Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Ujung Kulon National Park


The Ujungkulon National Park consists of several areas for different attractions. Trekkers can enjoy the village of Taman Jaya's natural sights. Beach and water sports enthusiasts frequent

Peucang and Panaitan islands, its white sand beaches and coral reef shores hold a fascinating world of marine life. While the forest areas of Peucang and Panaitan shelters an abundance of wildlife, some of which graze and play around the lodges.



Contact Information: Jl. Ujung Kulon No 36/155A Bandung

Situ Patenggang


One of the famous resorts in West Java, Situ Patenggang (Situ means "Lake") is located within an hour car ride to the south of the Bandung's city border. The eastern side of the lake sports a cool forest with an average temperature of 10 degrees C and is often hazy the whole day. The north side is bordered by the lush greeneries of tea plantation.

Situ Gunung


Located in the district of Cisaat, 14 kilometers from Sukabumi, Situ Gunung is a natural lake surrounded by damar trees and provides a suitable site for camping.

Siawat-awat at Gunung Gede


Located by the hills of Gunung Gede, the lake lies strategically near a waterfall and a hot water spring. A perfect place for camping.

Peucang Island


The unique and delightful island of Peucang lies in clear blue waters off the north western coastline of the Ujung Kulon Penninsula. its white sand beaches and coral reef shore hold a fascinating world of marine life. It?s a part of Ujungkulon National Park.

Pelabuhan Ratu


A beautiful beach resort with international-level accomodation like Samudera Beach Hotel, and is strategically placed near a recreational area called Karang Hawu.

Pangandaran Beach


Pangandaran beach is the local choice for recreational heaven. Consisted of a national park, marine park, beautiful coastal sights and white-sanded beaches, it?s a perfect destination for weekend warriors.

Kayaking on Citarik River


The Citarik River which is conveniently situated an hour away from Bandung and a short drive from Jakarta, offers a gentle I6 km run through volcanic gorges and jungle, and is an excellent introduction to kayaking. The river is fed by a spring that runs down from Mount Halimun, so it flows all year round with clear water. The best time for adrenaline-thrills is during the rainy season, October to April. The biggest rapid, Cibaregbeg, can definitely push your pulse rate up in a big flow

Karang Bolong Beach


Ideal for sightseeing, the beach derives its name from the giant coral that has a huge, gaping hole. Hence the name Karang (Coral) Bolong (Hole).

Kampung Naga


In spite of its proximity to modern society, Kampung Naga has retained its traditional customs over the centuries. A small village in the beautiful mountains of the Salawu District, it?s located about 30 km from Tasikmalaya.

Kamojang Peak


Aside of being a resort, the peak is utilized as the biggest steam-powered electric generator in Indonesia.

Jatiluhur


Is actually a resort around the Jatiluhur dam built for irigation and power-generating purposes. Popular among the locals for water-related fun and activites, such as boating and fishing.

Diving Spot: Panaitan Island


Also a part of Ujungkulon National Park, Panaitan islands? rugged coastline and wide sandy beaches shelter several scuba diving reefs.



For more information, you can contact

Jl. Ujung Kulon No 36/155A

Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

+62 22 2036480

Carita Beach


A great place for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, and underwater photography, this resort offers a complete set of facilities including restaurants, accommodation, motorboats, and diving equipments. Located in West Banten, Labuhan district, regency of Padeglang, which is accessible by any land transportation and takes about 3 hours drive from Jakarta.

Batu Tulis Ciaruteun


An inscribed stone written in the Sanskrit language, it's a relic of Tarumanegara kingdom during the reign of King Purnawarman in 450 A.D. Located on the bank of the Ciaruteun river in Ciampea village, you can reach it by going along the 9-km road from Bogor to Ciampea by car, followed by trekking for about two kilometers.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)


Situated at Jalan Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, TMII, which literally means `Beautiful, Miniatured Indonesia Park,` shows just that. Cultures, arts, and ethnicity from all over the archipelago are exhibited in the park.
There?s also the Sky Lift cable-cart that allows a bird?s eye view of Indonesia in the literal meaning, as we can see the water plantation below us, which are cut and shaped, as a map of the archipelago.

Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM)


Located on Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, TIM is the Jakarta?s cultural center, which sports performance halls, auditorium, exhibitional halls, art workshop, and a theater. There?s also a planetarium.

Museum Komodo


Built in the form of Komodo Dragon, the only prehistoric giant lizards found exclusively on Indonesia?s Komodo Island. It exhibits dioramas depicting the fauna of insects and wild animals. Located at Taman Mini and open daily from 8.00 - 15.00 WIB.

Kepulauan Seribu National Park


You can reach the National Park by taking sea transportation between Ancol and Pulau Bidadari, or from Tanjung Priok Port to Panggang Island. A chartered boat can also leave anytime from Ancol?s Marina.

Bidadari Island


Located in Seribu Island, about 20-40 KM away from Jakarta, the island is accessible by motor boat with a capacity of 70 passengers, or a speed boat with the capacity of 6 passengers. Both trips won't take more than an hour.



A preferred choice for divers in the region.

Ancol Beach


Located in north Jakarta, this beach is famous around the locals. People come over to swim, fish, sail, or ride motorboats.

Accessible by public transportation, it takes about a 15 minute from the center of the City (The National Monument). The management provides facilities such as a cottage, a bar, a restaurant, souvenir shops, a parking lot, and a motor boat rental.

Way Kambas National Park


Way Kambas National Park (130.000 ha) lies on Sumatra's southeast coast in the province Lampung and easily reachable with the ferry from Java. It consists of swamp forest, lowland rainforest, mangrove forests, dry beach forests, Nibung swamps and vast areas of grass-land. The park is famous for his Sumatran Elephants of which a large number comes from the Elephant Training School . Moreover, the reserve supports over 270 species of birds.

Pugung Archeological Sites


Pugung Archeological Sites Located in Pugung Raharjo village 40 kms northeast of Bandar Lampung is a site of megalith and pre-historic

Monday, December 8, 2008

Ubud


The center of Balinese painting, Ubud?s Museum "Puri Lukisan" has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century.

Another museum called "Neka Museum" has a wide collection of paintings done both by Indonesia and foreign aritsts who used to live in Bali.

Trunyan


This ancient village can be accessed from the shores of Kedisan, reachable by a road from Penelokan. People who call themselves "Bali Aga," or original Balinese who have maintained many of their old ways, inhabit the village.

Tenganan


Village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders. Here unique rituals offering dances, and gladiator-like battles between youths take place. Tenganan is famous for its "double ikat" woven material called gringseng, which is supposed to protect the wearer with magic powers.

Tanah Lot


One of Bali?s most important sea temples, the sanctuary is built atop a huge rock surrounded by sea. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in beautiful silhouette.

Sanur Beach


Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar and elsewhere. The palmlined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean to wards the east. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities. It is only a shot distance from Denpasar public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into night.

Pura Tirta Empul


Built around the sacred spring at Tampak Siring and is over 1000 years old. People have been using the temple and its two bathing places for good health and prosperity because of the spring water?s curative powers.

Pura Maospahit


Being situated in the village of Tonja, east Denpasar, Pura Maospahit is easily reachable by car.

Pura Jagatnatha


This Pura is dedicated to the Supreme God Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons, which are prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world. Located at Denpasar.

Peliatan


Located between Ubud and Mas, it has been known as the centre of traditional music and dances, as well as woodcarving arts.

Nusa Dua


The Nusa Dua beach resort is a part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south.

The most convenient form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by taxi.

Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park


A place to visit if you?re into forest sightseeing. You can reach the Forest Park by car, taking a road to Benoa Port from the Ngurah Rai Airport.

Menjangan Island


This little island off Bali?s west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it. The island itself, including Terima Bay, is worth a visit because of the scenery it offers.

Lawah Cave


Lawah Cave is nine kms from Klungkung it is also famous as Goa Lawah or bat cave. The roof is covered with thousands of bats and its entrance is guarded by a temple believed to be founded by a sage nine centuries ago.

