Mizoram

Particulars Description Area 21,081 sq. km Population 8,91,058 Capital Aizawl Principal Languages Mizo and English
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History and Geography

Mizoram is a mountainous region which became the 23rd state of the Indian Union in February 1987. It was one of the districts of Assam till 1972 when it became a Union Territory. After being annexed by the British in 1891, for the first few years, Lushai Hills in the north remained under Assam while the southern half remained under Bengal. Both these parts were amalgamated in 1898 into one district called Lushai Hills District under the Chief Commissioner of Assam. With the implementation of the North-Eastern Reorganisation Act in 1972, Mizoram became a Union Territory and as a sequel to the signing of the historic memorandum of settlement between the Government of India and the Mizo National Front in 1986, it was granted statehood on 20 February 1987. Sandwiched between Myanmar in the east and the south and Bangladesh in the west, Mizoram occupies an area of great strategic importance in the north-eastern corner of India. Mizoram has great natural beauty and an endless variety of landscape. It is rich in fauna and flora. The origin of the word 'Mizo' is not known. The Mizos came under the influence of the British Missionaries in the 19th Century. Now most of the Mizos are Christians. Mizo language has no script of its own. The missionaries introduced the Roman script for the Mizo language and formal education. Literacy in the state has grown rapidly, and Mizoram literacy at 88.8 per cent today, is the second highest in the country. The State government is striving hard to attain the top position in the near future.

About 80 per cent of the people of Mizoram are engaged in agricultural pursuits. The main pattern of agriculture followed is Jhum or Shifting cultivation. Of the total 21 lakh ha. of land estimated, 6.30 lakh hectares of land is available for cultivation of horticulture crops. The existing area under different horticulture crops account for about 4127.6 hectares, which is only 6.55 per cent of the estimated potential area. This indicates the vast scope for horticulture crops to flourish in Mizoram. The main horticulture crops are Mandarin Orange, Banana, Passion Fruit, Grapes, Hatkora, Pineapple, Papaya, etc., and flowers like Anthurium, Bird of Paradise, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Rose and other subsidiary seasonal flowers. Spices like Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper and Bird's eye Chillies are also grown. People have also started extensive cultivation of oil palm, medicinal and aromatic plants.

Irrigation
The ultimate surface irrigation potential is estimated at 70,000 hectares of which 45,000 hectares is under flow and 25,000 hectares by construction and 70 pucca minor irrigation projects and six lift irrigation projects for raising double and triple crops in a year are nearing completion.

Industry
The entire Mizoram is a Notified Backward Area and was categorised under 'No Industry District' in mid seventies. With the announcement of State Industrial Policy 1989, few modern small-scale industries have come up during the past decade. To further accelerate growth of industries, a New Industrial Policy of Mizoram was announced in the year 2000. The Policy identified thrust areas like Electronics and Information Technology, Bamboo and Timber based products, Food and Fruit Processing, Textiles, Handloom and Handicrafts, etc. In order to attract investment from outside the State, the Policy permits joint venture for all large, medium and small scale industries with local partners. Infrastructural development like Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) at Luangmual, Aizawl, Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) at Lengte, Integrated Infrastructural Development Centre (IIDC) at Pukpui, Lunglei and Food Park at Chhingchhip are nearing completion, apart from upgradation of the existing industrial estates. Scientific cultivation of tea has also been taken up. Establishment of Apparel Training and Design Centre, Gems cutting and polishing are in the pipeline to encourage setting up of Export Oriented Units (EOUs). Of the cottage industries, Handloom and Handicrafts are given high priority and the two sectors are flourishing to meet consumers demand in the State and in the neighbouring states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, etc. to meet consumers demand in the state and in the neighbouring states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, etc. With the opening up of border trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and the 'Look East Policy' of the Government of India coupled by peaceful condition of the State, Mizoram will no more be a remote corner State of the country, and as a result of which industrialisation will substantially gain momentum in the near future.

