Indonesia: Helping K-8 School Librarians and Educators

Understand Its Histories, Cultures and Literature

by Frank Alan Bruno and Patricia F. Beilke

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago stretchingfor over 3,000 miles. It stretches from Sumatra on the westto Irian Jaya on the east. It is made up of between 13,677 to 18,000 islands with a diversity of 300 hundreds ethnic groups. People inhabit only 6,000 of them.

If you put the land all together it would be about three times the size of Texas or one-fifth of the United States. It has been compared to an emerald necklace of breathtaking beauty. Water covers 35,900 square miles of its area and land covers 741,097 square miles. The temperature ranges from 80 degrees to 93 degrees. It is a democracy and divided administratively into 28 provinces andthree special areas.

The Unity and Diversity motto of the country is BhinnekaTunggal Ika (They are many, they are one).” The people refer to the country as Tanah Air Kita (our earth and water).

There are more than 242 million people living on the islands, making it the fourth largest country after China, India, and the United States. It is the largest Muslim country in the world, with 88% of the population being members of the faith. There are more Muslims in Indonesia than the whole Middle East combined. There are approximately 100,000 Indonesians living in the United States for various reasons. Los Angeles has a sizeable population.

The more well-known islands are Java, Bali, Sumatra, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Nusa Tenggara, Maluku (Moluccas), and Irian Jaya (West New Guinea). Indonesia is within the “Ring of Fire,” as a result most Indonesians are born and die within sight of a volcano.

There are as many as 500 earthquakes per year, which can cause tsunami. Between the volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunami life can end quickly. A catastrophic event occurredin Indonesia on December 26, 2004 when an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 shook Sumatra bringing a 50 foot tsunami tidal wave that roll over it with a death toll of exceeding 100,000 in the two cities of Banda Aceh and Meulaboh. Every single house was crushed with dead bodies everywhere.

Java which is about the size of England or New York has121 volcanoes with 30 still being active. The island of Java accounts for over half of the population with 130 million people and includes the Indonesian capital of Ibu Kota or Jakarta with a population of 12.5 million. Jakarta is an interesting place with ultra-high skyscrapers next to shacks with corrugated metal roofs.

Java has three other major cities: Surabaya (2.5 million), Bandung (3.5 million), and Semarang (1.5 million).Bandung is a university town with 27 colleges and universities and thousands of students. Taman Mini, a park, in Jakarta has 27 impressive pavilions representing each province and reflects crafts and arts from each. One of Asia’s finest bird sanctuaries is Pulau Dua on the northwest coast, where 15,000 colorful and attractive birds come to breed each year.

There are over two dozen active volcanoes on the islandincluding the world famous Krakatau. Sumatra and Java are the general location of two of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history— Tambora and Krakatoa. In 1815 Tambora erupted killing an estimated 12,000 people directly and another 80,000 later through starvation. Each year there are about ten eruptions across the chain. Krakatoa (Krakatau), a volcanic island in the Java group erupted in 1883 and destroyed about two-thirds of the island throwing debris 17 miles into the atmosphere and producing a tsunami that destroyed 165 villages and killed at least 36,000 people. The eruption was so volatile a new volcano was formthat smokes today.

Yogyakarta (Yogya) located in the south central part ofJava is the cultural center of the country. There is a

university there where students come to learn history, culture, dance, music and crafts. It is considered its own separate territory with a sultan that is considered an honorary governor for life and acts as a cultural goodwill ambassador to the world.

Two interesting attractions are the Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple which are located 45 miles north of Yogyakarta. The Borobudur Temple has over 1,500 relief carvings covering the life of Buddha. It is one of the world’s most impressive monuments and built around 800 A.D. It took 10,000 men and 100 years to complete with over a million blocks of stone being used. There are 432 stone Buddha on the shrine’s grounds. It was rediscovered in 1814by Thomas Stamford Raffles, British archeologist and has been reconstructed ever since. The Prambanan Temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and originally had 244 temples with 16 still existing. Carvings tell the story of the Ramayana.

Bali, a popular tourist attraction, is a Hindu island that is lush and green and one million people visit here each year. Bali known for its beach resorts and is about the size of Rhode Island. It is common to find surfers and swimmers cloth in modern swim wear in the resorts. There are a lot of dance and drama presentations to entertain the tourists. The Balinese worship at temples facing GunungAgung, a volcanic mountain which is considered the abode of the Gods. There are over 10,000 temples; one of the most noted is Pura Luhur Batukau. You can often see women walking to the temples with towering fruit baskets on their heads. Many Burmese are animist so they believe every living thing has a spirit and celebrate by offering flowers as sacrifice.Several place canang or bamboo pockets of rice, flowers, and incense at the front of their homes for protection. Pork and ham are eaten often here since Muslim traditions don’t prevail on the Hindu island.

An unfortunate event occurred on October 12, 2002 in Bali when Jemaah Islamiyah linked with al-Qaeda bombed the SariClub killing more than 200 people. They struck again in the

summer of 2003 when they bombed the Jakarta Marriott killing13 and injuring 150.

Sumatra has rubber and palm-oil plantations as well as oil and gas fields which account for 70% of the Indonesian economy. Sumatra is about 1,000 miles long and about the size of California. Sumatra has a population of 40 million people. On Samosir Island is Lake Toba, the largest in Southeast Asia and Taman National Leuser Park which has a large orangutan rehabilitation center to protect the almost extinct animal. Sumatra still has some primitive tribes in its very lush rain forests where a variety of plants and animals can be found unspoiled. The Batak use wooden pegs and wedges instead of nails to build their unique homes. Its geography also includes muddy mangrove swamps and mountains. In Aceh they are fighting to form their own country.

An unusual Sumatran legend involves a buffalo fight in which Sumatrans gained autonomy from Java by pitting a buffalo calf against a bull. The calf went to nuzzle the bull’s belly searching for milk. A short time later the bull fell over bloody. The Sumatrans had sharpened the calf’s horns which had pierced the bull. To this day buffaloes are considered an important part of their culture and cuisine. Minangkabau houses are noted for their shape like a buffalo’s horn.

Kalimantan (Borneo) is known as the river of diamonds. The island is shared with the countries of Malaysia and Brunei. It has three major rivers the Mahakam, Barito, andKapuas. River travel is the preferred mode of transportation. It is not an unusual sight to see bamboo rafts floating down the rivers. It is full of Mangrove trees in the swampy areas. It was once famous for its head hunters and cannibals. Its rainforest has been depleted by logging, mining, and oil drilling. It still has one of the most beautiful rainforest areas Tanjung Putting, which offers close contact with orangutans.