Kuta Beach


Once alonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a popular beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets.

Kintamani


The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan give a view of the active Mount Batur and Lake.

Goa Gajah


Dates back to the 11th century, Goa Gajah is believed to have been built as a monastery. Excavations have uncovered a bathing place with six statues of nymphs holding waterspouts.

Besakih


Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali," the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and most sacred of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.

Bedugul Resort


Aside from the golf course, Bedugul also offers good, fun activities at the Lake Bratan. Boats are available for hire. Or if you're into something more active, you can try water skiing or parasailing.

For those wishing to take their time in enjoying Bedugul, there are bungalows and a restaurant around.

Bedugul Golf Course


The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Bratan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight to behold is the Ulun Danu temple which sems to rise out of the lake.

Don't let that miss your putt, though.

Bedugul Botanical Garden


Famous for its variety of rare flora, it?s located about 3 km from Beratan Lake.

Bali National Park


Famous for its White Jalak (Leucapsar Rot Childii), a rare species of bird, it is located at the west part of the island and occupies about 77,000 ha of land. Other protected species include wild oxen (Boss Javanisus).

Bali Barat National Park


Bali Barat National Park lies at the western side of Bali and is 77000 ha some 10% of Balis total land area. The park is the last refuge of one of the most endangered birds of the world: the Bali Starling. Bali Barat is mountainous and consists of primary monsoon forest mangrove forest savannah and coral islands. The peninsular Prapat Agung with its extensive web of footpaths is the most accessible part of the park. Here at Tegal Bunder you will find the Bali Starling Recovery Project where the PHPA is trying to reintroduce Bali Starlings. Pulau Menjangan an island north of the mainland part of the park is an excellent place to explore the coral reefs.

Adrenaline Quests in Bali


From water sports to bungee jumping, Bali has it all. Unfortunately, no river in Bali is suitable for rafting.
Bali used to be known as surfers? paradise until the popular beaches like Kuta get too crowded. However, hardcore surfers could get one of the locals to lead them to some hidden breaks not less challenging than Ulu Watu.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Merak Belantung Beach


Located 40 kms south of Bandar Lampung on the way to the seaport of Bekauheni. The beach is ideal for swimming and wine surfing. Cottages and equipment for wind surfing are available.

Betung Bay


The management prepares scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, watching some turtles hatcling, rowing and fishing activities to be enjoyed in Betung bay, western Lampung, Tanjung Karang. Accessible by any transportation.

Krakatau


An uninhabited island Krakatau is located on the southern part of the Bay of Lampung. Krakatau is reachable in three hours by boat from Canti, a fisherman village near Kalianda, South Lampung. This group of islands consists of four islands, one of them is called Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) which has grown higher every year. Anak Krakatau has emerged from the bottom of the sea between three other islands

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

BANTEN

Banten is one of the young provinces in Republic of Indonesia. This region is situated in west Java. It can be reached about an hour from Jakarta. It's feel unbelievable, after the busy toll-way and hectic Jakarta as metropolitan city; we enter small and charming Banten. This city has a lot of treasure to whom that likes history. Such as the ruins of Surosowan Palace, Kaibon Palace, 'Masjid Agung Banten' [Banten Great Mosque, enlisted in Moslem's pilgrimage in Indonesia], Speelwijk fortress and Chinese temple Avalokiteshvara, and the harbor of Banten, Karanghantu [devil rock's harbor] that still used nowadays already existed since centuries ago. From this place, Sultan Banten's troopers took fight against the pirates and take defense from the Dutch.

Along with the prevailing regional government changing, in respect to the insistence of Banten People's aspiration to demand the separation from West Java Province, and after long process based on Law Number 23 Year 2000 concerning on Formation of Banten Province dated 17th October, 2000, established Banten Province as the 30th Province. Banten Province consists of 4 Regencies and 2 Cities, 94 Districts, 128 sub districts and 1,339 Villages. Geographically, the location of Banten Province is strategic because of the link between Java Island and Sumatra Island as well as the capital of Republic of Indonesia and West Java Province as a potential market of Banten's products.

