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)