The island is sparsely populated along the coastline since the coastal areas are swampland. Most people live in the interior along the rivers or in the mountains. The Dayak

people live in raised longhouses over the water with many families sharing each one. They enjoy eating roast lizard as a delicacy.

Sulawesi, formerly the Celebes Island, is shaped like astarfish and is a very dramatic place with 11 active volcanoes forming a ring of fire. It was once occupied by infamous pirates who looted the oceans nearby. Its beaches have sugar-white sand and sapphire water. It has some very rare wildlife such as the deer pig and pygmy buffalo. It has 12.5 million people living there. Lake Tempe, which forms a beautiful blue lake, can sometimes overflow and flood. People in surrounding areas have built their houses on stilts to avoid its unpredictable behavior during rainy seasons. During the dry season it can be completely dried up. The island is also known for its exquisite silk products. The Minabasa people who live here enjoy eating mice and dogs.

On Toraja in the mountainous center the people live in tongkonans (boat-shaped houses) and have complex funeral ceremonies that last for up to a week. These Tana Toraja people, in central Sulawesi, are famous for their funerals and buffaloes. They are similar to mountain men spending their time hunting and carving.

The more buffaloes a person own the higher their statusin society. Some houses have decorative Buffalo horn roofs that are 40 feet tall with numerous horns on the roof and decorative buffalo designs on all the surfaces. There is a unique debt system going back for generations where buffaloes are owed but sometimes not collected until someonedies and buffaloes are needed. Preparations can sometimes take months until enough buffaloes are collected. Since estates consist of buffaloes, when a person dies buffaloes are sacrificed according to their status and the more killedby each child the larger the child’s share of the buffaloes.

The dead person is transported to Puya (heaven) on the spirits of the buffaloes. Even though the government taxes people on each buffalo killed there still is a staggering amount since they want to send their loved one off in style.The funeral lasts for up to seven days with a massive amount

of food being consumed. Tau-tau, life-size effigies of the dead are made and placed on cliffs or in hollow trees overlooking the plain. Maluku was once known as the Spice Islands. There are a 1,000 islands in the chain. It was a Portuguese colony and later acquired by the Dutch. Wars were fought over the cloves, nutmeg, and mace. Locals still like to chew cloves since they make their teeth white. The island has great natural beauty with coconut fringed beaches. The island of Ambon is Christian.

Papua or Irian Jaya (West Papua) is a turbulent place since they have been fighting for independence since the 1960s. The island has some stunning mountains and is the second largest island in the world after Greenland. On occasion the mountains are capped with snow. Papuans live predominately in the mountain regions with many still wearing traditional clothing such as grass skirts in the summer. A famous tribe is the Dani who grow over 60 varieties of sweet potatoes. Sago palms are left to rot since the locals enjoy eating beetle grubs that nest in them. Palau Biak is known for its colorful birds and beautiful coral reefs. Puncak Jaya at 16,503 feet is the largest mountain in Indonesia.

Nusa Tennggara or the South-East Islands is a transitional area where the culture changes from Malay to Melanesian. The Melanesians are more primitive and animal sacrifice is common as is an occasional human sacrifice. Because of the dry climate there farmers grow more sago, corn, taro, and cassava.

Komodo is part of this group. Here and on Rinca, Flores, and Padar live the ora (Komodo Dragons). This massive monitor lizard is known to eat anything that appealsto them including humans and water buffalo. They have largeappetites and eat their body weight daily. They consume mostly carrion but are known on occasion to eat deer, goats,rodents, monkeys, and an occasional tourist. They grow up to ten feet in length and weigh 200 to 300 pounds. Their bite is deadly because bacteria from their 26 serated teeth cause serious infections that are hard to treat. Luckily there are less than 10,000 of these bad boys alive today.

They are threatened with extinction by deer poachers killingoff their food source and dogs eating their eggs. Be carefulof them since they sleep in burrows and bend in two to fit in them so they are quite flexible. They can beat an enemy to death with their tails in a fight.

Indonesia includes 500 distinct cultural and linguisticgroups. Many different groups have come throughout its history including Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and Arabian. The largest group is ethnically Malay. There are over 650 languages and dialects spoken. Since independence, Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia, the national language, a form of Malay) has spread throughout the archipelago and has become the language of most written communication, education, government, and business. It is a combination of Dutch, Sanskrit, Portuguese, and Arabic

Indonesians practice folk medicine using a special medicine man called a dukun. Sick people will go to him before they go to a clinic or hospital. Most of the remedies he prescribes have a basis in pharmacological properties from indigenous plants. Dukuns used quinine to cure malaria before modern doctors. They make their income from the sale of herbs and portions rather than charging a fee for treatment. A few dukun exercise evil spirits or purge poison from patients or lay their hands on clients andheal them.

The climate is varied with wet monsoons from China fromNovember to March to dry winds from Australia blowing from April to September. It rains occasionally even during the dry season. Because of its temperate climate it is home to over 40 different species of mammals and 35,000 species of plant life with another 40,000 types of flora which is nearly double that of Africa. The soil is rich and fertile.Two-thirds of the land is covered by tropical rainforest. It is the fifth largest producer of oil in the world and oneof the largest natural gas producers.

A few interesting animals are tarsiers, dwarf buffalo, musang or civet cat, common spotted cuscus, orangutan, miniature deer, kangaroos, wild wart hogs, sun bear, tapirs,anteaters, flying possums, bandicoots, gibbons, rhinoceros,

and jungle black ibis. Snakes are also very common with over 450 species, many being venomous. A few interesting ones include the coral snake, banded krait, king cobra, vipers, sea snakes, and reticulated python. A few spiders can catch small birds in their webs.

An interesting lizard found there is the Komodo dragon known for its fierceness. Some interesting plants are rafflesia, jasmine, moon orchid, allamanda, frangipani, lotus lilies, and banyan trees. The Bird of Paradise is one of most colorful birds.

Nasi (rice) is the most important crop with as many as three crops per year being grown. After it is cooked they like to build decorative cones to eat. Most farmers today employ a wet-rice cultivation process called sawah. It is aterrace method that looks like soft green stairs spiraling upward. There is a legend that the first rice plant sprang from the spirit of Dewi Sri, a beautiful woman, who preferred death to dishonor.

