Gamelan, the Javanese Orchestra
Gamelan is surely not a foreign music. It has been popular in most continents and has created new music integration, for example jazz-gamelan, has born institution as learning space and gamelan music expression and it has produced famous gamelan musicians. Gamelan music instrument can now be enjoyed in various parts of the world, but Yogyakarta is the right place to enjoy it since you can enjoy the original version of gamelan.
Gamelan that grows in Yogyakarta is Javanese gamelan, one form of gamelan that is different from Balinese gamelan or Sundanese gamelan. Javanese gamelan has softer and slower tones; it is different from Balinese gamelan that is very dynamic and Sundanese gamelan that is melodious with domination of the voice of seruling or traditional bamboo flute. The difference is just natural since Java has its own view of life that is expressed in its gamelan music melody.
The Javanese view of life that is expressed in its gamelan music is the harmony of physical and spiritual lives, harmony in talking as well as behaving in order not to create explosive expression and to realize people tolerance. The real form of harmony in Javanese gamelan music is the moderate play of rebab string, voice harmony of kenong, saron kendang and gambang and the voice of gong ate each closing of the melody.
There is no definite history of gamelan existence. The development of gamelan music is predicted to begin from the existence of kentongan, rebab, tap on the mouth, rubs on string and thin bamboo until the introduction of metal music instruments. Further development after named by gamelan, this music was used to accompany leather puppet show and dances. Later it became independent music and it was completed with voices of female singers called sinden.
A set of gamelan consists of several music instruments; some of them are drum called kendhang, rebab, and celempung, gambang, gong and bamboo flute or seruling. The main components composing the gamelan music instruments are bamboo, metal, and wood. Each of the instrument has its own function in a gamelan music show, for example the gong functioning to close the long music melodies and to give balance after the music was previously decorated by Javanese music melodies.
Javanese gamelan is music with pentatonic melodies. A complete gamelan play consists of two cycles, namely slendro and pelog. Slendro has 5 melodies per octave, namely 1 2 3 5 6 [C- D E+ G A] with small interval difference. Pelog has 7 melodies per octave namely 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [C+ D E- F# A B] with big interval difference. Gamelan music composition was created with some rules, namely consists of some cycles and pathet, confined by one gong and the melodies were created in a unit consisting of 4 melodies.
You can see gamelan as an independent music performance or a companion of a dance or performance arts such as leather puppet show and ketoprak. As an independent performance, gamelan music is usually combined with the voice of the Javanese singers (male singers are called wiraswara and female singers are called waranggana or sinden). Gamelan music performance can be classic or contemporary. One form of contemporary gamelan is jazz-gamelan as a combination of music with pentatonic and diatonic melodies.
One of the places in Yogyakarta where you can see gamelan performance is Yogyakarta Kingdom. On Thursdays from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. gamelan is performed as an independent music performance. On Saturdays at the same hours, gamelan is performed as companion of leather puppet show, while on Sundays at the same hours, gamelan accompanies Javanese traditional dance. Please come to Bangsal Sri Manganti to see the performance. Meanwhile, in order to see older gamelan music instrument, you can go to other hall of the kingdom that is located a little further at the back.
gamelan sound
Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
Photo & Artistic: Singgih Dwi Cahyanto
Copyright © 2006 YogYES.COM
raziey
Thursday, June 12, 2008
DJOGYA
YOGYAKARTA
Yogyakarta (some people call it Jogja, Jogjakarta, or Yogya) is a city with outstanding historical and cultural heritage. Yogyakarta was the centre of the Mataram Dynasty (1575-1640), and until now the kraton (the sultan's palace) exists in its real functions. Also, Yogyakarta has numerous thousand-year-old temples as inheritances of the great ancient kingdoms, such as Borobudur temple established in the ninth century by the dynasty of Syailendra.
More than the cultural heritages, Yogyakarta has beautiful natural panorama. The green rice fields cover the suburban areas with a background of the Merapi Mountain. The natural beaches can be easily found to the south of Yogyakarta.
Here the society lives in peace and has typical Javanese hospitality. Just try to go around the city by bike, pedicab, or horse cart; and you will find sincere smiles and warm greeting in every corner of the city.
An artistic atmosphere is deeply felt in Yogyakarta. Malioboro, as the center of Yogyakarta, is overwhelmed by handicraft from all around the city. Street musicians always ready entertain the visitors of the lesehan food stalls.
Those who have visited Yogyakarta reveal that this city makes them long for it. Just visit here, then you will understand what this means.
