Pura Agung Giri Natha , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia

Pura Agung Giri Natha , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia

Pura Agung Giri Natha is the largest Hindu Temple in the city of Semarang ,located at Jalan Cleft No. 12 Village Dam Mungkur Gajah, Semarang ,Central Java, Indonesia.This Temple is situated on the Cleft Mount. Amidst hilly surroundings it’s a beautiful sight.This magnificent Temple is spread over approximately 2000 m2 area.

Pura Agung Giri Natha Temple is the main center for Ritual and Spiritual activities to all Hindu devotees living in Semarang area. People of Indonesia specially Hindus believe in "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa "(the "All-In-One God") . Religious rituals are generally aim to get Peace, Prosperity, Wealth, Seeking blessings and Moksh from " Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty).

Construction of Pura Agung Giri Natha Temple started during 1971 which  completed in different stages by Hindu Association of Central Java , Indonesia and was inaugurated by the Governor of Central Java H. Mardiyanto on 4th April 2004.

Ganeshaगणेश statue

Balinese Hindu Temple or Pura are designed as an open air place of worship within enclosed walls, connected with a series of intricately decorated gates between its compounds. This walled compound contains several Shrines, Meru (Towers), and Bale (Pavilions). The design, plan and layout of the Pura follows the Tri Mandala concept of Balinese space allocation. The Three Mandala zones are - 

Nista Mandala (jaba pisan) - the Outer zone, 

Madya Mandala (jaba tengah) -the Middle zone 

Utama Mandala (jero) - the Holiest and the most Sacred zone

The entrance Outer zone of the temple faces magnificent Door in Balinese Architecture prior entering to the Middle zone. This area is used for Social, Spiritual, Educational, Art and various Ceremonies.

Outer area is marked with beautiful Ganeshaगणेश statue. Stature is covered with Yellow Cloth as per Balinese style of worshiping.

Moreover, there is a Health and Reflexology Center run by an experience Physician as a social service to the community.

Now we enter in the Madya Manadalaमध्य मण्डल .This is a spiritual area used for Religious and Social activities. In this area you are welcomed by a Temple Pravesh Dwarप्रवेश द्धार (Entering Gate of the Temple) beautifully designed in Balinese Architecture .This intricate carved Red and Golden color door adorns statues of Dwarapalaद्धारपाल at the both sides of the entrance gate of the Temple as the Spiritual Guardians of the Madya Mandalaमध्य मण्डल.

 Beautiful Red - Gold color door in Balinese  Architecture displaying relief  Ornate carving

Dwarapalaद्धारपाल as the Spiritual Guardians of the Madya Mandalaमध्य मण्डल 

Back side of the Main entrance Dwarद्धार (Door)

Now we enters in the most sacred place which is protected and restricted by a wall fencing and Dwarpalasद्धारपाल who serves as Spiritual Guardians. Before the entrance there is a Kori Agung Gaint Head relief which is called Bhoma. It is also marked with other Deities , Wooden Bells and Kala Makra . This creepy and grin looking Giant face just before the entrance Gate has Spiritual and Philosophical belief that it guards the Sanctity of the Main Area from the Negative Elements.

Stone showing inauguration date 4th April 2004 on the Day Purnimaपूर्णिमा (Full Moon)

This area is the most sacred area for Prayer and Ceremony  Yadnya  (Yajna) यज्ञ . Yadnya (Yagna) यज्ञ Rituals are  performed to commemorate religious Holy Days such as -

Saraswati देवी सरस्वती Day - in respect of Dewi Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Literature. Rreading or writing is NOT allowed on this day, books are taken to the Goddess to seek blessings.

Pagerwesi -  celebrates Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru. Pagerwesi is the concluding day for the ‘Wealth’ series of celebrations that signifies Spiritual ‘Reinforcement’. Its name suggests ‘Iron Fence’ in English when  combining the words Pager and Wesi . It is considered that anything of high importance like soul and spirituality should be protected from destructive  / negative influences.

Galungan   - as an Anniversary of the victory of Dharmaधर्म (Truth) over Adharmaअधर्म (Evil).

 Kuningan  - Day roughly takes place 10 days after the Galungan celebrations. Offerings and prayers are conducted at Temples and Shrines before noon . Barong Dance is performed in front of the houses or around their village. The dance in earlier days symbolizes an effort to purify the village area, specially when  a disaster took place. Now a days it is an entertainment and continuation of Art and Tradition.