Very primitive methods are used with little modern machinery other than an occasional water buffalo or human labor using an iron hoe. Rice is usually eaten with dried fish. Farmers grow a lot of coconuts, palm oil trees, and tobacco.

Food is very important in the culture. Indonesians favor seafood, poultry, and eggs to red meat. Food is hot and spicy with chili pepper, cilantro, curry, and garlic being used heavily. Peanuts play an integral part in sweet and sour sauces particularly in the Padang style of cooking.Other ingredients that are used include: bean sprouts, candlenuts, ginger, lemongrass, palm sugar, peanuts, shrimp paste, coriander, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, tamarind, and cumin. Indonesians do not designate certain foods for certain meals and may commonly eat leftovers from dinner forbreakfast or from breakfast for lunch. Because the water has some problems they drink a lot of hot coffee and tea.

In some cultures they serve pasta, bread, or salads in Indonesia you will typically be served some kind of soup at dinner or krupuk (crackers). Salads are slightly different with the grated vegetables like mooli or carrots. They cook

steamed food in bamboo steamers over a wok full of boiling water. They like to garnish dishes with onion rings. They also like eat sate which is marinated meat on skewers or sticks.

Fruits that are popular are mango, star fruit, papaya, banana, mangosteen, durian, rambutan, and jackfruit. Pisang goring (fried bananas) are very popular and are usually cooked in batter and sprinkled with sugar. A few popular Indonesian dishes include bakmi goring (fried noodles with meat), dendeng ragi (beef with coconut), gudeg (chicken with jackfruit), serombotan (beansprouts, coconut, and beans), bakso (meatball soup), pecel lele (deep-fried catfish), kelian ayam (Sumatran chicken curry), nasi compur (steamed rice withchicken or shrimps and fried egg), nasi goring (fried rice withchile, soy sauce, shallots, and ketchup and occasionally pork), risttafel (steamed rice with an assortment of side dishes), sayur lodeh (hot vegetable stew), martabak (a pancake filled with chocolate syrup), babi guling (suckling pig), bebekbetutu (spiced duck wrapped in banana leaves), siobak (mincedpit’s head), bubuh Injin (black rice pudding), rendang (buffalo coconut curry), and soto ayam (chicken soup with shrimp, bean sprouts, chilies, friend onion or potato).

When eating Indonesians prefer eating with the fingers of their right hand, never the left hand which is consideredunclean since it is used for going to the bathroom. They also use a fork and a spoon on occasion.

For the 88% of Indonesians, who are Muslims during Ramadan they eat a huge breakfast before the sun rises then fast from sunrise to sundown. Then in the evening after prayers they eat a light kolak (fruit in coconut milk) followed by a small meal. The end of the fasting month is called Lebaran or Idul Fitri. On this holiday Muslims spendtwo days visiting family and friends to ask for forgiveness for wrongdoings. During the holiday they hang ketupat, which are decorative ornaments made of coconut fronds and steamed rice. Seventy days after Lebaran is Idul Adha, theycommemorate Abraham’s son Isaac being spared on the altar bysacrificing a goat or sheep in remembrance.

There are several national holidays celebrated: Tahun Baru or New Year’s Day (January 1), Imlek or Chinese New Year(January or February), Idul Adha or Muslim Day of Sacrifice for Abraham and Isaac (January), Waisak or Buddha Remembrance Day (March), Good Friday and Easter Sunday (March/April), Ascension of Christ Day (May/June), Muharam or Muslim New Year (June/July), Maulud Nabi Muhammad or Birthday of Muhammed (May/June), Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan or Independence Day (August 17), Idul Fitri or Lebaron last day ofRamadan (October/November), Irsa Miraj Nabi Muhhamed Ascension Day of Muhammad (December), and Hari Natal/Christmas Day (December 25).

Other celebrations are Katini Day or Women’s Day (April 21), Nyepi or Balinese New Year (March/April). Balinese also celebrate Hari Raya Sarsawati (July). On this day they remember the Hindu Goddess of Learning. Blessings are made for Holy Scriptures, literatures, and all tools of learning.Offerings are made for books and libraries on this day but, ironically, it’s forbidden to read on Hari Raya Saraswati as well as play instruments, or use computers.

Sports are big and each September is a national sports day. Badminton is very popular as is stone jumping, volleyball and soccer. There are also a lot of bull runs like in Spain. On Madura Island in the Java region are bullraces. Two bulls pull a man on a plough as fast as they canagainst other competitors with the fastest winning. Chess is very popular and you can see people playing on the streets in the cities. In Nusa Tenggara due to ancestral worship human blood flows in contests such as boxing, and whip duels. Scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling are world-class.

Dancing is very popular and is performed at celebrations, weddings, birthdays, purification ceremonies, and processions to the sea. In the summer on Java at the Prambanan Temple troupes with hundreds of performers act out the Hindu legend of Ramayana by full-moon light. The Barongis a dance of good versus evil. The good is Barong, a dragon with a lion head and a long flowered beard. Barong is humorous and good-natured except when he fights the evil

witch Rangda. Dancers wear colorfully painted masks as they dance to drive away evil spirits.

Many dances as well as puppet shows are accompanied by a bronze percussion gamelan orchestra of gongs, drums (hand-beaten), metallophone or a bamboo version called an anklung, violin instruments, a zither (celempung), a rebab two-stringed upright lute, and flutes. Singing is part of the performance sometimes. Gamelan has an eerie or mysterious sound like moonlight and rippling water and can be quite loud. Jaipongan is a popular form of music that uses gongs, drums and shouting. Dangdut is a blend of Malay, Western rock, Indian, and Arab pop and is popular with young people.

Legong is a classical dance depicting the story of a young princess kidnapped by an enemy of her father. It is often performed by young girls in golden costumes. Kecak, amodern-day monkey dance, portrays the monkeys rescuing Rama and his lover Sita from the forests of Ceylon where they were being held captive. All the sounds are made by a chorus who make various monkey and instrument sounds. It isusually performed at night by torchlight. Serimpi is a Javanese court dance where daughters of the ruling family reenacted a fight in unison with small daggers and bows and arrows. Today it is a cultural dance taught to many young women.