Agriculture

About 80 per cent of the people of Mizoram are engaged in agricultural pursuits. The main pattern of agriculture followed is Jhum or Shifting cultivation. Of the total 21 lakh ha. of land estimated, 6.30 lakh hectares of land is available for cultivation of horticulture crops. The existing area under different horticulture crops account for about 4127.6 hectares, which is only 6.55 per cent of the estimated potential area. This indicates the vast scope for horticulture crops to flourish in Mizoram. The main horticulture crops are fruit crops viz. Mandarin Orange, Banana, Passion Fruit, Grapes, Hatkora, Pineapple, Papaya, etc., and flowers like Anthurium, Bird of Paradise, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Rose and other subsidiary seasonal flowers. Spices like Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper and Bird's eye Chillies are also grown. People have also started extensive cultivation of oil, palm, medicinal and aromatic plants.

Power
Construction of Tuirial HEP (60 MW) is in progress. Survey and investigation works of Kolodyne HEP (500 MW) has been completed by CWC. This project provides inland water transport facilities for the region besides generating 500 MW of power and the Government of Mizoram has given paramount importance to it. 3 MW capacity Tuipanglui and Kau-Tlabung SHPs were commissioned recently thus enhancing the state's hydro generation by 15 MW capacity. Works on Maicham-II (3MW), Serlui 'B' (12MW) and Lamsial (0.5 MW) SHPs are in progress and expected to be commissioned during 2007. A Total of 695 villages have been electrified and 709 km of 132 kv line completed.

Transport
Total road length in the State is 5,982.25 km (BRO & State PWD). Rail link in the state has been established at Bairabi. Aizawl is connected by air. In order to have a better connectivity, the Government has undertaken the Mizoram State Roads Projects with a total cost of Rs.350 crore under funds provided by the World Bank. Connectivity under PMGSY covering a total length of 2,421 km connecting 384 villages of Mizoram is making steady progress.

Festivals
Mizos are basically agriculture oriented. All their activities centre around jhum cultivation and their festivals are linked with such agricultural operations. Kut is the Mizo term for festival. Among the various cultural festivals, only three viz. Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut & Thalfavang Kut are observed today.

Tourist Centres

Cloudy day taken on 2004 Aizawl, located at nearly 4,000 ft. above sea level, is a religious and cultural centre of Mizoram. Champhai is a beautiful resort on the Myanmar border. Tam Dil, a natural lake with virgin forests, is 80 km from Aizawl and 10 km from Tourist Resort of Saitual. Vantawng Falls, 5 km from the town of Thenzawl, is the highest and most beautiful waterfall in Mizoram. The department of Tourism has opened Tourist Lodges in all the bigger towns all over the State, and Highway Restaurants and Travellers' Inns in other townships. There is also a Recreational Centre at Beraw Tlang, Aizawl and Alpine Picnic Hut at District Park near Zobawk.

Aizawl The tropic of Cancer runs through the very heart of Aizawl, Mizoram's capital city which is an ideal hill station for tourists looking for solitude, an environment which is clean & fresh with a temperate climate throughout the year. This 112 - years old citadel-like city, with its timber houses and profusion of flowers is set on a ridge at approximately an altitude of 4000 ft above sea level. With a population of approximately 2 lakhs, it's cloudless blue skies, dewy mornings and sunlit days carry a promise of unforgettable holiday pleasures practically all year round. Even the monsoon months are pleasant and gentle. From Aizawl, visitors can enjoy the stunning vistas of the lush emerald Tlawng River Valley in the west and the Turial River Valley in the east. Facing north, the rugged visage of the beautiful high craggy hills of Durtlang are encountered, another slice of Mizoram's legendry natural beauty. Aizawl is the political and cultural centre of Mizoram. It is the seat of the Government and all important Government as well as Public Sector offices are located at Aizawl. It is also the commercial hub of the State with all economic activities centered here. Before taking off to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the countryside (Bung, 16 km, is a popular picnic spot and Falklawn Mizo Village, a tourist attraction is 18 km away), spend time at the State Museum on Mcdonald hill, Zarkawt, whose collection of costumes, artifacts and historical relics tell you something about Mizo culture. You will encounter another colourful facet of Mizo tradition in the shops around Aizawl. Mizo women are expert weavers, a tradition handed down the generations - so do take colourful reminders of your visit in the form of traditional textiles such as puan with its intricate weave in the many colours, readily available in places such as Bara Bazar the main market. Mizo men are skilled craftsmen, working the native cane and bamboo into an inventive range of baskets and cane & bamboo items. The love of music amongst the Mizo's is amply evident on the streets of Aizawl as youngsters gather in throngs to listen to a rapt guitarist or a duet sung on a street corner; the music shops are abuzz with activity. Being in the city during one of their traditional festivals such a Chapachar Kut, Min Kut and Pawl Kut is a real treat. You will encounter some of the most fascinating vignettes of Mizo culture underscored by a magical joi de vivre, which touches even the fleeting visitor with its vigour. The dexterous footwork and colourful costumes of the famous Cheraw (bamboo dance) are spectacular.
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A view of Rihdil

