"One day in April 2010, right after I was assigned to Indonesia as a CCTV (China Central Television) foreign correspondent, I ordered a dish of Indonesian-style fried rice at a restaurant in Beijing. It was perhaps the only thing that I could link with the strange country that I was about to go to. At that time I knew little about Indonesia - except some big natural disasters and anti-Chinese riots."

So writes Chinese journalist Dou Yunyun in her newly published book Discover Indonesia in Indonesia, published by Wenhui Publishing House and launched during the 2015 Shanghai Book Fair. Dou, CCTV's first-ever foreign correspondent in Indonesia, said at the launch event that during her five years on assignment in Indonesia, she had traveled to most of the main islands in Indonesia and covered nearly all of the country's key events, such as the Aceh earthquake of 2012.

"During these five years I've experienced a country with great economic potential, diverse culture and splendid natural beauties, and I wrote the book to share my experiences with Chinese people," she said.

Open house

Despite having the fourth-largest population in the world (255 million) and its geographical proximity to China, Chinese people largely remain unaware of this sizeable country, comprised of thousands of islands, and its Muslim-majority society.

"Due to historical reasons, China and Indonesia broke off diplomatic ties with each other between 1967 and 1990, and the people of both countries lacked communication and mutual understanding," Dou wrote in her book. "To be honest, before working in Indonesia, I myself also held stereotypes on this country, believing that it had nothing but endless natural disasters."

That was partly why Dou is now eager to share her experiences there. "Indonesia is undergoing rapid development, and plays an important role in today's Asian market," she said. "It's time for the country to show off more of its diverse aspects to the world."

Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, the Consul General of Indonesia in Shanghai, spoke highly of Dou and her Chinese-language book at the launching ceremony on August 24. "This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China, and there's still much room to be improved for better understanding between people of both countries." Kenssy said in her speech.

In her book, Dou not only recounts her professional and personal experiences, but also introduces local culture and folk customs. One of the more unique details she reveals is the popular Indonesian term "Open House," literally meaning "open the door to welcome guests."

As described in her narrative, during big festivals such as the Eid ul-Fitr, wealthy people will prepare lavish meals at their home, which strangers and neighbors alike can partake. "Anyone, no matter if they know the host or not, can visit their home and enjoy a meal," Dou writes. "During the Eid ul-Fitr of 2012, I saw many people standing in a line in front of the President of Indonesia's office, waiting to visit him."

Tourism and culture

I Gde Pitana, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Indonesia, also attended the Discover Indonesia in Indonesia launch. He told the Global Times that last year Indonesia saw nearly 1 million Chinese tourists, ranking fourth among the country's foreign tourists. "This year we have a 2 million tourist target," he said.

"My country is one of the most worth-visiting countries in the world in terms of natural beauty and cultural diversity," Pitana said. "If you want to experience local culture and folk customs, come between June and August, when there are lots of festivals. If you like to dive, visiting between August and October is perfect. If you want a cheaper and quieter trip, come from February to April - it's the low season when you can spend less money without worrying about tourist crowds."

He added that the Indonesian government is planning to train more Chinese-speaking staffers within the tourism industry. He told the Global Times that in some places outside Bali Island there are few tour guides who speak Putonghua. "But we're trying to improve the situation by distributing bilingual guidebooks, and setting Chinese signage at scenic spots."

Today, most Chinese regard Bali as a must-visit destination yet know little about other Indonesian locales. In Dou's book, she recommends many tourist attractions, which may be a good reference guide for potential Chinese tourists.

"I personally suggest a visit to Komodo National Park in Pulau Komodo Island, which is only a one-hour flight from Bali," Dou told the Global Times. "In this park you will see Varanus komodoensis (the Komodo dragon), an endangered animal with a poisonous bite. This animal is so rare that you cannot see it at any other place."

Beyond tourism, Kenssy said that she hopes Dou's book will also serve as a cultural primer to reopen ties between China and Indonesia. "Her book is an effort to increase mutual understanding between Indonesian and Chinese people. With her five years of working in Indonesia, she will take the Chinese readers to discover and experience Indonesia with a more diverse and humanistic approach," Kenssy said.

Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, the Consul General of Indonesia in Shanghai (fourth from left), I Gde Pitana, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Indonesia (middle) and Dou Yunyun (fourth from right) at the book launch

 

Cover of Discover Indonesia in Indonesia

Photos: Huang Lanlan/GT