Transportations to Yogyakarta:
* Train
You may reach Yogyakarta by train from Jakarta, Bandung, or Surabaya
* Bus
Yogyakarta is reachable by bus from Sumatra Island, Bali Island, and most cities of Java Island.
* Plane
Recently, international direct flights from Kuala Lumpur are established to Yogyakarta. In addition, domestic flights to Yogyakarta from Jakarta, Denpasar, Balikpapan, and many others, are available now. Please check the Yogyakarta Regular Flight Schedule.
raziey
Yogyakarta (some people call it Jogja, Jogjakarta, or Yogya) is a city with outstanding historical and cultural heritage. Yogyakarta was the centre of the Mataram Dynasty (1575-1640), and until now the kraton (the sultan's palace) exists in its real functions. Also, Yogyakarta has numerous thousand-year-old temples as inheritances of the great ancient kingdoms, such as Borobudur temple established in the ninth century by the dynasty of Syailendra.
More than the cultural heritages, Yogyakarta has beautiful natural panorama. The green rice fields cover the suburban areas with a background of the Merapi Mountain. The natural beaches can be easily found to the south of Yogyakarta.
Here the society lives in peace and has typical Javanese hospitality. Just try to go around the city by bike, pedicab, or horse cart; and you will find sincere smiles and warm greeting in every corner of the city.
An artistic atmosphere is deeply felt in Yogyakarta. Malioboro, as the center of Yogyakarta, is overwhelmed by handicraft from all around the city. Street musicians always ready entertain the visitors of the lesehan food stalls.
Those who have visited Yogyakarta reveal that this city makes them long for it. Just visit here, then you will understand what this means.
Transportations to Yogyakarta:
* Train
You may reach Yogyakarta by train from Jakarta, Bandung, or Surabaya
* Bus
Yogyakarta is reachable by bus from Sumatra Island, Bali Island, and most cities of Java Island.
* Plane
Recently, international direct flights from Kuala Lumpur are established to Yogyakarta. In addition, domestic flights to Yogyakarta from Jakarta, Denpasar, Balikpapan, and many others, are available now. Please check the Yogyakarta Regular Flight Schedule.
raziey
LOMBOK ISLAND
Lombok is dominated by Mount Rinjani, the Indonesia's second highest volcano (after Mt. Kerinci in Sumatra). Located in the province of Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara), it's dense primary rainforest still covers the steep slopes of the mountain complex. The Senggigi is well known with its marine tourist activities such as white sandy beach, diving and snorkeling spots, island cottages, the unique culture of Sasak tribes made Lombok - the 'neighbor' island of Bali which isn't tourist yet - in the future will compete Bali.
Sasak, physically and culturally have much common with the Javanese, Balinese and Sumbawanese. Most Sasak are normally Muslim, but many retain elements of the ancient animist beliefs.
Islam and Balinese Hinduism are the two main religions on Lombok, there are also Christian and Buddhist. WEKTU TELU is an indigenous religion, unique to Lombok and thought to have originated in the northern village of Bayan. It is a mixture of Hindu, Islamic and animist influence that make up this religion and the concept of a trinity is embodied in many Wektu telu beliefs.
MATARAM: Mataram is the administrative capital of the province. Some of the public buildings, such as the Bank Indonesia, the new post office and governor’s office and residences are substantial.
SENGGIGI: Senggigi is the most developed tourist area on Lombok, all the tourist facilities are here, plus a range of top-end and mid-range accommodation. Senggigi has fine beaches, although they slope very steeply into the water. There are some snorkeling off the point and in the sheltered bay around the headland. The beautiful sunset over Lombok Strait can be enjoyed from the beach. As the darkness comes, the lights of fishing boats look like a little city just off shore.
GILI ISLANDS: Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gilio Meno are three small, coral-fringed islands situated off the north-west of Lombok. These islands have superb, white sany beaches, clear water coarl reefs, brilliantly colored fish, and the best snorkeling on Lombok.
BATU BOLONG TEMPLE: Is a temple on rocky point which just into the sea. The rock on which its seats has a natural hole, giving the temple its name (which literally means ‘rock with hole’. Being a Balinese Temple, it’s oriented toward Gunung Agung, Bali’s holiest mountain, across the Lombok Strait.
