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Mattel Indonesia to introduce batik-wearing Barbie

Mattel is set to launch an Indonesian version of its iconic Barbie toy, with the famous doll wearing the country’s signature batik clothing.

As reported by kompas.com, the announcement came on Monday during 25th anniversary celebrations of Mattel Indonesia, which is a branch of the company’s headquarters based in California, United States. 

At the event in Cikarang, West Java, a Barbie clad in batik was gifted to Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto. 

The doll was dressed in pink-and-purple batik with signature motifs of parang (tongue of fire) and megamendung (blue-and-white cloud). The outfit was completed with a scarf and accessories that included shoes, earrings and a golden-colored necklace.

Learning about insomnia for a healthier, better life

Sleep is essential, but many of us struggle with it. Most everyone experiences an episode of insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking much too early.

Transient insomnia – insomnia that lasts less than a month – may be the result of a temporary problem at work or an acute illness; while short-term insomnia, which lasts one to six months, may stem from a personal financial crisis or the loss of a loved one.

When insomnia lasts six months or longer, it can cause serious physical, emotional and social devastation. Seeing a doctor is recommended – one that might recommend further evaluation in a sleep study at a sleep lab.

Chronic insomnia may result in impaired cognition, confusion, psychomotor retardation or increased risk of injury, and is often accompanied by depression, either as a cause or result of persistent insomnia. In a study of nursing home residents, insomnia among the elderly population is also associated with increase risk of falls and bone fractures.

Why isn’t Indonesian tea as famous as its coffee?

hile Indonesia has made a name for itself in the coffee industry, the same can’t be said of its tea counterpart, despite being the world’s seventh-biggest tea producer.

According to kompas.com, tea leaves from Indonesia are more often used as an ingredient mix for average-quality teas, while tea production spans wide across the country from North Sumatra, Jambi and all over Java Island. 

Bambang Larensolo, a tea sommelier, said Indonesian tea is still finding its geographic identity with respect to its source region. This means that different tea-producing regions across the country are still categorizing its signature characteristics from one plantation to discover a distinctive identity in comparison to other plantations.

Batik Air to connect Jakarta with Labuan Bajo

Lion Air Group’s Batik Air is set to open a new route from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara on Dec. 15.

The route will serve one direct flight every day and use narrow body airplanes such as Boeing 737-800 or Airbus 320.

“The Jakarta – Labuan Bajo route aims for three markets: Tourism, business and family trip,” told Lion Air Group president director Edward Sirait.