Livestream
Special Interview
Video Streaming
Feature

Feature (1174)

Primaduta Award for Lebanese Businessman

Primaduta Award for Lebanese Businessman (0)

The Indonesian Embassy in Beirut has acknowledged its continued support for trade cooperation improvement between Indonesia and Lebanon. Indonesian Ambassador to Lebanon Hajriyanto Y Thohari gave the Primaduta Award to Lebanese businessman and importer, George R Fattouh. The award was given for his service in helping market Indonesian products in Paris from the Middle East. The award was given at a ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut, Thursday (11/1)  Fatough, is the owner of George R. Fattouh S.A.L, a business that has been importing Indonesian products since the 1980s. It has a range of products, including: palm oil and its derivatives, oil and fats (including cocoa butter substitute, fat spread, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, and lauric confectionery fats), cardboard, stationary, and school equipment. Some Indonesian products are now even available at famous retail networks, such as Spinney’s and Carrefour. In 2022, the value imported by George R. Fattough S.A.L of Indonesian products, was 981.3 million USD. This was a 149.5 million USD increase when compared to 2021. Fattouh said Indonesian products are known for their quality and are in high demand in Lebanese markets. However, he said, the challenge now is increasing freight costs due to security challenges in the region. 

View
more news
Garulina

Garulina (0)

 

 

Listeners, a number of delicious dishes were served to the guests of Dhaup Ageng Pura Pakualaman Yogyakarta, at the wedding reception of the youngest son of K.G.P.A.A. Paku Alam X, namely B.P.H. Kusumo Kuntonugroho with Laily Annisa Kusumastuti which was held on January 10, 2024.Head of the Customs and Accommodation Division, Dhaup Ageng Pura Pakualaman, KRT Radyo Wisroyo said that the menu served to guests was quite varied. These menus are typical menus prepared by Pakualaman Pura, Indonesian menus and western food menus were also available. All invited guests including VIP and VVIP guests got the same menu. The first menu served to welcome guests, namely two types of welcome drink, namely lime lemongrass and ginger drink with lime. The welcome drink was given when guests sat down and watched the Bedhaya Sidamukti and Bedhaya Kakung Indrawidagda dance performances. Next, they gotsnacks for appetizer such as croquettes and other light snacks. There is a snack that is considered quite special and rare called Garulina. Garulina was the opening snack at the Pahargyan Dhaup Ageng Pakualaman lunch on the first day. Garulina has been around since the era before Indonesian independence. Garulina is actually not a typical Central Javanese food. It looks like the Lapis Legit layered cake, but there is something different, because there is a special layer like vla which is made from fresh milk, eggs and sugar. To get this sweet snack, Pakulaman Temple has to place a special order from the third generation of makers who have been pioneering since the 1950s. In Jogja, Garulina is very difficult to find and is considered rare because it is not sold every day.

View
more news
07
June

HEADLINES

Written by
Published in Feature

 

Here are the Headlines of several national newspapers published today, June 7 2018.

We begin with Kompas entitled, "National Economy is Prone to Fluctuation."

The domestic economy, at least in the short and mid-term, will still be prone to external fluctuation. This was the consequence of the national economy structure which still depends on foreign funding. Therefore, encouraging export-oriented industry becomes an effective solution. Kompas held a panel discussion on economy in Jakarta, Wednesday (6/6) themed "Anticipating and Facing Turbulent Economy". The discussion was moderated by University of Indonesia lecturer, Faisal Basri.

The guests attending the discussion were Bank Indonesia Senior Deputy Governor Mirza Adityaswara, Indonesian F&B Producers Association (Gapmmi) Chairman Adhi S. Lukman, PT Kalbe Farma President Director Vidjongtius, Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI) Chairman Hariyadi B Sukamdani, as well as Citi Indonesia Economist Helmi Arman. Based on Bank Indonesia's data, Indonesian foreign debt in the end of January 2018 was $357.5 billion dollars or grew 10.3 percent in a year. This debt consisted of the government and bank central' debt amounting to $183.4 billion dollars as well as private debt $174.2 billion dollars. Around 40 percent of government debt papers (SBN) are owned by foreign investors.

