The Wonders of Bali and Java 

Imagine Indonesia

Bali and Java are home to ancient civilizations that hold art, music, and theatre at the center of their vibrant cultures. Few places in the word can boast such a tremendous range of skilled master artisans in weaving, batik, wood carving, stone carving, leather working, and painting, as well as, dancers, musicians, and performers of masks and puppets who have passed down their knowledge for generations. This new program to Indonesia will allow students to explore a wide range of traditional and contemporary arts, and learn the cultural history of this region through hands-on workshops, performances, and guided tours of temples and museums. In this four-week program we will:

• Explore the thousand year-old ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples of Prambanan and Borobudur    
• See and try out the spectacular kecak chanting and wayang puppetry
• Explore traditional Balinese drawing techniques among the rice field terraces
• Visit the sacred springs and volcano temples of Mount Batur
• Learn from masters in their craft the beautiful art of batik in the city of Yogyakarta
• Participate in a performance art workshop with Paper Moon Puppet Theatre and meet the young artists of Yogyakarta at a gallery opening
• Visit the palaces of the Sultan in Surakarta and in Yogyakarta
• Travel to see the temples of Sukuh and Cetu in the mountains East of Surakarta
• Visit the Neka Museum to see kris daggers and modern paintings and the Danar Hadi Museum to see their wonderful collection of traditional batik.
• Snorkel among the coral reefs off the eastern shores of Bali

 
While it is possible to get around knowing only English, students will be given basic language training in Indonesian. The program will supply all breakfasts, and the majority of the other meals where there will be an excellent selection of Indonesian and Western meal options. To aid in communication among the group members students will be given a cell phone to call within the country. All of the hotels have free wifi, lovely tropical gardens, and all but one has a pool.

Faculty Led

Professor Robert Petersen, Art History

For more information please email

• Dr. Robert Peteresen (rspetersen@eiu.edu)