Fina's World

The most ispiring fountain

2010-07-28T15:28:00.003+07:00

Below is the sequence of nine of the most inspirational fountain, ....

Abu Dhabi (Rank9)

Las(Rank8)

Moscow (Rank7)

Saint-Petersburg(Rank6)

Geneva (Rank5)

Barcelona (Rank4)

Tivoli (Rank3)

Tivoli (Rank2)

hehehehehe...
(RANK1)

Cheers,…..

Japan Indoor Beach

2010-07-28T15:16:00.001+07:00

Japan Indoor Beach:

What a beauty....

2010-07-28T14:59:00.001+07:00

Look!
Only people who are having strong-hearted who are willing and able to practice praying anywhere

Art 1

2010-07-28T14:44:00.002+07:00

SPEND TWO MINUTES LOOKING AT THESE AMAZING PHOTOS OF GOD'S ART. THESE PHOTOS HAVE NOT BEEN EDITED EXCEPT THE ONE WITH THE CIRCLE. THE CIRCLE WAS DRAWN AROUND THE SUBJECT SO YOU CAN SEE IT CLEARLY.

HIS CROCODILE...

HIS SLEEPING CAT...

EXPRESSING HIS LOVE FOR US...

A TEDDY BEAR...

MAN...

HIS HANDS...

Civilization of Greece (Sparta and Athens)

2010-07-07T09:55:00.003+07:00

Greek territory is situated on the Continent with the boundary region, among others: the north with the State of Albania, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Turkey. Greek region also directly adjacent to the Sea on the west side Ionea.

Greek population is the result of mixing between ethnic groups residing in the vicinity of the Caspian Sea and the prairie natives who developed agriculture. Ethnic immigrants were included in the Indo-Germanic family of nations known as a nation composed of Hellas tribes Doria, Achaeans, Aeolia, and Ionia. The tribes occupying the immigrants came surging mainland Greek territory and also spread in the islands around the Aegean Sea. They live settled and founded the city called the policy. State Policy or the city was first built in the Greek territory is the city of Mycenae trade.

In the year 1878 found the cultural heritage of ancient Mycenae, among others, as follows:

1. Former banngunan ancient city of Troy (Homer's frequent mention in his book Illias and Odyssea)

2. Tomb of King Agamemmon

3. Heritage treasures of Troy King

Of the many Greek tribes there, the nation's most advanced Ionialah. From the name of Ionia was born a Greek name. Among the policies (State city) is famous Sparta and Athens.

City State Spartans

Sparta is the capital city's name Doria. Good governance has been made by Lycurgus of Sparta (900 BC) and the character of a military autocracy. Doria nation known as the nation so bellicose military education occupies the main thing in the town of Sparta. 7-year-old child is considered as the child shall follow the State and military education.

City of Sparta led by a king who has absolute power. King besides functioning as the head of Governement also doubles as warlords, religious leaders, and as a court judge. People to express opinions to the king has its own institutions such as parliament. Sparta People really live from farming, but because there are rules drafted for all citizens, their farms so it is not flown, and finally abandoned.

Because of the potential of the State is often used for military purposes led to the cultural heritage of this nation Doria almost non-existent and very simple.

Athens City State

Governance made by Solon of Athens with laying the foundations of democracy. Because the number of people who were still few, democracy can be done directly appoint its representatives to the board of the people who called Boule. Heads of government called the Archon of Athens held by nine people and has the task according their respective fields. Field trial held by institutions and assisted heliacal aeropagos, while the defense held by the ten men of war tactician. In a precarious situation and forced the war tactician is more powerful than the Archon.

Athens and Sparta in a united fight against the Persians in 492-448 BC and can win the battle. Athens experienced heyday under the reign of Pericles with tangible evidence as follows:

a. Culture

Have built beautiful temples to the gods on Mount Acropolis with the Parthenon known as the architect Iktianus. Appears poet Homer who authored the book illias and Odyssea. In addition, in Athens was also born famous figures, such as Thales (natural scientist), Pythagoras (mathematician), Hypocrates (medical experts) and Herodotus (historian).

b. Religion

The highest god of the respected nations of Athens and Greece generally is the god Zeus in Olympus Mountains. To honor the god Zeus held sporting event which is now known as the Olympics. For wheelchair sports include: running, jumping, shot, discus throwing, wrestling, horse racing, and race horse-drawn carriage.

IT terms

2010-06-29T15:36:00.003+07:00

1. ACPI (Advanced configuration and power interface) is a power management standard proposed by Microsoft, Intel, and Toshiba for memungkinakan PC controls the power to peripherals, such as CD-ROMs and printers. For example, if a particular CD-ROM is inserted into the drive, then the computer will automatically boot.

2. ADPCM (adaptive differential pulse code modulation) is to encode the voice data file with a smaller file size than using the regular PCM format used for WAV and AIFF file formats.

3. AGP (Accelerated Graphics Post) is a graphics bus slot on the motherboard of computer designed by Intel. AGP works on 66 MHzdan transfer data up to 528MB/detik. In comparison, the PCI slot the most widely used by graphics cards to work at 33 MHz and can transfer data up to 132MB/detik. Greater bandwidth AGP allows developers of games and 3D applications to save and reuse the larger textures and realistic in memory on the memory system and not the studio.

4. AI (Artificial Intelligence / Artificial Intelligence) is one branch of computer science that make computers behave like humans. This term was first used in 1956 by John McCarthy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Artificial intelligence among others include:

* Computer Games: computer programs for playing games such as chess.

* System Expert (Expert Systems): computer programs to make decisions in real situations, such as disease diagnosis based on the existing symptoms.

* Natural language (natural language): computer program for understanding natural human language.

* Neural networks (neural networks): system that simulates intelligence work by mimicking the human nervous.

* Robot: computer programs for use in viewing and reacting based on stimuli received by the sensor.

5. AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is an audio file format developed by Apple Computer for storing high-quality audio and music instrument information. AIFF is also used by Silicon Graphics and some personal audio package. This format can be run on a variety of software.

6. IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique series of numbers used to identify computers on the internet. Digit sequence consists of several numbers separated by dots, like: 202 134 123 113

7. The algorithm is a sequence of actions not stated clearly and messier to solve a problem mastermind certain timeframe. Every action must be done and has a particular effect. Algorithm can be written in many ways, from using natural language used in everyday life, graphic symbol of flow charts, to use programming languages like Pascal. In particular, the notation used can be understood easily and do not have a double interpretations.

8. ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) is the central processing unit (the Central Processing Unit / CPU) to perform operations such as addition, subtraction and multiplication of integers, bit operations such as AND, OR, notes, XOR and other Boolean operations.

9. Anonymous FTP allows anyone to download files from FTP servers. Users without an account can access files without entering a username and email address as the password.

10. User Interface is an aspect of computer system or program that can be seen, at the hearing, or are perceived by human users, and the commands or mechanisms used by the user to control the operation and enter data. Graphical user interfaces use a picture that represents the command or the result of a specific command. For example: icon in windows applications and screen the mouse cursor image is part of a graphical user interface.

11. Antivirus is a program to detect and clean computer from viruses. This antivirus program scans files to detect the presence of certain viruses. Because many emerging viruses, the antivirus program was updated regularly to detect and clean new viruses.

12.

12. Apache Web Server is a public-domain Web server developed by a group of programmers. The first version of Apache, which is based on NCSA httpd web server was developed in 1995. Because of the good features and performance as well as free availabilit, Apache became the most popular web server in the world. According to estimates, more than 50% of the world's web servers using this type. Apache Web Server core development undertaken by a group consisting of about 20 volunteer programmers, known as Apache Group. However, because its source code is available and free way to get it, everyone can adapt to the needs, and therefore there is an add-on library for apache available to the public. In many ways similar to the development of the Apache development of the Linux operating system. Original version of Apache was written to UNIX, but now there are versions for OS / 2, Windows and other platforms.

13. API (Application programming interface) is a set of functions that can diggunakan by the program to make the operating system task. For example using the Windows API, a program can open windows, files, and message boxes, as well as more complex tasks using a single instruction. Windows has several classes of APIs that relate to telephony, sending and receiving messages, etc..

Majapahit Empire

2010-06-24T11:50:00.001+07:00

Majapahit was a vast archipelagic empire based on the island of Java from 1293 to around 1500. Majapahit reached its peak of glory during the era of Hayam Wuruk, whose reign from 1350 to 1389 marked by conquest which extended through Southeast Asia, including the present day Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, southern Thailand, the Philippines, and East Timor. His achievement is also credited to his prime minister, Gajah Mada.

Majapahit was one of the last major empires of the region and is considered to be one of the greatest and most powerful empires in the history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia, one that is sometimes seen as the precedent for Indonesia's modern boundaries. Its influence extended beyond the modern territory of Indonesia and has been a subject of many studies. German orientalist Berthold Laufer suggested that maja came from the Javanese name of Indonesian tree.

Introduction

Little physical evidence of Majapahit remains, and some details of the history are rather abstract. The main sources used by historians are: the Pararaton ('Book of Kings') written in Kawi language and Nagarakertagama in Old Javanese. Pararaton is focused upon Ken Arok (the founder of Singhasari) but includes a number of shorter narrative fragments about the formation of Majapahit. Nagarakertagama, is an old Javanese epic poem written during the Majapahit golden age under the reign of Hayam Wuruk after which some events are covered narratively. There are also some inscriptions in Old Javanese and Chinese.

The Javanese sources incorporate some poetic mythological elements, and scholars such as C. C. Berg, a Dutch nationalist, have considered that the entire historical record to be not a record of the past, but a supernatural means by which the future can be determined. Despite Berg's approach, most scholars do not accept this view, as the historical record corresponds with Chinese materials that could not have had similar intention. The list of rulers and details of the state structure, show no sign of being invented.

Ming Dynasty admiral Zheng He visited Majapahit. Zheng He's translator Ma Huan wrote a detailed description about Majapahit and where the king of Java lived.