Wayag puppet shows use leather or wooden puppets to portray the Hindu epic stories of the Mahabharata or the Ramayana or the spread of Islam to Indonesia. The puppets have changed over the years as have the stories which are about principles like freedom and independence. The puppeteers employ backlit shadows. Puppet shows can be quite intricate performances employing several actors and a gamelan orchestra. Wayag golek are three-dimensional wooden rod puppets that are sometimes quite ornate and intricate. The Wayang Museum in Jakarta is devoted to preserving puppets from throughout the country.

Batik is an artistic form of fabric art using wax application designs that are painted over. It employs a kind of tie dye process where silk or cotton cloth is imprinted with colorful designs over the wax patterns. The

more than 1,000 designs traditionally are associated with traditional festivals and specific religious ceremonies. A few popular designs include: buffalos, elephants, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, dragons, lion birds. Previously it was thought that certain cloth had mystical powers to ward off ill fortune, while other pieces could bring good luck. Really ornate batiks employ gold dust or gold leaf over the major design. Married couples are wrapped together in a piece to symbolize unity. Another precious cloth is a geringsing cloth or double ikat which take as long as five years to make because of the intricacy of the pattern.

Most Indonesian men carry keris or ceremonial daggers. Most are designed to look like serpents or flames. They arethought to have magical properties associated with them thatprotect their owners. They are passed down from father to son. The dagger needs to be matched to his owner or bad things can happen. Legend says that they are capable of flying, turning into humans, snakes, or flames, or even fathering children.

There are a few interesting social points that should be observed in visiting Indonesia. Many people have only one name so be careful in asking for their last name. People are generous and give small gifts to one another and a reciprocal gift is usually expected. Guests are treated like royalty and it is not uncommon for the guest to be the only one eating.

Since most are Muslim, women should be modestly attiredand should cover their upper arms and not wear shorts or miniskirts. Also don’t invite them over for supper until seven p.m. or later because many go to mosques to pray aftergetting off of work. Never use your left hand even to eat. The left hand is used for personal hygiene. Do not point with your finger but rather use your thumb. Never cross your legs in a group or use your feet to point. Waving or beckoning is considered rude.

Never touch anyone’s head including children since you could be trying to steal their spirit. Indonesians believe all living things are believed to be endowed with a life

force known as semangat. They think the spirit is found in the head and hair. There are good spirits and bad. They exist in an eternal duality and exist in balance. A bad spirit or ghost is referred to as a hantu-hantu. A specific evil spirit is pantianak, a woman who died in childbirth. Shetakes the form of a beautiful maiden who waits at night beneath a banyan tree to seduce men who become emasculated after she is done with them. A dukun is called in to exorcise them and other ghosts.

The Indonesians are big on harmony and hate to see people make a scene. They do not like to lose face in a public setting. Bluntness is frowned upon, loudness is considered vulgar, and aggression is considered bad manners.You should also refrain from shouting or cursing. Do not stand with your hand on your hips since only the lower classdo this. Don’t blow your nose in front of them.

Don’t expect lines to be honored as people are very aggressive in getting the attention of the person helping them. You should never refuse food or drink and should extend the offer to all guests. Never leave early during the entertainment. Don’t start negotiating to buy somethingunless you intend to complete the transaction.

Indonesians also like to include friends and acquaintances into their families and might refer to you as a brother or sister or aunt or uncle depending on your age. When shaking hands use a light grip and when showing affection grip their hand with both yours and pull it towardyour heart as a sign of closeness.

ANNOTATED INDONESIA BIBLIOGRAPHY

The literature included below presents the geography, history and culture of Indonesia and the diverse experiencesof Indonesians. Readers of the following books will learn of the folklore and history of the Indonesian people, their daily lives, their extended families and their struggles forindependence, freedom and social justice.

Folklore

Bunanta, Murti. Indonesian Folktales. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 144 pp. Series: World Folklore Series. ISBN 1-56308-909-2. Gr. 7-8.

The author has collected twenty-nine stories from oral and written sources. Three of the stories she heard as a child from her mother. Rather than take a geographical approach she has taken a topical approach. There are three parts to her book: A General Introduction to Indonesia; Food, Games, andCrafts; The Tales. The Tales part includes the topics of Jealous and Envious Brothers and Sisters; Stories of Independent Princesses; Stories of Ungrateful Children; Stories about Rice; Stories of How Things Come to Be; Legends about Places. The Jealous and Envious Brothers and Sisters tales include: Tattadu, Bujang Permai, Molek, and the Three Brothers. The Stories of Independent Princesses tales include: Princess White Hair, Princess Pinang Masak, and Princess Kemang. The Stories of Ungrateful Children tales include: The Legend of Malin Kundang, The Spoiled Little Kitten, Sikintan, Rawa Tekuluk, and Batu Badung. The Stories about Rice tales include: Why Rice Grain Are So Small, The Origin of Rice on Java Island, the Origin of Rice (Flores), the Origin of Rice (Kalimantan), and How Rice Grows in the Wet Rice Field. The Stories of How Things Come to Be tales include: The Origin of the Name of Kundi Village, Why Goat Eats Grass, Why Shrimp Are Crooked, The Origin of the Banyan Tree, and the Origin of the Trunyam People. The Legends About Places tales include: The Legend of the Lake, The Legend of the Hill, The Legend of the Swamp, The Legend of the Stone, The Legend of the City, The Legend of a River, and The Legend of a Mountain. In the back are Motifs and Tale Sources,a glossary, bibliography, an index and about the author. Black and white line drawings are dispersed throughout the book showing different motifs and characters. There are a few color photographs showing the people and places.

Terada, Alice M. The Magic Crocodile and Other Folktales from Indonesia. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1994.148 pp. Illus. by Charlene K. Smoyer. ISBN 0-8248-1654-4. Gr. 7-8.

With over three hundred different cultural groups Indonesia has a rich storytelling tradition. The author shares twenty-nine representative folktales from six regionsof Indonesia. From Sumatra comes One Sun; The Buffalo Wins; The Crocodile and the Monkey; An Honest Man; The Crying Stone; The Green Princess. From Java comes The Origin of Thunder; Lightning, Rainbow, and Rain; Kerta’s Sin; Tiung Wanara; Pak Dungu; The Mosque; The Widow and the Fishes; The Story of Sangkuriang; The Palace of Solo; The Legendary Jaka Tarub; Out of Harm’s Way; How Rice Came to Earth. From Bali comes Creation of the Bali Channel; The Tragedy of Jayaprana. From Kalimantan comes Why We Have Insects, Bees, and Birds; No Tigers in Borneo. From Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara comes A Toraja Turtle; Toar and Limimuut, Rinkitan and the Cuscus; La Dana and His Buffalo; The Overflowing Pot. FromIrian Jaya comes The Sago Palm; The Magic Crocodile. The color illustrations are quite striking with bright watercolor images.

