Suramadu Bridge

After a series of long delays, the construction of a 5.43-km-long bridge connecting Surabaya and Madura island in East Java will start immediately, marked by a commencement ceremony slated to be led by President Megawati Soekarnoputri

House Deputy Speaker A.M. Fatwa, who visited the city on Wednesday, said the date for the ceremony would be decided after Governor Imam Utomo had met the President.

""Today (Wednesday), the President held a meeting with the governor at Merdeka Palace to discuss the planned construction of the bridge.

""Accompanying them was Minister of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno. So, let's just await the result of the meeting,"" Fatwa told reporters here after holding a meeting with East Java Deputy Governor Imam Supardi at the latter's office.

Fatwa added that the bridge, to be known as ""Suramadu"", was essential to help improve economic activities between Surabaya and Madura.

""The central government must remember that this province has allocated Rp 40 trillion (US$40 million) annually over the last three years to help develop the bridge, but it has only earned some Rp 8 trillion in regional income.

""The limited budget has caused many in Madura to have a low standard of living,"" Fatwa added.

Since last year, several legislators, especially those from East Java, have called on the government to honor its promise to build the bridge, considering that it was an important project that would produce advantages for the local economy.

The idea for a bridge was initiated in 1990 when then president Soeharto assigned the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology to form a consortium to handle it. More than a decade later, nothing had been developed.

It was estimated that construction of the Suramadu bridge would cost Rp 2.16 trillion ($216 million).

The project was suspended for a decade due to financial as well as social problems. Many Madurese openly objected to the plan through fear that the bridge would over-accelerate development in Madura, which would bring with it social problems, such as prostitution.

According to Fatwa, the government of Kuwait has promised to provide $150 million to assist the development project.

Meanwhile, Imam said that the central government had allocated some Rp 25 billion of the state budget toward its construction, in addition to some Rp 75 billion allocated from the provincial state budget.

post by http://www.thejakartapost.com

Sambilangan Beach

Sambilangan beach is located about 7 km in south side of Bangkalan city, in Sambilangan village, Bangkalan district. This beach also still seems to be experiencing, besides that, there is a lighthouse that made in 1879, opened by ZW Willem III. The lighthouse has 90 meters height, which is the tourists can raising it and enjoy the 'traffic' of fisherman boat and merchantman in Madura strait.

The beautiful of sunset can enjoyed with very transparent ashore this beach. The extent of mangrove forest and hundreds hectare of rice area are surrounded Sambilangan beach that seems beautiful view in Bangkalan area.

post by http://www.eastjava.com/

Get on an Astounding Antarctica Adventure Now

Long ago, Antarctica was a place where few dare venture. It is a spot so remote, so untamed, and deeply mysterious, that a trip to this cold, wind-swept location only the brave and daring are willing to take the risk of both the long voyage by the sea and the possibility of no return. That was then. This is now. The Atlantic adventure is safe, comfortable, and still holds the same exotic beauty and mysterious wonder that attracted the brave explorers of long ago. Ships are built with double hulls and are now equipped with the latest in navigation technology. Adventurers are able to enjoy the comforts of home in this far-off place. Naturalists and biologists are also part of the team who will give you more information on the various wildlife as well as the plants and animals found in the icy waters around the continent and even those that thrive on the harsh environment above sea level. With glaciers and icebergs of impressive size and beauty, they are both fearsome and awesome to behold. Glaciers and icebergs can be as tall as the highest skyscraper and can be as wide as five even ten city blocks. Not to mention that the exposed area usually just a small part, more specifically just a mere 10% of an iceberg is floating above water and the rest remains submerged. But the beauty can be breathtaking! With every shape imaginable - it may look like the Arc de Triomphe. With a touch of artistic inspiration, Mother Nature creates icebergs striped and adorned with different colors like blue, green, black, yellow and brown. An Antarctica adventure also gives you a first-hand experience with some of nature's most amazing animals such as marine mammals, seabirds, seals, sea lions as well as rare species of plants and animals found in no other part of the world but in the vast expanse of the land and seas of Antarctica. Giant seabirds, namely petrels, albatrosses, seagulls, terns, penguins, may be flying overhead, swooping down on the ocean's surface for its food or basking out under the Atlantic sun, this magnificent wildlife are a marvel to look at. The joys of whale watching is something you will always remember, the gentle giants displaying graceful and elegant sea ballet and again, giving evidence to the splendor of Mother Nature and our responsibility in conserving these wonderful creatures. If you're an avid photographer, then you need to take an Atlantic adventure. With almost 24 hours of continuous daylight, you have numerous opportunities of capturing captivating light displays. The sky is a palette of colors throughout the day. In winter, an awesome display of lights can be seen in the Antarctic sky. To those who have taken the Atlantic adventure; few sights can surpass the magical beauty and wonder of the layers of color undulating in the frigid air of the Antarctic winter. The Atlantic adventure is the adventure of a lifetime and the chance to experience a whole new world, a world of contrasts. In this place of seemingly unending expanse of snow-covered mountains and seas dotted with ice floes and icebergs, there is a world full of life and vitality. A home to thousands of plants and animals, most of which are seen nowhere else but in this wildly exotic, chillingly spectacular, and wonderfully remote. If you're looking for a road less travelled, a chance to experience the once in a lifetime journey, then the Atlantic adventure is the road you need to take this year. articles By Jo Alelsto (http://www.antarcticabound.com)

Jumiang Beach Pamekasan District

With its typical landscape, waves dashing against the cliffs add to the beauty of the scene especially at morning. It’s located in Pademawu district, about 12 km south east of Pamekasan. This beach has a beautiful beach with sand and else where it has a high coral cliff on which shady trees grow. It is a nice place to rest and enjoy the scenery. This beach also closes to fisherman village and also as fishing area, because the waves not too big and the wind blows continually.

Asta Highest Tomb Complex is the Kings SumenepC

Post by. simasa.multiply.com

Asta Highest tomb complex is the king Sumenep, offspring and relatives. Built around the year 1750. This complex consists of three sections that each have a distinctive gateway. The first section on the left side consists of a dome Bindoro Saud, Prince Jimad dome and cupola P. Jiwo home. This section contains the graves of the older, so we are required to enter this complex first. The second part is in the middle and have the most beautiful form. Here are two domed burial vault that is Sri Sultan A. Rahman & Panembahan Sumolo dome. While the third part is prohibited, in a sense we are not permitted to enter. Isn'T entering, a new step to set foot track only be reproved )

In addition to the dome, the tomb also spread to the entire complex of various ages, and even have a young enough age (years 90an). The cemetery is in the dome is covered with some cloth and netting. According to the interpreter lock netting is given by the people who the desire to achieve after praying at this tomb.

To enter the tomb, we must first report to provide an interpreter with the key contribution seikhlasnya. Before entering the cemetery gate, we must remove the footwear and walk in the way of mud that has been provided.