SOUTH SUMATRA

South Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatera Selatan) is a province of Indonesia. It is located in the southern part of Sumatra Island, east of the Bukit Barisan Mountains. It spans 91,592.43 km² (35,364 sq mi) and had a population of 7,450,394 at the 2010 Census; the latest official estimate is 10,675,862 (as at May 2015). The capital of the province is Palembang.

History

Prehistoric era

South Sumatra has been settled by humans since the Palaeolithic era. The evidence of those settlements is proven by some discoveries of Palaeolithic tools in the riverbed of Saling and Kikim rivers in Bungamas Village, Lahat Regency. Seventy eight skeletons dating back to 3,000-14,000 years ago, presumably of Austronesian and Austromelanesoid race have been excavated from the site of Harimau Cave in Padang Bindu Village, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency.Relics of seven stone chambers believed to be about 2,500 years old were found near a coffee plantation in Kotaraya Lembak, Lahat Regency.Around 300 BC, the Deutero-Malay people arrived in this region and pushed the native people inland.

Srivijaya era

Around 7th century AD, an ancient Buddhist kingdom of Srivijaya was established in an area known today as Palembang. It once controlled a large part of what is now Indonesia, Malaysia and Southern Thailand, effectively ruled the Malacca Strait, and controlled the trade in that region. In 1025, it was defeated by the Chola Empire (during the period of Emperor Rajendra Chola I) of southern India.Srivijaya's capital eventually moved northward to Jambi. After its eventual fall in 14th century AD, some small kingdoms were established in South Sumatra. However, there was virtually a power vacuum in the region since there was no prominent power to hold the region except for the waning Majapahit Empire, itself centered in Java island. The vacuum allowed pirates to flourish in the region.

Palembang Sultanate, Dutch, and World War II

In the 16th century AD, the Palembang Sultanate was established by Ki Gede Ing Suro, a politician who fled from Demak Sultanate. Clashes with the Dutch had occurred since the 17th century until the sultanate was abolished in 1825 when the Dutch gave a final blow to the final Sultan of Palembang, Sultan Ahmad Najamuddin. Southern Sumatra was occupied by the Japanese in January 15, 1942 after the Battle of Palembang in World War II.

After independence

After the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, South Sumatra became a part of Sumatra Province as a residency with Adnan Kapau Gani as the resident. On January 1, 1947, the Dutch tried to gain its sovereignty over South Sumatra by invading Palembang. Since then, fighting ensued across South Sumatra until Indonesia's independence was recognized by the Dutch on December 27, 1949. The area occupied by the Netherlands in South Sumatra was incorporated into South Sumatra State under the United States of Indonesia until the disbandment of the union and the founding of the republic. On September 12, 1950, South Sumatra province was established with a territory much larger than it is today, as it encompassed several provinces that were eventually given autonomy: Lampung was carved from the southern part of the province in 1964, Bengkulu from the coastal western part of the province in 1967, and Bangka Belitung from the titular islands on December 4, 2000.

Geography

The province is located in the southeastern portion of the island of Sumatra. The majority of its area consists of low-lying plains filled with plantations, forest, marshes and mangroves in coastal areas. The natural environment of South Sumatra is hot and humid tropical rain forest. However, most of these forest has been cleared out to make way for oil palm plantation for palm oil production. The Bukit Barisan mountain range is located on the western edge of the province and forms the border with the neighbouring Bengkulu province. The mountains are the source of river systems that drain eastward to the Bangka Strait and South China Sea. The largest among these rivers is Musi River, the longest river in Sumatra.
The administrative area of the province borders the provinces of Lampung to the south, Bengkulu to the west, and Jambi to the north. Off the east coast are the islands of Bangka and Belitung, which were split from South Sumatra province to form the new province of Bangka-Belitung in 2000.
The climate of South Sumatra is quite suitable for palm oil industries, including palm estate and rubber industries.

Tourism

• Ampera Bridge is the first bridge that constructed to cross the wide Musi River. It is also Palembang's landmark. The bridge is constructed as war compensation from Japan. It was a bascule bridge till 1970s, notable for its center parts that can be lifted up.
  

• Great Mosque of Palembang. This grand mosque has been renovated a few times already. Now it is a very large and beautiful mosque. In some sections of the mosque you can see old Srivijayan style architecture. It is located in front of the main roundabout in Palembang which you will pass coming from the Ampera Bridge.

• Benteng Kuto Besak the old fort located on Musi riverbank. It is the first fort in Indonesia that constructed by the locals (in this case the Palembang Sultanate; not by a colonizer like British or Dutch) that met European standards for defensive fort.
  

• Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum, located near Benteng Kuto Besak. The museum building is in Palembang Limasan traditional architecture, displaying the history of Palembang city, from the era of Buddhist Srivijaya empire to Palembang Sultanate and colonial era.

• Balaputradewa Museum, named after the greatest Srivijayan king, displaying the history of ancient South Sumatra till post-colonial era.

• Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat, abbreviated Monpera, literally 'People's Struggle Monument'. Located besides Ampera, it is a remembrance of the Independence War that take place from 1945-1949. The monument has a museum inside it.

• Dekranasda Sumsel, though every provinces in Indonesia has a Dekranasda office, but in Palembang it is located inside a huge complex of culture park. Here you can see many beautiful traditional buildings that still in good condition, though the place is largely abandoned with grasses covering the pathway.

• Kemaro Island, a small island in the Musi river delta east of the city centre. It is famous for its origin legend, the love story of a Chinese prince and a Palembang princess that die together there. There is a pagoda in the island. Every year Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh is celebrated here.
  

• Sriwijaya Kingdom Archaeological Park, known locally as TPKS (Indonesian: Taman Purbakala Kerajaan Sriwijaya) or Karanganyar Site, is an archaelogical site in Karanganyar, Gandus. It is the ancient remnants of garden and habitation area near the Musi River. Archaelogist have found many artifacts dated from 7th to 13th century suggesting that the site was an urban centre of the Srivijayan Empire. Though so many artifacts discovered here, you cannot see building remnants here. Some scholars suggest this is due to use of wood, as in and around the place there are no hard stone either good soil for making bricks. The museum displaying artifacts is in the complex. Its provide English translation and flyers for brief information.

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BENGKULU

Bengkulu, historically known as Bencoolen or British Bencoolen,is one of the Provinces of Indonesia and is located in the southwest coast of Sumatra. It was formed on 18 November 1968 by separating out the former Bengkulu Residency area from South Sumatra (Sumatra Selatan) province under Law No. 9 of 1967 and was realized by Government Regulation No. 20 of 1968. Spread over 19,813 km², it is bordered by the provinces of West Sumatra (Sumatra Barat) to the north, Jambi to the northeast, Lampung to the southeast, South Sumatra (Sumatra Selatan) to the east, and the India Ocean to the northwest, south, southwest, and west.
Bengkulu is the 25th largest province by area; it is divided into nine regencies and the separate city of Bengkulu, the capital and largest city. Bengkulu is also the 26th largest province by population in Indonesia. According to a release by Badan Pusat Statistik, it has the eleventh highest Human Development Index among the provinces, with a score about 0.744 in 2013. By 2014, the province positions 28th highest in gross domestic product and 20th highest in life expectancy, 70.35 years.
Bengkulu Province comprises not only land on southwest Sumatra, but also includes Mega Island and Enggano Island in the Indian Ocean. Bengkulu has 525 kilometres of coastline along the Indian Ocean on its western side, from Dusun Baru Pelokan in Muko-Muko Regency to Tebing Nasal in Kaur Regency. Bengkulu is home to many natural resources such as coal and gold, and has big and potential geothermal resources. In addition, it is less developed than other provinces in Sumatra.

