Monday, June 28, 2010

Tampak Siring


Pura Tirta Empul is the temple of Tampak Siring, built around a sacred spring. Tampak Siring is an inscription dates the spring all the way back to 926AD; and there are fine carvings and Garudas on the courtyard buildings. The temple and its two bathing spots have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years for good health and prosperity; as the spring water really does have the power to cure. Regular purification ceremonies also take place here.

A little off the main road in Tampaksiring is Mount Kawi with its group of large stone memorials cut into cliffs on either side of a picturesque river valley. It is believed to date from 11th century; one is of Bali's most impressive sights. Tampak Siring artists produce marvelous bone and ivory carvings. Both sites open daily. By public transport from Ubud, catch a bemo north to Tampaksiring from the junction in Bedulu, which is southeast of Ubud.

An archaeological complex lies on gorge of Pakerisan River. To reach the complex visitors must walk about 600 meters from the parking area to the ticket counter than walked down on 315 stone steps. Before take a cross on the bridge at the bottom of the valley make a turn to the left to see the first stone monument. Another group of stone monument is located on the left side of the main temple across of the river.

The monuments are hewn in relief on a solid rock hill commonly called candi (temple). There are shaped like burial towers found all over Central and East Java. However, there are many theories telling identity of the royal personages honored here. One very credible theory suggests the five temple in the main group were built for King Udayana, his Javanese queen Gunapriya, his concubine, his illustrious eldest son Airlangga who ruled over East Java, and his youngest son Anak Wungsu. Reigning over Bali from AD 1050 to 1077, Anak Wungsu is believed to have given up his kingdom to become a religious hermit.

In the right of the main ensemble of temples is a cloister with five cells carved out of rock. The cloister inmates most likely were caretakers of the temple. There's a second hermitage near the main cloister, consisting of niches around a central courtyard, which might have served as sleeping quarters for visiting pilgrims. To get into this part of the temple visitors must take of their shoes. A walk up north of the temple complex could be a short nice walking along the rice field and river stream. The path leads to a small waterfall after 800 meters away and about 1,5 kilometers to Mengening Temple.

Quoted from : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/bali/tapaksiring.html

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Bandas: Beautiful Nutmeg Islands


Isolated from the rest of Central Maluku, the dozen little volcanic islands that make up the Banda archipelago are the most wanted tourist destination in the whole of Maluku. Fortunately, most wanted doesn't equal most visited in this case, as these pretty little islets remain somewhat time-consuming to reach which keeps the crowds away.

History alone could be a major attraction here. While the islands of North Maluku made their empires trading their cloves, Banda used to be the World's only source of good quality nutmeg. No sultanates and empires were made of it here though, trade was in the hands of a number of local "orang kaya", and the spices were traded for such basic necessities of life as foodstuff from the neighbouring islands and clothing from further west. Until the Europeans arrived, that is. When the Dutch took control of the Bandas, they were so ruthless about getting the whole business to themselves that they simply massacred the entire native population, with the few survivors fleeing to the Kei Islands where their descendants live today. So keen were the Dutch to control all of Banda, that in what seems to be a truly unbelievable act today, they traded away the island of Manhattan (yes, THAT Manhattan!) to the British in exchange for the last remaining island yet to come under their rule: Run. Once the locals were out of their way, the islands were repopulated with slaves from Sulawesi and Java, whose descendants live here today, and the local Dutch competed with each other in building more and more impressive residences to themselves. Banda's once unique nutmeg has long lost its high value, and today the islands have become a quiet backwater. While this may not make the locals happy, it also means that they have been spared from the evils of modern development, and colonial architecture, largely gone from bustling Ternate and Ambon, remains impressively well-preserved here.

Colonial architecture and all the scenic beauty - Banda even has its own active volcano - could well be enough to draw the tourists here, but to top all that, the surrounding seas harbour some of the richest marine life in all Indonesia. Coral reefs here are largely undamaged by dynamite-fishing, lots of large pelagic fish swim by, and visibility can reach 30-40 metres. Snorkellers can see more here than divers elsewhere! Add to this the fact that budget accommodation in Banda, often in old, stylish colonial homes, is some of the cheapest and yet best in Maluku, and you will quickly see the appeal of these islands.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=248

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Asilulu's Dance


Once the guests took their seats, the ceremony proper got underway. Most of it was surprisingly boring, with speeches by government officials. Fortunately, things got enlivened by traditional dance performances of the various villages. Asilulu itself presented this rather unusual dance by the village's "Alifuru" descendants.

