Fun Facts About Indonesia

Torch War in Jepara, Central Java

2010-12-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

One of the "scariest" popular ceremony that held in Jepara, Central Java, is Torch War. About 50 person will face to face, holding flaming torch, then hit each other with the torch. Even it is quiet scary, but this tradition has become one of the most fantastic tourist attraction in Jepara.

This tradition has started long time ago. In early 16th century, in Demak Sultanate in Jepara district, there was a small village called Tegalsambi. There was a wealthy man in the village called Kiai Babadan. Since he had a lot of cows and bulls, he asked his neighbor - Ki Gemblong - to look after his cattles. But Ki Gemblong did not look after it very well. Soon, all cows and bulls were lose its flesh and sick. After know the condition of his cattles, Kiai Babadan was very angry. He made a torch - made from coconut midrib and flamed it - then confronted Ki Gemblong. Ki Gemblong also prepared the same torch. And not long, both of them were fight each other using the torch. The fight between them make the animal's stable destroy, but did not make the animals died in flame. Surprisely, all of them were cured.

Since then, people from Tegalsambi - which are the descendant of Kyai Babadan and Ki Gemblong's family - did the ceremony called Torch War (Perang Obor). The ceremony means to repel the evil spirits that bring harmed and illness.

The War ceremony usually held in every Tuesday Pon night (date's name based on Javanese calender) in Dhu al-hijjah's month (the sacred month in the Islamic Calender). It is starting with Wayang Show and the parade of hereditary items, such as The Sword of Gendir Gambang Sari, statue,and encient perforated drum (Beduk Dobol). All those items were believed as the heritage from Sunan Kalijaga - one of saint of Islam in Indonesia - to Kebayan Tegalsambi (the first leader of Tegalsambi village).

The main tools on this ceremony are dried coconut midribs (called Blarak) and banana leaves, tied them both into a big torch handle. All players - usually 50 persons - are wearing same uniform that covered their and head. The war will started on 8 pm, then each of the participants hit each other use the torch. The rule of the game is simple: Whenever any one of them raise the torch, then it means he is ready and any of the participants can hit him until his torch is damaging or the participants put down his torch on the ground (means "surrender"). The participants can be replaced by others as long as the total players are unchanged.

During the game, there will be any one who will suffer for fire burn. Usually The Torch Handler (Pawang Obor) will cure them use "Londoh Water" - which is a water that believed can cure any burn that occur during the war.

The Torch War has become one of the most attractive tourist object in Jepara, Central Java for the past 10 years. If you have intention to see and participate on the ceremony, come to Jepada on May or Jun. The ceremony usually did on that time. You can also check the schedule to your travel agent for further details.

Let's burn some hell......!!!!!!

Becak - The Traditional Transportation in Indonesia

2010-11-24T00:12:00.000-08:00

If you visited Indonesia, especially to city like Bandung, Surabaya, Solo, or Jogjakarta, you might find a unique transportation : a carriage with three wheels which been paddled by a men who sit on the back seat. It is called Becak / Beca, a very well-known traditional transportation in Indonesia.

Paddled Becak

Actually Becak is not a true and original transportation mode from Indonesia. Back in 1930, this transportation was used by the traders from China who brought this transportation from their country to Indonesia as the carriage of their stuff. The name of Becak was originated from Be Chia (Hokkian Dialect, which means "horse carriage") because back in China, this transportation was drag by horse. Since using horse is not popular in Indonesia that time, so the carriage been drove by the men. In the earlier, people called this transportation as "Roda Tiga" (The Three Wheels). But since 1940, it starting been called Beca (wrote as Betjak, Betja, or Beetja) and used as regular transportation for people.

In 1942, when Indonesia was occupied by Japan, the uses of gasoline had been controlled by the Japanese Government and many Indonesia people were not allowed to own car. Because of that, the needs of Becak - as public transportation - was increasing and there has a very huge expansion of becak's quantity that time, especially in most of Java's big city, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Jogjakarta, Solo, Semarang, and Surabaya.

Becak with Machine (Becak Motor)

In 1943, becak has been introduced to Makassar - one of the city in Sulawesi Island- and other city outside Java,such as Medan, Padang, Palembang,and Lampung.

Becak is ganing it high popularity in 1960s - 1980s, because it provides door-to-door service that easier passenger to go anywhere they want (especially if they bringing along a lot of their things).

In 1980's, becak becomes a very serious problem for Jakarta because of its extreme increasing. In 1950, becak only have 25,000 units that spreading in all over Indonesia. But in 1966, its quantity was blowing up hugely into 160,000 units in Jakarta only, and increase even much bigger - into more than 400,000 units in early 1980 - and become the main cause of the traffic jam. And this quantity was only noted in Jakarta only!!

In the same time, Indonesia government started to think that using of becak is considering as slavery and not fit with human rights. Due to this consideration, based on Regional Government Regulation (Peraturan Daerah) No. 11/ 1988, becak is restricted permanently as public transportation. Eventhough, the regulation is valid in Jakarta only. In other cities, becak still exist and treated as regular public transportation, until today.

THE TYPES OF BECAK
Each city has its own typical and types of becak. But generally, becak can be divided into two types :
a. Becak with back-controller (the driver is sitting at the back). It can be found in Java area.
b. Becak with side-controller (the driver is sitting at the side). Mostly used in Sumatera area.

Bemo

Both types of becak can be divided into two sub-types :
1. Paddled becak.
2. Machine becak.

Paddled becak is using men power to paddle the becak. In most area in Java, all of the becak used paddle. Some people considered this kind of becak is similar as slavery act and critisized as a violation of human rights. Even that, this kind of becak still used in some Java city, like Bandung, Solo, Jogjakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, and also some city in Sumatera, such as Palembang.

Each city have its own trade mark of paddled becak. The seat of Java's becak usually a little bit higher to balancing the driver and the passenger's weight (especially for "heavy weight" passenger). Meanwhile Sumatera and Bandung's becak usually have lower seat to ease the passenger entering the becak.

Machine becak is becak that use machine to run. Usually the becak been attached to the motorcycle, either side-by-side or back-to-back.

Bentor

Besides regular becak, there are some types of becak that become the trade-mark of each city in Indonesia :

1. BECAK MOTOR :

Literally it means "becak with motor". It is a becak that been attached with motor cycle side-by-side and its width is similar as regular car. It is a regular trasportation that been used in Medan and Pematang Siantar, North Sumatera.

2. BEMO :

Actually Bemo is refering to "Becak motor". Differently with Becak Motor in Medan, Bemo is almost similar as car but use motor-cycle machine. Bemo is commonly found in Jakarta and become a trade-mark of Jakarta's traditional transportation. Bemo is created in 1962, and its purpose is to replacing Becak. Since it's abling to run faster and further comparing Becak, most people starting to like using Bemo.

3. HELICAK :

Another type of becak is Helicak, the combination words of "helicopter" and "becak", because its shape that similar with those transportation. Launched in March 24, 1971, helicak became one of the most famous transportation in Jakarta. Same as becak, the driver was sitting at the back, while the passenger at the front. The passenger cabin was made from steel and fiber glass. It made passenger safe from heat, rain, and dust. However, because of the inconsistency regulation from local government, soon helicak did not developed well and dissapear by the end of 1970's era.

4. BENTOR :

Refer to "Becak Motor", it is a trade-mark transportation from Gorontalo, South Sulawesi. This is becak with motor-cycle back-to-back position and can run very fast. Althought Bentor is very popular, the existance of this transportation is not permitted.