Siwaratri or Shivaratri शिवरात्री  is the night of the God Shiva. A time for holy contemplation and purification, the Balinese do not sleep for one night.

Nyepi Day -   Nyepi Day in Bali is a New Year’s celebration unlike anywhere else on the Planet. Also known as Bali’s celebration of the "Saka New Year" and the Bali Day of  "Silence and Seclusion" . It is ultimately the quietest day of the Year. On this day there is no transport on the roads , fire is not lit, no work is done and no one is seen on the roads. Silence is important so that the Spirits, which are suppose to arouse a night before, will think that Bali is empty and will, therefore, leave the Island.

Tumpek Landep -  is a holy day that is dedicated to the blessings of Metal Items, from Heirloom Kris Daggers to various other metal objects such as modern Machinery, Automobiles, Tools and such all things towards their better use in daily life. On this day one can see many Cars and Motorcycles     roaming on the streets of Bali decorated with intricate Stitched-leaf ornaments called 'Sampian'. Same Day is celebrated in India as Vishvkarma Divas विश्वकर्मा दिवस. 

Purnama - पूर्णिमा or Full Moon in Bali is a special day for Ceremonies and Festivities. Hundreds of Temples all over the Island celebrate this special day hosting splendid ceremonies. Balinese believe that Purnama is a Most Auspicious day when Gods descend to the earth and give their blessing. On this sacred day, hundreds of ceremonies are held in all the corners of the island to satisfy and honor the gods with offerings such as food, fruit and flowers. The Balinese themselves feel blessed by performing various rituals using Holy Water, Incense smoke, Flower petals and Rice grains.

Tilem  - Dead Moon (Amavasya) अमावस्या ..Warning .

All these Holy Days are marked with Ceremonies, Praying together and delivering religious messages (Dharma Discourse).

In order to maintain the sanctity of the temple there are some rules and restrictions followed by the Devotees who come to visit Temple.

Furthermore, all devotees entering to the Main Mandala have to tie a (Selempot) Cloth Band to the abdomen. It is considered that the stomach as a symbol of worldly desires must be controlled and only concentrate on Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

Now we enter the main sacred area . Anyone who visits this area must purify themselves by performing a ritual of washing hands, feet and face. The Pots are placed before the most sacred area " Tirtaतीर्थ (Air Suci) Holy Water . The Holy Water is from Pura Tirta ( A temple dedicated to God Indra) .

Areas of Main Mandala has several buildings that have specific function.

Front view of  Padamasanaपदमासन  Symbolic of Samundra Manthan समुद्र मन्थन  represents the Throne of the Highest God Acintya (Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa)

Balinese Hindu Temple usually contains a Padmasana, the towering Lotus Throne of the highest God Acintya (Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa), Pelinggih Meru, the multiple roofed Tower. Padmasana is the central building in the Temple Complex. This main tall black Lotus Shaped building is without roof and depicts Lotus Flower  at the bottom , a huge Turtle  at the base ridden by two Dragons (King Serpent) , a peak-shaped Throne  (Asana), sacred letters berlukiskan Om Karaओंकार , and at the back there are  reliefs of Garudaगरुड़ , Vahanवाहन of Lord Vishnuप्रभु विष्णु  and Geese (Hans)हंस   . This Padmasanaपदमासन is to worship Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

Lotus Flower as  base of Padamasanaपदमासन

Padmaपदम  means Lotus Flower or Lotus and Asanaआसन means a seat or Throne. Padmasana represents as a lotus flower Throne of the" Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa". Lotus is the symbol of purity.

Tortoise at the bottom of the Padmasanaपदमासन

Base of the  Padmasana  is in Tortoise shape or Bedawangnala whose mouths spits fire. It is symbolic of the world where heat and energy is stored. In Hindu mythology, the Tortoise symbolizes the Base or Support of the World and is an Avatar of Vishnuविष्णु  as "Kurmaकुर्मा " during Samundra Manathan समुंद्र मन्थन.

Dragan (King Serpent) Vasukiवासुकी 

In Padmasanaपदमासन there are two forms of the Dragon (Lord Serpent), Dragon Anantaboga and Basuki. (Vasuki)वासुकी. Both these dragon ( Lord Serpent ) wrapped around the Padmasana symbolic of Nirvana.