Moving on to Media Indonesia entitled, "Humiliate Corruptor."

The action of Purbalingga Regent M. Tasdi, who showed metal hand sign right after named as suspect by Corruption Eradication Commission KPK in a bribery case, was odd and worrying. That was the conclusion from many people. Regent M. Tasdi himself is suspected to receive Rp 100 million from tender winner of the 2nd Stage Purbalingga Islamic Center project amounting to Rp 22 billion.

Indonesia Corruption Watch - ICW Deputy Coordinator, Agus Sunaryanto said that regent M. Tasdi's action was unusual. According to him, the corruption case suspect showed no shame. Instead, corruptor suspects must be ashamed in public. With similar opinion, Padang Andalas University's Legal and Constitution Study Center Director, Feri Amsari said that some corruptors have been resistant and lacking of shame. Therefore, criminal sentences must be exacerbated and social-political sanction must be given. Feri also agreed that corruption suspect must be handcuffed.

We end the Headline with Republika entitled, "Beware of Kertasari Toll Road and Kalikuto Bridge".

Minister of Public Works and People Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono after the Ketupat Operation 2018 briefing at Monas, Jakarta, Wednesday (6/6) said that there are two spots prone to congestion along the toll road in Java during this year's homecoming flow. Therefore, the people are asked to pay more attention to the two spots in order to avoid long traffic congestion. Minister Basuki also explained, the first spot is at the Kertasari toll gate, Tegal Regency, Central Java. The gate, according to Minister Basuki, will move the congestion from East Brebes Exit which is still free of charge until Eid Holiday. However, if previously people paid in the East Brebes Exit, they will pay the toll in Kertasari, so that congestion can be prevented. The second spot is Kalikuto Bridge in Kendal. He added that the bridge is still under construction. However, he hoped it can be finished and used on the D-2 of Eid Holiday. This toll road will be opened on June 8, 6 am local time. All that, according to Minister Basuki, had been agreed.

07
June

DIPLOMATIC CORNER

Written by
Published in Feature

 

Diplomatic Corner, a segment presents information about Indonesian diplomatic activities both at home and abroad.

First information is from Geneva. Before the delegation of the International Labor Conference (ILC) that took place in Geneva, Swiss, Indonesia Minister of Manpower, Hanif Dhakiri affirmed his commitment to create decent work for women on Monday (4/6). Indonesia conveyed various efforts that have been implemented at the national level in encouraging the participation rate of the female labor force and the provision of facilities for female workers.

Minister Hanif Dhakiri as representative of government delegate, workers and employers from 187 member countries of the International Labor Organization (ILO) expressed his views on a number of proposed ILO initiatives to promote gender equality in the workplace. Indonesia requested that the ILO develops a review of the women's working hour policies that are balanced and in line with the needs of workers and employers. Meanwhile, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, WTO, and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Hasan Kleib explained that the ILC discussion in 2018 is focused on the theme "The Women at Work initiative: the push for equality".

Next information is from Moscow. Tour bus of hop on hop off which goes around the downtown of Moscow, Russia with pictorial decoration ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ parked in Red Square, next to the Kremlin Palace, Moscow. The bus stopped to pick up and drop off local and foreign tourists. The bus pictorial Borobudur Temple with Wonderful Indonesia and Asian Games 2018 Jakarta-Palembang logo travels the Russian capital main streets from June 1 to June 20, 2018. The logo attracts the attention of the people around Red Square. The design of the picture contrasted with St. Basil’s Cathedral, one of the most famous icons in not only Russia, but also the world. Another tour bus with picture ‘Balinese tourist attraction’ goes around major and different routes around Moscow city.