5. BECAK RENGAT :

Becak Rengat (or simply called "Becak") is one of becak type that very popular in Rengat, Riau Island. It is paddle-becak in which the position of the driver is at the side of the becak, not in the back as other becak.

Becak Rengat

Mt. Merapi - The Legendary Volcano from Central Java

2010-11-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

It's been three weeks already since its first eruption on October 25, 2010, but Mount Merapi is still active and endangered people around its location. The secure area has been expand by local government from 15 kilometers into 20 kilometers. There are more than 2,000 refugees from Mt. Merapi that still staying in refuge due to the condition of the volcano that still unstable. The alert for Mt. Merapi still at the highest level.

All refufees are suffering and need help. We are seeking for donators who are willing to help them. If you have intention to help the refugees and people that suffer from Mt. Merapi, please send your help (dry food, blankets, clothes, masks, or money), you can send your help to :

Jl. Raya Banjaran Km. 20.5 No. 486

Kab. Bandung, West Java

Indonesia 40336

Phone : + 62 - 22 - 5949049 (Attn. Mrs. Lisda)

OR you can send your fund thru :

Bank Central Asia (BCA), Cab. Bandung

Account No. 0080185740

a.n. Mulyady Chandra

But if you feel very difficult to transfer the fund of send the things to help to refugees (due to the location of youc country, which is not possible to do all those thing), you can help by clicking the advertising that you see in this blog, and buy them. For every purchase you made in this blog, US$ 0.02 of each one of the purchases will be used to help the refugees.

All donation will be respected and delivered to all of the refugees in Central Java.

About Mt. Merapi
Mt. Merapi have been known for centuries as one of the active stratovolcano - and part of the Pasific Ring of Fire - that located on the border between Central Java and Yogjakarta, Indonesia. Literally in Javanese, Merapi means "The Mountain of Fire". Its been recorded that Mt. Merapi have been erupted regularly since 1548. Meanwhile, stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in Merapi has began about 400,000 years ago. In the beginning, the eruptions typically were effusive with basaltic lava. But then, it becomes more explosive with vicous andesitic lavas.

Mt. Merapi have been erupted regularly in every two or three years. The larger ones usually in every 10-15 years or so. The deadliest eruption have occured in 1930, when 13 villages were destroyed and 1,400 people killed by pyroclastic flows.

Another notable eruption of Mt. Merapi was in May 2006 when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck roughly 50 kilometers southwest of Merapi, killed more than 5,000 people, raising the volcanic eruptions. LAva and superheated clouds of gas pured repeatledly down its upper slopes towards to Kaliadem River, which is located southeast of Mt. Merapi. Two fatalities recorded as the result of the eruption.

And the latest eruption of Mt. Merapi is 25 October 2010, when Merapi started to erupt three times, spewing lava down to southern and souteastern slopes. The eruption continues in 26 October. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation monitor shown that at least 12 eruptions, 232 seismic events, 269 avalanche seismic events, 4 lava flow, and 6 heat cloud happened that day. At least 194 death cassualites attibutable to the Merapi eruptions, 151 people were injury, and 198,488 refugess from several destroyed villages around Mt. Merapi.

The Culture of Mt. Merapi

The late Mbah Marijan

Mt. Merapi have been known as one of the official royal places that been used by Yogjakarta and Solo's King for annual offering celebration to keep the volcano quiet and peaceful, and also to appease the spirits of the mountain. The celebration is leading by Juru Kunci Merapi (The Key Holder of Merapi) who set up the celebration and praying. Juru Kunci has been appointed by The King of Yogjakarta. The last Juru Kunci - called Mbah Marijan - died in accident of the Merapi eruption on October 2010. Until today, no one has been appointed to replace him.

Mentawai Islands - The Heaven of Indonesia before Tsunami....

2010-11-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

October 25, 2010, 7.2 SR of earthquake had shaked Mentawai Islands. And in the sudden a big wave of water swapped Mentawai Islands and destroy everything. Till today, more than 88 persons still missing and 449 persons have died during the tsunami disaster. All victims are being evacuated in GKPM Church, located in Sikakap, Mentawai District.

Mentawai's Tsunami Disaster have become one of Indonesia's national tragedy. Another one is happening in Central Java, in Madiun city, when Merapi Mountain - in the same day - exploded and 37 people died in the inident. President Soesilo BambangYudoyono had been Mentawai to visit the victims of the tsunami. People from all around Indonesia have gathering fund to help the people in Mentawai.

If you have interest to help people in Mentawai, you can send your fund to :

Bank Central Asia - Cab. Asia-Afrika (Indonesia)

Account No : 0080185740

Name : Mulyady Chandra

But if you feel very difficult to transfer the fund of send the things to help to victims of tsunami (due to the location of youc country, which is not possible to do all those thing), you can help by clicking the advertising that you see in this blog, and buy them. For every purchase you made in this blog, US$ 0.02 of each one of the purchases will be used to help the victims.

Any amount would be very helpful for the victims of Mentawai's tsunami.

ABOUT MENTAWAI ISLANDS

Before the tsunami incident happened, Mentawai Islands have been known as one of the most beautiful island after Bali Island. They are a chain of seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatera Islands in Inonesia. There are some islands that offering nice and fresh scenaries. Some of the well known islands is Siberut, Sipura, North Pagai, and South Pagai.

Among the islands, Siberut is the largest one. Located at the nothernmost of The Mentawai Islands, it has 4,030 km2 width and well knwon for its range of primates, such as Kloss Gibbon (Hylobates klossii), Pig-Tailled Langur (Simias concolor), Mentawai Langur (Presbytis potenziani), and Mentawai Macaque (Macaca pagensis).It has protected rain forest ecoregion which called Siberut National Park. The park is isolated from mainland for over 500,000 years already.

The native people who live in the islands is called Mentawai, or also known as Mentawei and Mentawi. They live a semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the coastal and rainforest environments of the islands. Their language is Mentawai language, in which belong to Aunstronesian language family.

Mentawai has become a noted destination for surfing. Many surfers from all around the world gather regularly in Mentawai, especially Siberut. Besides surfing, Indonesia Ministry of Tourism is projecting Mentawai to explore Culture Tourim in there. Some villages such as Madobag, Tuapejat, and Bosua are having a lot of ancient cultures that still live till today and able to be promoted to people around the world. Will this project can be happened, due to the tsunami disaster? We are crossing our fingers....

SAMBAL - Well Known Chilli from Indonesia

2010-10-25T03:14:00.000-07:00

Sambal - literally means "chilli sauce" in Indonesia - is a very well-known sauce in Indonesia. Every city in Indonesia has its own sambal signature, and that makes them very unique.

Sambal has become one of the "must have" sauce that should always available in almost every Indonesia's meal. Basically, sambal main material is chilli. There are a lot of variant of chillies that can be use for sambal, depending on how "hot" sensation people want to have. The most regular chilli that being use is Cayenne pepper / Bird Pepper. To get tasty hot sensation, some people combine the pepper with other like onion, tomato, garlic, vinegar, and / or fruits.

There are more than hundreds of Sambal variants in Indonesia. And here are some of them, which I consider the best of the best sambal from Indonesia :

1. SAMBAL TERASI :
One of the well-known and very popular sambal around Java Island is Sambal Terasi (terasi means shrimp sauce, made from fermented fround shrimp, usually made into rectangular blocks). It used red and green peppers, terasi, sugar, salt, and lemon, then mix them together. In West Java, sometimes they add pounded tomatoes to get sweet and sour taste of the sambal.