Science Centre

A view of Rihdil

Vantawng Falls

Tamdil Pick a picnic basket and head out for Tamdil (Tam Lake). This natural lake is reputed for its fish and prawns and is an 85 km drive from Aizawl. The drive gives you an excellent opportunity to see some of the prettiest areas of Mizoram. Go for boat rides, relax by

the tranquil waters and if you can bestir yourself, take a drive into the nearby jungles, which are home to an assortment of fascinating flora and fauna. You can also stay here overnight. The resort village of Saituai is just 10 km away.

Aizawl at night

Vantawang Surrounded by a vast stretch of thick bamboo forests close to Thenzawl hill station is Mizoram's highest waterfall Vantawang (750 ft.). Located 152 km from Aizawl, this popular water body is worth a visit. If you can't get enough of it you can stay overnight for it's equipped with a cafeteria and cottage for hire. Champhai Drive along the fertile plains of Champhai, about 200 km from Aizawl to enjoy the stunning vista of emerald rice fields bordered by the smoky hills of Myanmar. This bustling commercial hub on the Indo-Myanmar borderline also attracts nature lovers by the droves. Phawngpui One of the finest encounter with Mizoram's splendid vistas is Phawngpui , its highest peak, which is extremely popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The Blue Mountain, as it is often referred to, is 300 km from Aizawl and close to the Myanmar border. Fragrant herbs and rare species of orchids and rhododendrons are found here. Under the protection of State Government's conservation programme, entry is monitored, but allows access to trekkers, picnickers and campers. Accommodation is available in Sangau and Vawmbuk village. You need a four-wheel drive to access Phawngpui.
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Tamdil

Saiha Saiha is an angler's paradise on the Chhimtuipui, Mizoram's biggest river, 378 km from Aizawl. Overnight stay can be arranged at the tourist lodge at Saiha. Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) is 30 kms away. Drive another 45 km to the popular Lake Palak, the largest in Mizoram and highly reputed for its varieties of wild duck, crabs and large fish. Tiger, bear, deer, and wild pig populate the forests of the wildlife sanctuary around the lake.

Lunglei Situated in South Mizoram, this district headquarter town is a popular hill station offering fascinating vignettes of Mizoram's legendary natural beauty.
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Mizoram

has an ancient and incredibly rich tradition with dances which reflect the amalgamation of centuries of cross-cultural inputs. The indigenous festivals of this beautiful state mirror it's diverse heritage during the celebration of the seasonal cycle of sowing and harvesting. 'Kut' is the Mizo word for 'Festival'. Since Mizos are agriculturist in occupation, all the festivals are closely associated with agricultural activities. The major festivals of the Mizos are Chapchar Kut(March), Mim Kut & Pawl Kut (November/December) and Thalfavang Kut (November). Various indigenous musical instruments used during these festivities as accompaniments such as the "tingtang" (Guitar), a string instrument and the "Phenglawng" ( a flute). The revivalist movement of old traditions has been the reappearance of love songs and lullabies originating from the time of the great migrations from Burma.
Cheraw

Chapchar Kut festival

Chapchar Kut At the end of February, when winter starts receding, the Mizos prepare the land for fresh planting. There are few days of relaxation before the serious business of sowing starts and that is when the Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated with gaiety and fervour. A spring festival, this is the most important festival and the only one regularly observed during the first week of March in Mizoram. On this day people of all ages, young and old, men and women dressed in their colorful costumes and distinctive head gears and jewelries, assemble and perform various folk dances, singing traditional songs accompanied by beating of drums, gongs and cymbals. They dance in joyous celebration of life, each team displaying the best of its region. These are generally group dances with a lot of bonhomie and courting woven into them. Some dances are strictly martial danced by strong virile warriors with their weapons and trophies.
Chawnglaizawn Khuallam