Etymology

Traditional sources suggest that the name Bengkulu or Bangkahulu derived from the word bangkai and hulu which means 'carcasses located in an stream'. According to the story, there was once a war between small kingdoms in Bengkulu, resulting in many casualties from both sides in the streams of Bengkulu. These casualties soon rotted as they were not buried, lying in river streams. This etymology is similar to the story of a war between the Majapahit Empire and the Pagaruyung Kingdom in Padang Sibusuk, an area once ruled by the Dharmasraya empire, which also derives the name Padang Sibusuk from casualties rotting on the battlefield.

History

The region formed part of the Buddhist Srivijaya empire in the 8th century, but this south-west Sumatran part was never under any big local patronage as of neighboring Palembang or Jambi Sultanates. There were only few smalls ‘kedatuan’ based on ethnicity such as in Sungai Serut, Selebar, Pat Petulai, Balai Buntar, Sungai Lemau, Sekiris, Gedung Agung and Marau Riang. It was then once a vassal region of Banten Sultanate (from Western Java) and since 17th century was ruled by Minangkabau’s Inderapura Sultanate (today’s in Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra Province).
The first European visitors to the area were the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch in 1596. The English East India Company established a pepper-trading center and garrison at Bengkulu (Bencoolen) in 1685.In 1714 the British built Fort Marlborough, which still stands. The trading post was never profitable for the British, being hampered by a location which Europeans found unpleasant, and by an inability to find sufficient pepper to buy. It became an occasional port of call for the EIC's East Indiamen.

If anything the rest of Sumatra and for the most part of Indonesia was under Dutch East Indies, then Bengkulu was the lone exception in that it belonged to British (English East India) until an Anglo-Dutch Treaty in 1824. Sir Stamford Raffles was here, as were other British governors, as well as a number of monuments and forts. Despite their difficulties, the British persisted, maintaining their presence for roughly 140 years before ceding it to the Dutch as part of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 in exchange for Malacca.Bengkulu then remained part of the Dutch East Indies until the Japanese occupation in World War 2.

During Sukarno's imprisonment by the Dutch in the early 1930s, the future first president of Indonesia lived briefly in Bengkulu.Here he met his wife, Fatmawati, who bore him several children, one of whom, Megawati Sukarnoputri, became Indonesia's first female President. During early independence, Bengkulu was included in the older 'South Sumatera' Province with Lampung, the Bangka-Belitung Archipelago and what became South Sumatera itself, as a Residency. It finally gained its provincial status in 1968 as the 26th province (prior to the last province: East Timor).
Bengkulu lies near the Sunda Fault and is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. The June 2000 Enggano earthquake killed at least 100 people. A recent report predicts that Bengkulu is "at risk of inundation over the next few decades from undersea earthquakes predicted along the coast of Sumatra" A series of earthquakes struck Bengkulu during September 2007, killing 13 people.

 

Tourism 

Fort Marlborough, the second biggest fortress built by British's EIC in Asia. It is built on the beginning of 19th century. The fortress is well preserved and contains a museum in it. You can also view the sunset from here. 

Thomas Parr Monument, located near the Fort Marlborough. It is a monument that was erected in memory of Thomas Parr, a British governor that was assassinated by a local slave. 

Hamilton Monument, a monument memorizing British commander who was killed during the war. 

British Cemetery, remains of old 17th-19th century British cemeteries. There are still fifty pale headstones. 

Soekarno House, the first to-be Indonesian president was exiled to Bengkulu by the Dutch on 1930's. The house is still standing and can be visited at Jl.Soekarno. You can see old books, old costumes, and old bicycle used by him during the exile. 

Fatmawati House, the old house of Soekarno's wife. 

Fort York, old British fortress. Unline Fort Marlborough, not much remains.

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JAMBI

Jambi

Jambi is a province of Indonesia. It is located on the east coast of central Sumatra and its capital is Jambi. The province has a land area of 50,058.16 km², and it has a population of 3,092,265 according to the 2010 Census;by January 2014 this had risen to 3,412,459.

History

Jambi was the site of the Srivijayan kingdom that engaged in trade throughout the Strait of Malacca and beyond. Jambi succeeded Palembang, its southern economic and military rival, as the capital of the kingdom. The movement of the capital to Jambi was partly induced by the 1025 raid by pirates from the Chola region of southern India, which destroyed much of Palembang.
In the early decades of the Dutch presence in the region (see Dutch East India Company in Indonesia), when the Dutch were one of several traders competing with the British, Chinese, Arabs, and Malays, the Jambi Sultanate profited from trade in pepper with the Dutch. This relationship declined by about 1770, and the sultanate had little contact with the Dutch for about sixty years.^{[citation needed]}
In 1833, minor conflicts with the Dutch (the Indonesian colonial possessions of which were now nationalised as the Dutch East Indies) who were well established in Palembang, meant the Dutch increasingly felt the need to control the actions of Jambi. They coerced Sultan Facharudin to agree to greater Dutch presence in the region and control over trade, although the sultanate remained nominally independent. In 1858 the Dutch, apparently concerned over the risk of competition for control from other foreign powers, invaded Jambi with a force from their capital Batavia. They met little resistance, and Sultan Taha fled upriver, to the inland regions of Jambi. The Dutch installed a puppet ruler, Nazarudin, in the lower region, which included the capital city. For the next forty years Taha maintained the upriver kingdom, and slowly reextended his influence over the lower regions through political agreements and marriage connections. In 1904, however, the Dutch were stronger and, as a part of a larger campaign to consolidate control over the entire archipelago, soldiers finally managed to capture and kill Taha, and in 1906, the entire area was brought under direct colonial management.
Following the death of Jambi sultan, Taha Saifuddin, on April 27, 1904 and the success of the Dutch controlled areas of the Sultanate of Jambi, Jambi then set as the Residency and entry into the territory Nederlandsch Indie. Jambi's first Resident OL Helfrich was appointed by the Governor General of the Dutch Decree No. 20 dated May 4, 1906 and his inauguration held on July 2, 1906.

World Heritage Site

May 2011: The Jambi provincial administration is striving to have the ancient Muaro Jambi temple site at Muaro Jambi village in Maro Sebo District, Muaro Jambi Regency, recognized as a world heritage site.
The site was a Buddhist education center that flourished during the 7th and 8th centuries and is made from bricks similar to those used in Buddhist temples in India.