2. SAMBAL ONCOM :
Sambal Oncom is popular in West Java. It made from fermented soya bean, mix with chilli, garlic, shallot, sugar, and salt. Usually use as condiment for Nasi Kuning (yellow rice, traditional made using turmeric) and Nasi Uduk (steamed rice).

3. SAMBAL ASAM :
Sambal Asam is made in similar way as terasi, but with addition of tamarind concentrate that made the sambal slightly sour ("asam" means sour in Indonesia).

4. SAMBAL BAJAK :

Chili fried with oil, garlic, terasi, candlenuts, and other condiments. Similar taste as Sambal Asam, but richer flavour.

5. SAMBAL MANGGA / NANAS :

Sambal Mangga

Actually it is Sambal Terasi with additional of shredded fruit to get fresh taste. Usually people use Mango (Mangga) or Pineapple (Nanas) on these sambal and use it as accompaniment to seafood.Sambal Mangga is very famous in Java Island, meanwhile Sambal Nanas is very famous in Riau Island.

6. SAMBAL LADA IJO :
Origins from Padang (West Sumatera) and very popular in Sumatera Island, Sambal Lada Ijo is made from green chilli, green tomatoes, shallot, and some sprices, then stir fried. Sometimes, people add small fish called "ikan teri" to make the sambal more tasteful. This kind if sambal called Sambal Teri Lado.

7. SAMBAL BALADO :
A stylish and signature sambal from Minangkabau (West Sumatera). It made from chilli pepper, blended together with garlic, shallot, red / green tomato, salt, and lime juice, then sauteed with oil.

8. SAMBAL TUMIS :
This chilli is made in stir fry (tumis means "stir fry"), and made from the combination of terasi, onions, garlic, and tamarind juice. Usually it mix with other ingredient to produce dishes such as Sambal Kangkung (Ipomoea aquatica / Water Spinach's Sambal).

9. SAMBAL KECAP MANIS :
This is a very popular sambal too in Indonesia. It is the mixture of sweet soy sauce, chilli, and shallots, and served as a condiment for Seafood (mostly for fried or barbeque fish) and Sate (Indonesia's Barbeque on stick).

10. SAMBAL ULEK :
Traditional sambal that make fromred chilli and salt, then crush it on the Indonesia's traditional stoneware called Ulekan.

11. SAMBAL SETAN :
This is the craziest and hottest sambal in Indonesia. Very popular in Bali and Lombok Island, this sambal is made from Madame Jeanette peppers. The name literally means "Devil's Chilli Sauce" and it already described how hot the sambal is.

12. SAMBAL TALIWANG :

Sambal Taliwang

Very famous sambal from Taliwang, a village in Lombok Island. It made from Naga Jolokia pepper - the hottest pepper inhe wolrd (it also known as Ghost Chili) - with addition of garlic and shrimp paste.

13. SAMBAL MATAH :
Originated from Bali, this sambal is also a very well-known in Indonesia. Made from raw shallot and lemongrass, and content a lot of finely chopped shallot, bird's eye chilli, terasi, and a dash of lemon.

14. SAMBAL DABU-DABU :
One of the well-known sambal from Manado (Sulawesi Island). Consist of coarsely chopped tomatoes, calamansi, shallot, chopped bird's eye chilli, basil, vegetable oil, and salt. The taste is very close to the Mexican Salsa sauce.

15. SAMBAL PETAI :

Sate with Sambal Kacang

A mixture of red chilli, garlic, shallot, and petai (stinky bean), and it's stir fry. Sometimes it's adding slices of chicken's liver and / or gizzard.

16. SAMBAL KACANG :
A mixture of chilli with garlic, shallot, sugar, salt, crushed fried peanuts, and water. Very famous chili that usually used as a additional for sate or a condiments for Nasi Uduk.

Visit North Sulawesi? Don't Forget To Try Bubur Manado

2010-07-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

Manado, located at the Bay of Manado in North Sulawesi. Surrounded by a mountainous area, it is the largest city in the region and a key tourist transit point for visitors.Arriving in Sam Ratulangi international Airport of Manado, you will find a lot ecotourism attractions in Manado. Bunaken National Park, for example. It is a very nice place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Or perhaps you prefer city view? Manado has it.

The first thing you should try when arrive in Manado is Bubur Manado or Tinutuan. There is no way you can say you ever been there if you never try this cuisine yet.Bubur Manado (literally means "Manadonese Porridge") is a rice porridge mixed with various vegetables (spinach, kangkung, corn, pumpkin, and cassava or sweet potato. It has became the icon of Manado.

The history of Bubur Manado is starting in 1950's. In that time, Indonesia was being in the middle of war with Holland. While rice (the staple food in Indonesia) was limited, people in Manado started to make porridge for their family. They put anything that possible to eat inside the porridge so everybody can ate : vegetables, corn, fish, and others). Even it is not nice to see, but the taste is good. Since then, it became one of the most favorable cuisine among Indonesia's soldiers.

After the war ended in 1959, people in Manado starting to create Bubur Manado in more attractive appearance and taste. Since then, Bubur Manado become one of the famous cuisine in Manado. Many people who come to Manado will look and try for it.

Eat the porridge while it hot, combining with fried spicy salty fish. Hmmm...very delicious....

The Original Exotic Cultures From Indonesia

2010-07-06T20:18:00.001-07:00

Indonesia has many famous things that been well-known thru all over the world for centuries. But it is interesting to know that recently there are a lot of countries claim some of them are belong to theirs. Well…. You should not wonder why. Indonesia has been known as a country which consists of many beauty and exotic cultures. Some of them have been promoted and introduced to worldwide quiet often. I believe some people who ever visit Indonesia felt the culture is suitable for their country. So they took it and claimed them as theirs.

There are lots of interesting, exotic, and fascinating things from Indonesia that has been known (even been claimed by other countries) thru the world. Here are some of them :

BENGAWAN SOLO

Bengawan Solo is a song about Solo River, which flows through central and eastern Java, Indonesia, & is the longest river in Java Island. By end of 90’s, there are some Asia countries claims this song as theirs. Actually this song was made by Gesang Martohartono, a very well-known Javanese musician . He wrote that song in 1940, using local kroncong style.

Kroncong – pronounced “kronchong” - itself is the name of ukulele-type instrument and it is one of Indonesia musical style. One group of kroncong band typically consist of two ukuleles, a cello, a guitar, a bass, and a lead vocal. Kroncong music has been known since 16^th century.

The song describes the legendary Solo River in a poetic and nostalgic way, that it is surrounded by mountains, it sources are near the city of Solo, and the uses of it in the past.This song is very popular (even until today) especially among Japanese during their occupation in Indonesia in 1943 – 1945. They brought the song with them to Japan after returning from the war, and introduced it worldwide. Since then, this song gained a large popularity, especially after been recorded by Japanese singers, such as Toshi Matsuda.

Bengawan Solo became a big hit in Chinese society after Malaysian singer, Ms Poon Sow Keng and Ms Koo Mei, sang it in Mandarin versions in 1957. Since then, this song is on of the best known Chinese oldies.

Many artists have recorded the song, among whom are Waldjinah (The Queen of Kroncong from Indonesia), AnnekeGronloh, Rebecca Pan (Chinese singer), and Frances Yip (Hong Kong’s Cantopop singer).

