Riau

• Dumai - a bustling port, with ferries regularly departing for Melaka (Malaysia) three times each day. From Dumai, ferries also travel to and from Pulau Batam, Pulau Bintan and Jakarta.

• Natuna Islands - an isolated group of islands, which are quite tricky to actually reach. The Natuna Islands are most famous for their basket-weave cloth, as well as their displays of traditional dancing. Pulau Natuna Besar is one of the more interesting of the Natuna Islands. 

• Pekanbaru - a busy, modern city, which has become the wealthy oil capital of Indonesia. Pekanbaru's population is now close to 800,000 people and facilities here are excellent, with banks, shops, restaurants and hotels lining the main thoroughfare of Jalan Sudirman. Also most tourists come to Pekanbaru for its good ferry connections with Singapore and there are a handful of notable attractions, such as the Malay exhibits at the Balai Adat Daerah Riau, the 18th-century Grand Mosque (Mesjid Raya), and the seasonal performances and events at the Riau Cultural Park. 

• Riau Islands - spread across the South China Sea and numbering around 700 in total The Riau Islands tend to be regarded as quite separate to Sumatra, with both the islands of Pulau Batam and Pulau Bintan being so close to Singapore that they are almost suburbs. Other noteworthy islands within the Riau archipelago include those of Anambas, Karimun, Lingga, Natuna, Penuba, Singkep and also Tambelan

Bengkulu

• Bengkulu - the provincial capital, with a population of approximately 400,000 residents. The city of Bengkulu offers many coastal attractions, with its historical Benteng Marlborough fortress overlooking the Indian Ocean and being much photographed by tourists and day trippers, as well as the Bung Karno Mosque (Mesjid Jamik). Pantai Panjang is the main beach in Bengkulu, while for reminders of the strong British influences in the past, check out the Thomas Parr Monument and the Inggris Monument.

•  Northern Bengkulu - offering a host of attractions along the coast road, the Jalan Manusurai Pantai, which heads in a northerly direction between Bengkulu and Padang. Towns of note within the Northern Bengkulu region include Curup, Ipuh, Lais and Mukomuko, while the Gunung Kaba volcano is also likely to be of interest and features two smouldering craters and is encompassed by a lush rainforest jungle.

•  Pulau Enggano - an isolated island sited around 100 km / 62 miles from southerly Bengkulu, covering around 675 square kilometres / 260 square miles. Whilst facilities for tourists are relatively nonexistent, there are some gorgeous beaches with good snorkelling opportunities. The main harbour on Pulau Enggano is Malakoni.

Aceh

• Banda Aceh- the provincial capital with a population now exceeding 200,000 inhabitants, divided into two main regions by the Sungai Krueng Aceh river. There really are tourist attractions and landmarks galore in Banda Aceh, such as the gleaming Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman (Baiturrahman Mosque), the remains of Gunongan, the Dutch cemetery of Kherkhof, the lively Pasar Aceh Central Market, various Tsunami landmarks, and the acclaimed Museum Negeri Banda Aceh. At night, the colourful Pasar Malam Rek food market is not to be missed and is based on the corner of the Jalan Khairil Anwar and the Jalan Ahman Yani. 

• Banyak Islands - a group of around 100 mainly uninhabited islands, which sit roughly 30 km / 19 miles to the west of Singkil. Literally translated as the 'Many Islands', the Banyaks are around a four-hour boat trip from Singkil's port. Accommodation is available on just a few of the Banyak Islands, such as Balai, Palambak Kecil, Panjang, Rangit Besar and Ujung Batu.

• Gayo Highlands - with stunning mountain panoramas and large areas of countryside and fields. The attractions within the Gayo Highlands all tend to be natural and include the Buffalo Caves (Loyang Koro) and the Simpang Balik hot spring, close to the town of Takengon. Blangkejeran is another notable town here and is well placed for guided tours of nearby local Sumatran villages. Gunung Leuser National Park - a diverse forest and world-famous national park. 

• The Gunung Leuser National Park contains an immense array of Indonesian flora and fauna, including many endangered animals, such as elephants, orangutans, rhinos, tigers and more besides. Primates are more widespread in the park and it is quite likely that you will encounter the Thomas Leaf Monkey, which sports a crest and white front. The Alas Valley is where most tourists head, particularly to the village of Gurah, where outdoor attractions and countless different jungle trek packages are on offer.

• Lampuuk / Lhok Nga - popular coastal destinations located on the westerly coast of Aceh, with glorious beaches and simple accommodation.

• Pulau Simeulue - an isolated island lying approximately 150 km / 93 miles to the west of Tapaktuan, with dense rainforests and coconut plantations. The island of Pulau Simeulue is rarely frequented by tourists, although the surfing opportunities here are renowned, especially at the Baneng Beach Retreat.

• Pulau Weh - an attractive island, with an interesting village and first-rate beaches, at Iboih and Gapang. Sabang is the main township of Pulau Weh and also serves as a port. Attractions around Sabang come in the form of the Pantai Kasih, the Pantai Paridiso and the Pantai Sumur Tiga beaches. 