Tourism 
Muaro Jambi. Seat of the Melayu Kingdom in the 4th-13th centuries, and Sumatra's largest archaeological site. 
Bukit Duabelas National Park. Some of the last reamining lowland rainforests in Sumatra, and home to the nomadic Orang Rimba tribe. 
Taman Tanggo Rajo alongside Sungai Batanghari River bank, free entrance. Taman Tanggo Rajo is a kind of park alongside Sungai Batanghari river bank. If you go there in the afternoon, you can find a lot of snacks like grilled corn, bakso, chicken noodle, and sugar cane juice. 

Kerinci Mountain. Gunung Kerinci is located in the border of the Kerinci Regency of Jambi province and South Solok Regency of West Sumatra province. It is the highest active volcano in Indonesia, last erupting in 2009, and is the peak of Sumatra island at 3805 meters above sea level. Kerinci Seblat National Park surrounds the mountain. Mount Kerinci can also be accessed from Padang. While you're there, check out the Kayu Aro tea plantations.

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RIAU

Riau

Riau (Jawi: رياو‬), is a province of Indonesia. It is located in the central eastern coast of Sumatra along the Strait of Malacca. Until 2004 the province included the offshore Riau Islands, a large group of small islands (of which the principal islands are Batam and Bintan) located east of Sumatra Island and south of Singapore, before these islands were split off as Riau Islands Province in July 2004. The provincial capital of Riau Province and its largest city is Pekanbaru. Other major cities include Dumai, Selat Panjang, Bagansiapiapi, Bengkalis, Bangkinang, Rengat and Siak Sri Indrapura. The province shares land borders with North Sumatra to the northwest, West Sumatra to the west, and Jambi to the south.
The total area for Riau province is 87,023.66 km² , which stretches from the slopes of the Bukit Barisan to the Strait of Malacca. Riau has a wet tropical climate with average rainfall ranging between 2000-3000 millimeters per year, and the average rainfall per year is about 160 days.
Riau is currently one of the richest provinces in Indonesia and is rich in natural resources, particularly petroleum, natural gas, rubber, palm oil and fibre plantations. Extensive logging and plantation development in has led to a massive decline in forest cover Riau, and associated fires have contributed to haze across the larger region.
Since the 1970s, much of Indonesia has experienced a decline in population growth rates. Riau has been a significant exception, with increasing rates every decade since 1970 to a 4.35 percent annual rise for the 1990s;however, this rate slowed significantly during the subsequent decade. The provincial population was 5,538,367 at the 2010 census.and according to the estimate for January 2014 this had risen to 6,358,636.

History

Prehistoric Period
Riau allegedly has been inhabited since the period between 10,000-40.000 BC. This conclusion was taken after the discovery of tools from the Pleistocene period in the river basin of the Sengingi River in Kuantan Singingi District in August 2009. The stone tools found, among others, the printing ax, the perimbas, the serut, the shale and the core stone which is the basic material of the drawing tool and flakes. The research team also found some wooden fossils predicted older than the stone tools. Suspected human users of tools found in Riau is pithecanthropus erectus as has been found in Sangiran, Central Java. The discovery of this evidence proves there is an older life in Riau which has always been referring to the discovery of Muara Takus Temple in Kampar.

Precolonial Period
At the beginning of the 16th century, Tome Pires, a Portuguese explorer, noted in his book, Summa Oriental that the cities on the east coast of Sumatra between an area he called the Arcat (around Aru and Rokan) to Jambi were merchant ports dominated by kings from what is now West Sumatra.In the area, Minangkabau traders established trading villages along the Siak, Kampar, Rokan and Indragiri Rivers, and local residents established semiotonomic empires that were given freedom to manage their internal affairs but were required to pay tribute to the Minangkabau kings . One of the many famous kampongs is Senapelan which later developed into Pekanbaru, which is now the provincial capital.
The history of pre-colonial Riau was dominated by several autonomous kingdoms which controlled various regions in Riau. The earliest kingdom, the Kingdom of Keritang, is thought to have appeared in the sixth century, with an estimated territory located in Keritang, Indragiri Hilir. This kingdom was once a conquered territory of Majapahit, but as it incorporated the teachings of Islam, the kingdom is also controlled by the Sultanate of Melaka. In addition to this kingdom, there is also the Kingdom of Kemuning, the Inner Empire of Six Tribes, and the Kingdom of Indragiri, all allegedly centered in Indragiri Hilir.
Sultante Era
Indragiri Sultanate
The Indragiri Sultanate was founded in 1298 by King Merlang I, uniquely located in Indragiri, but in Melaka. Government affairs are left to the traditional authorities. New to the reign of Narasinga II circa 1473, Indragiri kings began to settle in the center of his government in the Old City.In 1815, under Sultan Ibrahim, the royal capital was moved to Rengat, now the capital of Indragiri Hulu Regency. It was at this time that the Dutch began to interfere with Indragiri's internal affairs, including by appointing a Young Sultan based in Peranap.
With the treaty of peace and friendship signed on 27 September 1938 between Indragiri and the Netherlands, the Indragiri Sultanate became the zelfbestuur of Dutch protection, led by a controleur who held absolute authority over local power.

Siak Sultanate
Siak Sri Inderapura Sultanate was founded by the Little King of Pagaruyung in 1723. Siak soon became a dominant great power in the Riau region: on the order of the Raja Kecil, Siak conquered Rokan in 1726 and built a maritime fleet on Bintan Island. But the aggressiveness of the Little King this was immediately matched by the Bugis people led by Yang Dipertuan Muda and King Solomon. The Little King was forced to unleash its influence to unite the islands off the east coast of Sumatra under the banner of Siak, although between 1740 and 1745 he recovered and conquered several areas of the Malay Peninsula.
In the late 18th century, Siak has been transformed into a dominant force on the east coast of Sumatra. In 1761, Sultan Abdul Jalil Syah III entered into an exclusive agreement with the Dutch, in trade matters and the right to the sovereignty of his territory, as well as assistance in the field of armaments. Although there was a dualism of leadership within the imperial body of the empire that initially had no conflict between them, King Muhammad Ali, favored by the Dutch, later became ruler of Siak, while his cousin King Ismail, disliked by the Dutch, emerged as King of the Sea, controlled the eastern waters Sumatera to the South China Sea, building strength in the cluster of Pulau Tujuh. In 1780, Siak conquered the Langkat area, including the Deli and Serdang regions. Under the terms of their cooperation agreement with the VOC, in 1784 Siak helped the Dutch troops to attack and subdue Selangor, and beforehand they had cooperated to extinguish Raja Haji Fisabilillah's rebellion on Penyengat Island.

Dutch Colonial Period
The local Siak people could not resist the aggressive Dutch invasion. The Dutch narrowed the sovereign territory of the Siak by establishing a residency in Riau (Residentie Riow) at Tanjung Pinang, under the rule of the Dutch East Indies. The residents were to monitor the coastal areas of Sumatra. The Sultan of Siak, tied to an agreement with the Netherlands, could not intervene. Siak influence was further weakened by tensions between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (the latter dominating the Straits of Malacca) at strategic areas on the east coast of Sumatra. The Sultan of Siak was forced to surrender Siak territory to the Netherlands in an agreement in July 1873, where power was handed to the Dutch Bengkalis. At the same time period, Indragiri began to be influenced by the Dutch (although the latter only managed to control Batavia in 1938), and Dutch dominance of the Siak was a factor of the outbreak of war in Aceh. The Netherlands also quickly abolished smaller kingdoms on the coast that were not subjects. On the coast, the Netherlands moved quickly abolished the kingdoms that still have not been subject. Finally, the Netherlands managed to impeach Sultan of Riau-Lingga, Sultan Abdul Rahman Muazzam Shah in February 1911.

