No need to run away from Dodo the Komodo
No need to run away from Dodo the Komodo
The Komodo dragon, indigenous to Indonesia and found only on the island of Komodo and its neighboring islands, was launched at the Tourism Indonesia Mart on Sept. 23 as Indonesian tourism's new mascot.
The first 2000 Dodo Komodos -- a limited edition -- have been released to coincide with the Year of the Dragon next year and are yellow in color, to depict it as a golden dragon, and to commemorate the new millennium.
Designed and made by Ole Ole Asli Indonesia, it was created by Pamela Lau, the technical advisor who felt that if other countries could have symbols to project their image, which are instantly recognizable, why not Indonesia? Popular examples are the pandas of China and the kangaroos and koalas of Australia.
Lau got the idea after returning from Las Vegas with a bag of souvenirs.
"Why doesn't Indonesia have such souvenirs, something that is fun and interesting?" she queried.
"There are the handicrafts but there should also be something that would appeal to children," she felt.
Thinking about animals, she crossed out the orang utan and the rhinoceros, which are found in other countries.
That left the Komodo dragon, which is believed to be a direct descendent of the dinosaur and only found in Indonesia.
It was then left for her to make something colorful, fun and interesting out it.
The first lot of 2,000 in the generic version are dressed in an Indonesian costume with Komodo written across its peci (cap).
This is just the first limited edition offer.
It will evolve into different versions, both in dress and medium.
In time, Dodo Komodo will turn out in the various costumes of Indonesia's different provinces.
This, she feels, will make it a collector's item.
Plans are for Dodo Komodo to also promote Indonesia through animation in films, CD-ROMs and cassettes.
It will be seen as a symbol of Indonesia.
Made to attract tourists, according to Lau, Dodo Komodo, with its charming personality and lively characteristics, will project a friendly face to welcome visitors to Indonesia.
She expects that every visitor will take home Dodo Komodo and help promote tourism as well as contribute to conservation.
Part of the proceeds from sales of the toy will go toward the preservation of the Komodo dragon and other tourist attractions in Indonesia.
Dodo Komodo is made by PT Ole Ole Asli Indonesia, the company that has been involved in making souvenirs like T-shirts and caps for companies.
Lau, a British national, has a background in advertising and she is determined that the Komodo will be adapted to the needs of tourism for promotion, although its long snout and cap will remain.
Dodo Komodo should have a long life in Indonesian tourism having enthusiastic Lau behind the project.
In 1982, Soesilo Sudarman, then minister tourism, post and telecommunications, launched the Javan rhinoceros as a mascot, but it was not followed up after the first year.
Already she is getting orders to produce the toy in costumes of associations, hotels, etc.
"Dodo Komodo is here to stay," promised Lau. (Travel Indonesia)