Due to expensive Internet access, the Indonesian Ubuntu community has had quite a unique approach to distribute the whole Ubuntu software package in DVDs. So far, free Ubuntu software packages are delivered in CDs globally.

According to Harry Sufehmi, one of Indonesia's Ubuntu activists, the DVDs help people access gigabytes of free software for Ubuntu without the need for Internet access.

Several people have also organized two conferences on Edubuntu (a version of Ubuntu specially made for schools), to the interest of many Indonesian schools.

Since its launch in October 2004, Ubuntu has become one of the most highly regarded Linux distributions, with millions distributed and in use around the world.

Based on Debian, Ubuntu will always be free, and will not have restrictive licenses associated with it. With these goals in mind at all times, Ubuntu aims at being the most widely used of all Linux systems, and is the center of a global open-source software ecosystem.

What are the advantages of Ubuntu compared with other Linux distros? According to Sufehmi, there are at least nine competitive reasons for Ubuntu.

Easy to use. Some may say this is its biggest advantage. In fact, there has been a migration from Mac OS X to Ubuntu.

Easy to install. In an exercise, it was found that Ubuntu was easier to install than even Windows.

Stylish. It's something you can proudly show off to your friends who are still using Windows.

Xgl/Compiz Transparent Effect	Xgl/Compiz Cube Effect 8

All the essentials are already included, none of the bloat. Ubuntu comes in just one CD, and it already includes those that most people need--email, office suite, browser, multimedia.

Massive choice of software. But when you need something else, you can bet it's already available in one of Ubuntu's repositories.

Better hardware support. Ubuntu tends to be able to detect and use more hardware straightaway after installation.

Ubuntu is a derivative of Debian. Hence, it gains all of its advantages--stability, reliability, superior software management tools, excellent security updates and, of course, its absolute commitment to software freedom.

Free (as in "free beer"). Just go to http://shipit.ubuntu.com, fill in the form, and wait for the CDs to arrive!

Idealistic reasons. Openness, community-driven meritocracy-based development, and facilities and support provided by Canonical to those who wish to contribute to the project.

The first Indonesian Ubuntu community showed up around 2005 with the launch of ubuntulinux.or.id.

According Andy Apdhani, another Ubuntu enthusiast, the Ubuntu project in Indonesia was pioneered by Ammar, Amri Shodiq, and Yoga. "They started the first Indonesian Ubuntu mailing list and also the ubuntulinux.or.id Web site," said Apdhani.

Along with the Web site there's also #id-ubuntu channed in irc.dal.net, created by Ammar. Then Andi Darmawan created #ubuntu-id in irc.freenode.net

The first Ubuntu demonstration to the public carried out by the Indonesian LoCo (Local Community) team was probably at the Debian Conference II by Ananda Putra.

Indonesian Ubuntu users informal meeting

Ubuntu, indeed, seems to be quite popular already in the country. A few indicators show that id-ubuntu@googlegroups.com mailing list has 291 members. Indonesian Ubuntu forum has 476 registered users. UbuntuLinux.or.id has 355 registered users, ubuntu-id@ mailing list has 158 members.

Andi Darmawan revealed that response to Ubuntu from the general public seems to be positive. Many of them have testified that Ubuntu is very easy to use, unique, and simple. "We think Ubuntu has the potential to be developed and utilized further in Indonesia," said Darmawan.

According to him, to socialize Ubuntu in the country continuously, they have carried out various efforts. They have created facilities for the community to grow, such as a Web site, mailing list, forums, documentation projects, and so on. "We acknowledge that we'll need to work together with other parties to grow Ubuntu even further in Indonesia. Corporations can join in by using Ubuntu or providing support for it, etc.," Darmawan added. "And government support would be very welcome, indeed."

 

yordansyah
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rendy
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amir101
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sandynata
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