It is one of the most diverse places on the planet – an archipelago of 17,000 islands – spanning more than 5,000 kilometers from east to west. Around 250 million people call Indonesia home. And while the country may be best known for its sprawling capital, Jakarta, and the island paradise of Bali, there is much below the surface that remains unexplored. From the mystical to the exotic, join CNN International correspondent Paula Newton as she goes On The Road in search of the unchartered places and people that make up this vibrant nation.
Highlights of the special week of coverage include:
Beyond The Beach
Indonesia may be the largest Muslim nation in the world, but in Bali, the majority of people practice a form of Hinduism. That spirituality pervades virtually every aspect of life, including traditional rice cultivation, known as Subak. CNN journeys to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces where farmers rely on both the natural and spiritual using a technique that has remained unchanged for 11 centuries and has earned a place on UNESCO’s world heritage list.
Balinese Spirituality
Water is at the core of Balinese spirituality. CNN journeys to the mystical Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, the ‘floating temple’ on the shores of Lake Bratan, as we observe how holy water pervades throughout Balinese practices. Then it’s on to Tirta Empul, the holy spring Hindu water temple, which legend says is the elixir of immortality.
Uncharted Territory
CNN travels to the island of Sulawesi, up into the magnificent panoramas of the Toraja highlands. Here, we delve into unique Torajan rituals surrounding their perspective on life, and death. A celebrated extension of life, funeral ceremonies can take up to a week and involve entire villages – a time not just for mourning, but a time to renew family ties and to renew continued unity.
Welcome to the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are paradise found: a tiny archipelago, a short speedboat ride from Bali, and stone’s throw from its lesser known neighbor, Lombok. Here, there are no engines allowed, as well as no police. We take a look at the string of islands and how locals are fighting to carve out a model of sustainable tourism that balances the island way.
Healing The Waters
CNN takes to the crystal clear seas with the Gili Eco Trust, as we look into an initiative created by locals to protect its coral reefs from overfishing and degradation. In a partnership with famed Indonesian sculptor Teguh Osterink, we dive in to explore ARTificial Reef Park – a series of underwater sculptures designed to grow coral with an artistic flare.
On The Road airs Nov. 9-13 within CNN Today at 8 a.m. and News Stream at 9 p.m. with a 30-minute special airing Nov.13-17.