Japanese Occupation
Riau became a prime target for occupation during the Japanese invasion. Rengat was occupied on March 31, 1942. The rest of Riau was then swiftly subjugated under Japanese rule.
Legacy of the Japanese occupation include a now abandoned 300 km railway line connecting Muaro Sijunjung and Pekanbaru, completed through forced labor by hundreds of thousands of Riau locals.

Post-War
At the beginning of the independence of Indonesia, the former Riau Residency area merged and incorporated in the province of Sumatra, based in Bukittinggi. Along with the crackdown of PRRI sympathizers, Central Sumatra was divided into three provinces, namely North Sumatra, Central Sumatra, and South Sumatra. At that time, Central Sumatra became the strongest base of PRRI, this situation caused the central government to make a strategy to break down Central Sumatra with the aim to weaken the movement of PRRI.Selanjutnya in 1957, based on Emergency Law No. 19 of 1957, Central Sumatra was divided into three provinces, Riau, Jambi and West Sumatra. Then the newly formed Riau province area is the former territory of Siak Sri Inderapura Sultanate and Residency of Riau and added Kampar previously occupied by Japanese troops put into Rhio Shu region.
Riau had become one of the areas affected by the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia in the late 1950s. The central government held Operation Firm under the leadership of Kaharuddin Nasution, who later became the governor of this province, and managed to quell the remains of PRRI sympathizers.
After the fall of the Old Order, Riau became one of the milestones of the New Order's economic development. In 1944, NPPM geologist Richard H. Hopper and Toru Oki and his team discovered the largest oil well in Southeast Asia at Minas, Siak. This well was originally named Minas No. 1. Minas is well known for its good and low sulfur Sumatran oil.] In the early 1950s, new wells were discovered in Minas, Duri, Bengkalis, Pantaicermin, and Petapahan. Oil exploitation in Riau began in Siak Block in September 1963, with the signing of a work contract with PT California Texas Indonesia (now Chevron Pacific Indonesia). This province was relied upon as a contributor of 70 percent of national oil production in the 1970s
Riau is also the main destination of the transmigration program launched by the Soeharto government. Many families from Java moved to newly opened palm oil plantations in Riau, thus forming a community of its own that is now quite significant.
After the security situation gradually recovered, the central government began to consider moving the provincial capital from Tanjung Pinang to Pekanbaru, geographically located in the middle. The government finally established Pekanbaru as the new provincial capital on January 20, 1959 through Kepmendagri no. December 52 / I / 44-25.
In 1999, the second son of the first Djasit Riau took up his parent's post and served as governor in the Provincial Parliament. He was succeeded by former Regent of Indragiri Hilir, Rusli Zainal, who was elected in 2004 and 2008, and then succeeded by Annas Mahmun. Both Rusli Zainal and Annas Mahmun were removed from post and jailed following corruption scandals. Arsyadjuliandi Rachman, nicknamed "Andi", is the current governor of Riau.
Riau is under review by the Indonesian government for reorganisation.

Tourism

Jemur Island

Located approximately 45 miles from the capital Rokan Hilir District, Bagansiapiapi, and 45 miles from neighboring countries namely Malaysia, while the province of North Sumatra is the closest province of Jemur Island. Jemur Island is actually a cluster of islands consisting of several islands, among others, Pulau Tekong Emas, Tekong Simbang Island, Labuhan Bilik Island, and other small islands. The islands in Jemur Island is a circle, so the middle is a calm sea. In the north-western winter season, the sea waves in the Malacca Strait are very large, and usually local fishermen take shelter in the middle of Jemur Island, as the sea water in the area is calm. After the sea waves shrink or the storm decreases, then the fishermen come out to start fishing activities again. Jemur Island has beautiful scenery and panoramic views, besides this Jemur Island is very rich with the sea, and this island is used by turtles to keep their eggs under the layer of beach sand. In addition to the island Jemur there are also some other tourism potential of them are the Japanese Cave, lighthouse, the remains of Japanese defense, Panglima Screen stone, marine parks and golden sandy beaches.

Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park

Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park (TNBT) has an area of 144,223 Ha, with a lowland tropical rain forest ecosystem, the area is a transition between swamp forest and mountain forest with unique and different ecosystems compared to other national park areas is in Indonesia. Bukit Tiga Puluh is a hilly stretch separated from Bukit Barisan mountain range and bordering Jambi province, this area is catchment area to form small rivers and is upstream of big rivers in the surrounding area. Several types of fauna that can be found in Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park include: Sumatran Tiger, Sun Bear, Tapir, Siamang, Kancil, Babi Hutan, Rangkong, Kuaw, and various other animals. While the type of rare flora that is suspected endemic in the area is Rimau Fungi (Rafflesia haseltii). In addition to the habitat of various types of protected rare flora and fauna, the park is also a place to live and live some indigenous communities such as Talang Mamak, Anak Rimba, and Melayu Tua.

Junk Burning festival

 

The Junk Burning festival which is a traditional Chinese community ceremony located in Bagansiapiapi is the leading cultural tourism of Riau Province from Rokan Hilir Regency and has become a national tourism even famous to international.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Selatpanjang

The celebration of Lunar New Year is already part of the tradition in Selatpanjang City. Almost every year the celebration of Chinese New Year in this city is celebrated very festive even including the most festive Lunar New Year celebration in the province of Riau. Moreover, the local government of Meranti Islands District has also made the celebration of Imlek as one of the annual tourism assets that entered into the Riau Tourism Calendar. Tens of thousands of people both from within and outside Selatpanjang, even tourists from abroad such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, will flood the city of Selatpanjang to participate enliven Lunar New Year celebration. The highlight of the Lunar New Year celebration in Selatpanjang takes place on the 6th day of the first month of Chinese New Year, usually called Cue Lak in Hokkien, but the excitement begins on the 7th day of the week before the Lunar New Year falls.
The welcome of the Chinese New Year in Selatpanjang is centered in the Sakih Sejahtera Sakti Temple. At the height of the Lunar New Year celebration, coinciding with the birthday ceremony of the god 清水 祖師 Qing Shui Zu Shi. At this moment, the Chinese people believe that the god is coming down to earth with a view to expel the elements of evil and provide prosperity and tranquility for the citizens of Selatpanjang. For that special greeting was held by carrying the ladder of gods statue and paraded around the city through several other temples accompanied by attractions liong dance (dragon), and lion dance (lion) accompanied by Javanese cultural art, Reog Ponorogo. Celebration Cue Lak is also attended by the elders or people who are elected and possessed by the spirit of the gods who are usually called Thangkie, ie where the body or body of the person used as a communication tool or spirits of gods. This culture has in common with the people of Singkawang in West Kalimantan commonly known as Tatung.

