July 6, 2011 edition
As many as 3,587 old buildings are neatly situated in George Town, the capital of Penang. The architectural styles of the buildings, from Art Deco to Chinese classical, including mosques, temples and churches that are hundreds of years old, have survived harmoniously next to each other. It was this pluralism of culture and religion that persuaded UNESCO to designate George Town a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2008.
Tourists from all over the world have descended upon Penang. Based on Malaysia’s tourism statistics for 2010, the number of tourist arrivals was 5 million people. Out of this number the amount of foreign tourists was 3 million. How are the inhabitants of George Town able to preserve and revitalize their old buildings? Tempo journalist Suryani Ika Sari reports.
Read More
More Intermezzo articles in other editions
June 15, 2011 edition
Krises are now no longer the monopoly of the royal palaces. Since obtaining recognition from UNESCO as a part of world heritage originating from Indonesia, this instrument of luck and strength has now reached ‘star’ status. The business of buying and selling krises continuous apace. A new breed of collectors has appeared on the market place. What is interesting is that collectors now, especially young collectors, no longer hunt for krises because of the mystical powers associated with them, but more for their aesthetic and investment value.
Tempo records the pulse of the business in krises which continues to grow, with reports on armorers who still loyally guard the ancient traditions of kris craftsmanship as well as the center of kris production in Madura, which recently has come to dominate the market here and abroad.
Read More
June 8, 2011 edition
The Cannes Film Festival is always full of surprises. And this was also true of the festival this year, held last May 11-22. Full of sensations and polemics. A well-known director was kicked out because he claimed to be an admirer of Hitler. There was a mysterious director, missing when he was called to receive the best film award, and a film the tempo of which was very slow, but was chosen as a winner.
Cannes also affirmed itself as a festival astute in reading the newest developments of a country. This time Cannes specially invited filmmakers from Egypt and Tunisia, countries which have just successfully overthrown dictators. The hot issues of the 64th Cannes Festival, including interviews, are covered by Ging Ginanjar, Tempo contributor in Europe.
Read More
June 1, 2011 edition
Several well-known Indonesian artists have made paintings of motor vehicles. Some have even used the motor vehicles themselves as their canvases. It is all part of the recent trend in using unconventional or special surfaces such as, for example, cameras, refrigerators or carvings, as canvases on which to paint. Their creations have become commercial products sold in limited numbers.
Read More
May 18, 2011 edition