Fiction

Gelman, Rita Golden. Rice is Life. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2000. Unp. Paintings by Yangsook Choi. ISBN 0-8050-5719-6. Gr. 5-8.

Gelman presents the raising of nasi, rice that is eatenfor breakfast, lunch, and dinner by families on the island of Bali in the country of Indonesia. The raising of rice ina sawah, a wet rice field, is told both in poetry and prose by Gelman, who lived nine years on the island of Bali. Beautiful paintings of oil on paper illustrate each step of the raising of rice. The artist made a trip to Bali to do the colorful illustrations and end papers. Readers are introduced to many animals and insects that may be seen in the rice fields. Children will enjoy hearing this book readto them more than once, as well as the challenge of making their own illustrations inspired by the text and accompanying paintings.

Biography

Cheneviere, Alain. Pak in Indonesia. Text and photographs by Alain Cheneviere. Translated by Lisa Davidson. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company, 1994. ISBN 0-8225-2826-6. Gr. 5-8.

Pak grew up in Bandowoso, famous raising and training bulls for cart racing. This book describes the culture of bull racing and its importance in Indonesian society. A notebook section includes geography, people and their work, history, cultural life and a glossary. Color photographs add to the text showing Pak in action.

Gallardo, Evelyn. Among the Orangutans: The Birute GaldikasStory. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1993. 45 pp. ISBN 0811800318.

This biography of Birute Galdikas tells of a woman who becomes one of the last protégées of Dr. Louis Leaky and whodevotes her life to the scientific study of orangutans in Borneo, Indonesia. Colorful photographs show Birute with many orangutans in the Indonesian forests. An afterward by Birute Galdikas, a list of organizations, a glossary, and anindex complete the book. Colorful end papers show maps and locations that related to the lifeof Birute.

Culture and History

Berg, Elizabeth. Indonesia. Milwaukee, Wisc.: Gareth Stevens Publishing, 1997. 32 pp. ISBN 0-8368-1933-0.

In this part of Festivals of the World Series, five main islands, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantran, Sulewesi, and Doran Joya, plus 13,000 smaller islands make up the country of Indonesia. Indonesia lies across the equator: it is hot and humid throughout each year.

Indonesia has the fifth largest population of any country, with most of the people living on Java. Three

hundred different people speak 250 languages. Four major religions are followed in Indonesia: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

Festivals are celebrated frequently all year. The Muslim festivals include: Sekaten (seh-KAH-ten) celebrates the birthday of Prophet Mohammed; the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, also called Eid al-Fitr; Eid Al-Adha, the celebration of Ibrahim’s, Abraham’s in Christianity, willingness to sacrifice his son. The Balinese festivals include: Nypei, the Balinese New Year, a totally quiet day wherein no fires are lit, no work is done, and no one leavesthe home; Galingon, ten days when gods and ancestors are believed to return to earth, and Odalan, a festival occurring every 210 days to celebrate the birthday of a Hindu temple with a variety of musical, mystic, and culturalactivities. Celebrations of Good Friday on the island of Flores--solemn, barefoot processions in Larantuka contrasted with whip duels--called caci (CHA-chee) in West Flores. A coming-of-age celebration, leaping over a two-foot wide column, for men on the island of Naas is described.

Suggestions are given for activities: dancing and mask making. Directions are given for making a shadow puppet andfor frying tempeh. A glossary and an index, plus picture credits, are given at the end of the book. Colored picturedenhance the topics discussed. A list is given of additionallibrary materials to consult. Cassanos, Lynda Cohen. Indonesia. Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2005. 128 pp. Series: The Growth and Influence of Islam. ISBN 1-59084-836-5. Gr. 6-8.

The author helps us to understand the geography, history, politics, economies, and cultures of the Islamic nation of Indonesia. Her chapters include: Table of Contents, Introduction, Place In The World, The Land, History, Politics, The Economy, And Religion, The People, Communities, Foreign Relations. In the back are aChronology, a Glossary, Further Reading, Internet Resources, and an Index. There are color photographs that show people in various activities.

Horton, Edward. Indonesia. Chicago, Ill.: Raintree, 2004. 128 pp. Series: Nations of the world. ISBN 0-7398-6998-1. Gr. 5-7.

The text is quite interesting as he goes beyond the normal coverage to treat places and subjects not covered by similar authors. This makes it a valuable addition to the Indonesian children collection. Chapters include: Foreword, Introduction, Land and Cities, Past and Present, The Economy, Arts and Living, and The Future. In the back there is an almanac, timeline, glossary, bibliography, and index. An unusual feature of this culture guide is the full page color photographs opening each section. They are a bit muted and less vibrantthan other similar treatments but they give a dreamlike quality. His other smaller photographs are well chosen and depict interesting events and people. There are a lot of color graphs and charts showing unusual demographics such aspopulation, ethnic composition, religious persuasion, age, etc. His strongest contribution is his treatment of geographic places with unusual happenings like the disappearance of Michael Rockerfeller.

Lamoreaux, Florence. Indonesia: A Global Studies Handbook. Santa Barbara: ABC—CLIO, 2003. 251 pp. Series: Global Studies, Asia. ISBN 1-57607-913-9. Gr. 7-8.

This book is for advanced readers in Junior High and High School. It contains some very interesting facts and details about the country. It includes four chapters: Indonesia’s Geography and History, Indonesia’s Economy, Indonesian Institutions, and Indonesian Society and Contemporary Issues. It also includes Maps and Acronyms in the front. In the back it includes: Key Events in Indonesian History; Significant People, Places, and Events; Indonesian Language, Food, and Etiquette; Indonesia-Related Organizations; Annotated Bibliography of Recommended Readings on Indonesia,An Index; and About the Author. There are a few scattered black and white maps and photographs that help us conceptualize places and people.

Lim, Robin. Indonesia. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 2001. 48 pp. Series: Globettrotters Club. ISBN 1-57505-150-8. Gr. 4-6.