The existence of both buses ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ is part of the promotion of Indonesian tourism in Russia, conducted Ministry of Tourism. Besides, Wonderful Indonesia will greet the Moscow citizens and Russian capital guests through a digital billboard at two strategic places in Moscow, namely Novy Arbat and Yerevan Plaza from June 15 to July 16, 2018. Meanwhile, based on information from the Indonesia Ministry of Tourism, the promotional advertisement ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ will also be done at St. Petersburg, one of the main tourist cities and the second largest city in Russia. 17 big buses with pictures of Indonesian tourist sites will be operational from June 18 to September 9, 2018, 4 others will start operating on June 18 to August 19, 2018, and 4 units of mini buses will be operational on June 18 to July 15, 2018. The buses will pass by the main and busiest streets of St. Petersburg. Indonesia Ambassador to Russia Federation and Republic of Belarus, M. Wahid Supriyadi said that the promotion of Indonesian culture and tourism in Russia is being intensively conducted.

We end Diplomatic Corner with information from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Senior Athletic Team Indonesia achieved medals in Sri Lanka. They succeeded in achieving the medals at the "Masters Athletics Sri Lanka" championship that took place at Sugatadasa Stadium on June 2-3, 2018. Marie Rorek, 86 years old won four gold medals in 100-meter run, javelin throw, discus throw and shot put. Ockben Saor Sinaga, 45 years old also succeeded in grabbing a gold medal in 100-meter run and second winner of long jump. Monna Sigar, 50 years old was runner-up in 100-mter run. With this result, Indonesia is entitled to compete again at the "Word Master Athletics" world championship in Malagga Spain in September 2018. “Masters Athletics Sri Lanka" is an annual championship event of athletics senior category with age above 45 years.

11
June

Diplomatic Corner

Written by
Published in Feature

Indonesia and Singapore agreed cooperation to anticipate the impact of employment from digital revolution. The cooperation was approved after Indonesian Manpower Minister, M Hanif Dhakiri and Singaporean Manpower Minister, Josephine Teo held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of International Labour Organization (ILO) session in Geneva, Switzerland, on last Wednesday (6/6/2018). Indonesia hoped that the employment skill enhancement cooperation must be increased to anticipate the revolution impact of 4.0 industry. The two ministers are aware of the digitalization impact of industry or usually called revolution of 4.0 industrial, which eliminates many types of conventional work. But, at the same time, it will present many types of new works in the future. Thus, this is necessary to map the types of jobs that will appear in the future. Minister Josephine said that Singapore opens itself to cooperate and to share in mapping of the future jobs.

The agreement was reached on negotiation of Preferential Trade Agreement -PTA of Indonesia and Mozambique at the first round which was held on May 31 and June 1, 2018 in Maputo, Mozambique. On the negotiation, Indonesian delegation led by Director of Bilateral Negotiation at the Trade Ministry, Ni Made Ayu Marthini along with Director of Law and Economic Agreement at the Foreign Affairs  Ministry, Amrih Jinangkung. The delegation of Mozambique was led by Director of National External Trade at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Amilcar Arone. According to Made, Indonesia and Mozambique are committed to solving negotiation in the end of this year so that it can be utilized by entrepreneurs. PTA is agreement to decrease or to eliminate import duty tariff of a number of products. Mozambique has great potential market because it can become hub of the entry of Indonesian products to African regions, especially South African regions.

Manoj Kumar Udhyog (MKU) Pvt. Ltd, a company from India will officially open investment in Indonesian defense industry to support the bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and India. One of them is on renewal of cooperation in the field of defense and product of a number of strategic industries.  Director of PT Panorama Graha Teknologi, Aloys Sutarto explained that the investment is as follow-up of 9 agreements which were signed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi recently. In addition to the national interest,  the products can also be exported abroad either in ASEAN member countries or the country members of Organization of Islamic Cooperation –OIC. As a result, thus may increase state’s income from the export sector.

