No need to run away from Dodo the Komodo<\/p>\n
The Komodo dragon, indigenous to Indonesia and found only on
\nthe island of Komodo and its neighboring islands, was launched at
\nthe Tourism Indonesia Mart on Sept. 23 as Indonesian tourism's
\nnew mascot.<\/p>\n
The first 2000 Dodo Komodos -- a limited edition -- have been
\nreleased to coincide with the Year of the Dragon next year and
\nare yellow in color, to depict it as a golden dragon, and to
\ncommemorate the new millennium.<\/p>\n
Designed and made by Ole Ole Asli Indonesia, it was created by
\nPamela Lau, the technical advisor who felt that if other
\ncountries could have symbols to project their image, which are
\ninstantly recognizable, why not Indonesia? Popular examples are
\nthe pandas of China and the kangaroos and koalas of Australia.<\/p>\n
Lau got the idea after returning from Las Vegas with a bag of
\nsouvenirs.<\/p>\n
"Why doesn't Indonesia have such souvenirs, something that is
\nfun and interesting?" she queried.<\/p>\n
"There are the handicrafts but there should also be something
\nthat would appeal to children," she felt.<\/p>\n
Thinking about animals, she crossed out the orang utan and the
\nrhinoceros, which are found in other countries.<\/p>\n
That left the Komodo dragon, which is believed to be a direct
\ndescendent of the dinosaur and only found in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
It was then left for her to make something colorful, fun and
\ninteresting out it.<\/p>\n
The first lot of 2,000 in the generic version are dressed in
\nan Indonesian costume with Komodo written across its peci (cap).<\/p>\n
This is just the first limited edition offer.<\/p>\n
It will evolve into different versions, both in dress and
\nmedium.<\/p>\n
In time, Dodo Komodo will turn out in the various costumes of
\nIndonesia's different provinces.<\/p>\n
This, she feels, will make it a collector's item.<\/p>\n
Plans are for Dodo Komodo to also promote Indonesia through
\nanimation in films, CD-ROMs and cassettes.<\/p>\n
It will be seen as a symbol of Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Made to attract tourists, according to Lau, Dodo Komodo, with
\nits charming personality and lively characteristics, will project
\na friendly face to welcome visitors to Indonesia.<\/p>\n
She expects that every visitor will take home Dodo Komodo and
\nhelp promote tourism as well as contribute to conservation.<\/p>\n
Part of the proceeds from sales of the toy will go toward the
\npreservation of the Komodo dragon and other tourist attractions
\nin Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Dodo Komodo is made by PT Ole Ole Asli Indonesia, the company
\nthat has been involved in making souvenirs like T-shirts and caps
\nfor companies.<\/p>\n
Lau, a British national, has a background in advertising and
\nshe is determined that the Komodo will be adapted to the needs of
\ntourism for promotion, although its long snout and cap will
\nremain.<\/p>\n
Dodo Komodo should have a long life in Indonesian tourism
\nhaving enthusiastic Lau behind the project.<\/p>\n
In 1982, Soesilo Sudarman, then minister tourism, post and
\ntelecommunications, launched the Javan rhinoceros as a mascot,
\nbut it was not followed up after the first year.<\/p>\n
Already she is getting orders to produce the toy in costumes
\nof associations, hotels, etc.<\/p>\n
"Dodo Komodo is here to stay," promised Lau. (Travel
\nIndonesia)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/no-need-to-run-away-from-dodo-the-komodo-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}