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Indonesian Wonder (615)
May
Bajo is an inseparable ethnicity with the sea. Bajo community residence is very unique; most of their houses are built on the water. In the past, they even lived in boats or Lepa. Currently, Bajo people have spread throughout the archipelago, mostly in Sulawesi. There is one tradition of fishing that Bajo community usually does, which requires them to travel long distances. The tradition is called Bapongka. Bapongka is a Bajo community tradition that uses traditional equipment and keeps the marine environment from damage.
Bapongka is sailing tradition for a living survive or to get sea products to another region or province, for several weeks and even months. They went to sea in groups. Each group consists of three to five boats, each boat consists of one person. The formation of small group of Bapongka is done based on closeness. Usually the small group will meet each other in a fishing location then form a large group consist of 15 or even 20 boats.
The traditional boat called ‘lepa’, which is equipped with outrigger and roof made of sago leaves. Generally the boats are run with oars, although the boats are now equipped katinting machine. During the fishermen perform Bapongka, they brought quite a lot of foodstuffs such as sago and some equipments, such as petromax lamps, water containers, cooking and eating utensils, sleeping gear, and catching equipment for sea cucumbers and other marine products.
Bapongka tradition has a good impact for marine conservation, especially coral reef, because it only using simple equipment. In performing the Bapongka tradition, Bajo community have some taboos that must be obeyed. The prohibition for Bajo people is believed to affecting the catch, such as not to throw something at sea when doing Bapongka. They should not dispose rice washing water, cooking charcoal, coffee grounds, chilli water, ginger water, orange peel, kitchen ash into the sea. When washing the rice, the water put on the boat, and will be shed after approaching the mainland. Likewise with wood charcoal used cooking, ash kitchen, orange peel, chili water and ginger water.
The simplicity of boats and equipments as well as the prohibitions that should not be violated because it is believed to be a disaster. While, Bajo community also believe the sea has a ruler in the form of spirit, called Mbo. All things make the Bapongka tradition of Bajo community highly appreciate and preserve the nature, as their local wisdom.
May
Many beaches in Bali present beautiful and amazing panorama. One of them is Yeh Leh Beach or Pengeragoan Beach. It is unique and interesting, because on the shore there are many rocks that separate the land from the sea. When the sea water receded, the rocks here stand out in many dazzling sizes. This beach is located on the border between Jembrana district and Tabanan regency, on the side of Gilimanuk-Denpasar highway. Because its location is on the roadside, access to the beach is quite easy. With a large parking area, visitors can directly park their vehicles to enjoy the natural beauty of Yeh Leh Beach.On Yeh Leh beach is in addition to the large parking lot, there is also a Gazebo for those who want to rest for a while. Ther are also stalls providing snacks and beverages. Usually a beach has beautiful white sand. But Yeh Leh beach has thousands and even millions of natural rocks that make it different from the beaches in general. This beach is perfect for a tourist destination, especially if you love fishing. With the charm of its underwater beauty, you can visit Yeh Leh's beach especially during the low tide. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the sunset, you are also more likely to get many sea animals hidden among the rocks located on the shores of Yeh Leh. Indeed the main attraction of this Yeh Leh Beach is the rocks. Most of Yeh Leh's beach is gently sloping and tend to be flat. So when you set foot on this beach you do not have to worry your legs will be covered with sand or become wet, because you will step on the rock surface which is hard and a bit rough.The lack of sand surfaces on the beach, makes it not ideal for sunbathing, but you can always sit back and relax on the rocks scattered on the beach. For those of you who like taking pictures, different natural nuances here will certainly provide a more special experience. In addition to presenting the natural beauty of the blue sea, the waves are quite large and elongated, very suitable for surfing.