Quoted from :http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=241

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Ambon: The Capital of Maluku Province


The small island of Ambon was the centre of Dutch administration in Maluku, and today bustling Ambon city remains the capital of majority Christian southern Maluku province. It has a mixed Christian-Muslim population and suffered from horrible communal violence between 1999-2002. Now that peace has returned, its excellent transport connections and facilities once again make it the common gateway to Maluku, and its colonial forts, green hills and pleasant beaches can also make it a worthy destination in its own right.

The island is made up by two "peninsulas", which are almost separate islands, joined by a narrow isthmus. Leitimur, the smaller, more densly populated half is majority Christian, and is also where Kota Ambon, Maluku's capital is situated. Leihitu, the larger peninsula is more sparsely populated and has a majority Muslim population. Due to its relative remoteness from Kota Ambon it recieves fewer visitors and has preserved its traditional culture better. While many visitors only ever see the city itself, they are missing the best of Pulau Ambon. Everyone should visit the beautiful rural parts of the island, and those with a few days to spare should also make an effort to visit the delightful, nearby Lease Islands: Haruku makes an interesting day-trip, Saparua is the best relaxing getaway for an overnight stay, while tiny, unspoilt Nusalaut is totally off the beaten track. With a week or so extra time, you could also consider visiting the large island of Seram.

Quoted from :http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=241

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Monday, June 14, 2010

Abubu


This village in the island's South hosts a fine monument dedicated to the island's famous anti-colonial heroine Martha Christina Tiahahu.
It also has a pela monument, and some intriguing old tombs nearby.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=244

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Iyanaen Beach


This gorgeous beach is towards Hulaliu village at the eastern end of Haruku's single road. It's one of the finest in the entire Lease group.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=119&Itemid=247

Supported by : Javatourism, Lintang Buana Tours

North Maluku: The Land of Four Mountains


The Land of Four Mountains, or Bumi Kie Raha in the native Ternatese language, is what many proud locals call Maluku's smaller, and today less visited province. The four mountains in question are those that rise over the historic sultanates of Ternate, Tidore, Bacan and Jailolo, once the seats of mighty empires whose territories stretched far beyond the boundaries of today's Maluku, with a wealth based on the tiny, dried buds of a certain tree growing only here: cloves.

Indeed, these were the "original" spice islands, the search for which prompted Magellan's historic first circumnavigation of the Earth. Portuguese, Spaniards, English and Dutch all fought over the control of the four tiny islands that were then the only source of that precious commodity which was worth its weight in gold. Much of their legacy remains to be seen today, in the form of old fortresses overlooking the coasts, presents of ancient armour that the European rulers sent to the local sultans, Portuguese loanwords in the local languages, and a far richer body of literature devoted to these islands than to any other in Maluku. The European overlords might be gone today, but the sultanates remain, and the chance to visit their palaces or perhaps to catch one of their ceremonies is one that can only be had in this corner of East Indonesia. History apart, North Maluku also has a lot to offer for those more interested in its scenic beauty, diverse flora and fauna, or singular ethnic cultures.

All but one of the original four Spice Islands are of volcanic origin - in fact a greater concentration of impressive volcanoes, many of which are still active, rising straight out of the sea can not be found anywhere else in Indonesia, making for a very impressive skyline. The combination of fertile volcanic soil and the province's location right on the Equator has resulted in an extremely lush vegetation covering these islands, whether it is primary rainforest or spice plantation. The forests themselves, particularly on Halmahera, Maluku's largest island, are alive with colourful birds, butterflies and reptiles, in fact a surprising number of new species have been described from here even in the last 10 years. Famous naturalist Wallace chose Ternate as his base during his voyages around eastern Indonesia. The native people of these islands, though mostly Muslim and Malay-looking, speak languages more closely related to those of Melanesia than to the rest of Indonesia, and traditional music, dance and way of dress are more easily seen here than in central or southern Maluku.

For those aloof to all the above, the usual pleasures of sun-sea-sand can be had too, although it must be admitted that with the main focus being on history and nature, beach-oriented tourism has only started to be developed in the province very recently. Certainly those looking for established travellers' hangouts with a wide range of beachside accommodation, entertainment and restaurants catering to western tastes had better stick to neighbouring North Sulawesi. But those who prefer finding their own stretch of unspoilt, white sand or largely unsurveyed coral reefs while mingling with friendly locals instead of fellow travellers may just find the setting perfect!

