Page 7 - BSAM 2015 Q1

Tropical regions of the world have a decided advantage over temperate regions when de- veloping bonsai. Trees with large trunks and branches can be grown from seedlings within a few years. Trees dug from the wild are quick
to respond and starting growing again. Plus, the range of potential species to be crafted into bonsai is very broad. This was evident in the recent Grand Indone- sian Bonsai & Suiseki Exhibition 2014 that was held in October, 2014. Approximately 1,000 medium- and large-sized trees were displayed between the two ven- ues for this event. It was a beautiful display of out- standing trees developed by a wide range of highly skilled artists belonging to the Indonesian Bonsai So- ciety. This grand event was staged to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this large and active society.
Since bonsai started in temperate and warm tem- perate climates, many of us don’t realize how advanced the art of bonsai has developed in the Southeast Asian countries, especially in Indonesia. My immediate re- action to learning that this event would be held in two locations was puzzling. That is, until I discovered that Indonesia consist of over 17,000 islands and stretches over an East to West area equivalent to the breath of the United States. The first segment of this impressive exhibition was held in Bandung near Jakarta from Oc- tober 11-19, while the second component was held on the more eastern island of Bali.
Top right; Opening ceremony, from left Mr Fukuda Jiro, Mr Tom Elias, Mr M Paiman, Mr Soeroso Soemopawiro, Mr Sung Bum Yung, The Governor of West Java representative, Mr Saptodarsono, Budi Sulistyo
Middle; Stone exhibit Bottom; Bonsai exhibit area
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