History

Formation

The statue of Harihara, the god combination of Shiva and Vishnu. It was the mortuary deified portrayal of Kertarajasa. Originally located at Candi Simping, Blitar and the statue is now preserved at National Museum of Indonesia.

After defeating Srivijaya in Sumatra in 1290, Singhasari became the most powerful kingdom in the area. Kublai Khan, the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire and the Emperor of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, challenged Singhasari by sending emissaries demanding tribute. Kertanegara, the last ruler of Singhasari, refused to pay the tribute. In 1293, Kublai Khan sent a massive expedition of 1,000 ships to Java.

By that time, Jayakatwang, the Adipati (Duke) of Kediri, a vassal state of Singhasari, had usurped and killed Kertanagara. After being pardoned by Jayakatwang with the aid of Madura's regent, Arya Wiraraja; Raden Wijaya, Kertanegara's son-in-law, was given the land of Tarik timberland. He then opened that vast timberland and built a new village there. The village was named Majapahit, which was taken from a fruit name that had bitter taste in that timberland (maja is the fruit name and pahit means bitter). When Mongolian Yuan army sent by Kublai Khan arrived, Wijaya allied himself with the army to fight against Jayakatwang. Once Jayakatwang was destroyed, Raden Wijaya forced his allies to withdraw from Java by launching a surprise attack. Yuan's army had to withdraw in confusion as they were in hostile territory. It was also their last chance to catch the monsoon winds home; otherwise, they would have had to wait for another six months on a hostile island.

In AD 1293, Raden Wijaya founded a stronghold with the capital Majapahit. The exact date used as the birth of the Majapahit kingdom is the day of his coronation, the 15th of Kartika month in the year 1215 using the Javanese çaka calendar, which equates to November 10, 1293. During his coronation he was given formal name Kertarajasa Jayawardhana. The new kingdom faced challenges. Some of Kertarajasa's most trusted men, including Ranggalawe, Sora, and Nambi rebelled against him, though unsuccessfully. It was suspected that the mahapati (equal with prime minister) Halayudha set the conspiracy to overthrow all of the king's opponents, to gain the highest position in the government. However, following the death of the last rebel Kuti, Halayudha was captured and jailed for his tricks, and then sentenced to death. Wijaya himself died in AD 1309.

Wijaya's son and successor, Jayanegara was notorious for immorality. One of his sinful acts was taking his own stepsisters as wives. He was entitled Kala Gemet, or "weak villain". In AD 1328, Jayanegara was murdered by his doctor, Tanca. His stepmother, Gayatri Rajapatni, was supposed to replace him, but Rajapatni retired from court to become a bhiksuni (a Buddhist nun) in a monastery. Rajapatni appointed her daughter, Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi, or known in her formal name as Tribhuwannottungadewi Jayawishnuwardhani, as the queen of Majapahit under Rajapatni's auspices. During Tribhuwana’s rule, the Majapahit kingdom grew much larger and became famous in the area. Tribhuwana ruled Majapahit until the death of her mother in AD 1350. She was succeeded by her son, Hayam Wuruk.

Golden age

Hayam Wuruk, also known as Rajasanagara, ruled Majapahit in AD 1350–1389. During this period, Majapahit attained its peak with the help of prime minister, Gajah Mada. Under Gajah Mada's command (AD 1313–1364), Majapahit conquered more territories. In 1377, a few years after Gajah Mada's death, Majapahit sent a punitive naval attack against Palembang, contributing to the end of the Srivijayan kingdom. Gajah Mada's other renowned general was Adityawarman, known for his conquest in Minangkabau.

According to the book of Nagarakertagama pupuh (canto) XIII and XIV mentioned several states in Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara islands, Maluku, New Guinea, and some parts of Philippines islands as under Majapahit realm of power. This source mentioned of Majapahit expansions has marked the greatest extent of Majapahit empire.

The Nagarakertagama, written in 1365 depict a sophisticated court with refined taste in art and literature, and a complex system of religious rituals. The poet describes Majapahit as the centre of a huge mandala extending from New Guinea and Maluku to Sumatra and Malay Peninsula. Local traditions in many parts of Indonesia retain accounts in more or less legendary from 14th century Majapahit's power. Majapahit's direct administration did not extend beyond east Java and Bali, but challenges to Majapahit's claim to overlordship in outer islands drew forceful responses.

The nature of the Majapahit empire and its extent is subject to debate. It may have had limited or entirely notional influence over some of the tributary states in included Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, Kalimantan and eastern Indonesia over which of authority was claimed in the Nagarakertagama. Geographical and economic constraints suggest that rather than a regular centralised authority, the outer states were most likely to have been connected mainly by trade connections, which was probably a royal monopoly. It also claimed relationships with Champa, Cambodia, Siam, southern Burma, and Vietnam, and even sent missions to China.

Although the Majapahit rulers extended their power over other islands and destroyed neighboring kingdoms, their focus seems to have been on controlling and gaining a larger share of the commercial trade that passed through the archipelago. About the time Majapahit was founded, Muslim traders and proselytizers began entering the area.

Majapahit Empire Map

Decline

Following Hayam Wuruk's death AD 1389, Majapahit power entered a period of decline with conflict over succession. Hayam Wuruk was succeeded by the crown princess Kusumawardhani, who married a relative, Prince Wikramawardhana. Hayam Wuruk also had a son from his previous marriage, crown prince Wirabhumi, who also claimed the throne. A civil war, called Paregreg, is thought to have occurred from 1405 to 1406, of which Wikramawardhana was victorious and Wirabhumi was caught and decapitated. Wikramawardhana ruled to 1426 AD and was succeeded by his daughter Suhita, who ruled from 1426 to 1447 AD. She was the second child of Wikramawarddhana by a concubine who was the daughter of Wirabhumi.

In 1447, Suhita died and was succeeded by Kertawijaya, her brother. He ruled until 1451 AD. After Kertawijaya died, Bhre Pamotan became a king with formal name Rajasawardhana and ruled at Kahuripan. He died in 1453 AD. A three year kingless period was possibly the result of a succession crisis. Girisawardhana, son of Kertawijaya, came to power 1456. He died in 1466 AD and was succeeded by Singhawikramawardhana. In 1468 AD Prince Kertabhumi rebelled against Singhawikramawardhana promoting himself king of Majapahit.
The model of Majapahit ship display in Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur.

Singhawikramawardhana moved the Kingdom’s capital to Daha and continued his rule until he was succeeded by his son Ranawijaya in 1474 AD. In 1478 AD he defeated Kertabhumi and reunited Majapahit as one Kingdom. Ranawijaya ruled from 1474 AD to 1519 AD with the formal name Girindrawardhana. Nevertheless, Majapahit's power had declined through these family conflicts and the growing power of the north-coastal kingdoms in Java.

Majapahit found itself unable to control the rising power of the Sultanate of Malacca. Dates for the end of the Majapahit Empire range from 1478 (that is, 1400 Saka, the ends of centuries being considered a time when changes of dynasty or courts normally ended) to 1527. The year is marked among Javanese today with candra sengkala "sirna ilang kertaning bumi" (the wealth of earth disappeared and diminished) (sirna = 0, ilang = 0, kerta = 4, bumi = 1). After a series of battles with the Sultanate of Demak, the last remaining courtsmen of Majapahit were forced to withdraw inland to Kediri; it is unclear whether they were still under the rule of the Majapahit dynasty. This small state was finally extinguished at the hands of the Demak in 1527. A large number of courtiers, artisans, priests, and members of the royalty moved east to the island of Bali; however, the power and the seat of government transferred to Demak under the leadership of Pangeran, later Sultan Fatah[citation needed]. According to Babad Tanah Jawi and Demak tradition, their first sultan, Raden Fatah is the son of Majapahit king Brawijaya V with a Chinese concubine. The Muslim emerging forces defeated the local Majapahit kingdom in the early 16th century.

Culture

Wringin Lawang, the 15.5 meter tall red brick split gate. Located at Jatipasar, Trowulan, Mojokerto, East Java. Believed to be the entrance of an important compound in Majapahit capital.

The main event of the administrative calendar took place on the first day of the month of Caitra (March-April) when representatives from all territories paying tax or tribute to Majapahit came to the capital to pay court. Majapahit's territories were roughly divided into three types: the palace and its vicinity; the areas of east Java and Bali which were directly administered by officials appointed by the king; and the outer dependencies which enjoyed substantial internal autonomy.

The capital (Trowulan) was grand and known for its great annual festivities. Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism were all practiced, and the king was regarded as the incarnation of the three. The Nagarakertagama does not mention Islam, but there were certainly Muslim courtiers by this time.

Although brick had been used in the candi of Indonesia's classical age, it was Majapahit architects of the 14th and 15th centuries who mastered it. Making use of a vine sap and palm sugar mortar, their temples had a strong geometric quality.

Economy

Taxes and fines were paid in cash. Javanese economy had been partly monetised since the late 8th century, using gold and silver coins. In about the year 1300, in the reign of Majapahit's first king, an important change took place: the indigenous coinage was completely replaced by imported Chinese copper cash. About 10,388 ancient Chinese coins weighing about 40 kg were even unearthed from the backyard of a local commoner in Sidoarjo in November 2008. Indonesian Ancient Relics Conservation Bureau (BP3) of East Java verified that those coins dated as early as Majapahit era. The reason for using foreign currency is not given in any source, but most scholars assume it was due to the increasing complexity of Javanese economy and a desire for a currency system that used much smaller denominations suitable for use in everyday market transactions. This was a role for which gold and silver are not well suited.

Some idea of scale of the internal economy can be gathered from scattered data in inscriptions. The Canggu inscriptions dated 1358 mentions 78 ferry crossings in the country (mandala Java). Majapahit inscriptions mention a large number of occupational specialities, ranging from gold and silver smiths to drink vendors and butchers. Although many of these occupations had existed in earlier times, the proportion of the population earning an income from non-agrarian pursuits seems to have become even greater during the Majapahit era.