Muara Takus Temple

Muara Takus Temple is located in Muara Takus Village, District XIII Koto Kampar, Kampar District. The distance is approximately 135 km from Pekanbaru City. The distance between this temple complex with the center of Muara Takus village about 2.5 km and not far from the edge of Sungai Kampar Kanan. This temple complex is surrounded by a wall measuring 74 x 74 meters. Outside the area there is also a 1.5 x 1.5 kilometer wall of land that surrounds this complex to the edge of Sungai Kampar Kanan. Inside this complex there are also buildings Old temple, Candi Bungsu, Mahligai Stupa, and Palangka. The building material of the temple consists of sandstone, river stone, and brick. According to local sources, the bricks for this building were made in Pongkai village, a village located downstream of the temple complex. The former excavation for the bricks is now considered to be a highly respected place for the population. To bring bricks to the temple, carried on a beranting from hand to hand. This story although not yet sure the truth gives the picture that the construction of this temple is done by mutual cooperation by the crowd. In addition to the Old Temple, Candi Bungsu, Mahligai Stupa, and Palangka, inside the temple complex is also found mound which is estimated as a place of burning human bones. Outside this complex there are also buildings made of brick, which can not be ascertained the type of building. Muara Takus temple complex, the only historical temple in Riau. This Buddhist temple is a proof of the existence of Buddhism in this region several centuries ago. Nevertheless, archaeologists have not been able to determine exactly when this temple was founded. Some say the eleventh century, some say the fourth century, the seventh century, the ninth century and so on.

Siak Sri Indrapura Palace

Siak Sultanate is the largest Malay Muslim sultanate in Riau. Achieved its heyday in the 16th century until the 20th century. In the genealogy, the Sultan of Siak Sri Indrapura Kingdom began in 1725 with 12 sultans who once reigned. Now as a historical evidence of the greatness of the Malay Muslim kingdom, we can see the royal heritage in the form of the Royal Palace of Siak built by Sultan Assyaidis Syarif Hasyim Abdul Jalil Syaifuddin in 1889 with the name Assirayatul Hashimah, complete with royal equipment. Now the Royal Palace of Siak Sri Indrapura is used as the storage of royal collection items such as: the seat of the golden throne of the kingdom, the crown duplicate of the Kingdom, the Kingdom safes, the Royal umbrella, the Royal spear, the comet as a rare item and according to the story there are only two in the world, and other goods.

Great Mosque of Pekanbaru

Pekanbaru Grand Mosque is located in Senapelan District has a very interesting traditional architecture and is the oldest mosque in Pekanbaru City. The mosque was built in the 18th century and as a proof of Siak Kingdom once stood in this city during the reign of Sultan Abdul Jalil Muazzam Shah and Sultan Muhammad Ali Abdul Jalil Muazzam Shah as the fourth and fifth sultan of the Siak Sri Indrapura Kingdom. In the Mosque area there is a well has a magical value to pay zakat or vows previously dihajatkan. Still in the area of the mosque complex we can visit the graves of Sultan Marhum Bukit and Marhum Pekan as the founder of Pekanbaru city. Marhum Bukit was Sultan Abdul Jalil Alamuddin Shah (4th Sultan Siak) ruled from 1766 - 1780, while Marhum Bukit around 1775 moved the royal capital from Mempura Siak to Senapelan and he died in 1780.

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WEST SUMATRA

West Sumatra

West Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatera Barat, abbreviated to Sumbar, Jawi: سومترا بارايق‬, Minangkabau: Sumatera Baraik) is a province of Indonesia. It lies on the west coast of the island of Sumatra. The latest official estimate for January 2014 shows a population of 5,098,790. West Sumatra is sub-divided into 12 regencies and seven cities. It has relatively more cities than other provinces in Indonesia, except Java province. Its capital is Padang.
It borders the provinces of North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) to the north, Riau and Jambi to the east, and Bengkulu to the southeast. It includes the Mentawai Islands off the coast.

History

The history of West Sumatra is related to the history of the Minangkabau people. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area surrounding the Limapuluh Koto regency forms the first area inhabited by the Minangkabau. Limapuluh Koto regency covers a number of large rivers which meet at the eastern part of the Sumatran coastline and provided sailing transportation until the end of the last century. The Minangkabau ancestors were believed to have arrived via this route. They sailed from Asia (Indo-China) via the South China Sea, crossing the Malacca Strait and later settled along the Kampar, Siak and Indragiri (or Kuantan) rivers. Some lived and developed their culture and traits around the Limapuluh Koto regency.
The first westerner to reach West Sumatra was the French explorer Jean Parmentier in 1529. However, the westerners who came for economic and political reasons were the Dutch. The Dutch commercial fleet was seen along the southern coast of West Sumatra between 1595 and 1598. Apart from the Dutch, other European nationalities also came to the region such as the Portuguese and the English.
The integration with migrants in the ensuing periods introduced cultural changes and an increase in population. Their settlement area gradually became diminished and eventually they spread to other parts of West Sumatra. A portion of them went to the Agam regency while others went to the now Tanah Datar regency. From those areas onward, further spread of the population occurred north of the Agam regency, in particular, the Lubuk Sikaping. Rao and Ophir districts. Most of them settled in the western area such as the coastline and some in the southern parts in Solok, Selayo and the surrounding areas of Muara and Sijunjung.
The history of the West Sumatra Province became more accessible at the time of the rule by Adityawarman. This ruler left considerable amount of evidence of himself, although he did not proclaim that he was the Minangkabau King. Adityawarman ruled Pagaruyung, a region believed by the Minangkabau to be the center of its culture. Adityawarman was the most important figure in Minangkabau history. Apart from introducing a government system by a ruling monarch, he also contributed significantly to the Minangkabau world. His most important contribution was the spread of Buddhism. This religion had a very strong influence in the Minangkabau life. The evidence of such influence found in West Sumatra today includes names such as Saruaso, Pariangan, Padang Barhalo, Candi, Biaro, Sumpur and Selo.
Since the death of Adityawarman in the middle of the 17th century the history of West Sumatra seems more complex. During that time, the connection of West Sumatra with the outside world, in particular, Aceh, became more intense. West Sumatra at that time was the political dominion of Aceh which also monopolized the economy of the area. Coupled with the intensive connection Islam entered into West Sumatra. The new faith eventually became fundamental to the social and cultural way of life in the region. Sheik Burhanuddin was regarded as the first preacher of Islam in West Sumatra. Prior to expanding the faith in the region, he was studying in Aceh.
The dominating influence of Aceh's politics and economy did not make the people of western coast of Sumatra happy. Ultimately, the growing dissatisfaction gave way to the acceptance of the Dutch although the presence of them also opened up a new chapter in the history of West Sumatra. The arrival of the Dutch in the region caused them to enter the era of colonialism in the very of essence of its meaning, which cause another discontent in the region, particularly among the Islamists, which eventually led into an armed rebellion against the Dutch.