Basic concepts are covered for junior readers with a few vocabulary words highlighted in bold print. There is a photograph on each pageIt includes sixteen concepts: Selemat Datang ke Indonesia, Island Hopping, Quaking in our Boots, Critters Undercover,First People, Many Are One, Up North, Family Ties, Jam-Packed Cities, Life in the Countryside, Bahasa Indonesia, Religious Beliefs, Celebrate Ramadan, Going to School, Sarong Along, Use Your Hands, Bamboo Jamboree, Young Artists, Indonesian Fast Food, That’s Entertainment. In the back are a Glossary, Pronunciation Guide, Further Reading, and an Index.

Lyle, Garry. Indonesia. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999. 104 pp. Series: Major World Nations. ISBN 0-7910-4987-6.

This book opens with a two-page spread of a map that shows the Republic of Indonesia. The next two pages are entitled Facts at a Glance, which is followed by four pages of History at a Glance. “Unity in diversity,” Bhinneka Tungal Ik in the Bahasa language is the motto of the Indonesian people. This history of Indonesia includes the influence ofthe various peoples who migrated to its shores bringing their religions—Muslim, Hindu, and Christian; their culturalpractices; architecture; and government. The seven chaptersare: Thirteen Thousand Islands; The Story of the Islands; Living in the Islands; The West End; In the Middle; The East End; Indonesia and the World. After many colorizations and wars, the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was declared on August 17, 1945. Contemporary developments since independence are described. A glossary and an index are provided.

Martin, James. Komodo Dragons: Giant Lizards of Indonesia. Minneapolis: Capstone Press, 1995. 48 pp. ISBN 1-56065-238-1.

This book begins with two pages of facts about Komodo Dragons. Five brief chapters, enhanced by the author’s color photographs, tell about the lives of the Komodo dragons, what they eat, how they hunt, how they reproduce, and how they interact with humans. A glossary, a list of suggested books to read, and an index conclude this book.

Martin, Louise. Komodo Dragons. Vero Beach, Fla.: Rourke Enterprises, 1989. 24 pp. Series: The Reptile Discovery Library. ISBN 0-86592-574-7. Gr. 2-4.

A very simple account of the reptiles that describes their physical characteristics and habits and behavior. Nine short chapters include: Komodo Dragons, How They Look, Where They Live, What They Eat, How They Eat, Their Senses, Their Defenses, Baby Komodo Dragons, and Komodo Dragons and People. In the back are a glossary and an index. There is a full color photograph on every page showing them in action.Maynard, Thane. Komodo Dragons. Plymouth, Minn.: The Child’s World, Inc., 1997. 32 pp. ISBN 1-56766-266-8. Gr.3-6.

Large print and clear, distinctive photographs tell what Komodo Dragons are, where they live, what they look like, what they eat, how their young are born and grow up, and why they need to be protected.

Matthews, Rupert. The Eruption of Krakatoa. New York: The Boatwright Press, 1989. Illus. by Tony Smith and Peter Bull. 32 pp. Series: Great Disasters. ISBN 0-531-18239-8.Gr. 4-7.

Colorful pastel illustrations plus photographs in coloras well as black and white illustrate the island of Krakatoabefore, during, and after the August 27, 1883 volcanic eruption. The blast of this volcano was estimated to have exceeded the power of many atomic bombs. It killed people, animals, and plants and instigated tsunamis. Diagrams are shown of the extent of the ash that fell and the faraway

locations where explosions were heard. A glossary, a list of books to read, and a list of important dates, an index, and acknowledgements for illustrations and photographs are given.

McNair, Sylvia. Indonesia. New York: Children’s Press, 1998. 126 pp. Series: Enchantment of the World. ISBN 0-516-0-2618-6. Gr. 4-6.

The author does a very thorough job covering the history and daily life of the Indonesia for her audience. Her nine chapters include: Selamat Datang (An Introduction), Tanah AriKita (Geography), The Many Faces of Indonesia (The People), From Java Man to Hindu Kingdoms (History to 1527), Colonial Period (History from 1497 to 1945), Independent Indonesia (1945 to the Present, Government), Making a Living (Commerce and Industry), Everyday Life, and Indonesian Arts and Crafts. She includes mini-facts at a glance, a map and an index. Her choice of photographs adds interest and helps the reader learn more about the country and the people.

Miksic, John. The Mysteries of Borobudur. Singapore: Periplus, 1999. 32 pp. Series: Discover Indonesia. ISBN 962-593-198-8. Gr. 4-7.

The contribution of this book is that it deals specifically with the importance of the Hindi religion and the Borobudur temple on Java. It adds specific details about the construction, importance, and cultural practices so that school age children can learn about it. Chapters include: Buddhism in Java; Construction; Early Javanese Society; Reconstruction; Architecture; Statues; Visual Vocabulary; Mahakamavibhangga; Jatakas and Avadanas; The Lalitavistara; The Gandavyuha; The Message. In the back area glossary and an index. The color photographs are a bit dull and could have been better selected.

Miller, Debra A. Indonesia. San Diego: Lucent Books, 2005.112 pp. Series: Modern Nations of the World. ISBN 1-59018-442-4. Gr. 5-8.

The book covers the country's climate, geography, agriculture, industry, daily life in both rural and urban areas, and arts and culture. Indonesia, a beautiful Southeast Asian country formed from thousands of islands, was once a popular tourist site but today is associated mostly with Islamic terrorism and a deadly 2004 tsunami disaster. The book features maps, black-and-white photographs, and special boxes. In the back are facts-at-a-glance, a detailed chronology, an annotated bibliography including works for both children and adults, an annotated list of works consulted (including web sites), and an index.Photographs and maps are interesting and informative.

Miller, Geoff. Komodo Dragons. Danbury, Conn.: Grolier Educational, 1999. 48 pp. Series: Nature’s Children. ISBN 0-7172-9361-0 (alk. paper). Gr. 4-7.

Facts are provided in a conversational style of writing. Very colorful pictures by many photographers illustrate the information provided. The author indicates that Komodo dragons may be seen on the islands of Pandar, Rintja, Flores and Komodo. Some books about Komodo dragons mention only the island of Komodo. Words to know, an index,and photo credits conclude this book.

Mirpuri, Gouri and Robert Cooper. Indonesia. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2002. 144 pp. Series: Cultures of the World. ISBN 0-7614-1353-3. Gr. 5-8.