MAYURA WATER PALACE: Is an artificial lake with an open-sided floating pavilion that was built in 1744 and once was a part of the royal court of Balinese Kingdom. The pavilion is connected to the shore by a raised footpath and was used both as the court of justice and a meeting place for the Hindu lords. Today the palace grounds are used to for offerings and the occasional cockfight. It’s a pleasant retreat these days but in 1894 this was the site of bloody battles as Dutch and Balinese forces fought over control Lombok.
PURA MERU: Directly opposite the water palace, Pura Meru is the largest temple on Lombok. It was built in 1720, under the patronage of Balinese price, Anak Agung Made Karang, as an attempt to unite all the small kingdoms on Lombok. Intended as a symbol of the universe, the temple is dedicated to to the Hindu’s trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
NARMADA: Was constructed in 1805, by the King of Mataram. Laid out as a miniature replica of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake and it has Pura Kalasa, a Baslinese Temple that still use for Pujawali celebration to honor God Batara, who dwells on Gunung Rinjani.
LINGSAR: It is a large temple complex, said to have been built in 1714 for both Hindu and Wektu Telu religions. The Hindu’s temple is on the northern section, little hinger and the Wektu Telu’s temple is on the southern section.
SURANADI: Set in pleasant gardens, is noted for its bubling, icy cold spring water and restored baths with ornate Balinese carvings and it has one of the holiest temple on Lombok.
BANYUMULEK & PENUNJAK: The main traditional Gerabah pottery industries of Lombok. The pottery are made from a local clay with simplest of techniques. It is a rich terracotta color, unglazed but hand burnished to a lovely soft sheen.
SUKARARE: The small village of Sukarare is a traditional weaving center. There’s such a variety of style, quality and size.
REMBITAN & SADE: These are two of Sasak Village of Lombok. Both has an authentic cluster of thatched houses and Lumbung (the traditional rice barns and an architectural symbol of Lombok) surrounded by a wooden fence.
KUTA BEACH: Is the best known place on the south coast of Lombok. There is a magnificent stretch of white sand and blue sea with rugged hills raise around it. Local people flock to Kuta Beach for a yearly traditional festival of Nyale fishing celebration. This is a festival when hundred of Sasaks gather on the beach to catch the worm-like ‘Nyale Fish’, a good catch is a sign that the rice harvest will also be good.
raziey
Lombok is dominated by Mount Rinjani, the Indonesia's second highest volcano (after Mt. Kerinci in Sumatra). Located in the province of Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara), it's dense primary rainforest still covers the steep slopes of the mountain complex. The Senggigi is well known with its marine tourist activities such as white sandy beach, diving and snorkeling spots, island cottages, the unique culture of Sasak tribes made Lombok - the 'neighbor' island of Bali which isn't tourist yet - in the future will compete Bali.
Sasak, physically and culturally have much common with the Javanese, Balinese and Sumbawanese. Most Sasak are normally Muslim, but many retain elements of the ancient animist beliefs.
Islam and Balinese Hinduism are the two main religions on Lombok, there are also Christian and Buddhist. WEKTU TELU is an indigenous religion, unique to Lombok and thought to have originated in the northern village of Bayan. It is a mixture of Hindu, Islamic and animist influence that make up this religion and the concept of a trinity is embodied in many Wektu telu beliefs.
MATARAM: Mataram is the administrative capital of the province. Some of the public buildings, such as the Bank Indonesia, the new post office and governor’s office and residences are substantial.
SENGGIGI: Senggigi is the most developed tourist area on Lombok, all the tourist facilities are here, plus a range of top-end and mid-range accommodation. Senggigi has fine beaches, although they slope very steeply into the water. There are some snorkeling off the point and in the sheltered bay around the headland. The beautiful sunset over Lombok Strait can be enjoyed from the beach. As the darkness comes, the lights of fishing boats look like a little city just off shore.
GILI ISLANDS: Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gilio Meno are three small, coral-fringed islands situated off the north-west of Lombok. These islands have superb, white sany beaches, clear water coarl reefs, brilliantly colored fish, and the best snorkeling on Lombok.
BATU BOLONG TEMPLE: Is a temple on rocky point which just into the sea. The rock on which its seats has a natural hole, giving the temple its name (which literally means ‘rock with hole’. Being a Balinese Temple, it’s oriented toward Gunung Agung, Bali’s holiest mountain, across the Lombok Strait.
MAYURA WATER PALACE: Is an artificial lake with an open-sided floating pavilion that was built in 1744 and once was a part of the royal court of Balinese Kingdom. The pavilion is connected to the shore by a raised footpath and was used both as the court of justice and a meeting place for the Hindu lords. Today the palace grounds are used to for offerings and the occasional cockfight. It’s a pleasant retreat these days but in 1894 this was the site of bloody battles as Dutch and Balinese forces fought over control Lombok.