Padmasanaपदमासन here is symbolic of Samodra Montana (Samudra Manthan समुंद्र - मन्थन) as described in The Adiparwa Mahabharataआदिपर्व महाभारत .This Epic tells about Samudra Manthan between the Gods and Demons and the seizure of Holy Waterअमृत (Tirta Amrita) won by Gods during this Manthan समुंद्र - मन्थन .

The Manthanमन्थन (churning) of the Ocean was an elaborate process. Mount Mandara मंदार was used as the churning rod, and Vasukiवासुकी , the King of Serpents, who abides on Shiva's neck, became the churning rope. The Demons demanded to hold the head of the snake, while the Gods taking advice from Vishnu , agreed to hold its tail. As a result the demons were poisoned by fumes emitted by Vasuki. Despite this, the gods and demons pulled back and forth on the snake's body alternately, causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean. However, once the mountain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. Vishnuविष्णु , in the form of a turtle Kurmaकुर्मा , came to their rescue and supported the mountain on his back.

Deities at Front side

Deities at Back side
In the middle part there are Deities called Astadikpatalaअस्तादिक पटल  (Guardian Deity of Wind)

Lord Iswaraishwarईश्वर facing East, God Brahmaब्रह्मा facing South, Mahadevaमहादेव facing West and God Vishnuविष्णु facing North . Each God is shown carrying Weapons in accordance with its Attributes.

Top part is like a Throne of Trinity (त्रि -शक्ति)

The upper top part is like a Empty Chair - Throne of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa at the peak of the Padmasanaपदमासन.

Winged Garudaगरुड़  ,Vahanवाहन  of Lord Vishnuविष्णु  and Hansaहँस

Back part of the Padmasanaपदमासन has Winged Garuda , Vahan of Lord Vishnu as a symbol of Mokshमोक्ष, Liberation from attachment to the World. Depiction of Goose (Hansaहंस) on this Padmasanaपदमासन is symbolic of Wisdom. Hansaहंस is able to separate Milk and Water, Symbolizes Intelligence and Discrimination. Om Karaओंकार  is a Seed that is a symbol of the sacred letters Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

Side view of Padmasanaपदमासन

Back view of Padmasanaपदमासन

Guardian Deities at four corners

Colorful and artistically decorated Balinese Musical Instruments which are played during Ceremonies

God Vishnu on Garuda , His Vahana . A Beautiful  Master Craftsmanship on Wood in Javanese and Balinese Traditional Art

Batas Alas Kaki - Remove Shoes Here

DEVI Durga Statue guarded by a Tiger at Taman Safari Cisarua Bogor, West Java ,Indonesia

A trip to Taman Safari Cisarua , Bogor , West Java , Indonesia  is amazing. My adventure started as soon our car entered the Animal Forest Park. We were amid the animals which we used to see on Discovery Channels only. This Park serves as the Natural Habitat for the animals from around the World . I liked its unique Thematic Planning which makes this place more interesting and natural. Themes merged with the animals gives a real feel of animal abode. Our car went through the streets of Park up and down enjoying waterfalls , river and mountain forest. It was a dream coming true when a Ostrich came near our car to say HELLOooo. So many Zebras peeping through our windows asking carrots. Deer were too surrounded our car as if asking something to eat. On one side of  road   Hippos were welcoming us with their open mouth were . The real Adventure started when we entered in the Lion - Tiger area ... The Big CATS were walking along with our car .. One was crossing the road and we had to stop. Others 2-3 were sleeping on the left side at the edge of road. A real Adventure ....

One sight which caught my attention was a BIG REAL TIGER , roaming without a cage . .. when I went closer I was amazed to see the Spirit of Indonesians. There was an Old Goddess DEVI Durga Statue (found in some excavation) and this Tiger was roaming continuously left and right and roaring in front of  Goddess Durga as a GUARD. There was a Inscription on the right side of this complex , which reads in both languages Bahasa Indonesia and English as follows - what A Tribute to the CULTURE .

QUOTE -
A Symbol of Protection and Strength

Bahasa Indonesia -

Harimau - Simbol perlendungan & kekuatan Di India satwa ini selalu dikaitkan dengan Dewa & Dewi masyarakatnya. 

Masyarakat di Lembah Hindustani mempercayai Dewi Durga datang memberi kedamaian dengan menuggangi Harimau.