The book helps us better understand the Indonesian culture. Chapters include: Introduction, Geography, History, Government, Economy, Environment, Indonesians, Lifestyle, Religion, Language, Arts, Leisure, Festivals, and Food. The color photographs are very vibrant with vivid greens that show the lush and tropical flavor of the islands. Subjects chosen in the photographs are attractive and usually smiling to show the warmth of thepeople. In the back are a Map of Indonesian, About the Economy,

About the Culture, Timeline, Glossary, Further Information, Further Information, Bibliography, and an Index.

Montardre, Helene. Volcanoes: A Journey to the Crater’s Edge. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2002. Photos by Philippe Bourseiller. Drawings by David Giraudon. 76 pp. ISBN 0-8109-4590-8.

Photographer Philippe Bourseiller travels to active andinactive craters of volcanoes throughout the world and takesspectacular pictures in color. Two pages explain how volcanoes are born and two pages explain how the photographer took the pictures in this book. At each location, a red dot is shown on a world map to indicate the location of the volcano crater depicted. Three pictures were taken in Indonesia: “Vulcanologists on the Merapi Volcano,” “Procession Along the Slopes of the Agung Volcano, Bali,” and “Sulphur from Kawah Ijen, Island of Java.”

Moose, Christina J. Indonesia. Dropping In On. Vero Beach, Fl.: Rourke Book Company, 2003. 32 pp. Series: A GeographySeries. ISBN 1-55916-281-3. Gr. 2-4.

This is a very basic treatment of Indonesia. It is a good starting point for younger children as it gives a few interesting facts in simple terms. There is a color photograph on every other page. Concepts covered are: Our Blue Ball: The Earth; The Equatorial Zone; Get Ready for Indonesia; Stop 1: Jakarta; Unity in Diversity; Stop 2: Borobudur and Prambanan; Stop 3: Bali; Stop 4: Kalimantan; The Komodo Dragon; Stop 5: Sulawesi; Growing Up Indonesian; Stop 6: Sumatra; The Foods of Indonesia. In the back is a glossary, further readings, suggested websites and an index.

Nardo, Don. Krakatoa. San Diego, Calif.: Lucent Books, Inc., 1990. Illus. By Brian McGovern. 64 pp. Series: World Disasters. ISBN 1560060115. Gr 5-8.

The author says a disaster should not be viewed in isolation; therefore, he presents historical information,

plus information about the culture in which the disaster occurs. On August 26, 1883, the uninhabited island of Krakatoa in the country of Indonesia blew up. The nearest inhabitants to Krakatoa lived on the large islands of Java and Sumatra. By August 27, tsunamis had killed thousands of people and Krakatoa produced the loudest sound ever recorded in human history, a sound so loud that it was heard 3,000 miles away.Although Krakatoa had brought death and destruction, it brought new life after its volcanic explosions. Where therehas been 34 plant species in 1886, there were 61 in 1896. In 1929, 300 plant species were identified. In addition to the additional plants and animals observed, scientists learned about the recurring process of volcanic caldera formation. On December 29, 1927, a new island named Anak Krakatoa, child of Krakatoa, appeared where the craters of Danan and Perboewatan had disappeared. There is a glossary, a reading list, an index, plus picture credits and information about the authors and illustrators.

Orr, Tamra. Indonesia. New York: Children’s Press, 2005. 144 pp. Series: Enchantment of the World, Second Series. ISBN 0-516-23684-9. Gr. 5-8.

The author has added a few interesting facts along with a color illustration on every page. The ten chapters she covers in detail are: A Tolerant and Artistic Country; A Nation of Islands; Forests, Flowers, and Wildlife; A Long History; Government; Earning A Living; A Varied Population; Religious Beliefs; A Lively Culture; Lifestyles. In the back are: Fast Facts, To Find Out More, and an index.

Phillips, Douglas A. Indonesia. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2005. 112 pp. Series: Modern World Nations. ISBN 0-7910-9022-6. Gr. 5-8.

This is a current account of Indonesia. It contains some unusual facts about the people and country. There are nine chapters: Introducing Indonesia, Natural Environment, Indonesia through time, Independence and Nationhood, People and Culture, Government

of Indonesia, Indonesia’s Economy, The Islands, and Indonesia’s Future. There are Facts at a Glance, History at a Glance, Further Readings, and an Index. Color photographs and color maps are an attractively distributed throughout the book. This is a recommended treatment for children’s libraries with country studies.

Riehecky, Janet. Indonesia. Mankato, Minn.: Bridgestone Books, 2002. 24 pp. Series: Countries of the World. ISBN 0-7368-1106-0. Gr. 2-4.

In the front are Fast Facts, Maps, Flag, and Currency. She covers basic concepts including, The Land; Life at Home; Going to School; Indonesian Food; Clothing; Animals; Entertainment; Holidays and Celebrations; Hands On: Making A Shadow Puppet; Learn to Speak Bahasa Indonesian. In the back are Words to Know, Read More, Useful Addresses and Internet Sites, and an index. There is a color photograph for each of the concepts.

Ryan, Patrick. Indonesia. Plymouth, Minn.: The Child’s World, 1998. 32 pp. Series: Faces and Places. ISBN 1-56766-275-7. Gr. 4-6.

The author has kept his text short and to the point with about a paragraph in each chapter. The color illustrations and photographs are quite dramatic on each high quality glossy pages. My favorite is of seven women carrying colorful fruit baskets on their heads to the marketto sell. It really has an attractive display of people and places.

Schafer, Susan. The Komodo Dragon. New York: Dillon Press,1992. 60 pp. ISBN 0-87508-504-5. Gr. 4-7.

Two pages of facts about the Komodo Dragon precede fivebrief chapters with color pictures that make up this book. Each illustration relates to the text. The author’s authoritative command of facts and clear explanations are well organized. The facts presented lead the reader logically from one life event to another of the Komodo

Dragon. Additional sources of information, a glossary, and an index, plus a note about the author are at the end of this book.

Simpson, Judith. Indonesia. Broomall, Pa.: Mason Crest Publishers, Inc., 2003. 47 pp. Series: Ask about Asia. ISBN 1-59084-208-1. Gr. 4-7.