The economic sector, that have a great potential resources and various to be developed, namely sectors in agriculture, industry/trade, tourism, mining/exploration, and also supported by the availability of variety natural resources in great amount. Industry sector contribute more than 52 % from total of Banten's GRDP, because in Banten there are 17 Industrial Zones equipped by good facilities and managed by professional private companies.

Banten is one of the newest provinces in Indonesia and also one of the richest. The province combines many of the most important Industrial Zones in Indonesia and also has the extended recreation areas along the western coast of Java and in south the Ujung Kulon National Park and the mountainous areas that are home to the Baduy people. Banten has the easiest access to Jakarta being merely an enclave in this province.

This province uses its own unique culture and language, both called Sundanese that is also used to call its people. The ancient kingdoms of Banten are Tarumanegara, Pajajaran, Banten and Cirebon would make interesting studies for the student of archaeology. Cirebon is located on the border between West and Central Java, having a mixed culture originating from the ancient Cirebon and Banten kingdoms, resulting in similar customs and dialects of the two people, although Banten city is located at the extreme western part of the province. Banten city on Banten Bay was one of the first places to begin trade with the Dutch. There is little to see of the past glories of this area today with the exception of the Grand Mosque, which was completed in 1599 and is certainly worth a visit.

The Province has a great number of attractions, from the wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the southwestern tip of Java and the isolated communities of the mysterious Baduy to the unspoiled beaches. The villages are busy and attractive and the pace of life gets slower as we move towards the National Park in the southwest. From any point along the western coast we can see the "son of Krakatau" volcano, which rises impressively from the sea. Banten offers many different recreational experiences. The trip to Anyer area from Jakarta is now quick and easy because of the toll road, which connects Merak port with Jakarta. As we move further south along the west Java coast the lifestyle becomes more relaxed and after Labuan we move into more rural areas where the road conditions worsen and the lifstyle is relaxed. Here access to the forest areas begins and we can move back in time and enjoy the peace of nature. There is a bus each day from Labuan to Taman Jaya, which is on the edge of Ujung Kulon national park. There are simple cabins can be hired and a ranger can then take us on a walk into the park. It takes about six hours to reach a camping site.

Geography
The total area of Banten is 8,800.83 Km2, consisting of 4 Regencies and 2 Cities, which are divided into as follows:
- Serang Regency: 1.724,09 km2
- Lebak Regency: 2.859,96 km2
- Pandeglang Regency: 2.746,88 km2
- Tangerang Regency: 1.110,38 km2
- Cilegon Town: 175,50 km2
- Tangerang Town: 177,20 km2 _
Banten region is surrounded by Java Sea in the North. Sunda Straits in the West, and facing the India Ocean in the South. These make Banten as a region with very great of sea product resources.

Demography
Total population in 2001 was 8,258,055 persons, consists of 4,231,079 men (51.24%) and 4,026,976 (48.76%). The densely populated regency is in Tangerang with its total population 2,873,256 persons. The highest density Region is Tangerang City 7,362.26 persons/Km2 in 1990 until 2001 period. Population growth from increased at 2.99%/year. Total workforce or aged 15 years above in 2001 was 3,330,224 or 52.57%.

The coastal city of Banten, 75 kilometers west of Jakarta on the northern coast of Java, was one of the Asia's largest cosmopolitan trading harbors in the 16th and 17th century. Ships visited its port from Malacca, China, Vietnam, India, Arab, Portugal and Netherlands. At its peek, it was almost as important as Amsterdam. Nowadays Banten is only a small fishing village. There are still old buildings left which are worth a visit for someone who is interested in the history of Indonesia before and during the colonial times.

RIAU

Riau province is one of the fastest growing parts of Indonesia in terms of economic, population and tourism. Riau Province occupies the central part of eastern region on Sumatra Island, which straddles between Malacca Straits, South China Sea and Berhala Straits. The Province is a strategic region as it directly faces Malacca Straits and Singapore, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

Riau is one of the richest provinces in Indonesia. This province is rich with natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas, rubber, and palm oil. The majority of the province is heavily forested lowland; logging is a major industry in the province.

