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Indonesian Wonder (615)
June
Osing people of Kemiren village, Glagah district, Banyuwangi regency, East Java has unique tradition, so-called ‘Barong Ider Bumi’. The tradition is routinely held on the second day of Idul Fitri, or 2 Syawal of Islamic calendar. Because, number 2 has its own meaning for Osing people. Kemiren people always associate the tradition with thing which is in a pair such as heaven and hell, men and women, day and night. Besides, some traditions of Kemiren villagers are often held on Tuesday and Thursday. Barong Ider Bumi tradition is traditional ritual. The ritual is clean ceremony of the village.
Usually, the ceremony begins at 2 o’clock PM. Osing people are taboo to conduct the tradition beyond the time, because beyond the specified time, it is believed to bring about disaster to the community. Barong is a kind of custom with mask and accessories as depictions of frightening animal. In mythology of Osing people, Barong is believed as symbol of kindness which has ability to cast out bad evils.
Osing people believe that by conducting Barong Ider Bumi tradition, a year life will make happy. The ceremony is held as form of gratitude to the Almighty on His blessing to give peace and prosperity to villagers. In addition, Barong Ider Bumi tradition is believed to be able to drive away disaster or bad luck. In belief of Osing people, Barong can be possessed by the soul of ancestor. the word of Ider bumi is compound words, namely ider and bumi. Ider means to go around and bumi means earth. So, the two words mean an event of going around the earth.
In accordance with its name, the point of Barong Ider Bumi ritual is to parade barong going around the village. Before Barong is paraded, the village elders play Angklung at village’s hall to begin the ritual. Afterwards, all Kemiren villagers come out from the houses and then they begin to parade Barong Osing from the entrance gate of the village to the exit gate of the village. Along the parade, traditional figures spread coins, yellow rice and flower to the street and these are seized by kids. The ritual is named ‘Sembur utik-utik’.
During Barong Osing parade, those Barongs are also followed by the elders who walk side by side while carrying incense and reading prayer for security of all villagers. The parade is accompanied by Osing traditional music. At the end of the village, the villagers and the Barong players seize bananas which are displayed. They believe if they eat the bananas, they will be safe and to be given simplicity in their life.
After conducting the ritual, the villagers hold ceremony as closing. It is the peak of the event, ceremony by using ‘Tumpeng pecel pitik’, namely kampong chicken which is roasted and sprinkled with grated young coconut and ingredients.
That was ‘Indonesian Wonder’
June
North Sumatera has a natural tourism object which can be family’s recreation place with fresh air and green trees. The tourism object is called ‘Tangkahan’. Tangkahan is an eco-tourism which has been well known until abroad. Even, due to its beauty, Tangkahan is well-known by many people as “The hidden paradise”. It is located at Mt. Leuser National Park, precisely at Langkat regency, North Sumatera. Tangkahan is one of Indonesian regions, whose primate quantity is the most varieties in the world and the habitat for some earth species which are endangered. Tourism activity which can be enjoyed at Tangkahan is adventuring, swimming and trekking at tropical forest. For you who want to do trekking, you can take a walk accompanied by tourism guide or you can ride an elephant of Sumatera. Uniquely, the ridden elephants are trained ones that are also used to patrol or protect National Park from illegal activities such as hunting, and illegal logging. There are 3 trekking lines in the regions, beginning from soft trekking for kids or family until adventure. When trekking, you will be accompanied by local guide so that you can enjoy hidden natural wealth in the region. When trekking, you can visit interesting places at Tangkahan. One of them is Buluh and Batang Serangan rivers’ meeting which has small waterfall. You must walk to river basin around 100 meters to reach the waterfall. Sitting under the waterfall and feeling the freshness of the water are very pleasant. At Tangkahan, there is also bat cave. It is named the bat cave because it is the habitat for thousands of bats. But do not have to worry, the cave is very safe to be entered. Another activity which can be done is called ‘Tubing’. The activity makes you feel the heavy stream of rivers at Tangkahan by rafting and using inner-tube. While conquering the heavy stream of rivers at Tangkahan, you can also enjoy the beauty of the riverside. Various kinds of interesting activities can be enjoyed if you visit Tangkahan village which can be accessed through Medan, the capital city of North Sumatera around 3 until 4 hours by land transportation. Over there, there are also lodging and interesting tourism packages which can be chosen.
May
Welcome to “Indonesian Wonder”, a daily segment featuring tourism, culinary arts, fine arts and culture from various regions across Indonesia. In today’s edition, we will introduce Arja Dance from Bali.