RASA SAYANGE

Another popular song that once had been claimed by other country is Rasa Sayange. Created by Paulus Pea from Ambon (an Indonesian ethnic group in Maluku, an island group east of Sulawesi, Indonesia). This song was used by Dutch East Indies Government (when they were colonized Indonesia in 1925) when made a tourism promotion.

Malaysia

use this song as a soundtrack for their movie, Antara Dua Darjat (1960, directed by P. Ramlee), which instantly became a hit. Since then, people believe the song was made by Malaysia composer. This statement became a controversy and became bigger when Malaysian Tourism Board used this song on their advertisement to promote Malaysian tourism industry. On November 2007, Malaysia finally returned claimed the song.

Besides in Malaysia, this song also very popular in Singapore and is often sung at social events or dinner parties.

REOG

In 2008, Malaysia claimed Reog is one of their origin cultures (according to them, this dance came from Batu Pahat Johor and Selangor, Malaysia) and named it as Tari Barongan (Tiger Dance). This claim has raising anger, especially

Indonesia

art society.

Historically, Reog was created by Ki Ageng Kutu, one of servant of Bhre Kertabhumi, King of Majapahit Kingdom that rules West Java in 15^th century. Reog is the name of the big lion mask (known as “Singa Barong” – literally means King of the Jungle) with peacock feather on its head and been arranged like a very big fan. This is the main equipment of the Reog Dance (it is 50 kg weight!!). One person wear the mask and dance, while sometimes wave it. Some dancers wore paper horse and a person wore red face clown mask are the additional.

Recently Reog has been registered officially (No. 026377/11 Feb 2004 in Law and Human Rights Department of Indonesia) as one of the original culture and art from West Java.

BATIK

It is a wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile that been well known and as a trade mark of Indonesia, especially Jogjakarta (one of the biggest city in Indonesia, located in Central Java). Recently, batik patterns can be found easily in several countries such as West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, and Mali), India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and

Burma

SONGKET

Literally means “embroidery fabric that made from gold or silver threads”, songket is a hand-woven in silk or cotton. It is intricately patterned with gold or silver threads. In weaving process, the embroiderer inserted metallic threads between the silk or cotton weft threads to create a shimmering effect. Songket is a luxury product traditionally worn during ceremonial occasions. It has been known and produced in Sumatera Island since centuries and spread out to Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi, Lombok, and Sumbawa. Recently it also produce in east coast of Malay Peninsula and

Brunei

SILAT / PENCAK SILAT

It is a martial art forms, a combative art of fighting and survival. It usually accompanied with traditional instruments, such as kendang (double headed drum), and sometimes looks like folk dance.

Since 7^th century AD, Silat has been a well-known martial art in Minangkabau (an ethnic group in highland of West Sumatera). Silat itself comes from Silek (Minangkabau language). When Islam spread throughout the archipelago in the 14^th century, it was taught alongside silat. Silat became a spiritual training as well as being a combat art and folk dance.

In 1948, the term of Silat has been change into “Pencak Silat”. Pencak is the performance aspects of the martial art, while Silat is the essence of the fighting and self-defense.

KECAK DANCE

It is a form of Balinese music drama that performed primarily by men. It is also known as Ramayana Monkey Chant. Usually it performed by a circle of more than 100 performers wearing checked cloth around their waists and percussively chanting “cak” while throwing up their hands. This form of dance has been introduced by I Limbak, a well-known dancer from Bali, and has been performed since 1920.

In 1930, a German painter and musician Walter Spies had a deeply intereted in this dance and recreate it into a drama, based on the Hindu Ramayana’s story. He also adding a dance in it. Spies worked with Wayan Limbak – another well-known Bali dancer – to popularize the dance by traveling throughout the world with their Balinese Performance Groups. It helped Kecak been known and famous throughout the world as today.

SATE

It is a dish consisting of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork, or fish, use bamboo skewers, and grilled over a charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasoning. It was invented by Javanese street vendors in early 19^th century. It has been considered as the national dish, since it is easily to find in any city in Indonesia with many variations. Some popular sate variations are Sate Madura (originally from island of Madura, near Java), Sate Padang (from Padang, West Sumatera), Sate Tegal (from Tegal, Central Java), Sate Banjar (from South Kalimantan), Sate Makasar (from Southern Sulawesi), Sate Babi / Pork Sate (in Jakarta), etc.

TEMPE

It is a Javanese traditional food, made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form. It made from soybeans which consist of higher content of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins (compared to tofu, which also made from soybeans). Tempe is often prepared by cutting it into pieces, soaking in brine or salty sauce, and then frying. Cooked tempe can be eaten alone, used chilli, stir frys, soups, salad, or stews. Tempe ha been used worldwide in vegetarian cuisine. Even some consider it to be a meat analogue.

ANGKLUNG

It is a musical instrument made out of two bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are curved so they have a resonant pitch when struck. Angklung is used and played by the Sundanese (an ethnic group native to West Java). Daeng Soetigna, a music maestro from Bandung, West Java, expanded angklung notations to diatonic scale in 1938. Since then, angkung often played together with western music instrument in an orchestra. The very well-known performances of angklung in an orchestra were made during Bandung Conference in 1955.

Angklung has been known not only in Asia, but also its popularity spreads thru America. One of the well-known angklung ensembles is Angklung Buncis Sukahejo, a Sundanese angklung ensemble at The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington.

WAYANG

Literally means “theater”, Wayang is a kind of traditional puppet show. People believe wayang already exist in Indonesia since the first century CE, before Hinduism came to Southeast Asia. The first record of wayang performance is from an inscription dated 930 CE which say “Si Galigi Mawayang” (Javanese words, means “Sir Galigi played wayang”).

It believes that “Sir Galigi” was an itinerant performer who was requeted to perform a special royal occasion that time.

Most story of wayang was taken from Hindus story, such as the Mahabharata or the Ramayana. The wayang’s player called dalang (mostly played by male. Wayang today is both the most ancient and most popular form of Puppet Theater in the world. UNESCO designated Wayang as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 7, 2003.

Orangutan - Exclusive Great Ape from indonesia

2010-06-11T01:15:00.000-07:00

One of the most inteligent primates is Orangutan and it is the only exclusive Kalimantan's living genus of great ape. The word "orangutan" comes from the Indonesia words (orang = man /people; utan = forest), hence "Man of the Forest". Generally, they are not aggressive and live mostly in solitary life foraging for food. Typically, they have reddish-brown long hair with longer arms than other great apes.

Orangutan height averages from 1 to 1.5 meters, with average weights between 35 - 110 kg or more. They have similar hands with human's hands. They can grasp things with both of their hands and feet. Ficus fruits are their favorite food because it's easier to digest.

Recently, there are two kind of Orangutan's genus that still available : Borneon Orangutan (Pongo pugmaeus) and Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii). According to IUCN Red List of Mammals, both genus are listed as critically endangered animals. The total number of Borneon Orangutan is less than 14% from the recent past. Most of Orangutan were killed because of forest and habitat destruction dueto logging, mining, and forest fires.

A number of organisation are working for the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of Orangutans. One of the non-profit NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) who has dedicated themselves to the consevation of the endangered Bornean Orangutan is The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation. Founded by Dr Willie Smits in 1991, this Indonesian company has taking care more than 1,000 orangutans and employing more than a thounsandpeople at a hundred sites in Kalimantan to save orangutan. They operated a lot of large projects, such as Samboja Lestari Forest Rehabilitation Program and Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Program. Both program is managed by Lone Droscher Nielsen. BOS can be considered as the biggest primated conservation NGO worldwide.