The author discusses the geography, history, economy, government, religion, people, foreign relations, and major cities of Indonesia. Her five sections include: The Land; Growth of a Nation; War and Independence; Modern Indonesia; Daily Life. The Land section includes: Indonesia—Tanah Air Kita; A country of diversity; animals and plants. The Growth of a Nation section includes: The firstsettlers; the age of empires; The coming of Islam; Europe in control. The Warand Independence section includes: The struggle for independence; Merdeka! Freedom! The Modern Indonesia section includes: Modern Indonesia. Governing 17,508 islands; Indonesia and other countries; From land and sea; Industry and economy; Jakarta: Ibu Kota. The Daily Lifesection includes: Being Indonesian; Family matters; Food from all regions;School days; Visiting Indonesia. The author uses as many as four color photographs per page which gives a visual panorama of people and places. She includes some very interesting captions with each photograph.

Tibbits, Alison and Alan Roocroft. Sumatran Tigers. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press, 1992. 32 pp. Series: Animals, animals, animals. ISBN 1-56065-105-9. Gr. 4-7.

This picture book features large colorful pictures of tigers, plus text in large print. Words listed in the briefGlossary/Index are printed in bold. Characteristics of the tigers and their habitats are described. Their size and appearance are shown. Their hunting practices and nurturingof their young are described. The authors’ state only 200 Sumatran tigers exist.

Townsend, Sue and Caroline Young. Indonesia. Chicago: Heinemann Library, 2003. Series: A World of Recipes. 48 pp. ISBN 1-4034-09765. Gr. 5-8.

The author shares recipes from Indonesia that children can make including Peanut Fritters, Peanut Sauce, Vegetable Gado-Gado, Crab and Baby Sweet Corn Soup, Prawn and Rice Noodle Soup, Nasi Goreng, Aromatic Chicken, Spiced Beef and Coconut Stew, Steamed Cabbage with Coconut, Carrot and Mooli Salad, Spicy Scrambled Eggs, Sumatran-Style Lamb Chops, Tofu Omelettes, Festive Rice Cone, Coconut Pancakes, Fruit Salad. In the front is a description of Ingredients. In the back are Further Information, Healthy Eating, a Glossary, and an index.

Torres, John. Tsunami Disaster in Indonesia, 2004. Hockessin, Delaware: Mitchell Lane Publisher, 2005. 32 pp. Series: A Robbie Reader/Natural Disasters. ISBN 1-58415-2. Gr. 2-4.

This is a very basic level reader about the impact of the tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004. Chapters include: The baby is gone; What is a tsunami; Scope of disaster; The world cries, then helps; Years of building ahead. The first chapter describes Wong LiKhiun and how she lost her son, husband, and 40 members of her family. She clung to a telephone pole with her son wrapped around her but so many people came that she was knocked off and her son was swept away.

Wilds, Mary C. Indonesia. Waterville, Maine: Lucent Books,2004. 112 pp. Series: Indigenous Peoples of the World. ISBN 1-59018-314-2. Gr. 7-8.

The author approaches the subject in an anthropologicalperspective with fully documented primary and secondary sources. Chapters include: Foreword; Introduction; Rice Fields and Spice; The Rhythms of Culture; Going to War, Keeping the Peace; Spirits and Ancestors; Masters and Freedom Fighters; A People at the Crossroads. In theback are notes, for further reading, works consulted, an index, picture credits, and about the author. The author does a passable job describing people and places. Although I

don’t like the use of black and white photographs when thereare so many good color ones there are a few she has chosen that are dramatic.

Windham, Jeannette P. Volcanoes, Betjaks, and “Dragons.” Tampa, Fla.: Global Age Publishing, 1995. 82 pp. Series: Windows on the World. ISBN 1887176055. Gr. 6-8.

The author takes the reader on an imaginative trip to Indonesia. The nine chapters covered are: Preparation and Travel Itinerary, Country Briefing, Our Arrival in Indonesia, In and Around Bali, Our Nest in the Treetops, Bargaining in Bali, Living Dinosaurs, Our Very Own Sultan’s Palace, Our Betjak Adventure. In the back our Country Facts, aGlossary, and an Indonesian Recipe. A betjak is a bicycle taxis which is a popular form of transportation. The authorvisited the islands of Java, Bali, and Komodo. The photographs quality is slightly inferior because the book was economically produced by a vanity press. The line drawings are nicer and artistically rendered.

Videos

ABC News Tsunami: Wave of Destruction. MPI Home Video. DVD, 124 min., color.

Globe Trekker Indonesia. (2004). London: Pilot Productions. DVD, 180 minutes, color.

Indonesia. (2005). Discovery Education. DVD, color; Closed Captioned; English Soundtrack; Standard Screen.

Indonesia Island Jihad. (2005). Worchester, Pa.: Vision Video. DVD, 20 minutes, color.

Indonesia—Java and Bali. (2000). VHS, 60 min, color.

Lonely Planet—The Indonesia Experience. (1997). Lonely Planet Productions. VHS, 47 min., color.

Wildlife Secret Animals--Africa, Scandinavia, Alaska, Indonesia and India. (2006). Tango Entertainment. DVD, 108 min., color.

Internet Sites

American-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (http://www.aiccusa.org)

American Indonesia Exchange Foundation (http://www.aminef.or.id/)

ArchipelaGo (http://www.goarchi.com/)

Batik Making (http://www.expat.or.id/batiksteps.html)

Dutch East Indies (http://home.iae.nl/users/arcengel/Links/Ned-Indie.htm)

Gadjah Mada University (http://www.gadjahmada.edu)

Indonesian Art Net (http://www.indonesianart.com)

Indonesian Embassy of the United States (http://www.embassyofindonesia.org)

Indonesian Heritage (http://www.indonesianheritage.com)

Indonesian History until 1998(http://home.iae.nl/users/arcengel/Indonesia/100.htm)

Indonesian History until 2001 (http://www.gimonca.com/sejarah/sejarah10.html)

Indonesian Offices of the United Nations (http://www.un.int/indonesia)

Jakarta Post (http://www.thejakartapost.com/headlines.asp)

University of Indonesia (http://www.ui.ac.id/)

World Fact Book (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html)

Frank Alan Bruno is Director of the Libraries at Uintah County Library in Vernal, Utah. He is the Internet/Electronic Products subject editor of MultiCulturalReview. E-mail: bruno@co.uintah.ut.us

Patricia F. Beilke is a professor in the Department of Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education at Ball State University. She is a member of the EMIERT Roundtable,American Library Association and a frequent contributor to MultiCultural Review. E-mail: pbeilke@bsu.edu.