One typical of art in Bali that is still favored by the local people is Arja Dance. The type of art is in the form of a theater or a kind of Balinese opera in the form of a dramatic dialogue of Macapat. How the theater actually got the name, nobody knows, but the allegations are from the Sanskrit expressions of Reja which then got the prefix "a" to become Areja then finally turned into Arja which means beauty. Then the phrase is currently used to name the Arja theater as we can see it nowdays.
In Bali, Arja dance was firstly appeared in the 1814 during the reign of I Dewa Agung Sakti in Puri Klungkung. The drama of Arja dance take the story derived from the Panji stories, but occasionally take the story from Jayaprana, Pakang Raras, Sampik, Rare Angon. Arja dance was originally performed by one dancers only and is not being accompanied by gamelan. Arja is called Arja Doyong. Since its performance, Arja Dance became an entertainment of Balinese people.
According to its function Arja Dance is classified into Balinese Dance-balihan group or theater, As a form of theater Arja is a very complex theater art because it is a fusion of various types of arts that are available in Bali, such as dance, drama, vocal, instrumental art, poetry, role art, pantomime art, fashion, and fine arts. All types of art are united in Arja Dance. Arja is actually a unification of two theatrical supporters, namely the idea that comes from supporters (players) and the audience.
As a form of theater art, Arja is very communicative with the audience. For the Bali, this is not surprising, like other forms of art. From the development Arja is still very popular among Balinese people, as can be seen on the willingness of people to enliven the festival held annually until today. So, Arja Dance is still scattered in many areas, such as Bangli, Klungkung, Gianyar, Anlapura, Badung, Tabanan, Jembrana and Singaraja.
In addition to an entertainment show, Arja also has educational function. Usually after watching Arja performance, the local community imitating the songs and jokes displayed by the group for days. They will repeat funny movements or expressions about intriguing events in daily life.
Therefore, Arja is a very powerful communication facility to deliver messages. That was Indonesian Wonder for today with the topic “Arja Dance from Bali”.
May
Skouw hamlet is located at the border of Indonesia-Papua New Guinea, precisely at Muara Tami district, Jayapura city, Papua, Indonesia. Muara Tami district consists of 3 hamlets, namely Skouw Yambe, Skouw Sae, and Skouw Mabo. From Jayapura city, the distance is around 46 kilometers or it takes around 1 and a half hour until 2 hours by car. Skouw hamlet is hot and dry. Thus, many people choose to move to Jayapura city. But, Skouw hamlet scenery has changed to be beautiful. The post of state’s border is more luxurious and the border’s gateway becomes favorite location of native people or tourists who visit the place. Besides selfie at the border’s post and gateway, there is another activity which can be conducted at Skouw hamlet. At Skouw Yambe hamlet, you can see turtle’s conservation. Since the mid 2017, the government of Jayapura city has made Skouw Yambe hamlet to be turtle’s tourism object. In additional to preventing the turtle’s extinction, it is also to increase local economy. Today, tourists who visit can see and cultivate the turtle beginning from catching process, spawning, hatching until releasing to the ocean.
May
Today’s edition of Indonesian Wonder will invite you to visit Kebumen Regency.
Kebumen is one of the regencies in Central Java, located in the south, bordering to the Indonesian Ocean. The regency has beautiful beaches that you have to visit, if you traveling to Kebumen. One of the beautiful beaches is Menganti beach. The beach has been named as one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Java province. Menganti Beach is located in western Kebumen, precisely in Karangduwur Village, Ayah Subdistrict, Kebumen Regency.
Going to Menganti Beach it takes about 2 hours from downtown Kebumen with quite steep roads. But when you arrive at Menganti Beach you can see white sand covered with blue sea water. The landscape is amazing, because the beach is surrounded by green hills and towering cliffs. Traveling to the beach, you can play as much water. You can also blend in, with daily life of the local fishermen. You can also buy directly the fish which also can be grilled. So, you can directly enjoy the fresh fish at Menganti beach.
During your visit in Menganti beach you can enjoy the natural beauty of the object. To get more beautiful views, you can climb the hill on the east side of the beach. At the top of the hill, there is a 20 meters high lighthouse, built by the Dutch in 1912 to 1915 that can be climbed to the top. From the location, you will automatically be able to see the whole coastal area, curves of coral hills, and the blue sea. From the top of the hill, you can also enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset. Menganti Beach has been equipped with several facilities that can be used by the visitors, such as gazebo, sitting places, and family villas that can be rented.