PURA MERU: Directly opposite the water palace, Pura Meru is the largest temple on Lombok. It was built in 1720, under the patronage of Balinese price, Anak Agung Made Karang, as an attempt to unite all the small kingdoms on Lombok. Intended as a symbol of the universe, the temple is dedicated to to the Hindu’s trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
NARMADA: Was constructed in 1805, by the King of Mataram. Laid out as a miniature replica of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake and it has Pura Kalasa, a Baslinese Temple that still use for Pujawali celebration to honor God Batara, who dwells on Gunung Rinjani.
LINGSAR: It is a large temple complex, said to have been built in 1714 for both Hindu and Wektu Telu religions. The Hindu’s temple is on the northern section, little hinger and the Wektu Telu’s temple is on the southern section.
SURANADI: Set in pleasant gardens, is noted for its bubling, icy cold spring water and restored baths with ornate Balinese carvings and it has one of the holiest temple on Lombok.
BANYUMULEK & PENUNJAK: The main traditional Gerabah pottery industries of Lombok. The pottery are made from a local clay with simplest of techniques. It is a rich terracotta color, unglazed but hand burnished to a lovely soft sheen.
SUKARARE: The small village of Sukarare is a traditional weaving center. There’s such a variety of style, quality and size.
REMBITAN & SADE: These are two of Sasak Village of Lombok. Both has an authentic cluster of thatched houses and Lumbung (the traditional rice barns and an architectural symbol of Lombok) surrounded by a wooden fence.
KUTA BEACH: Is the best known place on the south coast of Lombok. There is a magnificent stretch of white sand and blue sea with rugged hills raise around it. Local people flock to Kuta Beach for a yearly traditional festival of Nyale fishing celebration. This is a festival when hundred of Sasaks gather on the beach to catch the worm-like ‘Nyale Fish’, a good catch is a sign that the rice harvest will also be good.
raziey
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Trailing the Treasure Island of Lombok
Lombok Island is a mere 25-minute flight east from the island of Bali or a 2-hour, direct flight from Singapore. But don’t let the flight time fool you-flying to Lombok is like being transported to a different era.
Like Bali, it has a beautiful surfing beach named Kuta. But unlike Kuta in Bali, which is densely populated with hotels ranging from the local inns to the five-star hotels, the Kuta beach in Lombok is remote and ideal for honeymooners. There is only one five-star hotel there where most up-market tourists stay.
Near the beach are several Sasak villages where the native Sasak people live. Their ancestors migrated to the island from the ancient Hindu Majapahit Kingdom in East Java at the end of the 14th century. Though the majority of the Sasak today are Moslems, anthropologists have noted that their language, songs, and dances show a strong link with the Hindu and Buddhist cultures that once dominated the Indonesian archipelago.
The Sasak people are among one of the many underdeveloped groups in Indonesia. Not many adults can speak the national language, Bahasa Indonesia. The majority of them are wet-rice farmers, though in some villages, many work as pottery makers. I once visited a village near the beach. The village was so picturesque. There were some Sasak women sitting on the veranda of their traditional Sasak huts, preparing food for their family’s lunch. I was trying to speak some Bahasa Indonesia to them, but they did not seem to understand. Finally, my guide translated my questions to them in the Sasak language.
Like Bali, it has a beautiful surfing beach named Kuta. But unlike Kuta in Bali, which is densely populated with hotels ranging from the local inns to the five-star hotels, the Kuta beach in Lombok is remote and ideal for honeymooners. There is only one five-star hotel there where most up-market tourists stay.
Near the beach are several Sasak villages where the native Sasak people live. Their ancestors migrated to the island from the ancient Hindu Majapahit Kingdom in East Java at the end of the 14th century. Though the majority of the Sasak today are Moslems, anthropologists have noted that their language, songs, and dances show a strong link with the Hindu and Buddhist cultures that once dominated the Indonesian archipelago.
The Sasak people are among one of the many underdeveloped groups in Indonesia. Not many adults can speak the national language, Bahasa Indonesia. The majority of them are wet-rice farmers, though in some villages, many work as pottery makers. I once visited a village near the beach. The village was so picturesque. There were some Sasak women sitting on the veranda of their traditional Sasak huts, preparing food for their family’s lunch. I was trying to speak some Bahasa Indonesia to them, but they did not seem to understand. Finally, my guide translated my questions to them in the Sasak language.