Tempat berfoto ini dirancang dengan gaya Budaya India yang dapat membuat anda merasakan nuansa dunia India bersama Harimau hasil pengembangbiakkan Taman Safari Indoesia.

English -

Tigers are found in Siberia , India and South East Asia. Across much of Asia , the Tiger symbolizes Protection , Strength and the Power of Kings. 

In India the Tigers often relate to God and Goddesses of India people. For instance the people of Indus Valley believed in the Goddess of Durga as a Force for Peace.

Goddess Durga rode on the back of a Tiger which was seen as the King of the forest - A Power on Earth beyond the reach of any immortal.

This area was built in India Style to make YOU feel the Atmosphere and Culture of the Tiger Homeland.

UNQUOTE

As India is celebrating 9 days (Navratras)  Worshiping of Goddess Durga , this is the right time to share with you all .

Best wishes for Navratras (9 days of Worshiping Goddess Durga).

Address - 

Taman Safari Cisarua Bogor

Jalan Raya Puncak 601 

Cisarua Bogor 16750 

West Java , Indonesia 

Tel: (+62251) 8250000  ,  Fax: (+62251) 8250555

info@tamansafari.com

Opening Hours: 9.00am to 17.00pm daily 

Link to Taman safari Bogor -  http://bogor.tamansafari.com/

"Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa"(God Almighty) एकेश्वरवाद in Indonesian Hinduism

Empty Chair (Asana) of "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa"(God Almighty) at the corner of the Road

"Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty) एकेश्वरवाद 

In Balinese Hindu perspective, God is known as a term of  "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa ", which means Almighty God symbolizes एकेश्वरवाद also  termed as Acintya, in Saskrit it means: "The Unthinkable", "The Inconceivable", "He who cannot be Imagined", is the Supreme God of Indonesian Hinduism. Apart from His various names , God is only ONE. Among various names of God, there are Three which are well known by the Hindu adherers in Bali, namely  - 

Brahma ब्रह्मा, Visnu विष्णु , Siva शिव which are called as Tri Murti त्रिमूर्ति  . 

Brahma ब्रह्मा is the Dimension of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the Creator (Utpatti) उत्पत्ति

Visnu विष्णु is the Manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the Preserver (Sthiti Srishti)  सृष्टि

Siwa Shivशिव is the Manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the Destroyer (Praline Pralay) प्रलय 

Balinese believe that all  Creation of "Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" will go through the cycle of Birth, Life and Death.

The Essence of Power of "Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" is expressed by every family of Hindu in Bali whether it is in Pemrajan – Temple / Shrine , Sangah - Cummunity Woshipping , Worshipping place in every house, Dadya Temple - A set of Shrines , Village as well as Jagad Jagat (world) जगत Bali. 

Photographs below are enough to speak this Essence of Power of "Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" which I clicked during my visit to Bali , a Paradise.

Stairs takes you to the Asana of "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty). Temple at the Terrace of  The Hotel Si Doi , Denpasar , Bali

Stairs leaves you at the Terrace of the Si Doi Hotel amidst  magnificient view of the Shrine which adores the Throne (Empty Chair) of "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty). Almost all roofs of Hotels and Houses have this kind of amazing view of  Shrine or group of Shrines.

This is another view of Group of Shrines "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty) for Community worshipping , I clicked while roaming on the streets of Denpasar. A beautiful sight which is marked everywhere in Bali. I was awestruck to see and feel Hinduism of Bali.   

Kala Makara (मकर) as a Symbol of University of Indonesia

Universitas Indonesia (UI) is a State University in Depok, West Java and Salemba, Jakarta, Indonesia. Universitas Indonesia is the oldest Tertiary-level Educational Institution in Indonesia (known as the Dutch East Indies when UI was established). 

I am fascinated by its Logo which features Kala - Makara (मकर) .

The logo is the Kala-Makara  (मकर) , a symbol of the two sources of energy in Nature. Kala is the energy from above (the power of the sun), while makara represents the energy from below (the pUniversity of Indonesia as the source of knowledge is symbolized by the water flowing from the head of Kala Makara.ower of the Earth). The two powers are combined and stylized into a symbol that represents the function of Universitas Indonesia as a source of knowledge.

