In addition this year, the organizors of the "Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally" have added a stop in Makassar for an estimated 60 world cruising yachts. When you add this to our fleets of traditional vessels. Makassar is going to be a special place for that PHOTO OP that everyone hopes to have at the end of there holiday !

So, why not charter one of our vessels, or join one of our August programs to follow this important Makassar cultural event! OR If you are really interested in Sailing, please contact us, as one of our Pinisi Schooners is scheduled to follow the complete "Sail Indonesia Yacht Rally" to carry race organizers and some lucky participating "paying" join on guests, space will be limited on this official vessel, so advance planning is suggested.

A GLIMPSE ABOUT MAKASSAR

The capital city of South Sulawesi , Makassar , for centuries has been the gateway to eastern Indonesia . This bustling commercial, shipping, and government center constitutes a major air-sea crossroads between western and eastern Indonesia.

The seafaring Bugis and Makassar people dominate the southern tip and along the coast, who famous for being seafarers, build settled without any nails and wooden hull that ride high over the wave, their tall-masted Phinisi schooners sea voyage over the Madagascar for any trading purpose.

The people of South Sulawesi are sailors who are proud of their heritage, glad hand people, great brotherhood and highest willingness to protect the visitors. Their ancestors have left them one of the last remaining sailing fleets in the world and a historic lineage of kings from former kingdoms of Gowa and Bone. The southern part of this province holds the mysteries of this glorious past.

Whereas the northern part of South Sulawesi is inhabited by the Torajas whose unique culture rivals that of the Balinese. Their ceremonies and architecture are the primary reason as the popular tourist destination.

TIME 2006 Venue - Clarion Hotel & Convention

Ideally located in the developing economic center of Makassar , the third largest city. Fronting Pettarani Street , only 30 minutes from Hasanuddin Airport , with direct access toll to the airport. The huge ballroom which could accommodate up to 3,000 pax.

Transportation

South Sulawesi has a reasonably well organised transport system for travelling between the bigger towns. The further you move away from the main roads, the simpler and slower the means of transport become.

There are several daily flights to Makassar from Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar and the bigger towns of Eastern Indonesia with Garuda /Merpati. Merpati serves all domestic routes except to and from Jakarta. Awair, Mandala and Bouraq connect Makassar with Jakarta only via Surabaya 3-4 times a week.

Twelve liners of the PELNI company link Makassar with most of the bigger harbours in Indonesia.

From Bone (east coast) there is a daily ferry to Kolaka in South-East Sulawesi. The voyage will take 5-7 hours.

Buses run between Makassar and all bigger towns in South Sulawesi. For shorter distances you find all over the province minibuses (pete-pete), bicycle-three-wheelers (becak) or motorbike-taxis (ojek).

For busses to the north you have top go to "Terminal Daya", about 12 km north of the centre of Makassar. Busses to the south, including to the island Selayar, leave from "Terminal Mallengkeri", which is located near the border of Makassar and Goa.

In Makassar you can go around by becak, pete-pete (mini-bus) and meter taxi.
For distances up to 2 km becak fares vary between Rp 3.000 - Rp 5.000 (bargain before getting in).
Early 2006 the fares for pete-pete (mini busses) in Makassar were Rp 2,000 - these are fixed prices.
Taximeters start at Rp 4.500 at departure. For a trip of five kilometres you will pay about Rp 20.000.

Tour Operators:
Most tour operators are located in Makassar. Most of the offices only help with tickets for buses, flights and PELNI ships. A few tour operators offer package tours.
For people who like to dive the islands near Makassar offer good opportunities. Depending on the season there are several diving operators active in the Makassar area. Please go the the boats and diving section for more details

Climate
The climate is wet-tropical with two seasons. For most of the province the dry season starts in April and ends in October. The rainy season starts in October and ends in April. On the east coast of the province the pattern is in some places the other way round. Temperatures range from 25 °C to 32 °C at sea level and from 20 °C to 25 °C in the highlands. See the section rainfall for maps with detailed information.