The great prosperity of Majapahit was probably due to two factors. Firstly, the northeast lowlands of Java were suitable for rice cultivation, and during Majapahit's prime numerous irrigation projects were undertaken, some with government assistance. Secondly, Majapahit's ports on the north coast were probably significant stations along the route to obtain the spices of Maluku, and as the spices passed through Java they would have provided an important source of income for Majapahit.

The Nagarakertagama states that the fame ruler of Wilwatikta (a synonym for Majapahit) attracted foreign merchants from far and wide, including Indians, Khmers, Siamese, and Chinese among others. A special tax was levied against some foreigners, possibly those who had taken up semi-permanent residence in Java and conducted some type of enterprise other than foreign trade.

Legacy

The elegant 16.5 metres tall Bajang Ratu gate, at Trowulan, echoed the grandeur of Majapahit

In sum, Majapahit was the largest empire ever to form in Southeast Asia. Although its political power beyond the core area in east Java was diffuse, constituting mainly ceremonial recognition of suzerainty, Majapahit society developed a high degree of sophistication in both commercial and artistic activities. Its capital was inhabited by a cosmopolitan population among whom literature and art flourished.

For Indonesians in later centuries, Majapahit became a symbol of past greatness. The Islamic sultanates of Demak, Pajang, and Mataram sought to establish their legitimacy in relation to the Majapahit. The Demak claimed a line of succession through Kertabumi, as its founder, Raden Patah, in court chronicles was said to be the son of Kertabumi with Putri Cina, a Chinese princess, who had been sent away before her son was born. Sultan Agung's conquest of Wirasaba in 1615, led by the sultan himself, may have had such importance as it was the location of the Majapahit capital. Central Javanese palaces have traditions and genealogy that attempt to prove links back to the Majapahit royal lines — usually in the form of a grave as a vital link in Java — where legitimacy is enhanced by such a connection. [citation needed] Bali in particular was heavily influenced by Majapahit and the Balinese consider themselves to be the true heirs of the kingdom.

Modern Indonesian nationalists, including those of the early 20th century Indonesian National Revival, have invoked the Majapahit Empire. The memory of its greatness remains in Indonesia, and is sometimes seen as a precedent for the current political boundaries of the Republic. Many of modern Indonesian national symbols derived from Majapahit Hindu-Buddhist elements. The Indonesian national flag "Sang Merah Putih" ("Red and White") or sometimes called "Dwiwarna" ("The bicolor"), derived from the Majapahit royal color. The Indonesian Navy flag of red and white stripes also has a Majapahit origin. The Indonesian national motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", is a quotation from an Old Javanese poem "Kakawin Sutasoma", written by a Majapahit poet, Mpu Tantular.[citation needed]

The Indonesian coat of arms, Garuda Pancasila, also derives from Javanese Hindu elements.[citation needed] The statue and relief of Garuda have been found in many temples in Java such as Prambanan from the ancient Mataram era, and the Panataran as well as the Sukuh temple dated from the Majapahit era. The notable statue of Garuda is the statue of the king Airlangga depicted as Vishnu riding Garuda.

In its propaganda from the 1920s, the Communist Party of Indonesia presented its vision of a classless society as a reincarnation of a romanticized Majapahit. It was invoked by Sukarno for nation building and by the New Order as an expression of state expansion and consolidation. Like Majapahit, the modern state of Indonesia covers vast territory and is politically centred on Java.

Majapahit had a momentous and lasting influence on Indonesian architecture. The descriptions of the architecture of the capital's pavilions (pendopo) in the Nagarakertagama invoke the Javanese Kraton and also the Balinese temples and compounds of today.

Palapa, the series of communication satellites owned by Telkom, an Indonesian telecommunication company, has been named after Sumpah Palapa, the famous oath taken by Gajah Mada. Gajah Mada swore that he would not taste any spice as long as he had not succeeded in unifying Nusantara (Indonesian archipelago). This ancient oath of unification signifies the Palapa satellite as the modern means to unify the Indonesian archipelago by way of telecommunication. The name was chosen by president Suharto, and the program was started in February 1975.

During the last half year of 2008, the Indonesian government sponsored a massive exploration on the site that is believed to be the place where the palace of Majapahit once stood. Jero Wacik, the Indonesian Minister of Culture and Tourism stated that the Majapahit Park would be built on the site and completed as early as 2009, in order to prevent further damage caused by home-made brick industries that develop on the surrounding area. Nevertheless, the project leaves a huge attention to some historians, since constructing the park's foundation in Segaran site located in south side of Trowulan Museum will inevitably damage the site itself. Ancient bricks which are historically valuable were found scattered on the site. The government then argued that the method they were applying were less destructive since digging method were used instead of drilling.

Pair of door guardians from a temple, Eastern Java, 14th century (Museum of Asian Art, San Francisco)

List of rulers

1. Raden Wijaya, styled Kertarajasa Jayawardhana (1294–1309)
2. Kalagamet, styled Jayanagara (1309–1328)
3. Sri Gitarja, styled Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi (1328–1350)
4. Hayam Wuruk, styled Sri Rajasanagara (1350–1389)
5. Wikramawardhana (1389–1429)
6. Suhita (1429–1447)
7. Kertawijaya, styled Brawijaya I (1447–1451)
8. Rajasawardhana, born Bhre Pamotan, styled Brawijaya II (1451–1453)
9. Interregnum (1453–1456)
10. Bhre Wengker, Purwawisesa or Girishawardhana, styled Brawijaya III (1456–1466)
11. Singhawikramawardhana, Pandanalas, or Suraprabhawa, styled Brawijaya IV (1466 - 1468 or 1478)
12. Kertabumi, styled Brawijaya V (1468–1478)
13. Girindrawardhana, styled Brawijaya VI (1478–1498)

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majapahit_Empire

History of Gamelan Music

2010-06-24T10:35:00.002+07:00

The gamelan predates the Hindu-Buddhist culture that dominated Indonesia in its earliest records and instead represents a native art form. The instruments developed into their current form during the Majapahit Empire. In contrast to the heavy Indian influence in other art forms, the only obvious Indian influence in gamelan music is in the Javanese style of singing.

In Javanese mythology, the gamelan was created by Sang Hyang Guru in Saka era 167 (c. AD 230), the god who ruled as king of all Java from a palace on the Maendra mountains in Medangkamulan (now Mount Lawu). He needed a signal to summon the gods and thus invented the gong. For more complex messages, he invented two other Gongs, thus forming the original gamelan set.
The earliest image of a musical ensemble is found on the 8th century Borobudur temple, Central Java. Musical instruments such as the bamboo flute, bells, drums in various sizes, lute, and bowed and plucked string instruments were identified in this image. However it lacks metallophones and xylophones. Nevertheless, the image of this musical ensemble is suggested to be the ancient form of the gamelan.
In the palaces of Java are the oldest known ensembles, the Munggang and Kodokngorek gamelans, apparently from the 12th century. These formed the basis of a "loud style". A different, "soft style" developed out of the kemanak tradition and is related to the traditions of singing Javanese poetry, in a manner which is often believed to be similar to performance of modern bedhaya dance. In the 17th century, these loud and soft styles mixed, and to a large extent the variety of modern gamelan styles of Bali, Java, and Sunda resulted from different ways of mixing these elements. Thus, despite the seeming diversity of styles, many of the same theoretical concepts, instruments, and techniques are shared between the styles.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamelan#cite_note-1

Gamelan

2010-06-16T13:54:00.002+07:00

A gamelan is a musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Bali or Java, featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. Vocalists may also be included.

The term refers more to the set of instruments than to the players of those instruments. A gamelan is a set of instruments as a distinct entity, built and tuned to stay together — instruments from different gamelan are generally not interchangeable.

The word "gamelan" comes from the Javanese word "gamels", meaning to strike or hammer, and the suffix "an", which makes the root a collective noun. Real hammers are not used to play these instruments as heavy iron hammers would break the delicate instruments.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamelan

Aerosmith - I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing Lyrics

2009-12-30T17:44:00.001+07:00

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
Far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Well, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing

Lying close to you
Feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
And I just wanna stay with you
In this moment forever, forever and ever

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing

I don't wanna miss one smile
I don't wanna miss one kiss
Well, I just wanna be with you
Right here with you, just like this
I just wanna hold you close
Feel your heart so close to mine
And stay here in this moment
For all the rest of time

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
'Cause I'd still miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing

Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep, yeah
I don't wanna miss a thing

The Story of Tengger (Bromo Mountain)

2009-11-30T07:30:00.000+07:00

Hundreds years ago, during the reign of the last king of Majapahit, Brawijaya, the situation was so uncertain due to the expanding new religion, Islam. At the time, the queen gave birth a baby girl and named her Roro Anteng, later the princess married Joko Seger, a Brahma Caste.

Since the influences of the new religion was so strong that it created chaos. The king and his followers were forced to back off to the east, some of them reached Bali and some of them reached a volcano.

The new married couple, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were also found among the fugitives who went to the volcano. Later they ruled the volcano area and named it Tengger. The word Tengger was derived from Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. Then he surnamed himself the riffle of Purba Wasesa Mangkurat Ing Tengger which means the righteous ruler of Tengger.

Years after year as the region flourished in prosperity, the King and Queen felt unhappy for they had no children to succeed their throne. On their desperation, they decided to climb the top of the volcano to pray and beseech before God, the Almighty. Deeply, impressed by the faith of their meditation affected the murmuring sound of the crater lifted up miraculously followed by a golden lightning that made the surrounding locked so scintillating. Their prayer were heard the God and would give them children, but they should sacrifice their last child as return. It was a promising future that could not be denied.

Not long after, the first baby boy was born and Roro Anteng named him Tumenggung Klewung. Child after child was born during the years and it reached 25 in number to whom she gave the named Kesuma for the last child.

Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were very happy ever since, love and affection were imparted among their children. Happiness lingered on years after years, but a dull and sad feeling still haunted them for their promise would be claimed one day. They realized that they could not run from the fact, a bitter disappointment of losing a child shot through their brains. The day came, the God reminded them of their promise which could not be avoided.

