Thousands of Tourists Flock to Bromo During School Holidays

 Probolinggo, July 22, 2025 – The school holiday season has brought a different kind of excitement to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Thousands of tourists from various regions, including Tangerang, have crowded the Bromo area since last weekend. The surge in visitors coincides with the Festival Pesona Bromo 2025, held from July 20 to 27.

The festival is organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with local governments. Local residents are also taking part by setting up food stalls, renting out horses, and guiding tourists to popular spots. Lines of jeeps have been seen stretching along the entrance at Cemoro Lawang as early as two in the morning, with visitors arriving early to secure the best viewing points for the sunrise.

The most crowded area is Penanjakan 1, where tourists gather to watch the sunrise before continuing their journey to the Sea of Sand, Bromo Crater, Teletubbies Hill, and the Savanna. The cold morning temperature, dropping to around eight to ten degrees Celsius, has boosted sales for local vendors offering hot drinks and snacks.

According to Ir. Wahyu Setiawan, Head of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Agency, visitor enthusiasm this year has risen sharply compared to previous years. “We are delighted to see so many visitors. We urge everyone to keep the area clean, follow the designated routes, and respect the local culture while visiting Bromo,” he said.

Besides its breathtaking natural scenery, the traditional Yadnya Kasada ceremony held at the Bromo Crater also draws many tourists. Visitors come to witness the Tenggerese community’s unique ritual of offering sacrifices into the crater as a form of gratitude. All of these experiences have made Bromo once again one of the most popular tourist destinations during this year’s school holidays.

MPLS in Tangerang’s Elementary Schools Should Be More Than Just a Formality

Every July, as a new school year begins, elementary schools across Tangerang hold Masa Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah (MPLS). Officially, MPLS is designed to help students adapt to their new environment, meet their teachers, and build early friendships. But in practice, I often see it treated as a routine agenda — a checklist to complete rather than a meaningful experience for our children.

In my view, MPLS at the elementary level should be a joyful introduction to school life, not a stiff orientation. These are young children, many attending school for the very first time. Some are excited, but many feel anxious and overwhelmed by new faces, new rules, and new routines. Instead of simply giving them speeches about discipline and rules, schools could use MPLS to create lasting positive impressions.

Imagine if every MPLS day in Tangerang’s elementary schools included:

• Interactive tours of the school guided by older students,

• Fun learning games introducing classroom rules,

• Storytelling sessions about school values,

• And even short workshops for parents to help them support their children’s adjustment.

When MPLS is done well, it becomes a bridge — connecting home and school, easing fears, and building excitement. When it’s done poorly, it risks making children associate school with boredom or even intimidation.

I strongly believe Tangerang has the resources and creativity to lead by example. Schools, teachers, and parents can work together to ensure MPLS is not just about knowing where the toilets and canteen are, but about building a welcoming culture from day one.

✅ What do you think?

Have you or your children experienced MPLS that left a positive impression? Or do you have ideas to make MPLS more meaningful? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments — together we can make the first step into school life something every child in Tangerang will remember fondly. 🎈📚✨

MBG Continuation Program in PAUD: Healthy Children, Bright Futures!

Tangerang, July 21, 2025 – The Tangerang City Government, through the Department of Education in collaboration with the Health Office, has officially launched the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) specifically for children enrolled in PAUD (Early Childhood Education). This follow-up program comes after the success of the first phase, which has been running since the beginning of the year and has proven to improve both children’s nutritional intake and their enthusiasm for learning.

🌱 Focusing on Early Childhood

A total of 120 PAUD centers in Tangerang City have been included in the beneficiary list. Each child will receive a nutritious lunch package consisting of:

• Rice, animal-based protein (chicken or fish), green vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk,

• All meals are adjusted to meet the nutritional standards of the Ministry of Health.

Head of the Tangerang City Education Department, Dr. Siti Marwiyah, stated during a press conference:

“This MBG program is not just about providing meals, but also educating children and parents about the importance of nutrition from an early age. We want PAUD students to grow healthy, active, and smart.”

📌 When and How It’s Implemented

• The continuation program begins in August 2025 and will run on every school day.

• Meal menus are supervised by nutrition officers from local health centers (puskesmas).

• Each PAUD center is required to submit a weekly report on children’s meal consumption for evaluation.

📈 Positive Impact

Data from the Health Office shows that after six months of the initial MBG program:

• Children with good nutritional status increased from 72% to 89%.

• There was a noticeable decrease in cases of anemia and underweight among PAUD children in the city.

A teacher at Darul Mutmainah PAUD, Ms. Mutmainah, shared her experience:

“Since the MBG program started, the children are more excited to come to school. They know there’s a delicious and healthy meal every day, and we teachers also find it easier to engage them in learning after meals.”

🎯 Hopes and Call to Action

The continuation of the MBG program in Tangerang’s PAUD centers is expected to serve as a model for other regions in supporting the national movement to prevent stunting. Parents are encouraged to continue these healthy eating habits at home.