May
In the East of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara -NTT, there is a fisherman hamlet which is majority Bajo tribe coming from South Sulawesi. The hamlet is called ‘Wuring’ which is located in the suburbs of Maumere, precisely at Wolomarang, West Alok district. Wuring hamlet is the one whose most of its residents’ houses are built on the sea. Thus when visiting the hamlet, you will see very beautiful ocean view. Many fisherman hamlets are found in Indonesia, but the difference between Wuring hamlet and other fisherman hamlets is coastal area which is used as residence of the local people and its sea water is also quite clear. In 1992, when earthquake and tsunami hit Flores, the hamlet was destroyed, and swept by tsunami which killed many people. After the disaster, there were some people who moved to other locations, but most of them chose to stay and built again their home. Wuring villager is known to be very friendly. They will greet with their smile when meet visitors who enter their territory. If you want to visit the hamlet, it is not quite difficult because the land line is easy to be passed. From Maumere, you must pass Trans Flores heading to the West. After passing 1 kilometer from the city, you have to turn right and you will arrive at Wuring hamlet.
May
The nuance of rural area where only torch lighting is available, and there is no television but the people can access internet. Farmers plow the rice field by using buffalo, birdsong, adding peaceful atmosphere in the morning. The atmosphere will be obtained at Kampung Djowo located in Dukuh Sekatul, Margosari Village, Limbangan sub-district, Kendal regency, Central Java. Kampung Djowo is a tourist object with an area reaching about 12 hectares and located at the foot of Mount Ungaran. The tourist object has a beautiful natural panorama with cool Medini hills and the stretching of tea garden around Kampung Djowo Sekatul.
To get to Kampung Djowo Sekatul, it can be taken 30 minutes by private vehicle or approximately 60 minutes by public transportation, both from Semarang and Ungaran. From Kendal, the object can be accessed through Kaliwungu also approximately 30 minutes by private vihecles. With an entrance fee of only Rp2,000 for students and Rp3,000 for public. The visitors can see the six big joglo house and the antique goods in it. Starting from trinkets, ornaments, carvings as well as classical Javanese furnitures are well maintained neatly. The Javanese nuances can feel more if you spend the night in Kampung Djowo. No mercury lights and you have to forget the television programs a moment. However, there are several hot spot to access the internet.
In addition to offering the uniqueness of classical buildings and all types of Javanese atmosphere, Kampung Djowo Sekatul also offers an interesting agro tourism village. Paddy fields, medicinal plants cultivation, ornamental flowers, vanilla plantations and fresh strawberries that can be picked directly, fruit cultivation and fishing arena can be found in Kampung Djowo Sekatul. For educational tour it is offered a package of making process of brown sugar, tofu and tempe. Kampung Djowo Sekatul also features camping facilities and garden party facilities. The area not just presents a uniqueness of Joglo Classic and still maintained its authenticity. The existence of Kampung Djowo is also a proof of the loyalty of the owner, KPH Herry Djojonegoro to the history and efforts to preserving Javanese culture.
April
Papua is an expanse of tropical rainforest and it consists of steep valleys and high mountains. Even, most mountains are covered with snow. Among the valleys, there is a mysterious and enchanting cave. The cave is called ‘Lokale’. Lokale cave is located at Woslimo village, Baliem valley, Jayawijaya regency, Papua. It was opened for the first time in 1992. It is believed to be the longest cave in the world, because until now the tip of the cave is not found, yet. The farthest trip in the cave just reaches 3 kilometers. Because of the long cave, many academicians predict that the cave can reach Jayapura region. Although the tip of the Lokale cave is unknown, the cave is not a horrific place. Pleasure impression will be easy to get when someone enters the cave. One of the things which makes the cave delightful is that there are some points on the wall of the cave which has hollow, produces melodious sound when knocking. With soft knocking, sound will be heard. The sound produces irregular tones and can form unique musical composition. Besides, inside the cave, it is very dark. When entering the cave, it is suggested to bring flashlight or torch. Lokale cave has a distance around 25 kilometers from Wamena city. The access to the cave is quite easy because the road has been paved. The cave can be accessed by using two or four motor vehicles. It is located on the edge of the road axis of the regency. So, you do not need to walk far or climb to reach the cave. Its strategic place makes the cave good attraction for family.