• Tapaktuan - a sleepy and relaxed seaside resort which is located around 200 km / 124 miles to the south of Meulaboh, where it is the principal town within South Aceh. The majority of sights to see in Tapaktuan reside along its coastal road of Jalan Merdeka. Outside of Tapaktuan, innumerable attractions offer themselves to tourists, such as the Kluet part of the Gunung Leuser National Park, the beaches of Pantai Air Dingin and Pantai Tui Lhok, the Dark Cave (Gua Kelam), and the port of Singkil, which is the departure point for the Banyak Islands and Pulau Simeulue.

West Sumatera Dancing

• It is a tradition in Minangkabau to welcome honorable guests or to open a traditional event by presenting "Sirih Leaves" in a special container called a "Carano". It symbolizes a request to allow the ceremony to take place and asks a blessing form the guest as the activities begin. It is performed in a special dance called " Tari Pasambahan" or "Welcome Dance".

Manggaro Dance 

•  There is a unique way people in some villages chase away the birds so as to remove their weariness and boredom while in the rice fields. They make various movements and clik pieces of bamboo in their hands, while singing or shouting together. By the way they hope the birds will go away while the farmers are enjoying themselves. 

Urak Simpuah Dance 

• There is a popular proverb in Minangkabau "Duduak bapamenan, tagak baparintang" which means that one should have something to do while sitting or standing. The movements of this dance show several activities done daily women at home. The basic movements are adopted form "Mulo pado" dance, which is a very old dance originating form Luhak Nan Tuo, the ancient name give to the area of Tanah datar regency, which is well known as the center of the old Minangkabau Kingdom. 

Tingkah Adoh Dance

• Adok is kind of percussion instrument like tambourine though is bigger in size. It is commonly used to accompany Minangkabau folk song. In this dance the adok are rhythmically beaten by the dancers to accompany the dynamic movements of the dance. 

Plate Dance on Broken Glass 

• This dance describes how farmers cultivate their wet rice-field or sawah beginning from digging the land, ploughing, planting , harvesting, taking the crop home, until pounding the rice. When the farmers get a successful crop, they will enjoy themselves in a cheerful festivity. Every body has the chance to demonstrate whatever special proficiency he or she has jumping and dancing on the glass fragments symbolically means that men who are honest have to bravely face all risks. Plates in Minangkabau symbolize property and the happiness of a home. 

Sewah Dance The movements

• of this dance are based on the acts and movement of the traditional Minangkabau self-defence which is called "Pencak Silat". The dynamic music and movement of the dance reflects how optimistic and energetic the Minangkabau people are in facting the various challenges of life, especially when they are away from home. The used of Sewah or long knife is used in the dance.

Rambun Pamenan 

• Rambun Pamenan is an old tale which is popular among Minangkabau people. Rambun Pamenan was a brave and honest young man who had once to fight for a beautiful girl. The girl's ring was stolen by some naughty boys when she and her sisters were playing together. As she could not go back home without her ring, her sisters had left her alone, while the naughty boys still played around her and teased her. Eventually, Rambun Pamenan appears and fight the boys. He wins the fight and gives back the girl's ring.

Pencak Silat 

• Silat is the term for the arts of self-defence. The Silat of Minangkabau is very original, as all movements seen in nature, in accordance with the philosophy of Minangkabau " Alam Takambang jadi Guru " which means Nature is the Teacher. No movements are taken from other self-defence arts such as Kungfu, Karate,Taekwondo, and so on. Names are given to some movements of Minangkabau silat like " Kuciang Bagaluik " which means Cat Game and "Tangkok Harimau" or tiger catching etc.

Indang Dance

• Indang or Rebana is the local name for a small tambourine. The use of Indang in the traditional dance of West Sumatra shows that there is an influence of Islamic culture on the original Minangkabau's culture. Islam culture was brought to Minangkabau, West Sumatra by merchants from Arabia and Persia simultaneously with the coming of Islamic teaching to this country in the 14th century. All the dancer commonly become absorbed in their dynamic movements while beating the Indang so as give rhythm to the movements and the song. They sing together along with dance. All the words of the song are usually about the history of the prophet Muhammad or advice according to Islam teaching. Now a days the also give general advice. 

Umbrella Dance

• Bendi is the local name for two wheel horse drawn cart which can take 3 to 4 passengers. This old fashioned vehicle is very popular for short distance transportation on villages as well as in towns. It is a custom for a newly married couple to visit their close relatives or to go to picnic places for the pleasure for e few days the wedding. The use Bendi as the Have to Pass small paths in villages. This dance descry ibes a newly married couple and their companions go to Sunga Tanang a scenic place for a honeymoon, locates on the slopes of mount Merapi near Bukittinggi. The umbrella is a symbol of the protection given by the bridegroom to his new bride.