Geography

West Sumatra lies in the middle of the western coast of Sumatra, and has an area of 42,130.82 km². Geographic features include plains, mountainous volcanic highlands formed by the Barisan mountain range that runs from north-west to south-east, and an offshore island archipelago called the Mentawai Islands. The West Sumatran coastline faces the Indian Ocean and stretches 375 km from North Sumatra province in the north-west to Bengkulu in the south-east. The lakes of West Sumatra include: Maninjau (99.5 km²), Singkarak (130.1 km²), Diatas (31.5 km²), Dibawah (14.0 km²), Talang (5.0 km²). The rivers of West Sumatra include: Kuranji, Anai, Ombilin, Suliki, Agam, Sinamar, Arau. The mountains & volcanoes of West Sumatra include: Kerinci (3,805 m), Marapi (2,891 m), Sago (2,271 m), Singgalang (2,877 m), Talakmau (2,912 m), Talang (2,572 m), Tandikat (2,438 m).
West Sumatra is one of the earthquake-prone areas in Indonesia, due to its location in the tectonic slab located between the confluence of two major continental plates (the Eurasian plate and Indo-Australian plate) and Great Sumatran fault, plus the activity of the active volcanoes. Large earthquakes that occurred recently in West Sumatra earthquake were the 2009 Sumatra earthquake and the 2010 Mentawai earthquake and tsunami.

Tourism

The prime tourist attractions of West Sumatra are the natural environment, and the culture and history of the Minangkabau and Mentawai people.
Natural attractions of the mainland include the tropical forests, mountains, volcanos, lakes, valleys, rivers & waterfalls in the highlands, the fauna and flora, and the beaches around Padang. Many areas are protected as part of national parks and reserves. The city of Bukittinggi is a popular central location in the highlands from which to explore the culture and history of the Minangkabau people, including architecture, crafts, dances, music and food. There are a number of museums and cultural centers. Pariaman has one of the famous festivals, Tabuik. The Mentawai Islands are a popular destination for surfers and those looking to experience the culture and more primitive lifestyle of the Mentawai people. For developing West Sumatra tourism, in 2006 the government opened tourist train railway service run between Padang – Padang Panjang – Sawahlunto. The Tour de Singkarak international cycling race had boosted the number of the foreign tourists to West Sumatra. The majority of the foreign tourists are Malaysians and Australian.
The favourite tourism places are :

• Jam Gadang – the clocktower in the downtown of Bukittinggi
• Panorama – Viewing to Sianok valley
• Air Manih beach – The beach that stretch from the north to south of Padang coastal
• Padang mountain
• Caroline beach
• Pagaruyung Palace in Batusangkar
• Harau valley
• Lake Maninjau
• Lake Singkarak
• Lake Diatas and Lake Dibawah
• Sikuai Island

There are 25 islands at Pesisir Selatan Regency potential to be tourist sites. Cubadak Island (9 hectares), Pagang Island (12 hectares) and Pulau Penyu (Turtle Island) have been developed well. At the northern part will be developed Semangki Besar Island, Semangki Kecil Island, Marak Island, Setan Terusan Island, and Karao Island. At the southern part will be developed Kerabak Ketek Island, Kerabak Gadang Island, and Kosong Island.
The traditional dance is "Tari Piring" or Plate Dance which is originally came from Solok, West Sumatra.

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NORTH SUMATRA

North Sumatra

North Sumatra (Indonesian: Sumatera Utara), is a province of Indonesia. It is located on the island of Sumatra, and its capital is Medan. North Sumatra is fourth most populous province in Indonesia after West Java, East Java and Central Java and the most populous Indonesian province outside Java, with over 13.5 million inhabitants in 2014.

History

The last seafarers that made it to Sumatra were the Dutch. A government of North Sumatra named Gouvernement van Sumatera with the area covering the whole of the island of Sumatra, headed by a governor who is based in the city of Medan.
After independence, the first session of the National Committee of Regions (KND), Sumatra was then divided into three sub-provinces namely North Sumatra, Central Sumatra and South Sumatra. North Sumatra province itself is an amalgamation of three administrative regions called residency namely: Residency of Aceh, East Sumatra Residency, and residency of Tapanuli.
With the publication of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia (R.I.) No. 10 Year 1948 on April 15, 1948, it was determined that Sumatra is divided into three provinces, each of which has the right to organize and manage their own household, namely: North Sumatra, Central Sumatra Province, and South Sumatra Province. Date 15 April 1948 subsequently determined as the anniversary of North Sumatra Province.
In early 1949, the reorganization of government back in Sumatra. With the decision of the Government Emergency R.I. No. 22 / Govt / Emergency Government on May 17, 1949, abolished the post of Governor of North Sumatra. Furthermore, the Government Emergency Decree R.I. on December 17, 1949, established the province of Aceh and Tapanuli Province / East Sumatra. Then, with a Government Regulation in lieu of Law No. 5 Year 1950 on August 14, 1950, such provisions shall be lifted and reshaped North Sumatra Province.
Act R.I. No. 24 of 1956, promulgated on December 7, 1956, established an autonomous region of Aceh province, independent of the province of North Sumatra.
Geography

The province of North Sumatra stretches across the island of Sumatra between the Indian Ocean and the Strait Malacca. It borders Aceh province on the northwest and Riau and West Sumatra provinces in the southeast. It has an area of 72,981  km². The province contains a broad, low plain along the Strait of Malacca on which the provincial capital, Medan, is located. In the south and west, the land rises to the mountain range that runs the length of Sumatra; the mountains here are dominated by Lake Toba, formed from the caldera of an ancient volcano. Several large islands in the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Sumatra are currently part of North Sumatra, most notably Nias Island and the Batu Islands.
There are 419 islands in North Sumatra province. The outer islands is the island Simuk (Nias), and the island Berhala in the Strait of Sumatra (Malacca).
Nias archipelago consists of the island as the main island and other smaller islands in the vicinity. Nias Islands located off the coast of western Indian Ocean. Administration center located in Gunung Sitoli.
Batu Islands consist of 51 islands with four major islands: Sibuasi, Pini, Tanahbala, Tanahmasa. Pulautelo administrative center on the island Sibuasi. Batu Islands located in the southeast of the island of Nias. Other islands in the North Sumatra: Imanna, Pasu, Bawa, Hamutaia, Batumakalele, Lego, Masa, Bau, Simaleh, Makole, Jake, and Sigata, Wunga.
In North Sumatra, there are currently two national parks, the Gunung Leuser National Park and Batang Gadis National Park. According to the Ministerial Decree, No. 44 of 2005, the forest area in North Sumatra today 3.74212 million hectares (ha). Which consists of a Natural Reserve Area / Natural Conservation Area covering an area of 477 070 ha, 1.29733 million ha of protected forest, limited production forest 879 270 ha, Permanent production forest 1,035,690 ha and production forest that can be converted covering 52 760 ha.
But this figure character is de jure alone. Because as a de facto , the existing forests is not covering it anymore. Happens a lot of damage due to encroachment and illegal logging. So far, over 206,000 ha of forest in Sumatra has experienced changes in function. Has been turned into plantations, transmigration. And of the total, as many as 163,000 ha of plantations and 42,900 ha for transmigration area.