Another time, I was visiting a pottery village in the western part of Lombok. The signs of abject poverty is quite obvious here. The children were running to and fro in torn and dirty clothes. They were following us, the tourists, merrily while we roamed around their village. "There are not many tourists visiting the villages nowadays," our guide told us.
He explained that the 9/11 tragedy in New York also had an impact on this small village of Lombok. There are a fewer number of tourists visiting Indonesia and Lombok since the catastrophe. The situation worsened with the Bali bombing that shocked the world in October 2002 and the SARS issue that hit Asia severely soon afterward.
The guide’s explanation matches the World Bank’s assessment of Indonesia that was issued after the Bali bombing. The assessment, produced before the SARS issue hit Asia, says that though the Bali bombing hit Bali the most, the impact also affects those villages that are also tourism dependant, like those in Lombok. The poverty rate was expected to increase to about 16.7 percent in 2003 from the 16 percent in 2000, rather than declining to the 15 percent that was projected before the bombing.
"The people in this village used to sell many of their terracotas to the retailers in Bali. Presently, only a small number of these terracotas can be sold," my guide told us. He also said that the price of the Sasak’s terracotas sold in Bali can be ten times more than those sold directly in the Lombok’s villages.
I’m not sure whether the guide was exaggerating, but it is easy to believe considering the current difficult situation. In my second visit to Lombok, in 1999, I bought a beautiful terracota candleholder at a cheap price in one of these pottery villages. A few days later, I flew back to Bali and found exactly the same stuff with similar design and colour sold by some art shops in Kuta beach Bali. The art shop’s prices were around three times as much as the one I bought directly in the Lombok pottery village.
I like Lombok pottery because the brownish colour of their terracota is darker and gives the impression of being ancient more so than those usually produced in other parts of Indonesia.
Unlike its lush neighbour of Bali, the majority of the land in Lombok is much drier and rugged like the Australian outback. The 19th century naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, theorized that there lies a border that divides the Asian ecosphere with its flora and fauna, from the Australian zone which has different kinds of species. This imaginary boundary is located between Bali and Lombok and is called the Wallace Line. It probably explains the uniqueness and the high quality of clay materials used for making pottery in Lombok.
Wallace’s theory also explains the fact that though the island is dry, its weather, especially in the Senggigi bay area, is much cooler than Bali. Senggigi is a four-kilometer strip of beach front, restaurants, and luxury resorts. Located about half an hour ride by car from the airport, it was first established and developed as a tourists area in 1986 by the Indonesian government. The majority of the four- and five-star hotels in the island are located here. Its fame comes mostly from the breathtaking view of its bay facing the Lombok strait, which is also paralleled by the lush hills that blow a cool breeze to the whole Senggigi area.
My favourite activity in Senggigi is cycling along its hilly landscape and watching the beautiful sunset gleaming faintly at the Lombok strait from the top of the hills. In the morning, cycling to the eastern part of Senggigi is usually an option that satisfies my hunger for natural beauty. With the azure sky as the backdrop, the misty Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred mountain in Bali, can be clearly seen from the distance.
During my latest trip to Lombok, I noticed a cluster of bamboo structures offshore in the water nearby Senggigi. At first, I first they were the sea-fish hatcheries, but later I learned that they were pearl farms that produce high-quality pearls.
"Lombok is renowned for its pearls. There are about 15 pearl companies here. Most of them are internationally-owned as it requires a lot of capital to build a pearl farm. Many consider the quality of the pearls here as one of the best in the world," explained my guide when I asked him about it. Inilah Lombok, a magazine published by the Lombok promotion body, says that there are two kinds of pearls sold on the island: salt-water pearls and fresh-water ones.
"Salt-water pearls are generally more expensive and of higher quality than freshwater pearls. They have a good luster and the shape is more round. The more perfectly round the pearl, the more expensive it is. Meanwhile, the fresh-water pearls are characterised by their ‘imperfect’ appearance, having a striated surface and asymmetrical natural shapes," according to the magazine.
I never knew about this beforehand. So it was quite a coincidence that some beach-hawkers offered me these pearls the same day I noticed the existence of those pearl farms. The hawkers were selling both the fresh-water and salt-water pearls for quite a fair price. However, since I do not understand much about pearls, I was not sure whether they were real or fake. Later, I learned that there are some pearl shops along the way to the airport. It is indeed a hidden treasure unknown to many people, even to Indonesians.
