The fabled Spice Islands and other areas of Indonesia have had a special attraction for those prepared to venture to this diverse, scientifically rich, but decidely remote region. The passages in this anthology cover a span of 450 years and reflect the different motives and reactions of twenty-eight travellers.

From the 19th-century discoveries of Alfred Russell Wallace to the fate of forests and reefs in the 21st century, examine the beauty and grace of Indonesian Islands. 211 color illustrations. Maps, photos & line drawings.

This guide gives readers a unique insight into the diverse traditional cultures, history and religion of these exotic islands. To ensure a memorable and safe holiday, advice is included on where and how to explore traditional villages, find breathtaking landscapes and climb spectacular volcanoes. There are 50 easy-to-read maps enclosed, including a full-colour regional map, for those exploring the sites or in search of ikat textiles or native arts. Reliable accommodation and food alternatives are considered for all budgets. For those wishing to island hop, practical transportation options are outlined. A helpful language section, including regional dialects for each island is also included.

This beautiful book contains fascinating text and over 170 unique photographs of one of the most interesting but least well known cultures in the Indonesian Archipelago. The traditional art of Maluku Tenggara, the Southeast Moluccas, is among the most sophisticated and expressive in the world. Simple tools were used to create masterpieces in wood, stone, textiles and precious metals, while the plaited work and earthenware of these islands are also of the very highest quality. the colonial period plunged the region into hopeless isolation. During the harsh rule of the Dutch many traditional woks of art, especially ancestor statues, were destroyed. Later, collectors stripped the islands of their masterpieces and the culture of Maluka Tenggara was forgotten. Forgotten Islands of Indonesia presents a unique survey of the finest examples of Southeast Moluccan art. This volume contains many photographs and descriptions which have never before been published. Set against the cultural background and supplemented by rare photographs taken in the field, the material culture of Maluku Tenggara, which is regarded as one of the most fascinating areas of Indonesia, is presented here comprehensively for the first time.

This beautifully photographed travel pictorial captures the people, art, architecture, food and landscapes of the the Indonesian Archipelago. Indonesia's stunning beauty and diversity is captured by Indonesia Islands of the Imagination with the help of National Geographic Photographer Jill Gocher's striking and intuitive images and insightful essays penned by Michael Vatikiotis. For the first time visitor, the frequent traveler, or the complete stranger, this book offers a fascinating illustrated introduction to Indonesia's wondrous complexity. For the armchair traveler in each of us comes Indonesia Islands of the Imagination. Featuring over 140 full-color photos showcasing breathtaking scenery from Bali to New Guinea and everywhere in between, this book is a remarkable photographic chronicle of the world's largest archipelago. From the famous tropical island of Bali, to the bustling capital city of Jakarta, and outer islands like Sumatra and Sulawesi that are steeped in ancient tribal lore and traditions, Indonesia Islands of the Imagination paints an exquisite portrait of Indonesia's fascinating peoples and places.

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic state, with more than 18,000 islands and over 7.9 million square kilometres of sea. The marine frontier presents the nation with both economic opportunities and political and strategic challenges. Indonesia has been affected more than most countries in the world by a slow revolution in the management of its waters. Whereas Indonesia’s seas were once conceived administratively as little more than the empty space between islands, successive governments have become aware that this view is outmoded. The effective transfer to the seas of regulatory regimes that took shape on land, such as territoriality, has been an enduring challenge to Indonesian governments. This book addresses issues related to maritime boundaries and security, marine safety, inter-island shipping, the development of the archipelagic concept in international law, marine conservation, illegal fishing, and the place of the sea in national and regional identity.