Author: Diana Darling, 2012. 168pgs. (English). Hardcover
Publisher: Editiions Didier Millet, Singapore
This commemorative volume, issued on the fiftieth anniversary of the renowned Tanjung Sari Hotel in Sanur, documents the metamorphosis of a modest 1962 family beach retreat into Asia’s first boutique hotel. More than a chronicle of architectural evolution, the book situates the property within Bali’s cultural heritage, evoking the island’s tranquil atmosphere in the early 1960s before the onset of mass tourism. At its core lies the vision of Wija Wawo‑Runtu and his wife Judith, who harmonized the rhythms of local Balinese life with refined hospitality. Their approach exemplifies a heritage‑based synthesis: vernacular design principles and indigenous aesthetics were not merely decorative, but embodied cultural values that shaped the ethos of modern tourism. In this way, the hotel became a living archive of Balinese identity, transmitting intangible heritage through spatial design, ritualized hospitality, and artistic patronage. The volume interweaves archival photographs from the founding family’s albums with contemporary images of the resort’s lush gardens and beachfront bungalows. This juxtaposition underscores the continuity of cultural memory, presenting the hotel as both an intimate family biography and a milestone in the heritage of Balinese tourism. By foregrounding traditional design concepts, the book highlights how architectural forms and landscape aesthetics became vehicles for cultural transmission, inspiring generations of travelers, artists, and writers. Ultimately, the publication functions as a cultural artifact in its own right—an intersection of biography, architecture, and heritage discourse. It appeals not only to design and architecture enthusiasts, but also to those invested in the preservation of Balinese cultural identity and the study of tourism heritage. In celebrating Tanjung Sari, the book affirms the enduring significance of hospitality spaces as custodians of cultural heritage and as loci where tradition and modernity converge.
Author: Yudhie Syarofie, 2013. 62pgs. (Indonesian) Softcover
Publisher: Dinas Pendidikan, Local Government of South Sumatra Province, Palembang
This volume, published by the Dinas Pendidikan of South Sumatra Province, constitutes an indispensable academic and cultural resource. It offers a comprehensive catalogue of the region’s diverse welcoming dances (tari sambut), meticulously detailing their choreographic structures, cultural significance, and regional variations. The text documents how these ritualized performances transform across different localities, thereby capturing the distinctive traditions embedded within South Sumatra’s communities. Syarofie provides an incisive breakdown of dance movements, emphasizing the semiotic role of specific arm, leg, and bodily gestures in conveying respect and hospitality. Beyond choreographic analysis, the book situates these dances within their historical continuum, foregrounding the symbolic use of the tepak—the vessel containing sekapur sirih betel ingredients—as an emblem of peace and social cohesion. In this way, the work bridges folklore and academic discourse, positioning itself as a vital pedagogical tool for students, choreographers, and anthropologists alike. By clearly delineating musical accompaniments (such as rebab and gendang), costume designs, and accessory usage, the publication functions as a practical manual for sustaining these traditions. It not only preserves the performative heritage of South Sumatra but also underscores the enduring role of dance as a medium of cultural diplomacy and communal identity.
Author: Yudhi Syarofie, 2013. 63 pgs. Including a floppy disc. (Indonesian). Softcover.
Publisher: The Regional Education Office, Province of South Sumatra.
Human beings engage in dance for a multitude of reasons, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions. As a performative art form, dance serves not only as a medium of joy and celebration but also as a powerful vehicle for communal bonding and creative exploration. It provides individuals with an avenue to express emotions, embody cultural identity, and participate in collective rituals that reinforce social cohesion. In the context of South Sumatra, the Welcome Dance (Tari Selamat Datang) occupies a particularly significant role. This ceremonial performance is traditionally presented to honor guests, symbolizing hospitality, respect, and collective happiness. Through its choreographed movements, elaborate costumes, and symbolic gestures, the dance encapsulates the values of warmth and generosity deeply embedded in local culture. Scholars and cultural observers often highlight the intricate detailing of the costumes, the historical origins of the choreography, and the nuanced interplay between tradition and artistic innovation. Such descriptions underscore the dance’s function not merely as entertainment but as a living repository of cultural heritage.
Author: Tien Santoso, 2010, 293pg. (Indonesian). Softcover
Publisher: Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta
The volume presents an extensive corpus of more than two hundred illustrations depicting bridal cosmetics and wedding attire from thirty-four Indonesian provinces as of 2010. Each province is represented by multiple variations of traditional bridal ensembles, complemented by examples of nonprovincial styles that further underscore the diversity of Indonesia’s matrimonial aesthetics.
Author: Threes Emir & Samuel Wattimena, 2018. 128pgs. (Indonesian). Hardcover. Pesona Kain Indonesia Series.
Publisher: Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta.
This concise volume constitutes a significant contribution to the Pesona Kain Indonesia (The Charm of Indonesian Traditional Textiles) series, published by Gramedia in Jakarta. Beyond functioning as a practical guide to the artistry of handwoven backstrap-loom textiles, it offers a nuanced exploration of the historical trajectories, geographical landscapes, and cultural identities that shape this craft. Furthermore, it engages critically with the socio-economic challenges confronting these communities in sustaining textile production, thereby weaving a narrative that both venerates tradition and interrogates the complexities introduced by modernity.
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