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid=166

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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Benteng Kota Janji


The minuscule remains of this old Portuguese fort in Ngade village have recently also received a face-lift. Even so, there is little to look at.
However, the two restaurants just across the road offer some of the best views anywhere in Maluku: Maitara, Tidore, Mare, Moti and Makian neatly lined up.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=169

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Pulau Hiri


Hiri is Ternate's small satellite island to the north-west, just off the coast at Sulamadaha.
Like Ternate, it is a volcano, though an extinct one that according to local myths is the top of Ternate's Gunung Gamalama fallen into the sea. There are only 4 villages there, all inhabited by very friendly ethnic Ternateans.
Apart from its black-sand beaches and a chance to climb its mountain (said to hold a lake), the best reason the visit Hiri is snorkelling. We will found the reef right in front of the main village facing Ternate to be pretty good, with a turtle and a shark seen within 10 minutes of entering the water! In fact this may be the best snorkelling to be had around Ternate.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=169

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Tidore: Ternate's Ancient Rival Sultanate


The beautiful island of Tidore is just a few minutes across the sea from Ternate by speedboat. Like Ternate, it is also an ancient spice-trading sultanate dominated by a towering volcano, Gunung Kiematubu. Its attractions are also similar: historic forts, beaches, and good hiking possibilities.

But unlike Ternate, which has retained its commercial and political importance as the main administrative and trading centre of North Maluku, Tidore has slipped into relative obscurity. For visitors, this is a blessing in disguise though: it means that while facilities are more limited, the traditional architecture, customs and historical sights have been spared from modern influences and over-restoration. Even the capital Soasio has the feeling of a sleepy village, and like most villages themselves, it has neat streets full of flowers and white-washed houses.

Although it is easily visited as a day-trip from Ternate, Tidore rewards those prepared to spend a longer time exploring its attractions and soaking up its historic atmosphere thoroughly.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=91&Itemid=170

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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Pulau Jeh


Further south in the marine reserve are the islands of Mar and Jeh. They are mostly covered in native vegetation, and there is a good chance of spotting turtles in the surrounding waters. Jeh in particular is known as a favoured nesting spot of hawksbill turtles. This means if you charter a boat to take you out there, your crew will likely run off to collect turtle eggs! Since you may prefer not to be the one to actually facilitate such plunder, make sure you specify that they will NOT be allowed to do so when negotiating the charter. Seeing the turtles nest here is made difficult by the fact that when the tide is high, the water level reaches the edge of the dense bush, making walking along the beach hard or even impossible.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160&Itemid=293

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tourist Office


Well, Saumlaki actually has one! It is hiding on the ground floor of the impressive Kantor Bupati in the uphill part of the town - enter under the driveway, then turn left inside. Staff seemed genuinely shocked to see me turn up there, but eventually gathered what little material they had to hand out: a map based on a Dutch-era source (complete with place names spellt the Dutch way), a very colorful brochure with zero info value, and most interestengly, some postcards - the only ones of the Tanimbars you are likely to get. Beyond these, they had little info to offer.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=161&Itemid=294

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Nuyanat


A more cheerful excursion is to the nearby island of Nuyanat, home to some of the most stunning white-sand beaches and clearest waters you will find anywhere. It aso has extensive coral reefs, though the fish were not as numerous as in many other places. The island is used by fishermen and farmers from Adaut but has no permanent settlement.



Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=162&Itemid=295

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Bacan: North Maluku's Third Historic Sultanate


Bacan is a large, mountainous island west of southern Halmahera.
It is home to one of the four historic sultanates in North Maluku - some think the one here was once more important than the more famous Ternate and Tidore.
The local capital Labuha has some sights connected with the sultanate and the colonial era, while away from there, Bacan has some OK beaches and forested mountains which include Gunung Sibela, North Maluku's highest peak.
It is also famous for the Black Macaques, the only monkeys in Maluku, which were introduced here from North Sulawesi.

Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=177

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Monday, June 7, 2010

Traditional Tobelorese Ceremonial Dress


The very best time to see Tobelorese dressed up in all their traditional finery might just be during the yearly North Halmahera Cultural Festival. Unlike at "real" traditional events like the wedding above, at the festival all dancers have to wear full traditional dress, and as it' a competition, they make an effort to look fine! This group is from a local school in Tobelo town, having just dressed p to go and perform tide-tide and cakalele dances.