Samboja Lestari itself is an area that created intentionally by BOS as tropical rainforest. It located Kutai District, near the city of Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. The aim of this rehabilitation is to providing save haven for rehabilitated orangutan, while at the same time providing a source of income for local people. With 2,000 hectares ofdeforested and degraded land,Samboha has become oneof the biggest rehabilitation area for Orangutan and other endagered species of birds and primates.

If you have interest to know more about Orangutan and other rare birds, you can take eco-tourism that bein held by Tourist Department of East Kalimantan. You will see the exotic part of orangutan and the fresh rainforest.

Baksa Kembang Dance - Clasical Dance from South Kalimantan

2010-05-25T01:25:00.000-07:00

One of the clasical dance that still live until today in South Kalimantan is Baksa Kembang Dance. It is one of the most precious dance that originally only performed by the princess in front of the King. But now, Baksa Kembang has been performed and being learn by a lot of people in Banjar area.

The Baksa Kembang Dance is a dance to welcoming king's guests, such as kings from other kingdom. But recently, it has been used and performed to welcome Government Official, such as Governor, Minister, or even President.

According to Yurliani Johansyah - the Classical Banjar Dance's expertist - Baksa Kembang Dance has been established more than thousand years. She even recognize this dance has been performed long before the Kingdom of Banjar stand in the 15th century. The main key of this dance is the smoothness of the dancer (Baksa was came from the word of "beksan" which means "smooth" in Banjar's language). Another main key of this dance is the flowers bouquet which become the main property while the dancers performed this dance. The bouquet is the compilation of variant flowers (such as Rose, Jasmine, magnolia, and cananga), and will be presented to the honour guest.

The dance itself tells the story about the princess that playing in the flower park. They pick flowers and make them as a bouquet, then use it as their play-toy. The dancers is wearing a crown called Gajah Gemilang, a silver crown that being decorated using blossom forth. Usually the dancers are in odd-numbers (1, 3, 5, or 7 persons). This dance is accompany with tradisional percussion that played song called Ayakan, Janklong, or Kembang Muni.

This unique dance can be seen in South Kalimantan. So, if you visit there, and have a chance to see this dance, take your time to see it. Because not all the time we have a nopportunity to see this such a beauty dance in South Kalimantan.

Singkawang - Exotic Multi Ethnic City

2010-05-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Singkawang is not a big city. It only has 50,400 hectares wide, divided into 5 districts and 26 villages. Located near beach and surrounding by beautiful mountain view, Singkawang has become one of the largest tourism object in West Kalimantan.

In the beginning, Singkawang was a small village that became a transit area for gold miner, especially from Monterado. Some of the gold miners were come from China. Besides as a transit area, most of the gold miners were doing the transaction in the city. Because of this, the economy in Singkawang grew. Many of the miners who used to be only stay awhile, finally decided to stay permanently in Singkawang. Based on Government Regulation UU No.12 / 2001, Singkawang has been appointed as an Autonomy District by The President of Republic Indonesia.

There are three ethnics that live in Singkawang : Malayu, Chinese, and Dayak. All of them are living side-by-side in harmony. The combination of their ethnic traditions and cultures, turn Singkawang become a colorful city with the most combination traditions in Indonesia.

WHAT CAN WE SEE IN SINGKAWANG?
Singkawang as several fantastic beach that you need to see. The water is blue, the sand is white, and the area is clean. One of the most popular beach is Taman Pasir Panjang Indah. It located 17 kilometers from South Singkawang or 128 kilometers from Pontianak City. The view in this beach is fascinating. You can do most if the beach activities : Banana Boat, kayaking, speedboat, beach volley, flying fox, cycling around the beach... you name it.... If you feel like "Well.... why not stay a night or two in this place?", you don't have to bring your own tend. There are several hotels and motels that available for you to stay.

Another nice beach that been well-known since long time ago is Palm Beach (previously known as Taman Impian Pasir Panjang). It closed to Taman Pasir Panjang Indah and have a wonderful view of beach. Very calm, and very refreshing. Try to stay till sunset. You can see how lovely the place when the sun goes down...

Another place that you should never miss is Sinka Island Park. It located in the Tourist Area of Karang Bay / Ma'jantuh Bay, located about 8 kilometers in South Singkawang, this place offered modern tourist facilities for family. The place is surrounding by the beautiful view of mountain and it consists of many kind of rare animals. They also provide tour-car for you who want to see the whole area.

If you are looking for adventure sight-seeing, try to go to Gunung Poteng (Poteng Mountain). It located at the Raya Pasi Sanctuary, and located about 3 kilometers from Singkawang. Besides its beautiful view,it also consist of many faunas and plants, such as Amorphopallus sp (Carrion Flower), Rhizanthes zepelii (Star Flower), Giant Padma Flower (Rafflessia tuan-mudae), and some variants of orchids.

Or you can visit Bagak Sahwa Mountain which consists of some of rare animals such as Honey Bear, Flying Squirrel and Boar. It located about 15 kilometers East Singkawang.

There are many more to see in Singkawang. So... grab your bags. It's party in Singkawang....!!!

Sasirangan - A Beauty Gift from Banjarmasin

2010-04-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

If you went to Banjarmasin (the capital city of South Kalimantan), one thing you should not miss is Sasaringan. It is a traditional motif cloth from Banjar ethnic. Literally, Sasaringan means "straight line" in Banjar dialect. In fact, this cloth is having pictures and colors that made in vertical (from top to bottom) straight line.

Sasaringan has been known since 13th century. In the beginning, this cloth been called Langgundi (yellow weaving cloth) because it usually made in yellow color. The Langgundi cloth had become daily cloth than been wore by people in Banjar when Empu Jatmika become The king of Dipa (Banjarmasin) in 1355 - 1362. At that time, there was a city called Amuntai, that became a central of Langgundi production. Since 1365, people starting to develop Sasaringan. And since then, Langgundi had been replaced by Sasaringan because the the design of Sasaringan weaving is better than Langgundi.

Even not popular anymore, Langgundi is still available until today. Usually it's been used for special healing ritual as wrapper or headband.

The oldest Sasaringan that still available right now is belong to Mrs Ida Fitriah Kusuma, one of the resident of Banjarmasin. She has a 300 years old of Sasaringan which she received from her great-grand mother. On July 24, 1982, Mrs Ida Fitriah Kusuma gathered housewives of Banjarmasin who have intention of Sasaringan, and formed Banawati's Sasaringan Weaver Group (Kelompok Kerja Pembuat kain Sasaringan Banawati). This group has intention to introducing the cloth to younger generations, so the cloth will not extinct and they can keep the cloth as their heritage.

Starting 1985, The Governor of South Kalimantan Ir. HM Said instructed all Governmental officers to wear dress and uniform that made from Sasaringan cloth in every Friday. Until today, the instruction still followed and you still can see all government officers wear Sasaringan cloth uniform in every Friday.

Most tourists that visiting Banjarmasin will look for Sasaringan cloth. Besides the design is nice, you can feel the marvelous softness of this hand-weaving cloth. The cloth is sold widely in a lot of places in Banjarmasin. The price of Sasaringan cloth is depending on the motif and the type of the fabric. The more difficult design that been used, the more expensive the price.