Tourism
North Sumatra considered as one of top tourism activities in Sumatra Island, just below Riau Islands. According to Ministry of Tourism, North Sumatra is included on top 10 visited province in Indonesia. There are various kind of tourism place that could be found throughout the province, Berastagi is the best known as hilly place with a cooler temperature as the whole province is in tropical region. Lake Toba also the hilly area included a largest volcanic lake with an island in the center. Nias Island and other several islands nearby named Batu Islands is the best place for surfing cause a good sea waves. The capital itself, Medan, has many places of interest, mainly on historical tourism. The city also known for its great and various cuisine. The list below is the most known places of interest in North Sumatra:

Sipisopiso, North Sumatra

Surfing in Tello Island, Nias

• Medan is the capital of North Sumatra province with a diverse crowd population of tribes and religions in unity. There are many historical tourism objects to spot and various great culiner to taste in Medan.
• Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world. Located in the centre of North Sumatra, the lake can be reached via Parapat (Simalungun regency), Tongging (Karo regency), and Balige (Toba Samosir regency).
• Samosir Island is a volcanic island in middle of Lake Toba, It is a popular tourist destination due to its exotic Batak history and the vistas it offers. The tourist resorts are concentrated in the Tuktuk, Tomok, Simanindo, and Pangururan areas.
• Bukit Lawang known for the largest animal sanctuary of Sumatran orangutan (around 5,000 orangutans occupy the area), and also the main access point to the Gunung Leuser National Park from the east side.
• Nias Island is an island off the western coast of Sumatra. Nias is an internationally popular surfing destination of which many international surfing competitions are hold. The best known surfing area is Sorake Bay, close to the town of Teluk Dalam, on the southern tip. This is enclosed by the beaches of Lagundri and Sorake. Tourists can visit the island by plane from Medan, or by ferry from Sibolga.
• Bawomataluo village is a settlement in Teluk Dalam of the South Nias Regency of Indonesia. The village was built on a flat-topped hill, the name Bawomataluo meaning "Sun Hill", and is one of the best-preserved villages built in traditional style.^[13]
• Berastagi is a small highland town located 63 kilometers to the south of Medan, and is a popular weekend destination for city dwellers due to its chilled and fresh mountain air.
• Dolok Tinggi Raja has a unique soil color is white because it is located in a limestone hill that resembles snow, and also in the middle of this area there are lakes with hot blue-green colored water, located in Tinggi Raja, Simalungun.
• Lumbini Natural Park is a Buddhist Theravada-style temple that is similar to Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar located in Berastagi.
• Dua Warna Waterfall is a two-coloured waterfall located in Sibolangit, around 30 km from Medan city .
• Poncan Island is a resort including a beach, located on west offshore of Sibolga city.
• Berhala Island is a 2,5 hectares island located in the Malaka Strait near the boundary of Indonesia and Malaysia. It is a popular place for snorkeling and watching turtle nesting. Visitors can reach the island via boat from Sergei in the Serdang Bedagai regency.
• Sipisopiso, one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia, is located near Tongging in Karo regency, about 1 hour drive from Berastagi.
• Simalem Resort, is a 5 star resort located around 8 km from Munthe village, Karo Regency. This place is the good place for sighseeing the whole Lake Toba from top of the hill.
• Taman Iman, Indonesian name for The Garden of Faith located in Sitinjo village, Dairi around 10 km away from Sidikalang, it is a religious garden with dioramas from 5 religion of Indonesia (Islam, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Confucian)

• Bahal temple, an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Padang Bolak, Padang Lawas Regency, around 3 hours journey with car from Padangsidempuan. The temple is believed to be constructed between the 11th to 13th century AD.
• Sigura-Gura Waterfall located in Porsea, Toba Samosir Regency, this is a waterfall that has a height that reaches 250 meters.
• Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and Gallery, is a natural history museum in Medan. The museum displays various taxidermy collections of wildlife from the smallest to the largest according to the habitat.
• Tangkahan is a tourist site situated at the edge of the Gunung Leuser national park, around 20 km due north from Bukit Lawang, The main tourist draw at Tangkahan is the presence of Sumatran elephant.^[14]
• Salib Kasih, Indonesian name for Love Cross, located in Tarutung. The development objective of this cross-shaped monument is to commemorate the service and dedication of Dr. Ludwig Ingwer Nommensen which is a missionary from northern Germany. This Parks built on Dolok (Hill) Siatas Barita.^[15]
• Lingga is one of the village in the Karo Regency. Located at an altitude of about 1200 m above sea level, approximately 15 km from Brastagi and 5 km from the Kabanjahe. Linga is unique Karo traditional house and village that has been built an estimated of 250 years ago, but still sturdy.

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WELCOME IN SUMATRA

SUMATRA

Sumatra is an island in Southeast Asia that is part of the Sunda Islands. Sumatra has a wide range of plant and animal species but has lost almost 50% of its tropical rainforest in the last 35 years. Many species are now critically endangered, such as the Sumatran ground cuckoo, the Sumatran tiger, the Sumatran elephant, the Sumatran rhinoceros, and the Sumatran orangutan. Deforestation on the island has also resulted in serious seasonal smoke haze over neighbouring countries, such as the 2013 Southeast Asian haze causing considerable tensions between Indonesia and affected countries Malaysia and Singapore.

Etymology
Sumatra was known in ancient times by the Sanskrit names of Swarnadwīpa ("Island of Gold") and Swarnabhūmi ("Land of Gold"), because of the gold deposits in the island's highlands.The first mention of the name of Sumatra was in the name of Srivijayan Haji (king) Sumatrabhumi ("King of the land of Sumatra"),who sent an envoy to China in 1017. Arab geographers referred to the island as
Lamri (Lamuri, Lambri or Ramni) in the tenth through thirteenth centuries, in reference to a kingdom near modern-day Banda Aceh which was the first landfall for traders. The island is also known by other names namely, Andalas or Percha Island.

Late in the 14th century the name Sumatra became popular in reference to the kingdom of Samudra Pasai, a rising power until replaced by the Sultanate of Aceh. Sultan Alauddin Shah of Aceh, in letters addressed to Queen Elizabeth I of England in 1602, referred to himself as "king of Aceh and Samudra".The word itself is from Sanskrit "Samudra", (समुद्र), meaning "gathering together of waters, sea or ocean".Marco Polo named the kingdom Samara or Samarcha in the late 13th century, while the 14th century traveller Odoric of Pordenone used Sumoltra for Samudra. Subsequent European writers then used similar forms of the name for the entire island.

European writers in the 19th century found that the indigenous inhabitants did not have a name for the island.

History
The Melayu Kingdom was absorbed by Srivijaya.Srivijayan influence waned in the 11th century after it was defeated by the Chola Empire of southern India. At the same time, Islam made its way to Sumatra through Arabs and Indian traders in the 6th and 7th centuries AD.[13] By the late 13th century, the monarch of the Samudra kingdom had converted to Islam. Marco Polo visited the island
in 1292, and Ibn Battuta visited twice during 1345–1346. Samudra was succeeded by the powerful Aceh Sultanate, which survived to the 20th century. With the coming of the Dutch, the many Sumatran princely states gradually fell under their control. Aceh, in the north, was the major obstacle, as the Dutch were involved in the long and costly Aceh War (1873–1903).

The Free Aceh Movement fought against Indonesian government forces in the Aceh Insurgency from 1976 to 2005.Security crackdowns in 2001 and 2002 resulted in several thousand civilian deaths.

