Despite all those available information, based on my experience, there were numbers of cruisers knew so little about Indonesia before they entered the country. Being open minded person like me I could understand that the thrill of pleasant surprises. On the other hand, because of this relatively long voyage and most people probably only do it once in their lifetime, being fully informed (whatever that means) would greatly help cruiser in preparing them and their boat for this trip. Not to mention that it would enhance their experience (did I get it right?)
Since 2009 Indonesian Government have helped sponsoring yacht rallies. It was really big help to organizers who in most cases were in it not for financial gain. Those entrance fee paid to organizers, actually paid to organizers in Australia, New Zealand or wherever. Fraction of it may go to Indonesian side. To make story short, Indonesian side are not making money on this venture. In contrary, Indonesian Government (including all those local Governments) spend huge amount of money for staging all those events during these three months. For instance at one of the destinations this year, one local Government staged a colossal dance that could have come from Hollywood set which involved twenty thousand dancers (yes .... twenty thousand).
Well, just in case you are wondering why they want to spend all those money knowing they are not the richest country in the world. The answer is simple. Indonesian think (I hope they are right) this is one of the best ways promoting the country to outside world. Especially those areas where the best way visiting it by using boats. This is one country that definitely could use good promotion. With thousand of islands, hundred of ethnic groups with each has their own unique tradition, language, custom, dress (some has no dress at all), cooking and what not, this is very interesting country to visit. Not to mention it is very beautiful country. Most of it anyway.
The problem with these Government sponsored programs is sometimes they want you to go to the places the cruisers do not want to go for variety reasons (mostly technical and logistic). Can't blame them, because three allocated months is just bit too short. Yachties by nature is collection of captains or boat owners who prefer to do they own things ... if they could. After all, why spent your hard earned money in buying a boat and having someone tell you where to go.
It looks like I got sidetracked here.
Once you decide to sign up with whoever that suit you (after studying their web sites, reading blogs, talking to others cruisers, accountants and checking your horoscopes) time to do real stuff. You probably know better than I do regarding get your boat or spouse ready for this little adventure, so I'd better write something else.
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