Quoted from : http://www.east-indonesia.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid=181

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Jere Canon


Beside in Morotai, the historical objects in World War II also found in Kao and Galela area. Kao was the defense base of Japan army in Pacific area. The historical objects are 4 unique canon, 2 bunker, airlines, 3 ships (in Kusu village). There is 2 canon and airlines, in Pune village, Galela district.


Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/north-maluku/jere_canon.html

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Sunday, June 6, 2010

Dorume Beach


This beach is famous with its big wave. If the tourists like to have surfing, they can visit this beach on December. At that time, the wave in this Dorume beach can reach a certain height. The other scenery that can enjoy is its soft sand and seems brightness. It is because the Dorume beach has iron seeds.



Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/north-maluku/durame_beach.html

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Four Faced Budha


Simply, Surabaya city have one of tourism object that become a real spectacular in South-East Asia, Four Faces Deity Statue or Four Faced Buddha monument. This Four Faced Buddha Monument get appreciation of MURI as the biggest and highest Four Faces Deity Statue in Indonesia. A nine meters statue that have 225 square meters width is still have not contested by other similar statue.

Four Faced Buddha monument, has overall height 36 meters (including dome) opened on 9 Novembers 2004, and finish about fund 4 billion rupiahs. It is built in farm with a width of 1,5 hectares, in centered is farm, placed by building with length 9 meters, wide 9 meters and height 36 meters. If we saw altogether contain number 9, why it's numeral 9? Because taking similar monument reference in Thailand, and numeral 9 also have separate meaning for Buddha member.

The statue building the Four Faced Buddha place shaded, encircled by 4 pillars that colored by golden green, contains of 3 parts, which is statue, Buddha statue, and Buddha throne. It has been equipped with lightning rod at top of the statue, while statue Buddha and the throne has each 9 meters height.

See this building model, of course almost looks like Four Faced Buddha Monument in Thailand, the difference only the statue that in the higher Thailand statue but its statue building is higher then in Surabaya. Besides resemblance of a real big measure, the statue that have four faces and four hand tides, arranged in layers by gold in all it body part. It is said to make a perfect veneering process of this gold, is intentionally delivered kampoh material or original gold paper from Thailand (there is also mentioned kimpo paper). Complete with it worker, with veneering expense or ritual giving of this chasuble is reach 1,5 Billion rupiahs.

About Four Faced Buddha statue meaning or also there is mentioning it Four Faced Deity, bring four kindness philosophy that owned by Buddha, that is patience, liberal, fair (unbiased), and meditated. This four kindness is also had a meaning of, Buddha is a presentation of affection of fellow being, assist whoever without discrimination, and devoted in prayer or application that submitted in ritual procession. While on Buddha eight hands, there are holy book, holy water, defense weapon, fight weapon to against the badness, holy book, prayer beads, chest, and cupu.

Besides the philosophy, this place also offer idea to become the centre of Buddha member observance, finite later would many visitors coming to this place. Besides to see the four faced deity statue, in this place, we will see four high white elephant statues about 4 meters in every corner, three lotus decorative pools, and a meditated space. This complex is also decorated of 12 lamps that made from bronze and copper.

In it frontage, we meet a place that sell some pray equipment like candle and frankincense, this place later the also can buy the souvenir typical of Buddha four faces statue.

How about you, do wish to make this tourism object as your tourism purpose? Or may like to think about have photograph with Four Faced Buddha Monument background, as if stay in Thailand, or possible you wish to pray... all up to you, because this place is open generically, and admission charge free, only fare payee stepped into Ria Kenjeran Beach area.

Quoted from : http://www.eastjava.com/tourism/surabaya/budha-statue.html

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Friday, June 4, 2010

MOUNT MENUMBUNG GUEST HOUSE


Mount Menumbung (355 meters) a rather high hill in the neighborhood of Mentok (North West Banka) stands as a memorial to the history of the Indonesian nation. It was built in 1932 during the DUTCH occupation period by Bangka Tin Winning Bedrijf (BTW) as a V.I.P. Guest House on the top of Mount Menumbung, is about 500 M above sea level.