Geography
Sumatra is the largest island that is located entirely in Indonesia (after Borneo, which is shared between Indonesia and other countries), the 4th largest island entirely within a country and the sixth-largest island in the world at 473,481 km2 (not including adjacent islands such as the Riau Islands and Bangka Belitung Islands); which is 50% bigger than entire British isles (315,134 km2 (121,674 sq mi)). The longest axis of the island runs approximately 1,790 km (1,110 mi) northwest–southeast, crossing the equator nearthe centre. At its widest point, the island spans 435 km (270 mi). The interior of the island is dominated by two geographical regions: the Barisan Mountains inthe west and swampy plains in the east. Sumatra is the closest Indonesian island to mainland Asia.

To the southeast is Java, separated by the Sunda Strait. To the north is the Malay Peninsula (located on the Asian mainland), separated by the Strait of Malacca. To the east is Borneo, across the Karimata Strait. West of the island is the Indian Ocean.

The Great Sumatran fault (a strike-slip fault), and the Sunda megathrust (a subduction zone), run the entire length of the island along its west coast. On 26 December 2004, the western coast and islands of Sumatra, particularly Aceh province, were struck by a tsunami following the Indian Ocean earthquake. This was the longest earthquake recorded, lasting between 500 and 600 seconds.More than 170,000 Indonesians were killed, primarily in Aceh. Other recent earthquakes to strike Sumatra include the 2005 Nias–Simeulue earthquake and the 2010 Mentawai earthquake and tsunami.To the east, big rivers carry silt from the mountains, forming the vast lowland interspersed by swamps. Even if mostly unsuitable for farming, the area is currently of great economic importance for Indonesia. It produces oil from both above and below the soil – palm oil and petroleum.

Sumatra is the largest producer of Indonesian coffee. Small-holders grow Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) in the highlands, while Robusta (Coffea canephora) is found in the lowlands. Arabica coffee from the regions of Gayo, Lintong and Sidikilang is typically processed using the Giling Basah (wet hulling) technique,which gives it a heavy body and low acidity.

Flora and Fauna
Sumatra supports a wide range of vegetation types which are home to a rich variety of species, including 17 endemic genera of plants.Unique speciesinclude the Sumatran pine which dominates the Sumatran tropical pine forests of the higher mountainsides in the north of the island and rainforest plants such as Rafflesia arnoldii (the world's largest individual flower), and the titan arum (the world's largest unbranched inflorescence).



The island is home to 201 mammal species and 580 bird species, such as the Sumatran ground cuckoo. There are 9 endemic mammal species on mainland Sumatra and 14 more endemic to the nearby Mentawai Islands.There are about 300 freshwater fish species in Sumatra.There are 93amphibian species in Sumatra, 21 of which are endemic to Sumatra.

The Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, Sumatran elephant, Sumatran ground cuckoo, and Sumatran orangutan are all critically endangered, indicating the highest level of threat to their survival. In October 2008, the Indonesian government announced a plan to protect Sumatra's remaining forests.



The island includes more than 10 national parks, including 3 which are listed as the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra World Heritage Site – Gunung Leuser National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. The Berbak National Park is one of three national parks in Indonesia listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Regions
Sumatra is divided into ten provinces.

Aceh
The westernmost province of Indonesia which became world-famous overnight after the 2004 boxing-day tsunami. It is the country's most socially and religiously conservative province, and the only one to practice Islamic Sharia laws. SCUBA dive and snorkel on the island Pulau Weh in the north and Singkil on the south, relax for two or three days on the shore of tranquil Lake Laut Tawar in Takengon (Gayo Highlands) and do a trekking trip the wild jungles on the hills of Gunung Leuser National Park through Ketambe and Kutacane.

North Sumatra
A dynamic province where sizable shares of Christian and Muslim populations living together in peace for centuries. Pay a visit to orangutan sanctuary in Bukit Lawang, stop at Maimun Palace in Medan, Sumatra's largest city, watch the majestic Sipiso-Piso waterfall in Berastagi, circle the Lake Toba while making a stop at Tele to watch the sunrise above the lake, and meet semi-primitive
tribesmen of Nias.

West Sumatra
The land of Minangkabau people, very famous for their spicy cuisines. Here you can visit the historical city of Bukittinggi, amazed by magnificent scenery along Harau Valley and architectural marvels of Kelok Sembilan, relax on the shore of Lake Maninjau or cycling on the side of Lake Singkarak, surf through insanely strong waves on Mentawai, stroll around the exotic coal city of Sawahlunto as well as a visit to Pagaruyung Palace of Batusangkar.

Riau
Different from the rest of Sumatra that are commonly mountainous, this province is relatively flat. The overflowing oil brings in the wealth and prosperity to the whole province. Visit the largest remains of Srivijaya Empire, Muara Takus, of Kampar, visit the beautiful white-marble palace of Siak Sri Indrapura, and doa trekking trip to Tesso Nilo national park, famous of its Sumatran elephant
populations.

Riau Islands
Parts of Riau separated from the mainland Sumatra is recognized as a distinct province. Watch the sunset over Barelang Bridge of Batam, enjoy Chinese cuisine at Tanjungpinang, visit the remains of old sultanate in Penyengat Island, while you can also take extra miles to visit the pristine water of Natuna and Anambas where you can tell all of your friends "I was there before it was
discovered.".

Jambi
The centrally located province of Sumatra is practically unheard as a tourist destination. But do not overlook this sparsely populated province. Here you can hike to the top of Sumatra's highest peak, Mount Kerinci, while paying a visit to Kerinci-Seblat National Park, the last home of Sumatran
tigers. Near the capital, lies Muaro Jambi, the largest temple compound in Sumatra, where it is easy to spend the whole day.

South Sumatra
The bustling and prosperous province with strong blend of Melayu culture. This province was once the central seat for the mighty Srivijayan Empire. Visit Palembang, Sumatra's second largest city, to take the picture of Jembatan Ampera at night while enjoying unique local cuisine, continue to pleasant highlands of Pagaralam and Lahat, mountainous highlands dotted with valleys and
waterfalls.

Bangka Belitung
Separated from the Sumatra mainland, this province is very famous for the granite beaches. Swim in shallow water of amazing Tanjung Tinggi and Pantai Parai, snorkel across Tanjung Kelayang, sip acoconut, visit the old lighthouse of Lengkuas Island. For culture freaks, Manggar offers you a niche attractions of Laskar Pelangi, a widely celebrated Indonesian novel which has been translated into twenty-six languages.

Bengkulu
The province is isolated by Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park mountain range. It offers numerous historical attractions. Visit the Fort Marlborough, British Empire's second greatest fortress in Asia, and exile house of Soekarno, Indonesia's first president. You can also visit Bukit Kaba on the east or
just cross to Enggano Island, an unspoiled island in Indian Ocean with beautiful beaches.

Lampung
As the southernmost province of Sumatra, people enters Sumatra from Java through this province. Plan a trekking trip to Way Kambas National Park, the home of Sumatran elephants and rhinos, head to the west where you can find unspoiled beaches of Krui. On the south, the Kiluan Bay offers you dolphin sightseeing trip as well as hike the famous Mount Krakatau on Sunda Strait.

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