April
Indonesia is well- known with its culinary which is delicious and rich of taste. Without the exception in North Sumatera, there is Batak typical food, called ‘Arsik’ which is very delicious and arousing appetite. Arsik is Batak typical food which is very delicious because the food is rich of various kinds of ingredients. Another name of the food whose raw stuff is golden fish is called ‘Na Niarsik’. The name is taken based on cooking process. Na Niarsik means its cooking process by dimarsik or being dried. So, the fish is cooked continuouslyuntil its sauce dries and its ingredients are absorbed into the fish. Arsik is very important in Batak tradition. According to people’s belief, fish which is cooked wholly is a symbol of the unity of human life. Thus, Arsik is a very common dessert because it is closely related to the indigenous philosophy of the Batak community. In certain traditional ceremony, there is special way in serving Arsik. Besides, the fish must be intact from head until tail; its scales cannot be thrown away. Besides, the position of the fish head to be served is facing to someone who receives it. The number which is given must be odd such as one, three, five and seven. One fish is given to new brides. Three fishes are for a pair of wife-husband who has kid. Meanwhile, five fishes are for a couple or old people who have grandchildren and seven fishes are for the leader of Batak people. The number of Arsik, which is given in variety, has a meaning in it. Take for example; three fishes are given to a pair of husband and wife who have kid. It is to symbolize that their family’s member has added one person. One for father, one for mother and another is for kid who was just born. Meanwhile, for a couple who just married, the number of fish which is given by the parent of the girl is only one because it is to symbolize that the two persons, who got married, have become one.
April
Javanese people, especially from Yogyakarta have various kinds of traditional ceremonies which are still preserved. One of them is Mitoni that is carried out when the first pregnancy has been 7 months old. In the tradition of Yogyakarta people either from common people or royal family, Mitoni is the most important ritual among other traditional rituals. If this ritual is ignored, people believe that the bad luck may happen to the mother and the unborn child. According to the tradition, Mitoni can be implemented on the dates of 7th, 17th, and 27th before full moon on Javanese calendar. The ritual is conducted at the left and right of the house facing to sunrise. Mitoni ceremony cannot be implemented randomly, but there are ways and sequences to implement it. This starts from “splashing”. The splashing is conducted by 7 closest relatives with the aim of asking safety for baby in the mother’s womb. The water which is used is from 7 springs by being accommodated on bucket which is made from brass. Then, the water is mixed with various kinds of flowers such as rose, jasmine, kantil flower, and kenanga flower. Then, this is continued with “Brojolan”. Brojolan usually is led by the mother of the pregnant woman. The pregnant woman will wear clothes called ‘Jarik’ which is twisted with a rope called ‘Letrek’. The Letrek is thread with red, white and black colors. Then, the mother of the pregnant woman puts the looms called ‘Tropong’ or chicken egg into the clothes and drops it so that the childbirth will take place smoothly. It is continued by breaking through two coconuts which are described a pair of Wayang figures with handsome and beautiful faces. It’s hoped that baby who is born has handsome or beautiful face. Thus, Mitoni ceremony is continued with “Angreman” procession which sings love of a mother and father to their baby. The pregnant woman will be guided to another room to change dresses with 7 different ones. The last procession is “Dodol Rujak” or in English means selling fruit salad. This procession is that the pregnant woman will make Rujak by being accompanied by her husband. Then, the guests will buy it by using Kereweng as currency. It is meant that the baby will get good fortune and to be able to support her/his family. Basically, the ceremony is gratitude expression to the God for safety and tranquility. But, this is expressed in the symbols which have different meanings.