One dance perennially popular is the Cheraw or the "bamboo dance" so called as long bamboo staves are used for this dance. This is the most colourful and distinctive dance of the Mizos requiring skill and an alert mind to perform. The other main dances performed during Chapchar Kut are Khuallam, Chheihlam, Chai and Sarlamkai. "Khual lam" is an auspicious dance performed by a group of dancers celebrating new beginnings. It is also a welcome dance for guests during community festivities. To attain a position of distinction, a Mizo had to go through a series of ceremonies and perform many feats of heroic deeds. These ceremonies are always accompanied by a feast and to this feast, friends from nearby villages are invited - hence, Khuallam is the dance for the visitors or guests. The "Chheih lam" is another community dance performed by both men

Sarlamkai

and women. The war dance "Solakia", a prerogative of the male population of the community, is accompanied by rhythmic beating of the drums. Exhibition and sale of indigenous Handloom and Handicraft products and other tourist attractions like flower show, food festival, musical competition and different traditional games are also organized during the Chapchar Kut festival.
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Mim Kut & Pawl Kut These festivals are celebrated in the last week of November or the first week of December (part of the tourist season) to celebrate the completion of the harvesting season. The entire community joins in the celebration with great enthusiasm, joy and feasting. Traditional folk dances, songs and games are performed during the festival. Thalfavang Kut Mizoram celebrates the festival of Thalfavang Kut every November. This festival is celebrated after the completion of weeding of the land in preparation for the forthcoming harvesting season. This festival also depicts the cultural heritage and the traditional games of the Mizo. It has given the community an opportunity to come together and renew old bonds and ties. Christmas Since the majority of the population is Christian, Christmas is one of the most important events of the Mizos. This festival is usually celebrated from 24th December to 26th December. Christmas Eve is celebrated on the 24th followed by celebrations in the church on the 25th of December. On the last day a great feast is organized where everyone from children to adults take part with great fervor and festivities.
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Disclaimer: NIC is not responsible for any inadvertent error that may have crept in the web pages being published on NET. The website published on net are for immediate information to the public. For any clarification, please contact Director, Directorate of Tourism Department Mizoram. Hosted by National Informatics Centre, Mizoram Copyright by Department of Tourism. Government. of Mizoram

BAIRABI

CHALTLANG

CHAMPHAI

DARZO

KHAWBUNG

KOLASIB

LAWNGTLAI

LENGPUI

LUANGMUAL

SAITUAL

SANGAU

TAMDIL

VAIRENGTE

THINGDAWL

Country

India

Established

20 February 1987

Capital

Aizawl

Largest city

Aizawl

Districts

Government

- Governor

M M Lakhera

- Chief Minister

Pu Lalthanhawla

- Legislature

Unicameral (40 seats)

Area 21,081 km2 (8,139.4 sq mi)

- Total

Area rank

24th

Population (2011)

- Total

1,091,014

- Rank

27th 51.8/km2 (134/sq mi)

- Density

Time zone

IST (UTC+05:30)

ISO 3166 code

IN-MZ

HDI

0.790 (medium)

HDI rank

2nd (2005)

Literacy

89.9% (2nd)

Official languages

Mizo, English

Website

mizoram.gov.in

01. Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam 02. North Sumatera 03. R i a u 04. Riau Archipelago 05. West Sumatera 06. J a m b i 07. Bengkulu 08. South Sumatera 09. Bangka Belitung 10. Lampung 11. Banten

12. Jakarta 13. West Java 14. Central Java 15. Yogyakarta 16. East Java 17. B a l i 18. West Nusatenggara 19. East Nusatenggara 20. West Kalimantan 21. Central Kalimantan 22. East Kalimantan

23. South Kalimantan 24. North Sulawesi 25. Gorontalo 26. West Sulawesi 27. Central Sulawesi 28. South Sulawesi 29. Southeast Sulawesi 30. North Maluku 31. Maluku 32. West Papua 33. East Papua

Indonesia
Next Facts & Figures

Map of Indonesia

President: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2004) Land area: 699,548 sq mi (1,811,831 sq km); total area: 741,096 sq mi (1,919,440 sq km) Population (2010 est.): 242,968,342 (growth rate: 1.1%); birth rate: 18.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 28.9/1000; life expectancy: 71.0; density per sq km: 130 Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Jakarta, 13,194,000 (metro. area), 8,389,443

(city proper) Other large cities: Surabaya, 3,038,800; Bandung, 2,733,500; Medan, 2,204,300; Semarang, 1,267,100 Monetary unit: Rupiah