Geographically
Geographically, Riau Province lies on 445' North Altitude up to 115' South Longitude or 10003' up to 10919' Greenwich and 650' up to 145' West Longitude Jakarta, with natural borders as follows:
North side: North Sumatra Province, Malacca Straits
South side: Jambi Province
West Side: West Sumatra Province
East side: Riau Archipelago

Administratively
Riau Province is administratively divided into 9 Regencies (Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Kampar, Kuantan Singingi, Pelalawan, Rokan Hilir, Rokan Hulu, Siak) and 2 cities (Pekanbaru, Dumai), with Pekanbaru as the capital city.

Climate
This region is dominantly characterized by the sea climate with average temperature of 30°C at day and 23°C at night throughout the year. Rainy season falls on November (sometimes October) up to April while dry season begins in July. Riau has tropical climate and in general is classified into climate type "A" with relatively high rainfall, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 mm per year in average.

Topography
Most areas in Riau are lowland plain, including alluvial islands scattered along coastal line with average elevation less than 200 m above sea level. In mainland region, there are four big rivers, i.e. Rokan River, Siak River, Kampar River and Indragiri River. These rivers spring from Bukit Barisan mountain range stretching along the border Riau Province and West Sumatra Province, and flow down to Malacca Straits. The rivers play an important role as the means of transportation, sources of irrigation, energy, and clean water as well as fishery resources. Archipelagic region of Riau, on the other hand, is formed of volcanic formation in the form of islands, big and small. The soil is in general of Organosol type (Histosol), containing much organic substance. Wide Area
The territorial size of Riau Province is 329,867.16 km consisting of land area 94,561,61 Km2 and water area 235,306,00 Km2. Riau population is 4,948,000 (2000 census).

BENGKULU

Bengkulu is the smallest and lowest populated province of Sumatra. Bengkulu province is located on the southwest coast of Sumatra. It occupies of 19,831 sq. km area and has about one million populations, comprising mostly Rejang, Malay, Bugis and Chinese ethnic ancestry people. Bukit Barisan mountain range constitutes its northeastern border, beyond which laid of South Sumatra province and Jambi province. The province protected by a stretch of mountains, which soon flow into the mighty Bukit Barisan. Tigers and elephants wander through the remains of the original rainforest, where exotic rafflesia's and orchids grow.

The British founded Bengkulu in 1685. It is a university town and administrative centre. It is the last territory in Indonesia to be held by the British. Fort Marlborough, constructed in 1762, is a castle with gatehouse that contains old gravestones with English inscription. Sir Stamford Raffles, who later found Singapore, was lieutenant - government of Bengkulu from 1818 to 1823.

Thomas Stamford Raffles was an important figure in Bengkulu history, which in 1817 was appointed as a Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen, the only territory in the area, which the Dutch had never managed to bring under their control. Raffles was an extraordinary and energetic man of wide-ranging interests. In the year of his arrival, he and a botanist named Joseph Arnold discovered the world's largest flower, at Manna River near Lubuktapi, in South Bengkulu. The flower is now known as Rafflesia Arnoldi and is the official symbol of Bengkulu province.

Tabah Penanjung, an hour drive into the hills above Bengkulu is a nature reserve where rafflesias are often found. Mt Bukit Kaba, near the hill town of Curup can be climbed in a day from Bengkulu.

Geographically
Geographically, Bengkulu is located between 2o and 5o South Latitude and between 101o and 104o Eastern Longitude. This Province is bordered by:
East Side: Jambi Province
West Side: Indian Ocean
South Side: Lampung Province and Indian Ocean
North Side: West Sumatra Province

Administratively
Bengkulu Province is divided among 1 municipality and 3 districts, with Bengkulu as its capital city.
Temperature
Its humidity is 87% and the rainfall ranges 3,598 mm per year. The temperature of this area ranges between 22.2o C and 31.1o C.