08
June

World Ocean Day has been commemorated every June 8 since the first submission in 1992 by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This anniversary was then endorsed by the UN at the end of 2008. World Ocean Day is a memorial day to appreciate the world's Oceans by celebrating the results provided by Oceans, such as seafood and marine life for aquariums, pets and it’s time to appreciate the intrinsic value itself. The sea also provides shipping lanes for international trade. In addition to appreciating the World's Oceans, World Ocean Day is also commemorated to raise awareness of the community to preserve the sea. For Indonesia as an archipelagic country that has a vast sea zone and rich in marine biodiversity, World Ocean Day becomes an important moment for the Indonesian nation. World Sea Day commemoration again awakens the Indonesian people about the importance of preserving the sea of ​​Indonesia and inviting the community to participate actively. The Indonesian government has been trying to preserve the environment of Indonesia by making various conservation areas as national parks. Indonesia has many national parks and some of them include marine areas. Let's get to know the marine national parks in Indonesia. Before contributing actively in the effort to conserve the sea, first identify 5 Indonesian Marine National Parks in various regions in Indonesia. The first one is Bunaken National Park. This National Park is located in North Sulawesi. The marine beauty of Bunaken National Park is no longer indisputable, considering becomes the home of more than 300 species of coral reefs and various marine biotas. Because Bunaken National Park is located close to the center of the Coral Triangle, a coral reef triangle that becomes the center of marine biodiversity in the world as well as the top priority of global marine conservation. Second park is Wakatobi National Park. This park which is located in Southeast Sulawesi is a part of conservation of coral reefs and marine life, such as stingrays and whales. Wakatobi itself stands for the name of the four main islands in the area namely Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. Third one is still on the island of Sulawesi, Togean Islands National Park which is located in Central Sulawesi. The islands and waters of Togean are protected because they have a wealth of coral reefs and amazing marine life. In addition, the Togean Islands become home to the Bajo Tribe; one of the tribes in Indonesia whose life is very close to the sea. Therefore, this national park not only offers the experience of enjoying the beauty of nature but also learning the richness of Indonesian culture. In addition to the island of Sulawesi, Java Island also has a marine national park. It is located not far from the capital of Jakarta that is in Ujung Kulon, Banten. Besides covering the islands and waters with diverse biological riches, Ujung Kulon is also home to endangered rhinoceros, the Javanese Rhino. Krakatau volcano which was famous for its massive eruption in the past is included into the Ujung Kulon National Park. Finally, Komodo National Park is located in East Nusa Tenggara. This area gets the title of the national park because it has stunning sea beauty. This national park has become a favorite tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. One of the attractions of Komodo National Park is the presence of endemic species of Indonesian endangered komodo dragons.

06
June

Diplomatic Corner

Written by
Published in Feature

Hungarian Minister of State for Family and Youth Affairs,Ms. Katalin Novák thanked and expressed appreciation to Indonesian ambassador, Wening Esthyprobo Fatandari who has donated the result of Charity of Indonesian Days and Bazaar 2018. The statement was conveyed through her letter to the Indonesian ambassador, Wening Esthyprobo Fatandari. Several weeks ago, the Indonesian ambassador conveyed donation to Early Intervention Center Budapest (Budapesti Korai Fejlesztő Központ), a foundation which handles and provides early education especially for disabled children who are 0- 5 year-old. The donation total 400,000 Hungarian Forint or around Rp. 20,000,000 was the result of collecting 10 percent of the profit gained by participants of Indonesian Days and Charity Bazaar (IDCB) 2018 which was held for 2 days, starting on May 5 – 6, 2018 at the Indonesian embassy in Budapest.