In addition to Lighthouse, you also can visit Karangbata cliffs when traveling to Menganti Beach area. In Karangbata Cape, you will see the vastness of the Indian Ocean and a coral island. There are also available huts for shelter. From Karangbata Cape there can be seen other beaches like Karangbata Beach and Peacron Beach in the east.
During the rainy season, the west cliffs of Menganti Beach are adorned with four waterfalls that ran from more than 30 meters high.
That was Indonesian Wonder for today with the topic “Menganti Beach, Kebumen, Central Java”.
May
Papua nature presents amazing natural enchantment endlessly, such as beach, mountain, cave and lake. One of the lakes which has amazing scenery, is Paniai lake located at East Paniai district, Paniai regency, Papua province. Earlier, Paniai lake, Tigi and Tage lake are named Wisselmeren. The name is a name of pilot of the Dutch nation, namely Frits Julius Wissel who discovered the three lakes for the first time. In the Dutch colonial, the name of Wisselmeren was more popular compared Paniai. Wisselmeren comes from the Dutch language meaning Wissel lakes. Paniai lake is the best and the most beautiful lake throughout the world which was announced in the World Lake Conference in India on November 30, 2007 among 157 countries that own lakes. Paniai lake has 14,500 hectares wide and it height is 1,700 meters above sea level. Because of its high location, Paniai lake’s air is so fresh. Besides having fresh air, Paniai lake also has stones and sand on its banks and is also surrounded by high cliff; it creates interesting attraction for tourists. Behind the beauty of the nature of Paniai lake, the lake also stores various kinds of fresh fish and shrimp. There are many species of freshwater fish which are found in this lake; rainbow fish is the most searched by fisherman and fish collector because the fish has high economic value. Tourism activities at Paniai lake that can be enjoyed by visitors are walking surrounding the lake, fishing or grilling fish. The visitors can also climb hills at the lake. From peak of the hills, they can witness the beauty of amazing nature. To go to the lake, we can depart from Enarotali city, the capital city of Paniai regency. And from the city, we can go by bus heading to the tourism object. If the visitors want to stay at night around the lake, they can stay at some lodgings or local residents’ houses.
May
Welcome to “Indonesian Wonder,” a daily segment featuring tourism, culinary arts, fine arts and culture from various regions across Indonesia. In today’s edition, we will introduce you to a tourism object in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara, namely Tuti Adagae fountain.
Alor regency, which is located in East Nusa Tenggara -NTT, has abundant natural sources which are able to present interesting views for visitors. One of them is Tuti Adagae hot spring in east Alor island. This hot spring is worth to become tourism destination. Tuti Adagae hot spring is located around 50 Km from Kalabahi city, the capital city of Alor regency, Northeast Alor Timur district, NTT.
Tuti Adagae hot spring is easy to access by using motorcycle or car. Because, it is supported with good condition of road to the location. Trip from Kalabahi city to the tourism object takes around one hour. Before entering the location, the visitors will be spoilt by walnut forest’s scenery and also shady trees which are suitable for relaxing along with family. it is different from other hot springs in general. At Tuti Adagae hot spring complex, there are two locations of hot springs whose locations are not far apart and at the middle of river stream. The water of the first hot spring comes out from earth, which sounds like big motorcycle as if welcoming the visitors and it’s ready to accompany the visitors at the location. But the visitors are allowed to touch it. Its water is very hot.
The second hot spring is located around 50 meters from the first one. The hot spring here spurts from sediment of small stones that has been hardened with height more than one meter at around the hole and it has beautiful orange color. At the second hot spring, its water is friendlier because it can be used by visitors to take a bath and to release fatigue after travelling. In addition, the visitors can also enjoy the beauty of Tuti Adagae hot spring whose stream flows slowly to estuary and always releases bubble, foam and warm water. The warm water may be more comfortable if the visitors stand at the edge of the river. This hot spring contains of sulfur. So, the local residents believe that taking a bath at the river can cure skin disease. Beside the spurt point, there is also spout points from the bottom of the water, such as small spring which always releases hot water. Here, small animals cannot also survive if they are close to the stream.
Tuti Adagae hot spring has unique phenomenon. It spurts hot water and crystal stone, which makes this area become attractive for people who are bored with city’s situation. Thus, Tuti Adagae hot spring is very appropriate for any visitors to be the right destination to visit if they are in Alor.
May
"Pakat" a special culinary of Mandailing, North Sumatra
Written by nuke
Welcome to “Indonesian Wonder”!