As they felt how cruel it was to sacrifice their beloved child, they decided to break their promise by not offering him to the God. They brought away their children in order to save their last child from the offering. They tried to find a place to hide, however, they could not find away.

All of by sudden, the dreadful eruption of the volcano followed to where they went and miraculously Kesuma, the last beloved child was swallowed into the crater. At the same time when Kesuma disappeared from their sight, turbulent brawl diminished and strange silence for a while but a sudden voice echoed: Hi, my beloved brothers and sisters. It was sacrificed to appear before God Hyang Widi Wasa to save all of you. And what I expect be in a peace and live prosperously. Don't forget to set mutual assistance among you and to worship God constantly to arrange an offering ceremony annually on 14th of Kasada (the twelfth month of Tenggerese calendar) by full moon. For the sake of your God. Hyang Widi Wasa.

Kesuma's Brothers and sisters held the offering ceremony annually just like what Kesuma advised and it was held from generation to generation up to now.

Source : http://folklore-lover.blogspot.com/2002/03/legend-of-tengger-bromo.html

Avril Lavigne - Innocence

2009-11-23T12:51:00.002+07:00

Waking up I see that everything is OK
The first time in my life and now it's so great
Slowing down I look around and I am so amazed
I think about the little things that make life great

I wouldn't change a thing about it
This is the best feeling

[Chorus]
This innocence is brilliant
I hope that it will stay
This moment is perfect
Please don't go away
I need you now
And I'll hold on to it
Don't you let it pass you by

I found a place so safe, not a single tear

The first time in my life and now it's so clear
Feel calm, I belong, I'm so happy here
It's so strong and now I let myself be sincere

I wouldn't change a thing about it
This is the best feeling

[Chorus]

It's a state of bliss, you think you're dreaming
It's the happiness inside that you're feeling
It's so beautiful it makes you wanna cry
It's a state of bliss, you think you're dreaming
It's the happiness inside that you're feeling
It's so beautiful it makes you wanna cry

It's so beautiful it makes you wanna cry
This innocence is brilliant
Makes you wanna cry
This innocence is brilliance
Please don't go away
Cause I need you now
And I'll hold on to it
Don't you let it pass you by

[Chorus]

Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend

2009-11-23T12:49:00.002+07:00

[Chorus]
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I don’t like your girlfriend!
No way! No way!
I think you need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I could be your girlfriend

Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me
No way! No way!
No, it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend

[Verse 1]
You’re so fine
I want you mine
You’re so delicious
I think about ya all the time

You’re so addictive
Don’t you know what I could do to make you feel alright?
Don’t pretend I think you know I’m damn precious
And Hell Yeah
I’m the motherfucking princess
I can tell you like me too and you know I’m right

[Bridge:]
She’s like so whatever
And you could do so much better
I think we should get together now
And that’s what everyone’s talking about!

[Chorus:]
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I don’t like your girlfriend!
That's Right! No way! No way!
I think you need a new one
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I could be your girlfriend

Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me
No way! No way!
You know it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend

[Verse 2]
I can see the way, I see the way you look at me
And even when you look away I know you think of me
I know you talk about me all the time again and again
So come over here, tell me what I want to hear
Better yet make your girlfriend disappear
I don’t want to hear you say her name ever again
(And again and again and again!)

[Bridge]

[Chorus]

Hey! Hey! You! You!
I know that you like me
No way! No way!
You know it’s not a secret
Hey! Hey! You! You!
I want to be your girlfriend

In a second you’ll be wrapped around my finger
Cause I can, cause I can do it better
There’s no other
So when's it gonna sink in?
She’s so stupid
What the hell were you thinking?!
[repeat]

[Chorus]

Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing

2009-11-23T12:02:00.001+07:00

Let me hear you say hey hey hey
Alright
Now let me hear you say hey hey ho

I hate it when a guy doesn't get the door
even though I told him yesterday and the day before
I hate it when a guy doesn't get the tab
And I have to pull my money out and that looks bad

Where are the hopes, where are the dreams
My Cinderella story scene
When do you think they'll finally see

[Chorus:]

That you're not not not gonna get any better
You won't won't won't you won't get rid of me never
Like it or not, even though she's a lot like me
We're not the same
And yeah yeah yeah I'm a lot to handle
You don't know trouble, I'm a hell of a scandal
Me, I'm a scene, I'm a drama queen
I'm the best damn thing that your eyes have ever seen

Alright, alright
Yeah

I hate it when a guy doesn't understand
Why a certain time of month I don't wanna hold his hand
I hate it when they go out, and we stay in
And they come home smelling like their ex girlfriends

I found my hopes, I found my dreams
My Cinderella story scene
Now everybody's gonna see

[Chorus]

Give me an A (always give me what I want)
Give me a V (be very very good to me)
R (are you gonna treat me right)
I (I can put up a fight)
Give me an L (let me hear you scream loud)

One, two, three, four

Where are the hopes, where are the dreams
My Cinderella story scene
When do you think they'll finally see

[Chorus]

Let me hear you say hey hey hey
Alright
Now let me hear you say hey hey ho

Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey

I'm the best damn thing that your eyes have ever seen

Avril Lavigne - Daydream

2009-11-23T11:05:00.002+07:00

Lalala-a (lalala-a)
Yea
Lalala-a (lalala-a)

I coulda been the one you noticed
I coulda been all over you
I coulda been like all the others
Is that what I'm supposed to do?

It woulda been really stupid,
If I woulda went home with you
To give you everything you wanted
It woulda been way too soon

I try to be sensative
I try to be tough
I try to walk away...
I try to be innocent
I try to be rough
But I just wanna play

You're my daydream, you know that I've been thinking about you... lately
And everytime I look at you
I can't explain I feel insane, I can't get away
You're my daydream

And you know, and you know, and you know, and you know,
You're making me insane
And you know, and you know, and you know, and you know,
You're doing it again

And you know, and you know, and you know, and you know,
You're making me insane
And you know, and you know, and you know, and you know,
You're doing it again

Lalala-a (lalala-a)

I coulda been the one you noticed
I coulda been all over you
I coulda been like all the others
Is that what I'm supposed to do?

It woulda been really stupid,
If I woulda went home with you
To give you everything you wanted
It woulda been way too soon

I try to be sensative
I try to be tough
I try to walk away,
I try to be innocent
I try to be rough
But I just wanna play

You're my daydream, you know that I've been thinking about you... lately
And everytime I look at you
I can't explain how I feel insane, I can't get away
You're my daydream, yeah

And you know, and you know, and you know, and you know,
You're making me insane
And you know, and you know, and you know, and you know,
You're doing it again
And you know, and you know, and you know, and you know,
You're making me insane
And you know, and you know, and you know,
You're doin' it again

Bunaken National Park

2009-10-28T12:18:00.003+07:00

Bunaken is part of the Bunaken National Marine Park, which has some of the highest levels of marine biodiversity in the world. Scuba diving attracts many visitors to the island. Bunaken is located at the north of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It belongs administratively to the municipality of Manado.

The Bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 890.65 km², 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists.

The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566 m in Manado Bay), clear (up to 35-40 m visibility), refreshing in temperature (27 to 29 °C) Pick any of group of interest - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. For example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Although the exact number of fish species is unknown, it may be slightly higher than in the Philippines, where 2,500 species, or nearly 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific, are found.
Other sides of Bunaken.

Oceanic currents may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Marine Park is such a treasure trove of biodiversity. Northeasternly currents generally sweep through the park but abundant counter currents and gyros related to lunar cycles are believed to be a trap for free swimming larvae. This is particularly true on the south side of the crescent-shaped Bunaken Island, lying in the heart of the park. A snorkler or diver in the vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies. The gobies, smallish fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known group of fish in the park.

Biologists believe that the abundance of hard corals is crucial in maintaining the high levels of diversity in the park. Hard corals are the architects of the reefs, without them, numerous marine organisms would be homeless and hungry. Many species of fish are closely associated with particular types of corals (folious, branching, massives, etc.) for shelter and egg-laying. Others, like the enormous Bumphead Parrotfish, Balbometopon muricatum, are "coralivores" and depend on hard corals for their sustenance. Bony mouth parts fused into an impressive "beak" allow these gregarious fish to crunch corals like roasted peanuts.

Some 20,000 people live on the natural resources of Bunaken National Marine Park. Although there are inevitable conflicts between resource protection and use by people, the Indonesian government is taking a fairly unusual and pragmatic approach to park management. The idea is to promote wise resource use while preventing overexploitation. Local communities, government officials, dive resort operators, local nature groups, tourists and scientists have played an active role in developing exclusive zones for diving, wood collection, fishing and other forms of utilization. Bunaken Marine Park has become an important example of how Sulawesi, and the rest of Indonesia, can work to protect its natural resources.

The Story of Tengger (Bromo Mountain)

2009-10-22T11:02:00.003+07:00

Folklore from East Java

Hundreds years ago, during the reign of the last king of Majapahit, Brawijaya, the situation was so uncertain due to the expanding new religion, Islam. At the time, the queen gave birth a baby girl and named her Roro Anteng, later the princess married Joko Seger, a Brahma Caste.

Since the influences of the new religion was so strong that it created chaos. The king and his followers were forced to back off to the east, some of them reached Bali and some of them reached a volcano.

The new married couple, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were also found among the fugitives who went to the volcano. Later they ruled the volcano area and named it Tengger. The word Tengger was derived from Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. Then he surnamed himself the riffle of Purba Wasesa Mangkurat Ing Tengger which means the righteous ruler of Tengger.

Years after year as the region flourished in prosperity, the King and Queen felt unhappy for they had no children to succeed their throne. On their desperation, they decided to climb the top of the volcano to pray and beseech before God, the Almighty. Deeply, impressed by the faith of their meditation affected the murmuring sound of the crater lifted up miraculously followed by a golden lightning that made the surrounding locked so scintillating. Their prayer were heard the God and would give them children, but they should sacrifice their last child as return. It was a promising future that could not be denied.