The Indonesian ambassador to Hungary, Wening Esthyprobo, for the 3rd time, received honorable invitation in annually event of Charity Rice Table Dinner organized by Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Dutcham) which was held on May 31, 2018 at Marriott Budapest hotel. Unlike the last year, the Indonesian ambassador utilized the event to promote the main Indonesian products which have provided in the Netherlands. Before the event, the Indonesian Embassy in Budapest coordinated with Indonesian Trade Promotion Center ITPC Budapest held Trilateral Business Meeting at the Indonesian Embassy in Budapest. Indonesia invited counterpart and businessman in Hungary and also Dutch Ambassador to Hungary, Mr. Renne Van Hell and member of Dutcham. The Trilateral meeting introduced directly Hungarian businessman with importer of Indonesian products in the Netherlands. The ambassador hoped that Hungarian businessman will know that most of the Indonesian main products is easily found in the Netherlands and also opens the entrance of more Indonesian products to Hungary.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Budapest on June 2, 2018 held an event to celebrate Nuzulul Quran at the embassy in Budapest. The event was combined with iftar (breaking the fast) together which was attended by all families of the Indonesian embassy in Budapest, community, diaspora, students, and Indonesian experts who are working in Hungary. During Ramadan, the Indonesian Embassy in Budapest routinely conducts iftar together every weekend. The iftar event is organizedindependentlyby all staffs of the embassy and Indonesian Trade Promotion Centeras well as Indonesian people in Hungary.The budget is not taken from the budget of the Indonesian embassy in Budapest.

06
June

Mosaic of Indonesia

Written by
Published in Feature

Security problem such as terrorism which happened in several regions in Indonesia lately, turns to be the concern of many parties. Pancasila as the national ideology, is not anymore be the basic in raising humanitarian values. Terrorism grows through a process, namely intolerant thinking, if it is allowed, it will become radicalism. Radicalism view can grow as terrorism. Terrorism which is grown in Indonesia, is not alive in an empty room, but it grows when religion is not able to strengthen political vision, law enforcement and economic justice.This was stated by secretary of National and Political Unity Board, Gianyar regency, Tjokorda Gede Putra Darmayuda, on facility of National Assembly Forum Gianyar regency, in Gianyar, on Tuesday (5/6/2018). Darmayuda said the board is inthe process of strengthening the implementation of integration activities of community members of various race, tribe, ethnic through social interactionin the field of language, customs, art culture, education and economy to implement Indonesian nation without having to eliminate the identity ofevery ethnic, tribein the frame of The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.The board is also one of places for discussion, and socialization of values of Pancasila as state ideology, Pancasila as source of law andview of national life. The Forum of the board was participated in by 70 participants from various ethnic groups, religious and 7districts in Gianyar.

Before general election 2019, Indonesian Muslim Student Action Unity of Gayo offers program to reject money politic movement, as one of programs of the organization. This was stated by chairman of Gayo Action Unity, Mukhlisin, in an interactive dialogue with Radio Republic Indonesia, Takengon branch on Tuesday (5/6/2018). Thus, the program which will be offered in Regional Working Deliberation, is a movement to rejectmoney politic during the general election 2019. The organization will conduct intelligence movement on people so they do not vote based on money.

Dayak people who have Betang philosophy is believed will never away from religion and the laws of nature.Dayak people’s life has unique characteristic where obedient and pietyto God and also to honor universe. This was stated by figure and elder of Dayak people and figure of Central KalimantanSabran Achmad, on Tuesday (5/6/2018). He explained that one of the characteristics of Dayak tribe is to honor and to be obedient on law and the rules of the universe. Dayak people realize that in this life there is thing which is not seen by human, because of that, Dayak people really believe nature influences human life. Besides that, Dayak people actually cannot be separated and released from religion and belief. Through religion, Dayak people know and love the Almighty and life in accordance with sublime religious demand. In Dayak community today, there are various kinds of religions they believe, and although they are different they are still unite and live in harmony. Dayak people also glamorize philosophyof Betang culturewhich always love and respect other tribes who come and connect with Dayak Tribe.Morever, Sabran Ahmad said currently in Central Kalimantan, there are 4 big tribes, namely dayak Ngaju, Dayak Ot Danum, Dayak Maanyan dan  Dayak Lawangan. Meanwhile, there are 141 Dayak tribes who live in Central Kalimantan. Central Kalimantan is great Betang which requires that all citizens and members within it complement each other, help and appreciate each other in fraternity and togetherness.