April
In Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara province –NTB, there are many small islands or locally called ‘Gili’. But among the islands, there are two Gillis which are beautiful and exotic. They are Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis. Gili Sudak is a small island which is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Located at West Sekotong district, Medang village, Batu Kijuk hamlet, West Lombok, Gili Sudak has around 30 hectares wide. Although it is a small island, Gili Sudak is very exotic with white sand and clear water. Currently, many tourists know Gili Sudak. Comparing with other Gilis which are well known such as Gili Trawangan, Gili Menok, and Gili Air, Gili Sudak is quieter. So, for you who want to be relaxed while enjoying the beauty of nature with calm situation, you can visit Gili Sudak as your next destination. Because this tourism object still lacks of facility, we suggest you to bring your own foods and beverages if you would like to go to Gili Sudak. Gili Kedis is also a small island. It is located at Central Sekotong, West Lombok or precisely cross to Gili Sudak. This small island is beautiful and fresh. This beach, which is covered with beautiful white sand and clear sea water, makes anyone feel at home for longer. This tourism object is uninhabited. Like Gili Sudak, this place has a very beautiful under-water panorama. Various kinds of beautiful coral reefs and colorful ornament fish can be found here. Before arriving at Gili Kedis, you will pass Gili Sudak. To go to Gili Sudak, you have to rent a small boat that can accommodate 6 people. To rent the boat costs around Rp 300,000-Rp 500,000 including the trip to Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis. The trip takes 15 minutes from Mataram city to Gili Sudak. Meanwhile, from Gili Sudak to Gili Kedis, it takes around 10 minutes.
April
East java has various kinds of typical foods which have been well known, such as Pecel, Rawon, Rujak Cingur, and many others. Besides those foods, East java, especially Blitar has snack, namely Enting Geti. Enting Geti is traditional snack from Blitar which is made from peanut, sesame and palm sugar. The food is usually served in the feast day or wedding party to welcome the guests. Savory flavor of the peanut, which mixes with sesame, gives sensation which is little bit different. The taste of savory, crunchy and sweet palm sugar is mixed in one to make the snack always be interested in not only by Blitar people but also tourists who come to this town. Enting Geti has special and durable taste. So, the snack is suitable to be souvenir when having holidays in Blitar. Enting Geti is usually produced in Kademangan district, which is located at the middle of Blitar regency. It is very easy for the producers to market throughout the regency. The traditional snack will taste delicious when being enjoyed along with coffee when being relaxed. The process of making Enting Geti is quite simple. Firstly, peanut is fried without cooking oil until it is well done or the color of the peanut changes to look brown. Afterwards, the fried peanut is lifted and mashed roughly. Then, you prepare palm sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla to be mixed together and add little water. This is cooked while stirring until the sugar dissolves to thicken like syrup. After that, the peanut is put into the thickened sugar water and stir in order the dough is blended and thickening. Then, the dough is put in a pan which has been covered with oil paper. Then, it’s flattened. After the dough is dried, cut it into pieces as you like the size and the taste. The price of one portion of Enting Geti varies from Rp 5,000 until Rp 35,000.
April
East Nusa Tenggara province –NTT has exotic nature. Even, the nature in NTT is recognized in the world to have exotic and amazing natural scenery. The beauty of nature in the province until now is chatted by domestic and foreign tourists from various communities. One of them is Rangko cave. Rangko cave is located at Rangko village, Boleng district, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Although currently, the tourism object has been chatted in social media, this tourism object still preserves its nature. Rangko cave is one of the tourism objects which is located at a land and connects to Komodo Island. Thus, the place is suitable to be destination after or before visiting Komodo National Park. To visit Rangko cave, you will be amazed with the beauty of nature in the cave. Entering to the cave, you will be greeted with blue scenery from clear spring pool. The clear spring as if invites you to jump and to play water in its pool. If you want to enjoy the scenery and to swim at Rangko cave, we suggest to come between 13.00 and 15.00 local time. Because the cave is quite dark, so only at that time, sun light enters into the cave’s cracks. To Rangko village, you can drive car or motorcycle from Labuan Bajo. Arriving at Rangko village, you can continue your trip by renting boat from local people. The fee which must be paid is around Rp 300,000. To go to Rangko cave from the gateway, the visitors must be through long bridge which connects to a dock. The trip takes 15 minutes by walking. Afterwards, you will enter the cave’s area. At the place, you will be through forest and slippery cliffs. Thus to reach Rangko cave, you must be careful.