Not long after, the first baby boy was born and Roro Anteng named him Tumenggung Klewung. Child after child was born during the years and it reached 25 in number to whom she gave the named Kesuma for the last child.

Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were very happy ever since, love and affection were imparted among their children. Happiness lingered on years after years, but a dull and sad feeling still haunted them for their promise would be claimed one day. They realized that they could not run from the fact, a bitter disappointment of losing a child shot through their brains. The day came, the God reminded them of their promise which could not be avoided.

As they felt how cruel it was to sacrifice their beloved child, they decided to break their promise by not offering him to the God. They brought away their children in order to save their last child from the offering. They tried to find a place to hide, however, they could not find away.

All of by sudden, the dreadful eruption of the volcano followed to where they went and miraculously Kesuma, the last beloved child was swallowed into the crater. At the same time when Kesuma disappeared from their sight, turbulent brawl diminished and strange silence for a while but a sudden voice echoed: Hi, my beloved brothers and sisters. It was sacrificed to appear before God Hyang Widi Wasa to save all of you. And what I expect be in a peace and live prosperously. Don't forget to set mutual assistance among you and to worship God constantly to arrange an offering ceremony annually on 14th of Kasada (the twelfth month of Tenggerese calendar) by full moon. For the sake of your God. Hyang Widi Wasa.

Kesuma's Brothers and sisters held the offering ceremony annually just like what Kesuma advised and it was held from generation to generation up to now.

Source : http://folklore-lover.blogspot.com/2002/03/legend-of-tengger-bromo.html

The Legend Of Banyuwangi

2009-10-22T10:58:00.001+07:00

Folklore from East Java

Patih sidapaksa lived in a land called East Java. He was a patih from Blambangan kingdom. Patih Sidapaksa felt in love with Sri Tanjung, a beautiful girl from a village. Sidapaksa’s mother did not agree with his son’s lover. Apparently, his mother hated her because Sri Tanjung was not an aristocrat. It is a very important status in her society. But love is love, isn’t it? Nothing can’t stand its way. Sidapaksa did not care about his future wife status and married her. A couple months after the marriage, the wife got pregnant. They were very happy waiting for the childbirth.

One day in the morning, the king called patih Sidapaksa. He ordered his patih to get a flower at Mount Ijen for his queen. The flower was believed could make younger the person who bathed with it. Therefore, Sidapaksa went to Mount Ijen, left his wife and his mother for couple of months.

Meanwhile the baby’s birth was getting closer. Sri Tanjung stayed with her mother in law. When the baby boy was born, her mother in law helped her took care the baby. The reason she did that was not that she cared about her grandson. Instead, she wanted to get rid of the child and his mother.

And that night must be a very misfortune night from all Sri Tanjung’s nights. She went to a bath and left the baby in the room. Her mother in law entered the room. When she saw the baby slept, her evil’s mind was working. Slowly and carefully, she took the baby and brought him to the river. Without thinking any further, at the edge of the river, she threw the baby. The crying of the baby did not change her mind. The water was so fast. It drowned the baby and made his voice silent just in a few second.

When Sri Tanjung finished her bath, she was shocked knowing her baby was gone. She look for everywhere for the baby but she could not find him. She felt powerless in her room thinking about her baby. When her mother in law came home, the mother pretended knew nothing about it.

Sidapaksa came home from his long journey. In front of his house, his mother was standing. When she saw Sidapaksa arrived, she ran to him and cried. She said, “Oh my son, I am sorry. I am useless. I couldn’t stop your wife killing the baby.”
“What? Why she did that?” Sidapaksa yelled.
“She was afraid that you found out that the baby was not your son,” she explained.
Sidapaksa was very angry. He felt like got a stroke by lightning in the middle of the day. He went to the house looking for his wife. When he entered his room, he saw his wife was sleeping. He woke her up and dragged her out the room. Sri Tanjung was surprised knowing her husband came home with anger. “What’s going on?” she asked.
“You’re having affair and killed the baby.” Sidapaksa accused her. His hand pointed his keris to his wife.
“For the sake of Gods, I did not having affair and killed the baby.” She argued.
“I don’t believe you,” Sidapaksa said. He dragged her wife to the river and said, “You threw him to the river”.
“I did not do those things,” Sri Tanjung kept her argue. But it seemed she could not persuade her husband anymore. So she said” if you don’t believe me, you can kill me and throw my body to the river. If the water smells fragrant, it means I am innocent. Let Gods be my witnesses”.

Sidapaksa stabbed his keris to her chest until she died then he threw her body to the river. But strangely, the water did not turn to red and smell fishy when her blood got in to it. Instead, the blood cleaned the river and smelt fragrant. Sidapaksa was shocked and yelled like a crazy person” Wangi.. banyu.. wangi.. banyu.. wangi..”. It means “fragrant.. water.. fragrant.. water.. fragrant..”. Suddenly in the middle of river, two flowers showed up, the big ones and the small ones. The big flower was incarnation of Sri Tanjung and the small flower was incarnation of her baby. Then the small one talked to Sidapaksa” Father, I am your son. My mother was innocent. Grandmother drowned me to this river”. Sidapaksa felt stood. He realized he had made a huge mistake. However, his wife and his child would never live again. And he could only cry and regret.

After the incident, the area around the river called banyuwangi. In Javanese language, banyuwangi means fragrant water.

Source : http://xastory.blogspot.com/2008/01/legend-of-banyuwangi.html

Mount of Tangkuban Perahu

2009-10-22T10:40:00.002+07:00

Folklore from West Java

If you go to West Java, Indonesia, in the north of Bandung city, you will see a mountain that reminds you with a boat that turned up side down. The mountain called Mount Tangkuban Perahu. It has a very famous story.

It began when King Sungging Purbangkara went for hunting in the jungle with his men. He could not hold his bladder control and urinated under the coconut tree. His urine was accidentally accommodated in a piece of coconut shell.

Just a few meters from the place, a female pig was looking for water to drink. When she saw king’s urine in the coconut shell, she drank it. Apparently, the pig was not just a pig. She was reincarnation of a goddess called Wayungyang that being accursed. Then something magic was happened. The pig got pregnant. I know, it’s weird. That’s why I said “magic”. In tales, everything can happen, you know.

Therefore, after couple of months, Wayungyang gave birth to a baby girl. The baby was a human. Feeling could not foster the baby, she took her to place where King Sungging Purbangkara used to hunt.

When she heard the sound of horse's trot, she put the baby in the grass, covered her with a blanket and moved back slowly. The baby was crying when the troops was getting closer. When they saw a baby in the grass, they slowed down. Then the King got down from his horse. He took the baby. His eyes were looking around to find person who put this baby. However, neither he nor his men knew whose the baby was.

King Sungging Purbangkara decided to adopt the baby. He took the baby to palace and named her Dayang Sumbi. Dayang Sumbi grew up in to a beautiful girl. She was very good in embroidery and weaving. Her beauty and skills were known through neighboring kingdom. Many kings from another kingdom asked her to be their wife. They fought each other for her. The king then isolated his daughter to forest. He built a house and a weaving stage for her.
One day, Dayang Sumbi was weaving. Accidentally, she dropped teropong (tool for thread made by bamboo). The teropong was rolling around then falling from stage. Dayang Sumbi tried to pick the teropong but her hand could not reach it. She looked around for help but there was no one there. Then she said, “If there’s a man can help me, I will take him to be my husband and if a woman, I will take her to be my sister.”

That time, she didn’t know there was a dog under the stage. The dog picked the teropong and gave it to Dayang Sumbi. Dayang Sumbi was shocked. She remembered her words. She could not cancel the words. And since the dog was male, so Dayang Sumbi had to marry the dog. Well, an honor person has to keep his/her words, right?

The dog then called Tumang. Tumang and Dayang Sumbi had a son called Sangkuriang. Don’t ask me how that happened. Sangkuriang grew up to be a smart and cheerful kid. The kid liked hunting. He and Tumang always went for hunting. They went for couple of days and got home with deer or pig meat in his hands.

In one morning, like always, Sangkuriang and Tumang went for hunting. When he saw a pig, he ordered Tumang to chase the pig. Tumang knew the pig was Wayungyang. He got scared so he was just circling around Sangkuriang’s feet and made him felt. When he got up, the pig was already gone. Sangkuriang was very angry. Tumang made him lost his meat target. So he stretched his arch and pointed it to Tumang. Sangkuriang killed Tumang. When he realized what he did, it was too late to feel sorry. Tumang was already dead. Sangkuriang then disemboweled Tumang and took its heart. He wrapped it with banana leave and put it inside his bag. He buried Tumang then he got home.

In the house, he gave the heart to his mother. He said it was a deer heart. Dayang Sumbi cooked the heart and served it with hot rice. They then ate together. When Dayang Sumbi did not see Tumang, she asked his son “where is Tumang?”

His son did not answer anything. He just stood up and kept silent his mouth. Dayang Sumbi felt something was wrong. Her eyes looked his son sharply then asked him carefully “whose heart is that?” Her hand pointed to the food that she cooked.

Sangkuriang looked his mother and said frightened “it’s Tumang’s heart”. Suddenly her legs became so week and could not hold her body. Dayang Sumbi was shocked and furious. She griped a ladle and hit Sangkuriang with it. Sangkuriang’s head was bleeding. He was afraid with his mother. He ran to the forest. He ran and ran and did not stop until his leg got stack on a root. Sangkuriang lost his balance and felt to the ground. His head hit the ground and made him fade out.

When Sangkuriang woke up, he did not recognize his surrounding. He could not even remember his name or his house. Apparently, the hitting was very hard and made him lost his memory. Sangkuriang then continued walking with a confused mind.

Dayang Sumbi regretted for evicting her son. She hoped Sangkuriang would come home. But he never came home. Dayang Sumbi prayed to Gods. She did penance and only ate leaves for years. And that made her face looked always young and beautiful.