05
June

HEADLINES

Written by
Published in Feature

 

Here is Headlines of several national newspapers published today, June 5 2018.

We begin with Kompas entitled, ‘the Government and Parliament’s Guarantee is Doubtful’

The Government and the House of Representatives guaranteed the inclusion of special crime cases into the Criminal Code Draft Bill (RUU KUHP) will not weaken the eradication of special cases, such as corruption, terrorism, severe human rights violations, money laundering, and drugs. However, the guarantee is yet to erase worries that corruption eradication will be disturbed by its inclusions into the Criminal Code Draft Bill.

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has sent letters for five times to President Joko Widodo to convey their hope so that corruption will not be included in the Draft Bill. The commission Deputy Chairman Basaria Pandjaitan at the Presidential Palace Complex Jakarta on Monday (4/6) said, the corruption eradication already has its own law, so there is no need for another one. Separatedly, KPK Deputy Chairman Laode M Syarif added, the rejection against corruption inclusion into the Criminal Code Draft Bill is kept being conveyed by KPK during the Draft Bill, both with the government and the legislators.

Meanwhile Media Indonesia wrote, "UNRI Rector Admits the Failure".

Riau University (UNRI) Rector Aras Mulyadi said, the arrest of three UNRI alumni who are also alleged terrorist had gave the campus bad image. He admitted to fail noticing any suspicious moves of the suspected terrorists. Therefore, UNRI will carry out some organized efforts and strengthen the comprehension of Pancasila (Indonesian Ideology) in their curriculum.

UNRI also had declared its rejection against radicalism and condemned the terrorism after the arrest of the three suspects in their campus.

We end the Headlines with Republika entitled, "Peak of Homecoming Traffic Begins This Weekend".

There was change in the calculation of homecoming flow and its peak in this year. Transportation Ministry predicted, the homecoming flow will begin this week. The peak flow which was predicted to be in the middle of next week, apparently will happen this weekend. Jakarta-Cikampek road will be the most condensed spot in the homecoming traffic. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that during a working meeting with House of Representatives' Transportation Commission on Monday (4/6). During the meeting the minister explained the preparation of transportation facilities and infrastructure for the Eid Holiday homecoming. The reason of the change according to the Minister Budi Karya was the change of this year's homecoming pattern which was triggered by longer national holidays.

05
June

DIPLOMATIC CORNER

Written by
Published in Feature

 

Diplomatic Corner, a segment presents information about Indonesian diplomatic activities, both at home and abroad.

First information is from Australia. Indonesia Consulate General in Perth and Indonesian Muslims who live in Perth and surrounding areas on Saturday (2/6) commemorated the night Nuzulul Quran coinciding with 17 days of Ramadan or the decline of Al Quran and Iftar. The night Nuzulul Quran was filled by the recital of holy verses of Al Quran and Nasyid performance by Indonesians who performed well. The commemorationwas also filled with a lecture delivered by Ustadz Aep Syaifullah with the title " The Importance of Interacting with the Qur'an".

About 700 people attended the warm family atmosphere that characterized the activities of Indonesian people who stay overseas. The chicken Tongseng that became the main dish warmed up the atmosphere in the cool evening. The event was closed with Isha prayer and tarawih congregation before Jamaah left location.

 

Last information is from Homeland. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, A. M. Fachir officially opened the Conference on Cooperation among the East Asian Countries for the Palestine Development Senior Officials' Meeting (CEAPAD SOM) at Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta (31/8).

 

CEAPAD is a regional cooperation forum that is in line with Indonesia's commitment to keep supporting the struggle of the Palestinian nation in gaining independence and building self-reliance. Deputy Minister Fachir invited CEAPAD countries to improve humanitarian aid and capacity-building programs that are more concrete, workable, and having a real impact on Palestinian people.