More Facts & Figures

Index
1. Indonesia Main Page 2. Dutch Recognize Indonesia's Independence

3. Suharto Assumes Control and Brings a Measure of Stability

4. Indonesia Annexes East Timor

5. East Timor Gains Independence

6. Unrest Plagues Wahid's Tenure as President

7. Terrorists Attack Bali Nightclub

8. Natural Disasters Ravage Indonesia

Geography
Indonesia is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of 17,000 islands (6,000 inhabited) and straddling the equator. The largest islands are Sumatra, Java (the most populous), Bali, Kalimantan (Indonesia's part of Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), the Nusa Tenggara islands, the Moluccas Islands, and Irian Jaya (also called West Papua), the western part of New Guinea. Its neighbor to the north is Malaysia and to the east is Papua New Guinea. Indonesia, part of the ring of fire, has the largest number of active volcanoes in the world. Earthquakes are frequent. Wallace's line, a zoological demarcation between Asian and Australian flora and fauna, divides Indonesia.

Government
Republic.

History
The 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia were home to a diversity of cultures and indigenous beliefs when the islands came under the influence of Hindu priests and traders in the first and second centuries A.D. Muslim invasions began in the 13th century, and most of the archipelago had converted to Islam by the 15th century. Portuguese traders arrived early in the next century but were ousted by the Dutch around 1595. The Dutch United East India Company established posts on the island of Java, in an effort to control the spice trade. After Napolon subjugated the Netherlands in 1811, the British seized the islands but returned them to the Dutch in 1816. In 1922, Indonesia was made an integral part of the Dutch kingdom. During World War II, Japan seized the islands. Tokyo was primarily interested in Indonesia's oil, which was vital to the war effort, and tolerated fledgling nationalists such as Sukarno and Mohammed Hatta. After Japan's surrender, Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed Indonesian independence on Aug. 17, 1945. Allied troops, mostly British Indian forces, fought nationalist militias to reassert the prewar status quo until the arrival of Dutch troops.
Next: Dutch Recognize Indonesia's Independence

Read more: Indonesia: History, Geography, Government, and Culture Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107634.html#ixzz13zKQAA5K

The Capital City The nation's capital, Jakarta, has a fascinating and significant history. It started as a small harbour town called Sunda Kelapa, but its founding dates back to the year 157 when it was named Jayakarta by Fatahillah of the neighbouring Sultanate of Banten. The name Jayakarta means City of Great Victory but this was later changed to Batavia under the Dutch. Now as Jakarta, the

centre of government, business and industry, it spreads over an area of more than 650 sq.km 1410 sq miles) and has a population of over eight million people. It is also designated as a special territory, (Daerah Khusus Ibukota - DKI), which means that is is administered by a governor and enjoys the same status of a province

The Capital City The nation's capital, Jakarta, has a fascinating and significant history. It started as a small harbour town called Sunda Kelapa, but its founding dates back to the year 157 when it was named Jayakarta by Fatahillah of the neighbouring Sultanate of Banten. The name Jayakarta means City of Great Victory but this was later changed to Batavia under the Dutch. Now as Jakarta, the centre of government, business and industry, it spreads over an area of more than 650 sq.km 1410 sq miles) and has a population of over eight million people. It is also designated as a special territory, (Daerah Khusus Ibukota - DKI), which means that is is administered by a governor and enjoys the same status of a province. Jakarta is the main gateway to Indonesia. It is a contrast of modern western architecture and traditional Indonesian culture. Its rapid growth into a metropolitan city reflects the economic, political, social and industrial development of the nation. In recent years, Jakarta has expanded its facilities for visitors with multi-star luxury hotels, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and modern shopping centres as well as tourist attractions such as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah {Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park), restored colonial period buildings, marine resorts in the Bay of Jakarta, and an extensive beach recreation complex.

The Culture and Art Indonesia is rich in art and culture which are intertwined with religion and age-old traditions from the time of early migrants with Western thoughts brought by Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or "gotong royong" and consultations or "musyawarah" to arrive at a consensus or "mufakat" Derived from rural life, this system is still very much in use in community life throughout the country. Though the legal system is based on the old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites of passage are founded on customary or "adat" law which differs from area to area. "Adat" law has a binding impact on Indonesian life and it may be concluded that this law has been instrumental in maintaining equal rights for women in the community. Religious influences on the community are variously evident from island to island.