Currency
Like other parts of Indonesia the currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (Rp). There are Rp 1,000, Rp 500, Rp 200, Rp 100, and Rp 50 coins. Lower value coins are no longer common. Bank notes are printed with values of Rp 100,000, Rp 50,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 5,000, Rp 1,000, Rp 500 and Rp 100.
US Dollars are easily exchangeable in Makassar and Tana Toraja. Other currencies should be changed in Makassar. Make sure you bring undamaged new banknotes as old notes are often rejected. Credit Cards are acceptable in the bigger hotels in Makassar and the Tana Toraja area. In the first four months of 2005 the interbank rates for 1 US$ floated between Rp 9,000 and Rp 9,800. In the same period the Euro floated between Rp 11,700 and 12,200. For actual rates of foreign currency please visit www.xe.com/ucc
Many cash dispensers (ATM) at banks in Makassar give access to foreign accounts. You will recognise them by a "MasterCard" or "Cirrus" logo. Ask your bank for details about costs of withdrawals abroad.

Time
South Sulawesi belongs to the Central Indonesia Standard time zone (WITA) which is 8 hours ahead of GMT, and one hour ahead of Jakarta. There is no time difference between South Sulawesi, Bali and Singapore.

Fort Rotterdam not only contains some interesting buildings, an arts centre and the "La Galigo" museum but also provides a quiet haven away from the noisier parts of town. In the late afternoon and evening you can often find young people playing music or rehearsing for theatre performances.

The King of Gowa built the fort in 1545. After other forts in the area were destroyed in 1669, Fort Rotterdam was taken over by the Dutch. In 1937 it lost its military function and was handed over to the Fort Rotterdam Foundation for cultural purposes.

Benteng Somba Opu

The ruins of this Makassarese fort can be found in the delta of the Jeneberang River, 7 km south of Makassar. In 1669 Bugis-Dutch forces destroyed the fort while bringing about the ruin of the powerful Makassar kingdom. During the following centuries a large portion of the bricks were taken away to serve as building material for houses and wells in the area.

Little is left of the once all-important fort, though parts of its western wall have been restored, and can be visited. For many people the highlight of the trip is the adjacent open-air museum of traditional houses from South Sulawesi. The complex also contains an archaeological museum housing objects found during excavations of the fort and its surroundings.

Islands interesting for their culture or historical sites

Kodengareng Lompo (15 km)Together with Barang Lompo and Lae-Lae the island Kodengareng Lompo belong to the bigger islands near Makassar. The length of the oval shaped island is about 1,5 km. At the south end of the island is a lighthouse which, in the evening, can be seen from the shore of Makassar. On the island are remnants of old water tanks built by the Japanese during World War II.
boat reparation
lighthouse

Barang Lompo (12 km)Like on many islands located further away from town, the majority of the population on Barang Lompo are fishermen. Besides this there are some silversmiths and civil servants (such as teachers) living on the island.Hasanuddin University in Makassar has a research centre there.
Barang Caddi (11 km)The increasing housing density on this island may soon result in people building on shallow parts of the surrounding reefs. Recently local fishermen from the island have begun working with a local non-government organisation to reorganise the system of marketing their fish so as to bypass middlemen. This means that they are now able to earn a reasonable income.
Other islands:

Kayangan (2 km) : An island in front of the harbour of Makassar full with simple restaurants and rooms for rent .
Lae-Lae (1,5 km)Lae-Lae is the island nearest to Makassar. It has been extended with a long breakwater at the north side that is designed to protect the harbour of Makassar against waves. Lae-Lae is densely populated. A part of the population earns their money with fishing, others run the small boats that can take you from town to Lae-Lae, Samalona and Kodengareng Keke. More and more people find work in town as crossing by motorboat now takes only 5 - 10 minutes.

Lanyukan (37 km)The island Lanyukan is located on the outer edge of the Spermonde shelf with a barrier reef protecting its western shore. Around Lanyukan are reefs with steep drop-offs and caves, excellent for diving. This is the place to spot big fish like sharks and barracuda. There is a small village on the island but Lanyukan does not offer facilities for staying overnight.