 

Delegates of CEAPAD SOM participants condemned the use of violence in Palestine in recent weeks. Chairman of Indonesian Delegation as Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy at Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Cecep Herawan emphasized that a conducive condition is needed for the sustainability of development efforts in Palestine. He also explained that the meeting identified and evaluated the development assistance programs that CEAPAD countries have provided Palestinians since the Second CEAPAD Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta 2014.

CEAPAD SOM was attended by senior officials from nine countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and two international organizations namely United Nations' Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB). The CEAPAD SOM results will be discussed further at the Third CEAPAD Ministerial Meeting to be held in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2018.

 

05
June

MOSAIC OF ARCHIPELAGO

Written by
Published in Feature

 

Mosaic of the Archipelago presents information: first, Buddhists celebrate Waisak at Muara Takus temple. The second information is that  Minister of Research, Technology and High Education encourages Jenang Kudus to be exported abroad. The third information is that Aceh invites a number of countries to enliven cultural week.

Around 500 Buddhists from various regencies/cities in Riau province celebrated Waisak 2562 at Muara Takus temple, Kampar regency. Head of Waisak Committee, Romo Aseng said on Saturday (2/6) that the temple was chosen as the place of the event because the temple is believed as 7th century’s heritage which was a university of Buddha in the era. Based on the history, Muara Takus temple is very appropriate to implement Waisak 2018 celebration in Riau province. The event was expected to be able to encourage synergy among government, academics, businesspeople, various communities and media people to develop cultural heritage site of Muara Takus temple. This year, the event was colored with some events, starting on May 20 until June 2, 2018. A series of events which were conducted, were free treatment to 350 patients, free cataract surgery for 6 patients, and ritual activities as well as Dharmayatra Festival activities. This could be one of important events. Moreover, it was combined with visit package to some tourism destinations surrounding the temple so that it can increase the visit of foreign tourists to Indonesia. The event chose a theme "The beauty of diversity in Buddha Dharma". In Riau, the peak of Waisak event will be held in Pekanbaru on June 9, 2018 to be participated in by around 1,000 Buddhists.

The second information is that  Minister of Research, Technology and High Education encourages Jenang Kudus to be exported abroad.

Minister of Research, Technology and High Education, Mohammad Nasir encouraged Kudus typical food, Jenang to go international. His side will assist to optimize the market which meets export standard by technological touch. The Minister said that his side will also attempt to export Jenang to some countries. Take for example, Jenang can survive until 6 months. He even wants to make sure how Jenang can last 1 or 2 years. The Minister believes that Jenang will be much loved if it is more durable and in good quality. Besides, he also promised to improve the packaging of the Jenang product. Jenang businesspeople will be provided quality improvement according to world’s standard. Minister Nasir perceived that the government has developed technology, namely Red Gamma Irradiator at Serpong, South Tangerang, Banten. With the technology, the home product will be exported.

 

We end Mosaic of the Archipelago with the information on Aceh invites a number of countries to enliven cultural week.

The government of Aceh invited a number of Islamic countries either in Southeast Asia, Europe or Middle East to enliven the 8th Aceh Cultural Week which will be held in Banda Aceh on August 5 until15, 2018. Deputy Governor of Aceh, Nova Iriansyah said in Banda Aceh on Monday that besides those countries, his office also invited all provinces in Indonesia to participate in the event. The Governor also pointed out that there are dozens of art and cultural attractions at 7 main activities. He explained that the event, besides being centralized at Ratu Safiatuddin Park, enliven the 8th Aceh Cultural Week will also be held at 16 places in Banda Aceh. The Governor added that the event will be opened by President Joko Widodo. Governor Nova Iriansyah remarked that the event is to highlight Acehnese cultural art, and bring about impacts to people’s economy and to boost Aceh’s tourism.

05
June

CALUNG RENTENG

Written by
Published in Feature

Hasil gambar untuk foto calung renteng

 

Welcome to the Rhythm of the Indonesian Archipelago, a weekly segment introducing you to Indonesian traditional music and musical instrument from across Indonesia. This week, we’ll invite you to know more about a traditional instrument from Banten.