The Culture and Art Indonesia is rich in art and culture which are intertwined with religion and age-old traditions from the time of early migrants with Western thoughts brought by Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or "gotong royong" and consultations or "musyawarah" to arrive at a consensus or "mufakat" Derived from rural life, this system is still very much in use in community life throughout the country. Though the legal system is based on the old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites of passage are founded on customary or "adat" law which differs from area to area. "Adat" law has a binding impact on Indonesian life and it may be concluded that this law has been instrumental in maintaining equal rights for women in the community. Religious influences on the community are variously evident from island to island.

Unlike some countries art forms in Indonesia are not only based on folklore, as many were developed in the courts of former kingdoms such as in Bali, where they are part of religious ceremonies. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology and often feature fragments from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics. Highly stylized in movement and costume, dances and the "wayang" drama are accompanied by a full "gamelan" orchestra comprising xylophones, drums, gongs, and in some cases string instruments and flutes. Bamboo xylophones are used in North Sulawesi and the bamboo "angklung" instruments of West Java are well- known for their unique tinkling notes which can be adapted to any melody.

The Language and Dialects There are about 583 languages and dialects spoken in the archipelago. There normally belong to the different ethnic groups of the population. Some of the distinctly different local languages are: Acehnese, Batak, Sundanese, Javanese, Sasak, Tetum of Timor, Dayak, Minahasa, Toraja, Buginese, Halmahera, Ambonese, Ceramese, and several Irianese languages. To make the picture even more colorful, these languages are also spoken in different dialects. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language which is akin to Malay, written in Roman script and based on European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language fairly spoken and writer, whereas some Dutch is till spoken and understood in the bigger cities and French increasing in its popularity at the better hotels and restaurants.

The Religion The majority [about 85%) of the population follows Islam. Freedom of religion is implemented by the Indonesian Constitution, however, which is defined in the First Principle of the State Philosophy' "Pancasila", which upholds a "Belief in One Supreme God"

The Performing Art From graceful court and temple dances to charming folk dances and boisterous play, the performing arts of Indonesia offer an astounding range of types and styles for the visitor to study or enjoy, reflecting, as they, do, the soul and traditions of the various ethnic groups who support them. Music, dance and drama are very often interwined, such as the ludruk transvestite theatre of East Java and the lenong folk theatre of Jakarta, both known also for their slapstick humor and early Shakespearean simplicity on their stage settings. An important form of indigenous theatre is the puppets play, of which the most celebrated is the wayang kulit shadow play of Java where the characters are represented by the shadows of intricately carved and painted flat leather puppets, cast on a screen with the help of a torch (nowdays often substituted by an electric bulb).

The Folk Dances Like most of the performing arts of the Orient dance in Indonesia is believed by many scholars to have had its beginning in religious workship. Even today, many dances are considered sacred or can be traced back to their early spiritual associations. Among these are not only the temple dances of Bali, but also such seemingly profane dances, such as the Bedoyo Ketawang of Solo, performed only on such rare occasions that they are in peril of becoming lost for the lack of younger generation dancers able to perform them.

The Monuments Indonesia abound in monuments of the past. There are the temples of the Buddhist and Hindu dynasties; Hindu temples of Prambanan and the Dieng Plateau, the "kraton" (palace) of sultans in Surakarta, Yogyakarta, the Maimun palace of the Sultanate of Deli (in Medan), the Hall of Justice in Bali, ruins of ancient fortresses and museums, mosques and churches steeped in folklore. Graves of past royalty and national heroes are also monuments whereas many war graves of World War II still hold a certain interest. The main destination areas contain many of these places of interest which are easily accessible.

The Livehood Although the industrial sector of the economy is gradually gaining importance as a result of conscientious government policies, Indonesia is still predominantly agrarian. Major agricultural products for domestic consumption and export include rice, corn, cassava, soybeans, timber, rubber, palm oil and various spices for which it has for centuries been famed. Indonesian agronomists, in cooperation with the International Rice Institute based in the Philippines, are continuously developing new rice varieties suitable for growing under particular conditions prevailing in the various regions of Indonesia. The government has since 1968 been actively involved in providing guidance to peasants under the BIMAS mass guidance programme, with considerable results.