Ende, Indonesia

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Ende is the capital of Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Ende is located on the southern coast of Flores Island. With a population of 60,000 residents, it is the biggest city on the island. Ende was the site of kingdom that existed around the end of 18th century. The name "Ende" refers to the capital of Ende Regency, which includes the two autonomous territories of Lio and Ende. The people of the area therefore known as Lio-Ende people. For many decades Ende has been a center of government, trade, education, and political activities. Rebellion against the Dutch was led by a certain Nipa Do known as the the wars of Watu Api and Mari Longa (1916-1917). In 1934, the nationalist leader, Soekarno, who later became Indonesian first president was exiled to Ende by the Dutch colonial government. The town Ende lies at the foot of Iya, Ipi, Meja, and Wongge mountains. The beautiful bays of Ende, Ipi, and Mbuu are favorite places for beach recreation. Ende can be reached by aircraft from Kupang, or from Denpasar via Bima, or by boat from Surabaya or Kupang. The Bung Karno Museum is the old house occupied by Soekarno during his years of exile in Ende. Most of the old furniture are still there. While was exiled in Ende, Soekarno wrote and held several plays, together with Tomel Kelimutu Theatre Group. Among the plays were Rendorua Ola Nggera Nusa (Rendo that stirred the archipelago) and Doctor Satan, a revision on the story of Dr. Frankenstein. Near the football field in Ende stands a big breadfruit tree. Under the tree, Soekarno often sat, working on political ideas to lead Indonesia to independence. Those reflection contributed to the opening of Pancasila concept, which is now the state philosophy of Indonesia. From here Pancasila was born. Today, Pancasila Birth Monument stands on this place.