In today’s edition, we will invite you to visit Banten province. Besides being rich of beautiful nature, Banten also has some unique traditional instruments. One of them is made from bamboo. From the bamboo, Sundanese people make instrument namely Calung. Calung is a prototype of Angklung. Different from Angklung which is played by shaking it, Calung is to play by beating bamboo’s tubes which are arranged in accordance with pentatonic tones. Calung is usually made black bamboo locally called ‘Awi Wulung, but there is Calung made from white bamboo or Awi Temen. Traditional instrument from West Java is categorized as idiophone where body of the instrument becomes source of the sound. While, Calung is categorized as percussion because it is played by beating. In West Java, usually Calung player holds and plays it while standing.

In the past, Calung Renteng was played to keep away birds and pest at the rice field. The instrument was played not only for entertainment but also as honorable ritual to Dewi Sri. Dewi Sri or Goddess is the JavaneseSundanese, and Balinese pre-Hindu and pre-Islam era goddess of rice and fertility. The songs which were sung, contained of praise to Dewi Sri. Over the times, the function of Calung changed. Calung is not used anymore as media of ritual, but as accompaniment of Calungan performance. Calungan performance contains of jokes and folk music. The folk performance is presented by people to people, and loved by all element s of society. The power of Calung Renteng comes from not only its tap but also from its lyrics.

 

INSERT 2 DADAN SUDJANA :

“…Its lyrics are related to starting from planting rice and waiting until harvest. It is revealed in its lyrics. There are some songs, for example song of Kebo Jiro, signing that when keeping the rice into barn, this means that harvest is over.  There is also Lutung Kasarung song related to planting rice. If we know Sundanese people, there is Dewi Padi namely Dewi Sang Hyang Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility. The song sounds like this…‘Allahhuma umur dunia salamat berkat Allah kawula yang di dunia salamat merekat Allah. Naga herang naga lenggang naga panguasa Allah. Turun di berbuk ka sanggap ku guru indra di tanggap ku perdawati’. Well, there are Islamic elements in which there is syncretism between local culture and Islamic culture.”

 

Calung Renteng consists of 17 segments of Wulung bamboo, which are tied in a row with a rope like Gambang. The arrangement of the bamboos has Salendro or Pelog tone. Earlier, Calung Renteng was only played for entertainment when waiting for rice to be yellow at the field. At development era, Calung Renteng becomes art performance which is collaborated with Gamelan and Karinding. Besides its music and lyric, Calung Renteng could also be meant as relations between human and God in the past and now it is used by Banten people to worship to Allah SWT. This was explained by Tourism Official of Banten, DR. Moh. Ali Fadilah.

 

INSERT 3 DR. MOH ALI FADILAH :

“…There are 2 kinds of arts. It is related how people to face, and to anticipate the changes which happen surrounding them. Metaphysic always exists in every person and the result of the Metaphysic is translation on natural situations which are different. Being different condition of nature brings them to one direct that we can use art to protect relation with the God and His nature.  So, what is in nature, they sing.  In the past,  Sundanese songs had mixed with the Islamic songs. Now, they consider Calung Renteng becomes media to appreciate beautiful sounds.”

 

West Java, which is wide, makes West Java typical art and culture spread out until Banten. Most of Banten arts are similar with West Java arts. Although similar, there is difference which signs its own characteristic of every region. As revealed by DR. Moh. Ali Fadilah.

 

INSERT 4 DR. MOH. ALI FADILAH :

“…I believe if it is not considered original, it must be considered Banten local. And if we will try to refer that its own characteristic of Banten is in Calung Renteng. If we see its basic materials of the songs, the way to beat is almost similar with other places. But the characteristics of Calung Renteng are on its song, rhythm, and situation related to people at the field.”   

Surely, every region has difference among the similarities. Every beating and lyric of Calung Renteng are not only song but also all of them have deep meaning which can be interpreted as the way of Banten people worship to the God.