Demography
Bengkulu Province has an indigineous community consisted of Manna, Muko-Muko, and Minang. A transmigration program supports a migration flow to this province. The population density of this province was 68 people per Km2. Compared to the average national population growth amounted to 2.144% per year; this province was on the higher level with 3.42% per year in the 1990-1994.

Population
Bengkulu province is located on the southwest coast of Sumatra. It occupies of 19,831 sq. km area and has about one million populations, comprising mostly Rejang, Malay, Bugis and Chinese ethnic ancestry people.

Wide Area
Bengkulu province area is 21,168-sq.km widths. Bukit Barisan mountain range constitutes its northeastern border, beyond which lie in South Sumatra and Jambi provinces.

GORONTALO


Like an old city in Gorontalo Province that build on 19 March 1728 (municipality, 20 Mays 1960) broadly 64,79 ha and on 0 - 500 m sea level temperature 250 C, make this town as important place in Tomini Bay with Manado with its Bunaken Island in north and Palu with its Togian Island in south side, the location of town with number of residents 200 men which 85 % is Moslem, as strategic purpose. Gorontalo is known "Culture City" which able to be seen through the variety tradition, dance, music, and it legend. The friendly people apply Gorontalo language and Indonesia in their habitually, also famous with souvenir " Krawang Embroidery". Journey to and from Gorontalo is easy: through diffraction land line apply transportation with bus, through sea line can be served two passenger ships like KM TILONGKABILA and direct ferry ship in port Gorontalo, through air line can apply Bouraq and Merpati Airlines to Jalaludin Gorontalo Airlines only 20 minutes from the downtown. And in his own town you can apply the public transportation wherever you go or you also can apply famous traditional gig.

Supermarket and market, dispensary, photograph studio, souvenir shop, bank, hotel, travel agent and restaurant offering Bithebiluhuta traditional foods, make the ex town that mastered by Dutch and only 15 minutes to Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, as fascination tourism objects. Otanaha Fortress as omission object of 14century located in the beautiful lake, and the contour relation of lake and mountain make Gorontalo nature is completely fascination. With the friendly, we greet the visitors.

PAPUA


Papua is one of Indonesia province comprising a majority part of the western half of New Guinea Island and nearby. The province originally covered the entire western half of New Guinea, but in 2003, the western portion of the province, on the Bird's Head Peninsula, was declared in Jakarta as separate province named West Irian Jaya. The legality of this separation has been disputed, as it appears to conflict with the conditions of the Special Autonomy status awarded to Papua in the year 2000. The status of West Irian Jaya province is not yet resolved as of early 2006.

Papua is the official Indonesian and internationally recognized name for the province. During the colonial era the region was known as Dutch New Guinea. The province was known as West Irian or Irian Barat from 1969 to 1973, and then renamed Irian Jaya ("Victorious Irian") by Soeharto. This was the official name until Papua was adopted in 2002. Today, natives of this province prefer to call themselves Papuans rather than Irianese. This may be due to etymology (variously identified as a real etymology or a folk etymology) the name of Irian, which stems from the acronym Ikut Republik Indonesia, Anti Nederland (join/follow with the Republic of Indonesia, rejecting The Netherlands). The name West Papua is used among Papuan separatists and usually refers to the whole of the Indonesian portion of New Guinea.

The capital of Papua province is Jayapura. Most of the population depends on subsistence farming, especially the cultivation of rice and maize. The main industries include copper (with the largest concentration of copper in the world at Tembagapura), palm oil, copra, maize, groundnuts, pepper, tuna, gold, oil, coal, and phosphates. It is mostly a mountainous and forested region, with the Maoke Mountain range rising to 5,029-m/16,499 ft at Jaya Peak. The population comprises Melanesians (original settlers of Western New Guinea), Papuans, Negritos, and Europeans. Indigenous animism prevails. The province declared independence from Indonesia, as West Papua, in June 2000. However, the president of Indonesia stated that the declaration was unrepresentative of true feeling in the province.