The logo of Universitas Indonesia Makara carries  following interpretation:

The Logo symbolizes a Beringin Tree (Banyan Tree) (बरगद का पेड़) with water fountain and the Head of Kala Makara  (Mythological Creature in Indonesia) surrounded by a Pentagon.The symbol has the following meanings :

University of Indonesia as the center of the Nation's culture is symbolized by the shell of wisdom which accept the flowing water from the head of Kala Makara Logo.

University of Indonesia with its knowledge and culture is dedicated for the happiness and prosperity of Indonesia and for all mankind. This meaning is symbolized by a Beringin Tree with Eight Branch and seventeen leaves (17-8, Indonesia's Independence Day). Beringin Tree (Banayan Tree) is chosen, because it is known to have long lifetime and it can give protection for those who might need it. 

The earliest form of the Logo of Universitas Indonesia was created in 1952 by Sumaxtono (born as Sumartono), a student from 1951 Art Department , Faculty of Engineering which was at the time known as Fakulteit Teknik Universiteit Indonesia , located in Bandung.

Universitas Indonesia is generally considered as the Most Prestigious Public University in Indonesia, along with Bandung Institute of Technology and Gadjah Mada University.  

"Yudistira (युधिष्ठर) Music Course" ....

Yudistira (युधिष्ठर) another name from Epic Mahabharata ...

Names after Mahabharata Characters are considered FIRST choice in Indonesia. "Yudistira Music Course" is one of those examples. Even Street (Jalan)  name  is  also after Mahabharata Character "Yudistira".  A Culture.. one will fall in love .. I am amazed to listen  descriptive stories of Mahabharata  from  my driver . Irrespective of  religion, Indonesians love to talk and share stories of EPIC Ramayana and Mahabharata .

Om Swastiastu .. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim .. Speech by President of Indonesia DR. H Susili Bambang Yudhoyono

A wonderful speech By President of Indonesia DR. H Susili Bambang Yudhoyono  at the Opening Ceremony  of 34th Bali Cultural Festival and declaration of World  Hindu Summit 2012 , Denpasar , Bali.  What an excellent example from the Head of the the Republic of Indonesia to tell the World that Islam our Religion , Ramayana is our Culture" opposite to Indian Sick-u-larism (secularism of India) where Member of Legislative Assembly from Kerala renamed his Official residence  to "Grace"  from "Ganga" as it was a Hindu river name and Vice president of India refused to perform Aarti of Lord Rama at Ramleela Ground during Dussehra Festival saying that Islam does not permit to do that. 
President of the world’s largest Islamic Republic , chanting Hindu verses and participating in a Hindu ritual may sound strange to our “Secularists”, who find the National Song of the Country – “Vande Mataram”— communal and lodge their protests against Yogic exercises in schools, Lighting Lamps and breaking Coconuts at the Inaugural Ceremony of Government Functions.

Can WE Indians separate Culture and Religion ?

Quote

President of Indonesia
STATEMENT

PRESIDENT REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

ON OPENING CEREMONY BALI CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2012 AND DECLARATION OF WORLD HINDU SUMMIT 2012

Denpasar 10 June 2012

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Om Swastiastu,

Peace and prosperity to all of us

Excellencies distinguished Minister of the second united cabinet

Excellencies distinguished Ambassadors of friendly countries and Chief of International Organization

The Distinguished Governor of the province Bali

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman

Tonight it is a sense of deep gratitude to all mighty Lord, we are able to attend of opening ceremony of 34th Bali Cultural Festival that has become an annual cultural of the peoples of Bali.

This year Bali Cultural Festival will be accompanied by the declaration of the World Hindu Summit, that we conduct  on Taman Budaya Denpasar, Bali.

Through this good opportunities, let me welcome and also congratulate those participants of The Bali Cultural Festival, be them from Bali and throughout Indonesia and even to those other countries

For those tourist from all over the world, let me welcome you to enchanted heavenly island, which at the same time attending this annual festival that is attractive, unique and held only once a year.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Paras Paros dynamics within togetherness which is become a central theme for this year Bali Cultural Festival hold very deep meaning

Dynamics and Togetherness become two key words that can promote the formation of creative ideas. This theme can refresh our identity, expand our creativity and nurture our ethic and also deepening our sense of art.

This theme also provides us with inspiration to consolidate unity, sense of togetherness and tolerance  which now has become our joint effort to force a way of live  that is more civilized.