Sasaringan cloth recently has been made in several variants of fabric, such as sateen, silk, cotton, or santung (rough silk cloth). Especially for silk, there are two kinds of it : Grand Silk (second grade silk) and Super Silk (first grade silk). Sasaringan cloth usually sold in pieces. Each piece consist of 2 meters (for top making, such as shirt),3 meters (for pant), 5 meters (for uniform top and bottom), and 7 meters (for complete part of ladies dress). The price of the cloth is between Rp 60,000 to Rp 75,000 / meter (approx. US$ 6,5 - 8 / meter).

But if you have no time to sewn the cloth, you can look for its shirt or dress in well-known mall around Banjarmasin, such as Duta Mall or Citra Sasaringan (near Pasaraya Citra).

If you want to have a long-lasting sasaringan cloth that can kept for years, here are some tips to taking care of this cloth or shirt :
1. Separate Sasaringan cloth from other shirt when you do first time washing, because the color of sasaringan cloth usually faded.
2. Don't dry it in the sun directly.

So...if you visit South Kalimantan, remember to look for Sasaringan. Because if you leave Banjarmasin without it, people won't believe you ever been there. Trust me..... it's true....

The Exotic Foods from Balikpapan

2010-04-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the Crabs Lover, then Balikpapan is your heaven. Yeah....!!! Balikpapan has well-known for their crabs-dishes. You can find a lot of restaurants that sell crabs as their favorite menu. Each restaurant offer their special recipes you can't resist. Be prepared.... because in this article, I will "torture" you with the information of the most delicious crabs restaurant from Balikpapan.

OYSTER SAUCE'S CRABS
There is no any other place that serves Oyster Sauce's Crabs better than Rumah Makan Kepiting Dandito (Dandito's Crab Restaurant). Located in Marsma Iswahyudi Street, this restaurant serve their famous crabs in oyster sauce. Besides Oyster Sauce, they also have The Super Delicious and Hot Black Pepper Sauce's Crab and Dandito's Sauce Crabs that will thrill everybody's tongue. The taste is hot, but not so strong, Dandito's Sauce is a combination of special ingredients and recipe. Each once, and you will never resist to add more.....!!!Not enough spicy for you? Add their special mix red hot chilli with vinegar into the crabs. Wow..... the hot sensation is very nice but not burning. Very cool for people who love spicy food. Beware.... if you can't hold yourself to this delicious yummy crab dishes, please don't force yourself to eat it. It will turn you into Crab Addict. Really....!!

SWEET AND SOUR CRABS
Enjoying crabs in sweet and sour combination? Perhaps the crabs from Rumah Makan Kepiting Kenari can be your choice. Same area with Dandito, Kepiting Kenari offers a very special menu that you can't refuse : Sweet and Sour Sauce Crabs. Their crabs is in big size and some parts of the crabs have been filled with delicious sauce.

Besides crabs, try to order their famous lobster. Cook with leek, black pepper sauce and their secret ingredients, it will fill you with heavenly passion feeling. Hmmmm..... so sensual.

CRAB FLOSS
If you are looking for remarkable snack to take home, don't forget to look for Crab Floss (Abon Kepiting). It is also one of the most popular local snack that been hunted by the tourists when they visit to Balikpapan. Crab floss was made from real crab's flesh, content high protein, can be eaten directly, or use it as additional or replacement of meat on your sandwich.

So.... what are you waiting for? C'mon... let's hunt the crab's cuisines in Balikpapan.....

Balikpapan - The City of Oil

2010-04-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

One of the famous city in Borneo / Kalimantan is Balikpapan. Refering to its name, Balikpapan literally means "turn the plank upside down". Balikpapan has been a very well-known place since 17th century. F. Valenijn - a writer from Holland - wrote a book about Balikpapan and published it in 1724. According to his book, Bilipapan (the earlier name of Balikpapan) is a very nice place that located three miles from the seashore.

Why people call that place as Balikpapan? There are two version about the origin of the name :
1. Based on the book of F. Valenijn (1724) :
When Borneo was still as kingdom named Kutai in the mid of 17th century, The Ruler - Sultan Muhammad Idris - requested the villagers to donated 1,000 pieces of plank that will be used to build a mosque. However, when the villagers sent the plank thru the river, there were 10 pieces of board that drift away by the river. This accident was soon been known as Balikpapan (in Kutai language, it means "turn back the plank"). And to remembering the accident, Sultan Muhammad Idris used it as the name of the place.

2. Based on the Urban Legend :
There was a legend said that the origin of Balikpapan people was the family of Kayun Kuleng and Papan Ayun. Since most of them were married, their family name mix into "Kuleng Papan" or "Balik Papan". People believed, this name has been used since 1527.

In the past, Balikpapan was an isolated Bugis fishing village. But since the finding of oil in February 10, 1897, Balikpapan become well-known as The City of Oil and a lot of trans migrants from all over Indonesia come to work in Balikpapan. Since then, Balikpapan become one of the largest mix-culture population in Indonesia after Jakarta. Most of the communication is using Indonesian language.

To get to Balikpapan is not an issue because Balikpapan has Sepinggan International Airport, the largest airport on the island of Borneo. It is also the busiest airport in Kalimantan and permits large aircraft. If taking the ferry as sea-transportation, it has sea-port as Semayang and Kariangau. They were serving commercial boats to many destinatinations in Indonesia, such as Surabaya, Makassar, Jakarta, and Manado.

WHAT CAN WE GET IN BALIKPAPAN?
BANGKIRAI HILL :
One of the most popular adventurous tour area in Balikpapan. Located about 58 kilometers from Balikpapan City, it is a tropical forest area. In this 15 millions hectares of area, you can smell the fresh air and view the nice forest view. You also can see some of the rare species of birds, such as Drongos (Heaven Birds) and Richoneros (Enggang Birds). Looking for place to stay? It has nice cottage in the area.

WANAWISATA :
It is a Arboretum park that located about 10 kilometers from Balikpapan. Inside the park, you can find a lot of variations of rare trees and fruits. It also the sanctuary of Sambar Deer (Servus unicolor).

AUSTRALIAN MONUMENT :
Well... definitely it is not mean Balikpapan belong to Australia, but this is the monument to commemorate the Australian soldiers (7th Division Army of Australia) who died helping Indonesian soldiers during the occupation of Japan in 1945. These 725 meters square area is located near the Strand Banua Patra Coast.

MELAWAI BEACH :
One of the most exotic beach in Balik papan is Melawai Beach. Located in Jendral Sudirman Street, near Tukung Island. There are a lot of local people who sells exotic fresh fruit and dishes in reasonable prices. People who come to the place can enjoy the meal while watching the beach and the sunset. So nice....!!!

New Species in Borneo - Kalimantan

2010-04-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

Recently, WWF - The Conservation Organization reported that they found 120 new species of animals in conservative area (called Heart of Borneo) in Borneo. In the area of 220,000 km2, WWF found at least two to three new species every day averagely. This news is truly amaze us. Almost everyday we heard about the extinction of present species, but now new species are appear.

Heart of Borneo itself is a conservative and protected area that located in Borneo island, among the border of Indonesia, Brunnei Darrusalam, and Malaysia. It is the place of 10 primate species, more than 350 birds, 150 reptiles, and more than 10,000 rare floras. WWF was particularly active in the establishment of the area. They have played role in promoting the critical Heart of Borneo initiative and in assisting the trans boundary in its conceptualization, design, and implementation.

Some fascinating new species that been found in the are are Flat-Headed Frog and has been called "Barbourula kalimantanensis". Found in 2008, this species breath using its skin and has no lung at all. Another fascinating species is an insect called Phobaeticus chani. It is the longest insect in the world (with total 36 cm of length body). So far, WWF only found three pieces of this animal. There also have Long-Tail Snail that contain calcium-carbonate at its tail and being use to do reproduction.

