Part 2 of ‘World Theme Travel – Indonesian Mountain Travel’, ‘Happy Life, Bukittinggi’, will be broadcast on EBS1 TV at 8:40 pm today (19th).
A trip to the mountains of Indonesia to discover hidden stories in every corner of Sumatra.
Sumatra, a HOT island with a hot breath.
A variety of cultures and special stories unfold in every corner of Sumatra, wherever you go.
Discover Indonesia’s hidden charms through the eyes of a geographer.
Bikkitinggi, a city located on the Minangkabau Plateau, west of Sumatra Island. First, admire the Sianok Canyon, which appears on Indonesia’s 2,000 rupiah banknote, and then head to Jam Gadang, the city’s landmark. Jamgadang, a large clock tower, has changed the appearance of its roof over the course of history. Jamgadang is steeped in the painful history of colonial times and the daunting history of independence. In the middle of Bukittinggi, it stands as a living witness to the history of this region.
The road again leads to Batusankar, the former capital of the Minangkabau dynasty. This is where cow racing, a cultural heritage of the Minangkabau people, is held. It is held in rotation in four villages in the Tananh Datar region. Pacu Jawi, a cattle race held in empty rice fields before harvesting and planting. The viewers also get excited by the thrilling race of running through the mud. People who race cows not simply for entertainment, but out of pride and a sense of duty to preserve their traditions. Let’s go into that scorching heat.
People get hungry after cheering at the bull race, soothe their stomachs with Bika, a traditional Indonesian snack. It is a traditional snack from West Sumatra made from rice flour and coconut. The drink that goes with sweet Bika is Kawa Daun, coffee leaf tea. Drink tea that is said to have originated during the Dutch colonial era and learn about its bitter history.
Next, head to Kerinchi Volcano, the largest volcano in Sumatra. Lake Kerinchi, which we encountered on the way, was created by the eruption of Kerinchi Volcano and is the second largest lake in Sumatra. In the lakeside village, you can meet people who start their day by fishing early in the morning, and then visit the world’s largest tea plantation at the foot of Krinci Volcano. The fertile soil created by volcanoes grows abundant agricultural products such as tea and various vegetables. For them, volcanoes are like a blessing. However, Krinci Volcano, which is still actively active, is also a feared entity. Looking at the majestic Krinci Volcano, I realize the wisdom of people living happily alongside volcanoes.
Economy Queen Reporter Park Yu-mi Photo provided by EBS World Theme Travel
What are some cultural festivals to experience in Sumatra, Indonesia?
Time.news Interview: Exploring Indonesia’s Rich Cultural Tapestry
Editor: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Time.news! Tonight, we have the pleasure of speaking with Park Yu-mi, an expert in geography and culture, who recently traveled to Sumatra for the EBS World Theme Travel program. Park, thank you for joining us.
Park Yu-mi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share my experiences.
Editor: You recently explored Bukittinggi and its surrounding areas. Can you tell us what makes Sumatra such a unique destination for travelers?
Park Yu-mi: Absolutely! Sumatra is known as a “HOT island” not just because of its climate but due to its vibrant cultural diversity and rich history. Each corner of the island tells a different story. For instance, in Bukittinggi, you can witness the stunning Sianok Canyon, which is iconic enough to appear on the Indonesian 2,000 rupiah banknote. It’s breathtaking!
Editor: That sounds incredible! I’ve heard you also visited the Jam Gadang clock tower. What can you tell us about its significance?
Park Yu-mi: Jam Gadang is not just a landmark; it’s a symbol of Bukittinggi’s enduring spirit. The clock tower has seen the transformation of the city over the years, from its colonial past to its quest for independence. Its roof design has changed through the years, reflecting the historical and cultural shifts in the region. Standing there, you can feel the weight of history.
Editor: Fascinating! Beyond the clock tower, what cultural experiences did you encounter that stood out to you?
Park Yu-mi: One of the most memorable experiences was witnessing the cow racing in Batusankar, which is a cultural heritage of the Minangkabau people. It’s not just a sport but a celebration of community and tradition. The races rotate among four villages, each contributing its own flair and festive spirit. Engaging in these local customs is a deep dive into the heart of the Minangkabau culture.
Editor: It sounds like a vibrant celebration! For those tuning in, what advice would you give to travelers looking to explore Sumatra?
Park Yu-mi: I’d advise travelers to embrace the local culture. Whether it’s through food, festivals, or engaging with locals, immerse yourself in the experience. Also, keep an open mind and respect the traditions you may encounter; every region has its unique narrative.
Editor: Wise words indeed! As we prepare to wrap up, can you share a personal takeaway from your time in Sumatra that resonated with you?
Park Yu-mi: One of my biggest takeaways was the resilience of the communities there. Despite the trials of colonization and modernization, the people of Bukittinggi and beyond have preserved their culture and traditions. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of heritage and how it shapes identity.
Editor: Thank you, Park Yu-mi, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your passion for exploring and understanding different cultures is truly inspiring.
Park Yu-mi: Thank you for having me. I hope everyone gets a chance to discover Indonesia’s hidden charms!
Editor: And with that, we conclude our interview tonight. Stay tuned for more intriguing discussions and insights right here on Time.news. Safe travels to all our adventurers out there!