One day there was a man passed by at Dayang Sumbi’s house. When he saw a beautiful woman came out from the house, he could not take his eyes of her. He felt in love with Dayang Sumbi in his first sight. Dayang Sumbi felt familiar with the man’s face but she could not remember whose face was.

The next day, the man came to Dayang Sumbi’s house again. Also the next day, and the day after. He always had reasons to visit her. One day, he could not hold his willing to marry Dayang Sumbi. Dayang Sumbi who also had feeling for him agreed to marry him.

One day Dayang Sumbi accidentally saw a scar on the man’s head. She looked surprised knowing the scar was alike her son’s scar. She asked her fiance “who are you? How did you get that scar?”

“I don’t remember my real name. I also don’t remember how I got this scar. I guessed it happened when I was a child. All I remember I was in the middle of jungle, my head was bleeding and then I met a company of thieves and their leader adopted me as his son. Why?” the man asked.

Dayang Sumbi was surprised. Her eyes opened wide. She felt like got a shock from thousands volt of electricity. “You are my son. You are Sangkuriang.” She said tremble.

“That’s rubbish. You are too young to be my mother” the man did not believe.

“I looked young because my food and my penance. I’m the person who made that scar. I hit you with a ladle because you killed Tumang, your father” Dayang Sumbi explanted.

“That’s a lie. I don’t believe you. You said it because you don’t want to marry me” the man argued. “You will marry me, Dayang Sumbi” the man said with an angry and threaten face.

Dayang Sumbi couldn’t argue anymore. She was afraid with him but she couldn’t marry her own son. Her brain looked for a way to cancel the marriage. She said to the man “alright, I will marry you. But I have conditions for you”.

“What are they?” the man asked.

“I want you to dam up Citarum River and build a lake. Also, build a boat for me. All of them have to finish in one night before the rooster crowed in the morning” Dayang Sumbi gave her conditions.

“Alright.” Sangkuriang accepted the challenges. He then gathered all his genie friends, asked them for a help to dam up the river. Their number was hundreds. They worked hard to dam the river, some of them made boat. And before sunrise, the work was almost done.

Sangkuriang was glad to see his friends work. He smiled remembering Dayang Sumbi was going to be his wife in a few hours.

Dayang Sumbi watched the work from a distance. She was panic knowing the boat was almost done. She was looking for an idea to fail it.

She thought about an idea. She stretched a white cloth and waved it around the roosters. The roosters thought it was a sunrise. They started to crow. When the villagers heard the crow, they thought morning had come. They went to their barn and started to pound the rice. The crow and the pounding of rice came one to another. The voice was so noise. Sangkuriang and his genie friends heard the noise, they also thought the morning had arrived. His genie friends left the place. Sangkuriang was very disappointed. The work just need a little more. Sangkuriang was angry. He kicked the boat. The boat flung and turned up side down. Then the boat became a mountain. That’s why the mountain is called Tangkuban Perahu.

Source : http://xastory.blogspot.com/2008/01/mount-of-tangkuban-perahu.html

Lutung Kasarung

2009-10-22T10:00:00.002+07:00

Folklore from West Java

In a kingdom of heaven, Guruminda son of Sunan Ambu plunged in thought. He was thinking about his mother. The thought drove him crazy. He thought her not as a mother but as a woman. That was very brash. He was shy to his mother because of the thought. He could not imagine his mother’s anger if she knew about it.

But a mother always has a sharp feeling about her children. That’s why you cannot tell lie to your mother because she always knows.

That is why Sunan Ambu knew her son’s problem. So she ordered Guruminda to come. “Guruminda, I know what in your mind and I know it’s wrong. So I’ve been thinking that you have to go to earth to have some lessons. And you will go down there as a monkey.”

Guruminda stood up, his lips sealed. He accepted the order as a punishment because of his effrontery. He was transformed as a black long tailed monkey called Lutung Kasarung, went to the earth and lived in a forest.

Meanwhile in the kingdom of Pasir Batang, in the earth, King Tapa Agung felt the time had come to put his crown to his heir but he could not decide the person. King Tapa Agung had seven daughters and no son. The oldest was Princes Purbararang. The crown should be hers because she was the oldest but King Tapa Agung felt hard to give the crown to her. People knew Princess Purbararang as an arrogant princess. She never cared about her people. On the other hand, her youngest sister, Princess Purbasari was a dear for all her folks.

King Tapa Agung did penance to get divine inspiration from his Gods. So after a while, king Tapa Agung decided to give the crown to Princess Purbasari. Princess Purbararang was very disappointed with king’s decision. She had a plan to evict Purbasari. She could not stand see other person held a power.

Princess Purbararang visited a witch and asked her for a poison. The witched gave her a small bottle of a poison. Princess Purbararang went home with a poison in her hand.

In the night, when Purbasari slept, Purbararang walked slowly into Purbasari’s room. She sprayed the poison to Purbasari’s body. In a second, the beautiful Purbasari turned to be the ugly black Purbasari. People could not recognize her face again. Purbasari was evicted from her palace. Purbararang then became a queen of Pasir Batang kingdom.

People were afraid of Purbasari’s look so she isolated herself in the forest. A kingdom advisor, Batara Lengser, built a simple house in the forest for Purbasari. He asked Purbasari to be patient facing a life test.

Since Purbararang ruled Pasir Batang, she became more arrogant. She always gave punishment to people if they did not make her happy. People were afraid of her. There was also no hope from her fiancé, prince Indrajaya. He did not care what Purbararang did. All he cared was dressed up.

One day, Purbararang held a ceremony. She ordered a man to get a fresh animal. He had to get it or his head would replace the animal head. The man went hunting. After couple of hours, he met a black long tail monkey. The monkey jumped from one tree to other tree. He was surprised saw the unusual monkey. He chased the monkey and tied it with a rope. He brought the monkey to the palace as a ritual offering. He tied the monkey in the middle of field where the ceremony was held. When queen Purbararang entered the field with Batara Lengser, the monkey struggled, released his tied and jumped all over the place, hit the soldiers with their spears and almost injured the queen. The monkey became so wild and unable to be approached. When Batara Lengser tried to approach the monkey, suddenly the monkey became quite. The monkey obeyed Batara Lengser.

Queen Purbararang then had an idea for the monkey. She ordered Batara Lengser to give the monkey to Purbasari. She thought the wild monkey could hurt and killed Purbasari. So Purbararang didn’t have to worry anymore about her crown.

Batara Lengser brought the monkey to Purbasari. He ordered the monkey not to hurt Purbasari. The monkey nodded his head like a person who understand the order.

In the forest, at Purbasari place, she and the monkey became friends. The monkey known as
Lutung Kasarung always made Purbasari laughed. They played together. She also made friend with animals around her house.

One day, Lutung Kasarung did penance. He asked his mother to help him built a bathing place for Purbasari. His mother then sent some of her man to build a bathing place near Purbasari’s house. The bathing place was beautiful. The shower was made from gold and the floor was made from marble. The water flew from the clear waterfall. Sunan Ambu also ordered her tailor to make a cloth from clouds and rainbow for Purbasari.

When Purbasari entered the bathing place, her eyes opened wide. She amazed the architecture of the shower. The walls and the floors were so glossy. The bathing tub was very wide like a natural pool and the water was so clear.

“How this happened, Lutung?” Purbasari asked.

“You are a kindhearted person, Purbasari. That’s why heaven loves you,” Lutung said. “Now, take a bath and wear this cloth “Lutung said to Purbasari while its hand gave her the cloud cloth.

“It’s so soft and beautiful” Purbasari stroke the cloth. Purbasari got into the bathing tub. The water made her black body cleaned. Her skin became soft again and it made her more beautiful then ever. When she wore the cloth, she felt so light. Purbasari looked beautiful. Lutung spellbound. Purbasari was looked different than he knew. She captivated.

The news about a beautiful bathing place in the middle of forest was heard into the palace. Queen Purbararang thought there were people from Pasir Batang built the bathing place for Purbasari. Queen Purbararang was very angry. She needed reason to kill Purbasari. Then she made a contest for Purbasari. She challenged Purbasari to make a huma, a clear land for cultivation. It had to finish before the sunrise. If Purbasari failed, she would die by hanging.

When Batara Lengser went to Purbasari’s place to tell her about the contest, Queen Purbararang ordered hundreds of her soldiers to clear land near Purbasari’s place for cultivation. She thought Purbasari and her men would not be able to finish it before the sunrise.

Purbasari was confused how to clear the land in one night. She did not have men to do that. Lutung Kasarung then helped her. He asked his mother in the heaven to send him soldiers to clear the land. Sunan Ambu sent her soldiers to earth to help Purbasari.

The next day, after the sunrise, Purbararang, prince Indrajaya and her men went to the forest. She was surprised saw a huma next to hers. There were Batara Lengser and Lutung Kasarung standing there.

Purbararang was angry and disappointed. She still challenged Purbasari to contest their beauty. Purbararang thought Purbasari was still a black ugly girl. She ordered Purbasari to come out from her house. Purbasari then came out from the house. She turned to be a beautiful girl. She was more beautiful then Purbararang. There was no dirt in her skin. Purbararang was shocked but she still had plan. She challenged Purbasari’s fiance.

“People, I challenge Purbasari’s fiancé to fight with my fiancé, prince Indrajaya. Where is your fiancé, Purbasari ?” asked Purbararang. Prince Indrajaya came forward and smiled mocking Purbasari. Purbasari turned her head to Lutung Kasarung.

“A monkey, Purbasari?” asked Purbararang laughing.
Lutung Kasarung came forward and sat with legs crossed in the ground. His put his hands together in front his chest. Then Lutung Kasarung transformed into a handsome youngman. He turned to be Guruminda. People were shocked, especially prince Indrajaya. His face became pale. He was afraid to fight with Guruminda. Then he put his hands together and hung his head, asked mercy for him.