WWF also found Java Elephant in that area. This is a truly surprise and a happy news because this species already extinct because has been hunted in the past. In Borneo, when saw this species for the first time, WWF called this elephant as Pygmy Elephany (Bornean Pygmy Elephant) because it is in smaller size comparing with regular elephant. But later on, after do more research, WWF stated that the elephant they found was one kind from Java Elephant species. People believe Java Elephant that appeared in Borneo was being brought by Sultan Sulu - one of the King from ancient Phillipines - from Java Island to Borneo around 1800s.

Brief Introduction Of Borneo / Kalimantan
Borneo itself is one of the largest island in Indonesia and the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. The island is divided among three countries : Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. More than 73% are is belong to Indonesia. People in Indonesia called this island as "Kalimantan", meanwhile people from other country known it as "Indonesian Borneo". Kalimantan is divided into foun provinces :
a. East Kalimantan
b. South Kalimantan
c. West Kalimantan
d. Central Kalimantan

Kalimantan is known with its river. There are three biggest river in Kalimantan :
1. Kapuas River (located in West Kalimantan, with approximately 1,143 km length, made it become the longest river in Indonesia).
2. Barito River (located in South Kalimantan, with 890 km length of river).
3. Mahakam River (located in East Kalimantan, flows 980 km from the district of Long Apari in the highlands of Borneo to the moth of Makassar Strait).
Since known as the Island of River, water transportation such as boat become one of the popular transportation in Kalimantan.

There are a lot of fascinating things and cultures can be found in Kalimantan. Will let you know in other articles....

Keris - The Unique Dagger from Indonesia

2010-04-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

Wohow.... don't get it wrong. Keris has no any connection with Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS). We are talking about a very different kind of things. Keris that I mention here is an asymmetrical dagger from Indonesia. There are two kind of keris : wavy and straight shape. Keris is considered as weapon and spiritual object as well. Keris sometimes also considered to have an essence of presence with some blades possessing good luck and some other bad luck.

UNESCO has given the title of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (2005) to Keris.

In the past - especially in Java culture - every man own a Keris in their home. Some people worn it on a daily basis, especially when traveling and will use in case for their own protection and self-defense. Some people believe that Keris must be treated very carefully. That's why most people will do cleaning ceremonial and ritual for their Keris. The ritual is the part of spirituality and mythology surrounding the weapon.

Not many people can make Keris. Only the chosen metalworkers called Empu have authority and ability to craft and make it. In Bali, this ocupation was the preserve of the clan of Pande. For this reason, Keris are considered almost alive because they may be vessels of spirits (either good or evil). Keris can move of their own volition and killed individuals at will. Some rumored said that some people also can control Keris and make it stand upright when their named are called. People believed some Keris helped prevent fires, death, agricultural failure, and other probles. They could also bring fortune like treasure and bountiful harvests.

Because Keris are considered sacred and believed to possess magical powers, specific rites needed to be completed to avoid colling down evil fates which is the reason warriors often made offering to their Keris at a shrine.

Keripik Kul - The (Almost) Extinct Ancient Snack

2010-04-20T03:27:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about something that might be thrill your tongue.....

Dare to try something unique?

How about Keripik Kul (Kul Crackers). Hmmmm..... what is that?

If you see it for the first time, the first thing that came out of your mind is, "What a disgusting food!!!"

Well.... it's true. This cracker chips' appearance just like dried-crinkled skin. It has brown and black color combination. It has no any smelly taste or smell. Just like regular cracker. But you will never imagine if this cracker is made from snail. Yep..... it's true. In some area in Central Java (Semarang, Jogjakarta, and Solo), snail is one of the famous things to eat. Usually it served as Indonesia barbecue (Sate), or mixture for Soto (traditional soup made from coconut milk and the combination of other ingredients, like turmeric and lemon grass), and Pecel (traditional salad).

In East Java region, snail has been made as crackers that been known as Kul Crackers ("Kul" means Snail in East Java's dialect).

To make this kind of crackers, first of all, take out the snail meat from it shell ,then wash till it clean from its mucous . Then mix it with the prepared ingredients, and dried in the sun until crisp and dry. And finally, fried the dry snails, then packed.

Because of the difficulty of making this crackers, not so many people who still able to run the business. And recently, it is difficult to find this kind of snack. We can say it is a rare-kind of snack. So if one day you visit East Java, the first thing you should look for is Keripik Kul (Kul / Snail Cracker). Coz it almost extinct already and it already very hard to find.

Barong - The Sacred Dance from Bali

2010-04-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

Another famous dance that you are going to see a lot in Bali is The Barong Dance. The dance is a story telling dance, about the fight between good and evil. Barong itself is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good and the protective spirit for forests and lands. Each region of Bali island has their own barong, and usually modeled after animals, such as Dragon, Tiger, Boar, Serpent, and others. The most popular barong is Lion Barong, that often used for the performing arts. Barong is often portraited with two monkeys.

The Barong Dance tells the story about Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, King of Bali in the tenth century. The myth said that Rangda had practiced black magic, in which made Erlangga's father upset and condemned her. The furious Rangda summoned all evil spirits in the jungles to come after Erlangga. Because of the power of Rangda was too strong, Erlangga lost the fight and almost lost his life. He asked for the help of Barong. With Erlangga's soldiers, Barong confronted Rangda and the fight resumed.

Rangga casted a spell that made Erlangga's soldiers suddenly want to committed suicide by stubbing their own stomach with keris (the traditional blade from Bali). Barong casted a spell that turned his body resistant to the sharp keris. Finally Barong won the fight.

To performed Barong Dance, each dancer has to have ability and power to control themselves. Because usually when they performed the suicide part, some said that there has a ery unexplained strong power that also involved in the dance. If the dancer is not strong enough to hold the power, they might get injured by their own keris.

The mask of barong and Rangda are the sacred items that not easily used. Before the dance started, a priest will held a blessing ritual by sprinkling the masks with holy mountain and asked for safety,

The Barong Dance usually played in Gianyar where Ubud is located.

Pendet - The Dance of The Goddess

2010-04-19T01:14:00.000-07:00

In 2009, Malaysia and Indonesia relationship became very tense due to the using of Pendet Dance in Malaysia's advertisement promotion. The advertisement - in which shown by Discovery Channel Program in Malaysia - shown Pendet to be Malaysian dance. This statement caused anger in Indonesia. Many Indonesian editorials and news stories reporting the offending clip, caused Discovery TV finally sent an apology letter to the two countries (Indonesia and Malaysia).

If you were Indonesian, you might understand why Indonesian people become so furious when Malaysia use Pendet Dance and claim it as theirs. Pendet Dance has been known as traditional dance from Bali, in which offering are made to purify the temple or theater as a prelude to ceremonies or other dances.It has been played since long time ago and become one of the most popular dance, besides Barong & Tari Kecak.

There has no precise record which mentioned the date Pendet Dance been made. But people believed, Pendet Dance has been performed for the first time in 1950 (which assumed it also created in that time). Previously, Pendet Dance was use for religion and ritual dance in Bali. I Wayan Rindi and Ni Ketut Reneng - two well-known dance-artist from Sumetha Village - are the creator of this dance. They were also develop this dance into ceremonial dance and usually perform the dance to welcome guests.