Our former President Soekarno and the Vice President Moh. Hatta stayed in the guesthouse during their exile in 1949. Foreign missions came there for negotiating with our former President; the plane from UNCI (United Nations Commission for Indonesia) flew back and forth from Jakarta to Bangka Island during that period. This place is also called as Wisma Ranggam. The room, which was used, by the late President as well as his car is still can be seen in the building. Many Indonesians still like to visit this place of pilgrimage and see the well-kept personal belongings of the two former leaders, which are still in the compound.

Quoted from : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/bangka-belitung/mount_menumbung.html

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Thursday, June 3, 2010

BENTANAN BEACH


Still in Minahasa region, but keep handy from Manado than of Tondano is good beach to be found. About 90 km from Manado, near to Belang, hidden unfold heaven, Bentanan. There are some miles palm, encircled by white sandy beach and a group of small islands. Here you are can have a holiday for the time, enjoy the sunbath and swim, boat rising, fishing and dive. There is beach tourism with cottages available and sport facilities here.


Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/north-sulawesi/bentanan_beach.html

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

NANI WARTABONE MONUMENT


Gorontalo features some of the best-preserved colonial houses in Sulawesi. The city's local hero is Nani Wartabone, an anti-Dutch guerilla, and there is a large statue of it dressed like a boy scout in the sports field adjacent to the Hotel Saronde. Nani Wartabone Monument is built in 1987 during Drs. A. Nadjamudin government as Gorontalo governor. This monument stay in front of Gorontalo Province Governor's house on duty. This monument built to remind Gorontalo public historic events on 23 January 1942.

Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/gorontalo/places.html

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SUAYA (KING SUAYA GRAVEYARD)



The graveyard lies on one of the hillsides. It is carved as the resting place of the kings and king's family; in conform to the Toraja King dresses, placed in front of stone grave. There are some stone steps to reach the hill, where the kings had their contemplation during their life. A museum will be built in this place to keep the property of King Sangalla.

Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/south-sulawesi/suaya.html

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Paotere Anchorage


On the outskirts of Ujung Pandang, Paotere is where sailing boats and other small vessels anchor to unload their cargo. The setting casts a glow over the sea with the silhouettes of the boats. Tourists most often photograph this scenery.

Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/south-sulawesi/paotere_anchorage.html

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Batu Gong Beach


Batu Gong Beach is located about 15 km north of Kendari city. Batu refers to 'Batu' and 'Gong' refers to a big stone that voiced a Gong (the Java music instrument) voice if the seawater has hit it. Batu Gong Beach has white sandy that can not missed it if we visit Southeast Sulawesi. It can reach by public transportation or personal vehicle.

Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/south-east-sulawesi/batu_gong_beach.html

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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Pandan Beach


A seaside resort with white sandy beaches where a fishing village can be found 11 km from Sibolga. Here the visitors can enjoy the magnificent view of the Indian Ocean and see fishermen in their sailing boats from the beach to the open sea. The restaurants offer us the grilled fresh fish just caught from the sea. Small souvenir shops selling seashells, corals, ring-stones, etc, are available here.

Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/north-sumatra/pandan_beach.html

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Tuk-Tuk


The visitor also could visit Tuk Tuk to look for accommodation (inns and hotels), 42 km from Pangururan to Tuk Tuk or one-hour trip on car. Approximately 50 inns and hotels in various classes are available in Tuk Tuk. There are also several high-class hotels here. From the positive aspect, clearly tourism supported the local business. On the other hand, the physical development practical ignored principles of the business and town planning when businessmen rushes to built hotels, guesthouses, etc.

Entered Tuk Tuk is like visiting Legian or Sanur Bali in the early stage. With several shops displayed clothes and art objects, followed by cafes, discos and hotels. At night, a lot of rejoicing tourists (mostly domestic) surrounded campfire while playing the musical instrument and the typical Batak song.

Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/north-sumatra/tuk_tuk.html

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Museum Negeri


There is a museum in Banda Aceh located near the Governor's residence. The main building of the Museum is a house built in a traditional style by the Dutch Governor Van Swart in 1914. The museum has 3 floors filled with antique weapons, gold jewelry, ceremonial costumes and household furnishings. The 'Rumah Aceh' is an excellent example of traditional architecture, built completely without nails, being held together by cord and pegs. Among the exhibits is a big clock Cakra Donya, a gift from China Emperor and brought to Aceh by the famed Admiral Cheng Ho in 1414. On the bell can be found a Chinese script, Sing Fang Niat Toeng Juut Kat, no one knows what it really means.

Quoted from : http://indonesia-tourism.com/aceh/negeri_museum.html

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