This way of life must be based on peace, brotherhood and harmony be it amongst community groups and even between nation.

Ladies and Gentlemen

On this month we will be  witnessing of almost all type of Balinese art and culture that perform through lively cultural parade, exhibition of attractive art.

The procession in Bali Cultural Festival is also important medium to build the nations culture, particularly on facing the challenges of today. Bali Cultural Festival may serve as a bastion in preserving philosophy, value and creativity that continue to learn on the strong root of tradition. The roots of tradition will be build on gentleness of morals and Balinese community values that are religious.

Often have I said that Bali Cultural Festival is a platform to demonstrate creativity and innovatin from Balinese artist not only to Bali Community but also to global community

The Bali cultural Festival is extended to be a windows of information a gateway for communication amongst cultures while simultaneously also from cultural diplomacy amongst nations.

 In this regard, in our effort to introduce the Balinese culture to the world we should be proud. At this moment the culture of Subak is the manifest of philosophy of Balinese community Tri Hita Karana. The relation between man, relation between man and nature and the relation between man and God which have been submitted to be included in The World Heritage List.

God willing the adoption of the culture of subak as one of landscape World Cultures to be implementatiedat the ens of june during the 36th UNESCO World Heritage Committee in ST Peterburg Russia. As we have succeeded in the past we hope that our effort this tme will be successful.

Distinguished guest, ladies and gentleman, at the same time with Bali Cultural Festival held World Hindu Summit 2012 and I welcome the delegation of The World Hindu Summit that for the first time is held on this beautiful Island.

The World Hindu Summit may be a bridge to more intensive communication amongst Hindu Organizations world wide and also for Hindu distinguished figure from all over the world.

Harmony for the world that has been central theme of the World Hindu Summit is reflects the noble commitment and dedication of the international Hindu Community. The Hindu International Community serve as unifying force not only amongst Hindu followers worldwide, but also with followers of other religions, by promoting the principles of harmony, peace and the prosperity of all humanity. As we step from this beautiful island, we hope we will be enlightened with tremors of peace and tolerance that move in all directions throughout the World

At this meeting the Hindu followers can produce joint statement to promote a spirit of tolerance, be it amongst Hindu followers, and also with followers of other religions in order to establish world peace. This spirit flows from the value of truth, pureness and beauty, that have actualized through the harmony amongst humanity worldwide. A true contribution for global peace, which we all must appreciate together

Ladies and Gentlemen

As I conclude my statement, let me invite all the participants of Bali Cultural Festival, to make this celebration a cultural icon of  international standard. Let us make Bali Cultural Festival a forum to promote friendship amongst nations, while also establishing a sense of togetherness in the pursuits of creating a world that is peaceful, just and prosperous. We must be concerned and saddened that on many part of the world, human tragedy and violence continue to persist. For that very reason on this island, Indonesia calls upon all nations of the world to return to peaceful means in resolving any kinds of conflict

Sawing eternal peace is not only an opportunity, but also a choice that we must pursue together. To the entire participants of the World Hindu Summit 2012, I hope you may establish communications amongst the Hindu followers worldwide. I also hope that this World Hindu Summit convered in Bali may bring a deep meaning fot the implementation of universal values of Veda Holy Script, so as to contribute towards greater tolerance and harmony amongst people

And finally, by first seeking the blessing if the lord the All Mighty, for Bali Cultural Festival 2012, I Declare officially open. And also with the spirit of togetherness and harmony amongst Hindu Worldwide, from this beautiful island, let me declare World Hindu Summit 2012

Thank you

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Om Shanti, Shanti Shanti Om

Denpasar 10 June 2012

President of Republic Indonesia

DR. H Susili Bambang Yudhoyono

Unquote

Indonesia As I "see"

Dieng Plateau in Central Java, Indonesia

Indonesia , an Archipelago , comprising approximately 17,508 islands has been fascinating for me during my stay for its unique rich Culture. Indonesians take pride in saying " Islam is our Religion - Ramayana is our Culture ". Indonesia, the world's largest Islamic nation still preserves its Hindu Heritage . Ramayana and Mahabharata is interwoven within Indonesian Culture and visible in daily walks of LIFE. Bahasa Indonesia is mixed with Sanskrit (Ancient Indian Language) . My efforts to present these threads of Indonesia through Indonesia As I " see ".