Purbararang lost her contest. She gave her crown to Purbasari. Purbasari and Guruminda rode to the palace. They ruled the Pasir Batang kingdom. Citizens were happy. They lived safe and wealthy. Purbararang and her fiancé were punished for they did.

Source : http://xastory.blogspot.com/2008/01/in-kingdom-of-heaven-guruminda-son-of.html

Jaka Tarub

2009-10-22T09:43:00.004+07:00

Folklore from East Java and Central Java

Once upon a time there was a young man lived alone in a village. He didn't have anything except his flute that never left his side.

Jaka Tarub, what everyone called him. Everybody in the village love Jaka Tarub because he is such a good man.

As always, Jaka Tarub likes walking around the village to forget his loneliness. When he was going for a walk while engrossed in playing his flute, he didn't realize that he arrived in the middle of a deserted forest. He just knew it when the night came. Now Jaka Tarub was in the middle of bushes trees and he did not see a single person around it. He only heard the cricket voice and the frog that echoing each other.

"Where am I? I think I got lost," he told himself. But Jaka Tarub didn't worry at all. He kept on walking until he got tired and fell asleep.

In his sleep, Jaka Tarub dreamt seeing a very beautiful butterfly. It color was white reddish. Jaka Tarub tempted to catch the butterfly, but when his hands almost got it, the butterfly flew away. When he woke up, he stared at the sky. At that moment, he saw the butterfly again. It was just like the butterfly in his dream. Jaka Tarub slapped his own face. "Auww," he yelled painfully. This meant that he didn't dream. He felt so hungry and his body was shaking, yet he still awoke thought he didn't believe what he just saw. He blinked his eyes so many times.

Actually, the butterfly was seven fairies who were getting near the earth. Their smells differently. Smell that didn't belong in earth and only the fairies who have it. The looked like humans but their beauty were so different.

Jaka Tarub couldn't stop looking at them. But there was something peculiar in the seventh fairy. Her beauty didn't like the other six. "Maybe this is the youngest fairy," thought Jaka Tarub. He then kept on staring at the last fairy who descended in the earth without blinking his eyes. The more he stared, he became more astonished. For the first time in his life, Jaka Tarub fell in love!

Upon reaching the earth, the fairies went straight to the lake in the middle of the jungle. They opened their clothes and put them in the trees. "What are they doing?" asked Jaka Tarub.

"Wait! Don't you feel happy yet," yelled the youngest sweet voice. "Take this splash!"

"You won't splash us, Adinda Nawang Wulan!" yelled her sisters. "Give it up!"

Jaka Tarub kept on watching them behind the trees. "So, her name is Nawang Wulan. I am right, she's the youngest," whispered Jaka Tarub fondly. But he knew this meeting was only temporary. His world wouldn't meet their world. However, he was in love.
"No matter how, I have to get Nawang Wulan!" promised Jaka Tarub to himself. He then acted quickly. He took Nawang Wulan's cloth.

The sky became darker, it was time for the seven fairies to get back to their castle, "Adinda Nawang Wulan, hurry and get dressed. Play time is over!" yelled her sisters.

"Why don't you go first, Kanda. I'll be right behind you," said Nawang Wulan. "But wait Kakanda, where is my cloth?!"

"Maybe someone took your cloth?"

"Maybe your cloth was taken mistakenly by the other sister?"

"Dear Kanda, I really don't know where my cloth is," worried Nawang Wulan. However, her sisters couldn't wait any longer. They had to go back, no matter what. "Adinda Nawang Wulan, be brave," yelled her six sisters while flying away. They separated eventually.

Now Nawang Wulan was all alone. What if night come? where can I get help? asked herself. This fairy kept on crying.

Jaka Tarub heard her crying, he then walked to her and asked, "Dear beautiful girl, why are you crying? How come you in this jungle?"

Nawang Wulan told him her problem, Then didn't know how, the fairy felt so comfortable telling him about herself.

They then introduced themselves. Jaka Tarub
invited Nawang Wulan to his house. At the house Jaka Tarub gave her some girl village clothes and asked her to dressed. Nawang Wulan didn't have any suspicions at all toward him. She was taught back home to trust other people, so that was what she did: trust him.

Not long aftet that, Jaka Tarub proposed Nawang Wulan. She said yes with one condition: Jaka Tarub was forbidden to aske her how she did her daily chores. "Okay," said Jaka Tarub.

From that day, they became a happily husband and wife. They became happier with the arrival of their beautiful baby named Nawangsih.

At first Jaka Tarub had his doubt. He worried Nawang Wulan cou;dn't do his duty as a good wife and mother, because she was a fairy and her life must have been so much different from a normal human. But surprisingly she was soo good at finishing her daily chores.

Beside that, Jaka Tarub had been asking himself about her. Why? From washing clothes, cooking rice and caring for her child, Nawang Wulan had done it perfectly. All the works must have been affecting her appearance, but no. She still remained beautiful as a fairy.

Jaka Tarub became more and more curious. How did my wife do all the house chores perfectly? And why did her appearance remain the same? How did she do it? So Jaka Tarub decided to find out himself. Until one day, he broke his promise to Nawang Wulan unintentionally.

When night came as usual he watched her wife preparing plates, spoons complete with the dishes. When Jaka Tarub wanted to get the rice, he was so shocked to find an uncooked rice! The plate should've been full of rice.

Since then, Nawang Wulan's life was changed. She no longer could rest. Tiredness was beginning to show in her face. Her beauty as fairy slowly began to fade.

Nawang Wulan couldn't take it any more. "Nawangsih, my child, forgive me because I have to leave you," Nawang Wulan was so sad.

Beside the granary, Nawang Wulan lay weakly. No one could help her. Only Nawangsih, her daughter who was sitting close by her side.

Suddenly, Nawang Wulan smelled something good in the granary. The smell she was familiar with. The smell brightened her spirit She instantly looked for the source of the smell.

It turned out the smell came from her used to be missing clothes. "This is my missing fairy clothes. But why did my husband hide it?" asked Nawang Wulan curiously.

Nawang Wulan immediately wore the clothes. She felt reborn again. It was magic! At that moment Nawang Wulan felt like she was used to be, a fairy again.

Jaka Tarub was so shocked knowing that. But then they realized if human and fairy's world could were different. But Nawang Wulan promised that she never left him and their daughter, Nawangsih. She also promised if Jaka Tarub or Nawangsih need help, the help would come.

Years later..
Jaka Tarub and his daughter lived happily. They never lacked of anything All Jaka Tarub dan her daughter's wishes always came true easily. It mean Nawang Wulan kept her promise.

The Moral:

Whe should always work hard to fulfill our dreams. But we have to fulfill it in the right ways. If we get it the wrong way, the result will be bad too.

Source : http://yayajanuary.multiply.com/journal/item/151/Jaka_Tarub_English_Version_

Telaga Warna

2009-10-22T09:25:00.005+07:00

Folklore from West Java

Long long ago there was a kingdom in West Java. The kingdom was ruled by a king. People called their king His Majesty Prabu. Prabu was a kind and wise king. No wonder if that country was prosperous. There's no hunger in this kingdom.

It was a very happy condition. But it was a pity that Prabu and his queen hadn't got any children. It made the royal couple very very sad. Some old men and women who was respected by Prabu suggested the king to adopt a child. But Prabu and the queen didn't agree. "No, thank you. But for us, our own daughter or son is better than adopted children."

The queen was very sad. She often cried. That was why Prabu decided to go. He went to the jungle. There he prayed to God. Everyday he begged for a child. His dream come true. A few months later, the queen got fregnant. All people in the kingdom felt happy. They sent many presents to the palace to express their happiness.

Nine months later a princess was born. People sent their presents again as a gift to a little princess. This baby grew as a beautiful teenager then.

Prabu and Queen loved their daughter so much. They gave what ever she wanted. It made Princess a very spoiled girl. When her wish couldn't be realized, she became very angry. She even said bad things often. A true princess wouldn't do that. Eventhough the princess behaved badly, her parents loved her, so did the people in that kingdom.

Day by day, the princess grew more beautiful. No girls couldn't compare with her. In a few days, Princess would be 17 years old. So, people of that kingdom went to palace. They brought many presents for her. Their presents gift were very beautiful. Prabu collected the presents. There were really many presents. Then Prabu stored them in a building. Some times he could take them to give to his people.

Prabu only took some gold and jewels. Then she brought them to the goldsmith. "Please make a beautiful necklace for my daughter," said Prabu. "My pleasure, Your Majesty," the goldsmith replied. The goldsmith worked with all his heart and his ability. He wanted to create the most beautiful necklace in the world because he loved his princess.

The birthday came. People gathered in the palace field. When Prabu and queen appeared, people welcomed them happily. Prabu and his wife waved to their beloved people.

Cheers were louder and louder when the princess appeared with her fabulous pretty face. Everybody admired her beauty. Prabu got up from his chair. A lady gave him a small and glamourous pillow. A wonderful necklace was on it. Prabu took that necklace. "My beloved daughter, today I give this necklace to you. This necklace is a gift from people in this country. They love you so much. They presented it for you to express their happiness, because you have growing to a woman. Please, wear this necklace," said Prabu.

Princess accepted the necklace. She looked at the necklace in a glance. "I don't want to accepted it! It's ugly!" shouted the princess. Then she threw the necklace. The beautiful necklace was broken. The gold and jewels were spread out on the floor

Everybody couldn't say anything. They never thought that their beloved princess would did that cruel thing. Nobody spoke. In their silence people heard the queen crying. Every woman felt sad and began crying too. Then everybody was crying.

Then there was a miracle. Earth was crying. Suddenly, from the under ground, a spring emerged. It made a pool of water. The palce was getting full. Soon the place became a big lake. The lake sank all of the kingdom.

Nowadays the water on that lake is not as full as before. There is only a small lake now. People called the lake "Talaga Warna". It is mean "Lake of Colour". It's located in Puncak, West Java. On a bright day, the lake is full of colour. So beautiful and amazing. These colors come from shadows of forest, plants, flowers, and sky arround the lake. But some people said that the colours are from the princess's necklace, which spreads at the bottom of the lake.