In 1960, Pendet Dance was been performed for the first time for international public in Asian Games. The dance been presented in front of President Soekarno, Indonesia's first President. Since then, Pendet Dance has been used widely for any occasion in Bali (especially in welcoming guests whose visiting Bali).

The original Pendet Dance is performed by 4 - 5 young girls (before their puberty) in temple yards. They usually bring flowers in small Silver bowls (called "Bokor"), then spread the flowers around the temple. This dance is a symbol of welcoming God. Pendet dance actually has simple dance movements. These movements are the basic dance movements of Balinese dance.

Bali - The Island of God

2010-04-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular island in Indonesia is Bali. Who never heard about Bali, the Island of God? It is an island with fascinating culture, great beaches, nice people, and warm. A lot of tourists have been there, and I believe, one of them might be you. But if you never been there and still consider, "Why I should go to Bali?" Well.... here are the reasons :

BALI - YOUR HOLIDAY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME....
Bali is located at the westernmost of Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. The population in Bali about 3,551,000 people, and most of the people that lived there are Hindu (about 93%). Bali and Java island are separated by Bali Strait. Its land area is 5,632 km2, spread approximately 153 km wide and spans approximately 112 km north to south.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs. Some of the coral reefs spot are very popular diving sports, such as Tulamben, Amed, and Menjangan. Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in north and west have black sand (exception to beach town of Padangbai in the south east which has both kind of sand).

The capital city of Bali is Denpasar, near the southern oast. Its population is about 300,000. The important cities in Bali is Kuta (practically part of Denpasar's urban area) and Ubud (located at north of Denpasar and known as the island's cultural centre).

WHAT CAN YOU GET IN BALI?
Bali is well-known for its diverse and sophisticathed art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handicrafts, and performing arts. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as The Ramayana, in heavy Balinese influence. Some of the famous Balinese dance include Pendet, Legong, Baris, Topeng, Barong, Gong Keybar, and Kecak (The Monkey Dance). I will describe some of these performing arts in my next articles.

Celebrations are held for many occasion, such as tooth-filing (coming of age's ritual called Metatah / Mepandes), cremation (Ngaben), or temple festival (Odalan). Many of these celebrations call for a loud,, boisterous atmosphere with lots of activities.

One of the main destination beach in Bali is Kuta. Kuta is the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Two extensions city of Kuta is Legian and Seminyak. They are quieter suburbs with cottage-style accomodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Kuta itself is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, with many restaurants and bars. Many renowned surfers (mostly come from Australia) have visit Kuta regularly for surfing. Some international surfing exhibitions and competitions have been held in there.

Another destination that you should never miss is Jimbaran. It is a fishing village that located at the south of Ngurah Rai International Airport. It has beach with seafood restaurands and some finest luxury hotels in the world. Jimbaran lies on the neck of the southern peninsula in Bali and is widely known for the fresh seafood kiosks that are scattered along the beach. People who wants to eat can select the live seafood that they wish to eat, and it is immediately prepared using special traditional recipes, grilled over a fire of coconut husks. Hmmmm... sounds very yummy to me.....

Ubud is also one of the popular tourism destination in Bali. Located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of Gianyar Regency, it is one of Bali's major arts and culture centers. It has forests, rivers, cooler temperature and less congestion. The most popular forest in Ubud is Ubud Monkey Forest, in which a sabred nature reserve and temple complex. There are about 340 of Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys live there. The forest comprises approximately a tenth of a square kilometer, and contains at least 115 species of trees. The forest also containes the Pura Dalam Agung Padangtegal Temple, a holy spring bathing temple.

A new tourism destination (well... actually not new, but recently become very popular among tourists from all around the world) is Nusa Dua. It is located 40 kilometers from Denpasar. It has clean beach and large international 5-star resorts.

Balinese, Indonesian, and English is the most widely spoken languages in Bali. So you have no worry about having a "lost in translation" or getting lost in Bali.

By the way, Julia Robert recently just finished doing a filming in Bali Island. Her latest movie - Eat, Pray, Love (based on the memoir of American Author Elizabeth Gilbert), directed by Ryan Murphy - is having some shooting scene in Ubud (Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Pengosekan, Ubud's Art Market, and Monkey Forest), Jimbaran, and Uluwatu. If you wish to know the exotic place in Bali, don't miss the movie. It will premiered in United States on August 13, 2010.

Indonesia - Where Is It?

2010-04-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

"Indonesia? Where is it? Is it part of Bali Island?"

Yeah.... sometimes I still hear this kind of question. There are a lot of people that still have no idea where Indonesia is, meanwhile they often visit Bali Island. Bali Island actually is part of Indonesia. In fact, there are plenty of other exotic places in Indonesia beside Bali that you can visit.

Before I explain more, let's find out about Indonesia.

Indonesia - or The Republic of Indonesia - is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia consist of 17,508 islands (about 6,000 of which are inhabited), with a population of around 230 million people (the world's fourth most populous country), and scattered over both sides of the equator. There are five largest islands : Java, Sumatera, Kalimantan, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. Among those islands, Java is the most populous island which has population density of 940 people per square kilometer.

Indonesia shares land borders with Malaysia on the island of Borneo and Sebati, Papua New Guinea on the island of New Guinea, and Timor Leste on the island of Timor. Indonesia also shares borders with Singapore, Malaysia, Brunnei Darrusalam, and Phillipines to the north and Australia to the south across narrow straits of water.

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and become the nation's largest city, followed by Surabaya (located in East Java), Bandung (West Java), Medan (South Sumatera), and Semarang (Central Java).

The total land area in Indonesia is 1,919,440 square kilometers, which make Indonesia as the world's 16th largest country in terms of land area. Administratively, Indonesia consists of 33 provinces. Each province has its own political legislature and governor. The provinces are subdivided into "kabupaten" (regencies, ruled by "Bupati") and "kota" (cities, ruled by "Walikota"). "Kabupaten" are subdivided into "Desa" or "Kelurahan" (village, ruled by "Kepala Desa" or "Lurah").

Lying along the equator, Indonesia has a tropical climate with two distinct monsoonal wet and dry seasons. Humidity is generally high, averaging about 70-80%. Temperatures vary throughout the year. Daily temperature range daily is about 18 - 32 degree Celcius. Usually mountainous area (such as the west coast of Sumatera, West Java / Bandung, Kalimantan, West Java / Batu, Sulawesi, and Papua) has temperature about 18 - 22. Meanwhile rural and city region (such as Jakarta, Central Java / Jogjakarta, South Sumatera / Palembang and Lampung) is generally in high temperature, between 26 - 32.

Indonesia's climate and archipelagic geography has support the world's second highest level of biodiversity (after Brazil). It has mixture of Asian and Australian species in flora and fauna. Forest is covering about 60% of the country (mostly in Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and New Guinea).

There are about 300 distinct native ethnicities in Indonesia, with more than 740 different languages and dialects. The largest ethic group is the Javanese, who comprise 42% of the population and culturally dominant.

The official national language is Indonesian and it is universally taught in schools and spoken by nearly every Indonesian. But most of them also speak at least one of their local languages and dialects.

Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic groups, each with cultural differences developed over centuries and influenced by Indian, Arab, Chinese, Malay, and European sources. Indonesian also have varies cuisine by region. Rice is the main staple food and is served with side dishes of meat and vegetables. Spices (such as chili, ginger, and turmeric), coconut milk, leek, onion, and shallot are fundamental ingredients.

Sounds exciting? Well.... you bet..!!! Let's see what we have in Indonesia on the next articles.....