Selendang Dance

• Selandang is kind of shawl. This dance is usually done by youngsters at a party or feast just for pleasure. Wearing a shawl, and Malay style dress does not mean that the dance is influenced by the Malay culture. It is an original Minangkabau dance for the Minangkabau tribe and it is said to originate from the Malay race. Also the music accompanying the dance resembles Malay music

Ragam Andalas Dance 

• This is a combination of various dances from different parts of Sumatra which is also known as Andalas Island. It starts with a traditional dance from Aceh, and then goes to East Sumatra or Deli, Tapanuli, Riau, West Sumatra, Jambi, South Sumatra, and finally ends with dance from Lampung a province at the very tip of South Sumatra. The dance done by boys and girls in pairs is very energetic, and dynamic in nature.

Saman Dance Officially Recognized by Unesco as World Heritage

UNESCO officially recognized Aceh’s traditional Saman Dance as an intangible element of world cultural heritage during a session in Bali on Thursday.

The decision was announced during the sixth session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, taking place in Bali from Nov. 22 to 29.

“The UNESCO secretariat, and then NGOs and experts, have checked the documents[on Saman Dance], and we proposed them to the session in Bali this morning,“ Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry spokesman I Gusti Ngurah Putra said in a press statement on Thursday.

“And thank God [Saman] was declared as having met the requirements. Saman hasbeen officially included in the list of intangible cultural heritage, whichneeds UNESCO’s urgent protection,” he added, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia proposed the UNESCO listing of the Saman Dance in March 2010.

Indonesia hosting UNESCO meeting on cultural heritage

Indonesiais hosting the 6th session of the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at Nusa Dua, Bali, on Nov 22-29.

Indonesia has been elected by acclamation as chief of the committee and host ofthe meeting by 24 would-be host countries at the committee`s fifth session in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2010, the deputy for cultural affairs to the education and culture minister, Wiendu Nuryanti, said in a press conference here on Tuesday.

"Indonesia sees intangible cultural heritage as a strategic issue and Indonesia itself has a wide range of cultural heritage," she said.

The session will bring together more than 500 delegates from 137 parties to the2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage,leading international non-governmental organizations, and experts in culture.

Indonesia has been the 83rd party to the convention since January 15, 2008.Since then, it has been actively participating in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

Indonesia was appointed a member of the 24-nation inter-government committeef or a four-year term at the general assembly of parties to the convention in Paris in July last year.

The convention is aimed at protecting intangible cultural heritage, such astradition, language, arts show, custom, knowledge and traditional handicraft.

Tips On Food Handling

• Avoid cross contamination.  Wash your hands every time before coming into contact with food.  Wash hands/utensils after handling raw meat, fish, or poultry.  

• Wash your hands often.  Use soap and water to wash, and paper towels or clean cloth towels to dry your hands.  Research has proven that frequent hand washing is the most effective way to prevent food-borne illnesses.

• Keep perishable foods refrigerated or frozen until they are used.  Thaw frozen items in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or a microwave (as part of the continuing cooking process).  Marinate food in the refrigerator.

• Make sure the temperature in your refrigerator is below 40 degrees F.  Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and check it often.  Adjust the thermostat to a cooler setting if necessary.

• Examine foods and all date labeling.  Buy foods with the longest period to the expiration date.  Don't buy food items if the packaging is damaged.  Throw away foods that don’t look and smell fresh.  A change in the odor or appearance of foods is often a sign of spoilage.  Throw away eggs with cracked shells.

• Be sure cutting boards and knives are thoroughly scrubbed and washed with soapy water after each use.  These items can easily transfer disease-causing bacteria from raw meats and poultry to vegetables, fruit, or cooked meat.  Use different cutting boards for raw and ready-to-eat foods.

• Don’t use marinades that have come into contact with raw meat or poultry as dips or for basting.  If you want to use the marinade for these purposes, boil it first or prepare a separate portion for that use.

• Store raw meat, poultry, and fish in the meat drawer of your refrigerator or in tightly sealed plastic bags to prevent juices from leaking onto other foods.  Thaw frozen meats, fish and poultry in a pan on the lowest shelf so that juices won't drip on other foods.

• Cover ready-to-eat foods in the fridge to protect them from cross-contamination by raw meats or unclean surfaces.

• Use effective and protective plastics for freezing foods.

• Use a meat thermometer to be sure meats are thoroughly cooked, especially ground meats from combined sources, like hamburger.  Beef, lamb and pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F.  Juices should run clear and there should be no sign of pink inside the meat.  Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 170 (breasts) to 180 (whole birds and thighs) degrees F.  The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a safe cooking temperature chart on their website. (exit DHS)

• Cook all seafood.  Avoid eating raw fish, raw clams, oysters, and mussels.  The US Food and Drug Administration recommends cooking seafood to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F for 15 seconds.

• Cook eggs until the whites are firm and the yolks begin to harden.  Don’t eat foods that contain raw eggs such as cookie dough, egg dressings, eggnog, or homemade mayonnaise.  Pasteurized egg products are available that can be used safely to prepare these foods.

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold until they are served.  To prevent illness hot foods should be held at 140 degrees F or higher and cold foods should be held at 40 degrees F or lower until they are served.

• Cool foods rapidly before storage.  If you are preparing large quantities of food for later use, cool the food rapidly.  Some methods include: placing the container in an ice-water bath, dividing the food into several small containers before refrigerating, including ice as an ingredient, stirring with an ice wand, and providing greater air circulation around the product container.