Source : http://www.geocities.com/kesumawijaya/ceritarakyat/westjava1.html

The Legend of Danau Toba

2009-10-22T09:21:00.002+07:00

Folklore from North Sumatra

Once upon a time, there was a fisherman lived in a North Sumatra. When he was fishing in a river, a big fish was nailed. This fish had gold color all over its body. It was beautiful. The fisherman was very excited. He imagined a delicious dinner in his head. He put the fish in his basket and went home happily.

When he got home, he put the fish in a sink. He grabbed a knife to kill the fish. But when he almost killed it, he saw the fish eyes and felt pity. He took the knife away and put the fish in washbasin and added water in it. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t kill you” the fisherman said.

The fisherman went fishing again. But this time he couldn’t get any fish. He went home with nothing in his hand. His stomach started to sing. He walked home slouching. He was surprised when he saw smoke came out from his kitchen.

“Who cooked in my kitchen?” he confused.

He took a peep and surprised when he saw a beautiful girl cooked in his house. “Why there’s a girl in my kitchen?” he confused.

The fisherman entered the room. “Who are you?” he asked the girl.

“I’m the fish.” The girl said.

The fisherman looked the washbasin and saw nothing in it. “The fish?” he asked incredulous.

“Yes. You didn’t kill me and I’m very thankful. I will return your kindness.” The girl said.

“That’s ok. I didn’t ask any return” the fisherman said.

“But I have to.”The girl insisted.

“Well, I lived alone. I don’t have family. If you want to be my wife, I will be very happy.” The fisherman asked the girl.

The girl smiled and said “I’d love to but you have to promise me that if we have kid you can’t tell him about me.”

And so, the fisherman and the fish girl were married. And then they had a child called Samo. Samo was very naughty. He couldn’t be advisable. He always played and never helped his parents.

One day Samo was asked to deliver lunch to his father. On his way, he met his friends and forgot to deliver his father’s lunch. Samo played with his friends. When he was tired and hungry, he was resting under a tree and ate his father lunch. Meanwhile his father waited him in starve and tired. His father went home and saw Samo played. “Where is my lunch?” he asked.

“Mmm…mm.. I ate it” Samo said afraid.

“Why you ate it?” his father asked.

“Mmm..mm.. I was hungry after playing with my friend” Samo said.

“You were told to deliver my lunch but you didn’t listen.” his father was very furious. “I can’t handle you anymore. You are very naughty. Go away from me. Don’t come home anymore.” His father yelled and evicted Samo from his house.

And this what happened if you can’t control your mouth when you angry. His father said the words that he wouldn’t suppose to say. “You… fish’s son.”

Suddenly, the sky was getting dark. The storm was breaking the ears. The rain felt from the sky like giant hose sprayed water all over the place. And then the water came out from the land and getting harder.

Sumo’s mother was very sad. “I told you don’t tell him about me” she said to her husband. “Now I’m going back to be fish again. Good by” the mother was transformed magically to be gold fish again and disappear through the water. The water was getting higher and drown the village and formed a lake.

Meanwhile, sumo run to the hill and stayed there. The hill then was surrounded by the lake.

Now the lake was known as Toba Lake. Toba came from Tuba word means no mercy. And the hill in the middle called Samosir Island. Samosir means ‘Samo di usir’ or in English : Samo have been evicted.
This is just a legend, there were so many versions of the name’s story. You can’t tell which one is really true. But I heard this version since I was a little girl.

Source : http://xastory.blogspot.com/2008/09/legend-of-toba-lake.html

Timun Mas

2009-10-22T08:48:00.004+07:00

Folklore from Central Java

Long long time ago, there was a farmer couple. They were staying in a village near a forest. They lived happily. Unfortunately, they hadn’t had any children yet.

Every day they prayed to God for a child. One day a giant passed their home. He heard what they were praying. Then the giant gave them a cucumber seed.

"Plant this seed, then you’ll get a daughter,” said the giant. “Thank you, Giant,” said the couple. “But in one condition, in her 17-th birthday, you must give her to me,” said the Giant. The couple wanted a child so much that they agreed without thinking first.

Then the couple planted the cucumber seed. Each day they took care the growing plant so carefully. Months later, a golden cucumber grew from the plant. The cucumber was getting heavier and bigger each day. When it was ripe, they picked it. Carefully they cut out the cucumber and how surprised were they when they found a beautiful baby inside. They were so happy. They named the baby Timun Mas, or Golden Cucumber.

Years were passing by and Timun Mas had grown into a beautiful girl. Her parents were very proud of her. But their happiness turned to fear when her 17th birthday came. The giant returned to ask for their promise. He was going to take Timun Mas away.

The farmer tried to be calm. “Just a moment, please. Timun Mas is playing. My wife will call her,” he said. Then the farmer came to his daughter. “My child, take this,” as he was giving her a little bag to Timun Mas. “This will help you from the giant. Now, run as fast as you can,” he ordered. So Timun Mas ran away.

The couple was very sad about her leaving. But they didn’t want the giant to eat Timun Mas. Meanwhile, the giant had been waiting for too long. He became impatient. Somehow he knew that the couple had lied to him. So he destroyed their house and ran for Timun Mas.

The giant was chasing Timun Mas and he was getting closer and closer. Timun Mas then took a handful of salt from her little bag. She spread out the salt behind her. Suddenly a wide sea appeared between them. The giant had to swim to reach her

Timun Mas was still running, but now the giant almost caught her. Then she took some chilly and threw them to the giant. The chilly suddenly grew into some trees and trapped the giant. The trees grew some thorns as sharp as a knife. The giant screamed painfully. At the mean time, Timun Mas could escape again.

But the giant was very strong. Again he almost caught Timun Mas. So Timun Mas took the third magic stuff, the cucumber seeds. She threw the seeds and suddenly they became a wide cucumber field. The giant was very tired and hungry so he ate those fresh cucumbers. He ate too much that he felt sleepy and fell asleep soon.

Timun Mas kept on running as fast as she could. But soon she was very tired herself. To make things worse, the giant had woken up! Timun Mas was so scared. Desperately she then threw her last weapon, terasi (a kind of shrimp pasta). IT did a miracle again. The pasta became a big swamp. The giant fell into it but his hands almost reached Timun Mas. Suddenly the lake pulled him to the bottom. The giant panicked and he couldn’t breathe. At last he was drown.

Timun Mas was very relieved. She was safe now. Then she returned to her parents’ house. Her parents were of course very happy to see their daughter safe and sound. “Thanks God. You have saved my daughter,” they cried happily. From then on, Timun Mas lived happily with her parents with no fear anymore.

Source : http://www.geocities.com/kesumawijaya/ceritarakyat/centraljava1.html

Tari Remo

2009-10-22T08:30:00.005+07:00

Tari Remo is a welcoming dance special from East Java which described dynamical characteristic of East Java Society as a picture of Prince's courage. It supported by Gamelan music and in this Gending there are Bonang, Saron, Gambang, Gender, Slentem, Zither, Flute, Ketuk, Kempul, and Gong with Slendro rhythm. Tari Remo is performed by a single dancer or by a group of dancers. Because the dancers are either men or women, Remo Dance has two styles: masculine and feminine. Very often women dancers perform masculine-style Remo Dance and men dancers perform feminine-style Remo Dance.
Tari Remo was originally danced at the beginning of ludruk performance, but later it is loosely developed into a dance performed at parties, folk festivals, or at the commemorations of national holidays. Remo Dance is perfomed to welcome guests and, therefore, it is called a welcoming dance.

The characteristic movements of the Remo Dance are the beats of the feet. A set of small bells is tied around the right-foot ankle. The bells tinkle when the dancer walks or beats the floor with his or her right foot. Beside the beats of the feet, the head movements, the manipulative play of the selendang or sampur, the facial expressions, and the postures of the dancers which conform the rhythm of the music, make this dance unique.

The costumes of a Remo Dancer are of various types: Sawunggaling, Surabayan, Malangan, Jombangan. The Surabayan costume consist of a red scarf tied around the head, a black upper outfit that resembles the outfit of an eighteenth-century noblemen with the royal insignia, a pair of velvet trousers which are knee-high and knitted with golden thread and gems, a piece of batik worn around the waist, hip and thighs, and rumpled in the front, a belt called stagen worn around the waist and a keris (a Javanese dagger). A dancer has two selendang or sampur, one of which is worn around the waist and the other which is worn on the shoulders. His or her right hand holds one end of the selendang, and his or her left hand holds the other end. The bells tied around the right ankle tinkle loudly.

The costumes of the Surabaya type are more or less similar to those of the Sawunggaling type. The difference is that the upper outfit of the dancer is a white shirt with a tie. The costumes of Malangan type are similar to those of the Surabaya type except that the trousers are longer, touch the ankles of the dancer and are not knitted with colourful beads. The costumes of Jombangan type are similar to the Sawunggaling type except that instead of wearing a white shirt the dancer wears a vest. The typical costumes of the dancers are difficult to differentiate, especially because of the new creation of Remo Dancer's costumes.

With feminine-style dance, the dancer has a unique hair-do, and wears a black mekak to cover the breast, a rapak to cover the hip to the knee, and a piece of selendang or sampur put across the shoulders. There are various kinds of womens' Remo Dance costumes.

The musical instruments used in the Remo Dance performance consist of bonang babok, bonang penerus, saron, gambang, gender, slentem siter, seruling (flutes), kethuk-kenong, kempul and gong. The various music that accompanies the dance can be gamelan laras or irama slendro or pelog. Various tunes used are Surabaya Jula-Juli, and Tropongan. Other tunes to accompany the Remo Dance are Walangkekek, Gedok Rancak, Krucilan or newly created gending. A Remo Dance performance lasts for fifteen or more minutes. In ludruk performances, a Remo Dancer sings a song in the middle of his or her performance.

Source : http://www.petra.ac.id/eastjava/culture/remo.htm