Geographically
A central East-West mountain range dominates the geography of New Guinea, over 1600 km in total length. The western section is around 600 km long and 100 km across. Steep mountains 3000 to 4000 m and up to 5000 m high along the range ensure a steady supply of rain from the tropical atmosphere. The tree line is around 4000 m elevation and the tallest peaks are snowbound year round.

Both North and West of the central ranges the land remains mountainous mostly 1000 to 2000 m high covered by thick rain forest and a warm humid year round climate. The third major habitat feature is the southeast lowlands with extensive wetlands stretching for hundreds of kilometers.
Mamberamo River sometimes referred to the "Amazon of Papua" is the province's largest river, which winds through the northern part of the province. The result is a large area of lakes and rivers known as the Lakes Plains region. The famous Baliem Valley, home of the Dani people is a tableland 1600 m above sea level in the midst of the central mountain range; Jaya Peak, sometimes known by its former Dutch name Carstensz Pyramid, is a mist covered limestone mountain peak 5030 m above sea level.
Wide Area
The wide area of Papua is 420,000 sq km/162,000 sq mi.

Population
Papua population based on 2000 est. is 2,220,900. It has some 240 different tribal peoples, each with its own language and culture. Indigenous Papuans in West Papua and Papua New Guinea speak some 15% of the world's known languages. West Papua together with the rest of the island of New Guinea, are the lungs of the Asia-Pacific, containing the last great surviving virgin rainforest after the Amazon.

Demographics
The population of Papua province and the neighboring West Irian Jaya, both of which are still under a united administration, totaled 2,646,489 in 2005. Since the early 1990s, Papua has had the highest population growth rate of all Indonesian provinces at over 3% annually. This is partly a result of high birth rates, but also from immigration from other regions in Indonesia.

According to the 2000 census, 78% of the Papuan population identified themselves as Christian with 54% being Protestant and 24% being Catholic. 21% of the population was Muslim and less than 1% were Buddhist or Hindu. There is also substantial practice of animism by Papuans, which is not recorded by the Indonesian government in line with the policy of Pancasila.

Ecology
A vital tropical rainforest with the tallest tropical trees and vast biodiversity, Papua's known forest fauna includes marsupials (including possums, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, cuscuses), other mammals (including the endangered Long-beaked Echidna), many bird species (including birds of paradise, cassowaries, parrots, cockatoos), the world's longest lizards (Papua monitor) and the world's largest butterflies. The island has an estimated 16,000 species of plant, 124 genera of which are endemic.
The extensive waterways and wetlands of Papua are also home to salt and freshwater crocodile, tree monitor, flying foxes, osprey, bats and other animals; while the equatorial glacier fields remain largely unexplored.

In February 2006, a team of scientists exploring the Foja Mountains, Sarmi, discovered numerous new species of birds, butterflies, amphibians, and plants, including a species of rhododendron, which may have the largest bloom of the genus. Ecological threats include logging-induced deforestation, forest conversion for plantation agriculture (especially oil palm), small holder agricultural conversion, the introduction and potential spread of non-native alien species such as the Crab-eating Macaque, which preys on and competes with indigenous species, the illegal species trade, and water pollution from oil and mining operations.

Regions
Indonesia structures regions contains of regencies and sub districts within those. Though names and areas of control of these regional structures can vary over time in accord with changing political and other requirements, in 2005 Papua province consisted of 19 regencies. The regencies are: Timika, Yapen - Waropen, Biak - Numfor, Nabire, Puncak Jaya, Paniai, Jayawijaya, Merauke, Sarmi, Keerom, Waropen, Tolikara, Yahukimo, Bintang Mountain, Boven Digoel, Mappi, Asmat, Supiori, and Jayapura. In addition to these, Jayapura city also has the status of regency.

Government
Papua province has governed by a directly elected governor (currently Barnabas Suebu) and a regional legislature, DPRP (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Papua). A unique government organization that only exists in Papua is the MRP (Majelis Rakyat Papua / Papuan People's Council) that was formed by the Indonesian Government in 2005 as a coalition of Papuan tribal chiefs, tasked with arbitration and speaking on behalf of Papuan tribal customs.