VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

We will present keroncong songs by an Indonesian talented keroncong singer, Sundari Soekotjo. A song entitled “Langgam Kerinduan” which was sung by Sundari Untinasih tells about a couple lovers whoare far apart.The sound of the flute in the moonlight rising the longing to the lover. Sundari Soekotjo who was born in Jakarta 1965 consistent in keroncong music. Her ability in keroncong led her to become a Queen of Keroncong in Indonesia. Family background that discipline and love keroncong very much become a supporting factor for Sundari to loves and pursues the keroncong music.Sundari won various keroncong song festivals. In 2002, she released an original keroncong album entitled Ingkar Janji that became her first album. Thanks to the album, she nominated as a recipient of keroncong Award 2002 organized by Bina Suci Foundation and Radio Republik Indonesia. Besides singing keroncong, Sundari Soekotjo concern for her education, and it made her elected as a Duta Aksara.

A lesson in Bahasa Indonesia or the Indonesian language on the radio, which introduces   some Indonesian vocabulary and guides you to use them in a conversation. The segment of Let's Speak Indonesia is a cooperation of RRI World Service Voice Of Indonesia, with the Language Development Agency, the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. Today’s topic is "Mohon Maaf" or in English, “Apologize”.

Next is a conversation about "Mohon Maaf" or in English ‘Apologize’. As usual I’ll say every sentence slowly, twice, and you can follow after me. Eid Al-Fitr has passed three days ago. Tony also commemorated the holiday at Joko’s house. He congratulated the Eid holiday to Joko and Dina, Joko’s wife.

Conversation (sudah direkam):

Tony       :   Selamat hari raya Idul Fitri

Joko       :   Terima kasih. Saya mohon maaf atas semua kesalahan saya

Tony       :   Sama-sama. Saya juga minta maaf , ya.

After the conversation, now I’ll introduce some vocabularies and idioms related to the topic today.

To ask congratulation for a commemoration like religious holiday or other important days you can use the word “selamat” in English congratulation or happy anniversary. For example “Selamat Hari Raya Idhul Fitri 2X in English “Happy Eid al-Fitr Holiday” , “Selamat Tahun Baru” 2X in English “Happy New Year” , “Selamat Ulang Tahun” 2X in English “Happy Birthday”.

During Eid al-fitr muslims apologize each other. They usually use expression “saya mohon maaf atas semua kesalahan saya” 2X in english “I apologize for all my mistakes”.

The expression can also be used in a daily activity. If you accidentally step someone’s foot, you can say, “Saya minta maaf” or “maaf ya” 2x in English "I am sorry". Expression “mohon maaf” is more polite than “maaf ya”. “Maaf ya” is usually used in a relaxed situation with friends. While “mohon maaf” is usually used in a formal situation.

Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia also called Lebaran. On this day Muslims visit family homes, relatives, and neighbors to get together and hospitality. They apologize for any intentionally or un-intentionally wrongdoing.

We will present the songs from the Central Kalimantan region. Although there are several languages ​​used by Dayak people, in general the most widely spoken languages in Central Kalimantan are Banjar and Bahasa Indonesia. Some linguists think that the language of Banjar belongs to the Malay group. Anang Ardiansjah is known to be one of the songwriters and maestro from Kalimantan. Bagasing Balogo is a combination of two traditional games in Kalimantan. Bagasing means Gasing. This word is then combined into the title of the song as a symbol of the traditional game. This song tells about the bustling atmosphere of Bagasing Balogo game. This game is usually done by men both adults and children while killing their time. Thus, this song is composed with a carefree rhythm and appropriate music arrangement. The poem in the song entitled “TARI JAPIN” invites people to dance Japin. In addition to entertainment, songs like these are usually used to accompany Japin dancing. Japin or Zapin dancing is a Malay one which is influenced with Arab cultural dance and this can be found in North Sumatera, Riau Islands and some areas in Kalimantan.

The sea territory of Tolo gulf geographically enters into Central Sulawesi province. Its sea has great marine biota. Thus, the sea is utilized as marine tourism object. The beauty of Tolo gulf can be enjoyed from Sombori Island. The island is located at the South of Tolo gulf, precisely in Morowali regency between South Bungku district and Menui Kepulauan district. Sombori is conservation area consisting of clusters of beautiful atolls. Part of the island becomes residence of fishermen, but there are more empty places without being touched by human beings. Sombori area can be accessed through Kendari, the capital city of Southeast Sulawesi. And then, you can choose through land or sea transportation. If you choose land transportation, the trip takes for 6 hours to Lafeu port, Bungku Pesisir district. Then, this is continued by using sea transportation around 1 hour to Sombori island. While if you use sea transportation, it will take a half day by ship. While if you use speedboat, it takes only around 4 until 5 hours. To enter Sombori island, you will be welcomed by amazing scenery.  The sea has quite waves and also high cliff at the left and right side. To enter more deeply, more amazing sceneries will welcome you. There are many clusters of atolls in various sizes and forms. There is  prominent coral without vegetation so that giant coral is covered with shady and exotic trees. The atolls have beach with white and clean sand. With sea conservation area around 41,000 hectares, Sombori is a heaven for lovers of undersea activities. There are various kinds of forms and colors of animals and there is also coral spreading in the ocean. Sea anemone, which becomes home for various ornamental fish, shakes following the stream. Akropora or table coral can be easily found here. Currently, many tourism packages are offered to visit Sombori island with affordable cost.