Flood Hits IKEA Alam Sutera, Shoppers Caught Off Guard and Soaked

 

South Tangerang — Heavy rain that lashed South Tangerang on Sunday afternoon, July 6, 2025, led to unexpected flooding in several areas, including the popular shopping destination IKEA Alam Sutera. The parking lot and basement of the giant Swedish furniture store were inundated, causing panic among visitors, some of whom were forced to wade through ankle-deep water to get to safety.

Water began to rise in the parking area around 4:30 p.m. While the open-air parking lot saw minor flooding of about 5 cm, the basement area experienced more severe conditions, with water reaching above ankle level — approximately 15 to 20 cm — making it difficult for vehicles to exit.

“My family and I were eating in the upstairs food court when other visitors warned us about the flooding in the basement. By the time we got down, the water had already reached the bottom of our car doors,” said Mita, a shopper who was trapped in the basement.

IKEA management temporarily shut down access to elevators and escalators for safety reasons. Security staff were seen helping direct traffic and assist with the evacuation of vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though some visitors claimed to have lost personal belongings while rushing to avoid the rising water.

By 7:00 p.m., the water had begun to recede, and operations inside the store gradually returned to normal. However, many customers opted to leave early. IKEA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

This incident serves as a reminder that even modern commercial centers are not immune to the effects of extreme weather. Locals are advised to stay alert and check weather updates before heading out, especially during the rainy season.

Dive Without Getting Wet: An Unforgettable Holiday at BXSea, South Tangerang

 

South Tangerang, July 7, 2025, If you're looking for a fun and refreshing holiday without traveling far, BXSea at Bintaro Jaya Xchange Mall 2 might just surprise you. This brand-new indoor oceanarium offers an immersive experience into the underwater world—modern, interactive, and suitable for visitors of all ages. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed by dim lights, deep-sea ambiance, and exotic marine life swimming past giant glass tanks. Children and adults alike are instantly enchanted.

BXSea is far more than just a place to see fish. It features over 20 thematic zones, such as Seahorse Empire, Rainforest, and Shark Path—each crafted to replicate the animals’ natural habitats. The highlight is the 17-meter-long Sea Tunnel, the longest underwater glass tunnel in Southeast Asia, giving guests the surreal feeling of walking on the ocean floor. Beyond the visual appeal, BXSea also educates through detailed panels and live feeding shows. “My son didn’t want to leave,” said Nabila (32), a visitor from Cipondoh. “He was mesmerized by the jellyfish and super excited during the piranha feeding show. This place is so educational without feeling like a classroom.”

BXSea is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, and on weekends it opens earlier at 9 AM. The best time to visit is in the morning on weekdays to avoid crowds and fully enjoy every zone. Entry tickets are available both onsite and online (via platforms like tiket.com), with regular tickets ranging from IDR 140,000 to IDR 180,000 depending on the day. VIP packages, starting at IDR 175,000, offer a more exclusive experience, including private tours and behind-the-scenes access.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Jurangmangu KRL Station, BXSea is easy to reach. For those driving, the mall offers ample parking directly connected to the venue. Inside, guests can enjoy complete facilities, including prayer rooms, clean toilets, nursing rooms, lockers, souvenir shops, and ocean-themed cafes.

BXSea isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a destination that blends entertainment, education, and visual wonder all in one. Whether you’re with family, your significant other, or simply escaping your daily routine, this underwater adventure will leave you inspired and amazed. There’s no need to dive deep into the ocean—because now, the wonders of the sea are closer than ever, right in the heart of South Tangerang.

School Holidays: Thousands of Tourists Flock to Jakarta’s Tourist Attractions

 

Jakarta 30 June 2025 — The school holiday season has been seized by thousands of residents to travel with their families to various popular destinations in the capital city. Since the end of June, places such as Ancol, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), and Ragunan Zoo have recorded a significant surge in visitors.

Long queues were seen at the entrance of Ancol from early in the morning. “We came from Tangerang at six in the morning to avoid the crowds, but it was already packed,” said Rina (38), a housewife who came with her two children.

The school holiday, which runs until mid-July, is a golden opportunity for families to take their children on vacation after the end-of-semester exams. Many residents choose Jakarta because of its easy access, wide range of entertainment options, and relatively affordable prices.

Tourist attraction managers have prepared various measures to handle the influx of visitors, such as increasing the number of staff, providing additional facilities, and maintaining cleanliness and comfort. At TMII, for example, visitors are greeted with cultural performances held every weekend.

According to the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, the number of local tourists during this holiday season is estimated to increase by up to 30 percent compared to last year. The government urges the public to continue maintaining order and cleanliness while traveling.

With sunny weather and a festive holiday atmosphere, Jakarta once again proves to be one of the top family destinations for spending the school break with fun and educational activities.