During Ramadhan, every region has a typical meal that becomes the leading menu for breaking the fast. In Medan, North Sumatra, precisely in Mandailing region, rattan shoot or Pakat is a favorite menu for breaking the fast. Pakat is often served as fresh vegetables or menu complement. Pakat is a rattan shoot that has a very soft texture, so that it is easy to consume.
The taste of Pakat is somewhat bitter like other fresh vegetables in general.How to make Pakat into side dishes is quite easy. The rattan shoot is cut for one meter then roasted for half an hour by using charcoal or coconut shell stove. When it is cooked and remove the white sap, peel the outer layer then take part of the rattan fill. Cut the filling of rattan shoots for 10 centimeter. It can be consumed directly with soy sauce as fresh vegetables. Pakat can also be cooked vegetable curry with salai fish. In addition to the typical taste, the price is also quite cheap. With ten thousand rupiah, you can bring home five sticks of Pakat that have been roasted and peeled.
Pakat peddlers usually sell roasted-Pakat and provide anyang, made of coconut milk and fried coconut flesh. Order for Pakat during the holy month of Ramadan tends to increase rapidly. In addition to the Mandailing tribe, Pakat also favored by people in North Sumatra, including those the Javanese and Minang people who live in the region. They believe that Pakat can increase appetite. That's why pakat is usually consumed as menu of breaking the fast or before meal.
The bitter taste of Pakat makes other foods feel much better. Pakat is beneficial to maintain health. Pakat also believed to treat diabetes, malaria and high blood pressure. In South Tapanuli, Pakat not only used as a breaking menu, but also traditional food during special ceremonies for the people of South Tapanuli and Mandailing Natal.
Are you Interested to taste pakat? You can taste it when you visit North Sumatra during Ramadan. It's easy to find Pakat on the outskirts of the city and restaurants in Medan. For example in Jalan Karya Medan, Jalan Suka Ramai, Aksara intersection, Jalan Denai, and in several other locations.
May
Belu and Malaka people, East Nusa Tenggara -NTT hold a tradition of Batu Pemali every year in July until November. The tradition is animal slaughtering ritual. Usually, the animals which become offering are buffalos and chickens. Besides, in the ritual some betel leaves and areca nuts are offered. The tradition of Batu Pemali is a ritual which is conducted as form of gratitude to ancestors and the God. The offering is conducted at Pemali place, such as Ksadan Lulik (batu pemali) on the peak of Mt. Mandeu, Raimanuk district, Faturika village. The location can be reached for two hours from Atambua city. According to belief of Belu people, the soul of the ancestors and nature is closely related to them. They believe if the ancestors live on media in the universe. One of them is Batu Pemali which is located at the traditional forest and Pemali places. Batu Pemali or Ksadan Lulik has formed of stones structure which is arranged well in a round circle as high as one meter or more. It can be said that Batu Pemali looks like Punden terraces. The tradition starts by saying traditional oath or promise. After saying oath, the participants of the ritual must fulfill their oath or promise, because if not, they take the risk of their life. Thus, the oath utterance must be jointly agreed first from the heads of traditional procession. In the tradition of Batu Pemali, Head of Belu tribe along his residents must be present so that all people can witness rules which are agreed. After the procession of the oath ritual, the offering is put on stones’ structure. The place is the main place to put the offering. After putting the offering, the participants of the ritual cooperate to clean ancestors’ tombs.
May
Malamang, an activity to make traditional food in West Sumatera
Written by Maryati
Towards Ramadhan or on every religious activity, every region has tradition to celebrate it. One of them is in West Sumatera, especially Minangkabau with its Malamang tradition. Malamang tradition has a meaning “to make Lemang”. Lemang is food is made from glutinous rice, and put into bamboo which is coated by young banana leaf. Then, it is baked on fire. Usually, Lemang is served with tapai or black sticky rice which has been fermented. Lemang will be served to the guests in traditional event. Malamang activity can be found almost throughout Minangkabau region. In Minang tradition, Malamang can be done in mutual cooperation and is not done by oneself for personal interest. The tradition is part of habit which is done together by community or relatives’ group. The implementation of Malamang tradition is conducted for certain interest during several days before the month of Ramadhan coming, or other traditional events. To welcome Ramadhan as important event in forgiveness event, Lemang is served when welcoming the guests. Lemang service is as snack considered as honorable to the guests. Meanwhile, for the people of Minangkabau, Malamang tradition is conducted to commemorate the day of the death, 40 days of the death or hundred days of the death. The purpose is not different from other events, namely to welcome the guests.