I believe there are many more ‘hidden treasures’ in Lombok. From a hotelier in Senggigi, I learned about the secluded Moyo island, a short, 20-minute flight east of Lombok. There is a highly up-market resort in the isle where internationally renowned celebrities like to spend time. The late Princess Diana once spent her holiday there for almost two weeks before the paparazzi finally found her.
Besides the internationally famous Moyo isle, there are other small isles near Lombok, such as the Gilis (Gili means ’small isle’ in the Sasak language). The biggest one is Gili Trawangan where the only international-standard hotel resides. The other ones are Gili Air and Gili Meno where various cheap inns provide shelter mostly for the backpackers visiting the isles.
I was surprised to see the internet cafes in Gili Trawangan during my last visit there. The isle is not that secluded from the outer world anymore. The Gilis offshore are the perfect places for snorkeling and diving. Guy Buckles, in his book "The Dive Sites of Indonesia," mentions at least six diving sites around the Gilis, which range from average to first class as well as two snorkeling sites that range from good to highly recommended.
Just like on the mainland, Lombok, the number of tourists visiting these isles is also dropping significantly. To some extent, it gives a nice feeling, like you own the whole isle for yourself with only a few neighbours around, but I also realize that this situation is not advantageous for many of the locals whose livelihood depends on tourism.
I believe, it is a high time to visit and re-visit Lombok and search for its hidden ‘treasures.’ (Bajang Zul)
raziey
Fish & Surf in Kuta Lombok
Driving far south on Lombok you will eventually reach the small village of Kuta, about 54 km south of Mataram. This is the only area on the south coast which has some tourism of any significance, but must not be compared to Kuta on Bali. This place is much more quiet with only a fraction of the tourists and facilities, but there are some plans to continue to develop the southern coast with some large luxury hotels. Kuta is great as a base for exploration of the southern parts of Lombok, here you find traditional Sasak villages (like Sade), remote and beautiful beaches, mountains and cliffs. Beaches nearby are Putri Nyale on Kuta, Seger and Tanjung Aan. This place has no nightlife, unless you arrange some yourself. Kuta has a certain reputation among surfers as there are good surfing conditions on the reef and further west of Kuta.Traditionally this is a fishing village, and the yearly Nyale fishing festival is arranged here in February or March. The festival will draw hundreds of local Sasak people to the beach and starts on the 19th day of the tenth month of the Sasak calendar. The wormlike Nyale fish will then surface and the festivities can start with a lot of singing and fun activities. The first fish will normally be cached during dusk, and eaten raw or grilled it is considered as a good aphrodisiac, a good catch is also a sign of a good rice harvest. The facilities here are largely of simple standard, maybe too simple for some, but two-three hotels are quite acceptable. Not far from Kuta there is a new hotel built by Novotel in traditional Sasak style on the outside, and luxurious inside. The location is beautiful in a remote, peaceful bay. This is the first large, high standard hotel built in south Lombok, and is probably just a start of something which (unfortunately) in some years will become a major tourist spot on Lombok. A new international airport is also planned not far from here, but is on hold due to the financial crisis. The roads here are of low standard, especially in the rainy season. To be flexible it is a good idea to rent a car to get around the area, but most of the larger hotels also offer their own transport to the most popular beaches.
Taken from bjorn
raziey
LOMBOK
Ogoh Ogoh Parade
One day before the Hindu new year, the Hindu people in Lombok have a Tawur Kesanga ritual which mean to purify Bhuana Agung (macrocosmos) and Bhuana Alit (microcosmos) as well as naturalize negative power from Bhuta Kala. The Tawur Kesanga ritual is usually held in West Lombok and Mataram city during Tileming Sasih Kesanga. The Tawur Kesanga ritual usually begins with the Ogoh ogoh parade. An Ogoh ogoh is statue to visualize Bhuta Kala. This statue is to give more focus to people throughout the Tawur Kesanga ritual. During the Ogoh ogoh parade the statue is spun around before being faced in the right direction. after that the statue is cremated to ensure that the bad spirit won’t disturb the people again.
Male’an Sampi
Male’an Sampi is highly exciting Lombok tradition that always has the power to draw a crowed. The event is actually a series of cattle race held on a water logged race track 100 meters long. The local Sasak language the meaning of Male’an Sampi can be divided into two world, male’an meaning to chase and sampi meaning cow. Male’an Sampi is a favorite pastime for farmers and cattle breeders in West Lombok. This event is usually held at the planting season when the farm is empty and the farmers and cattle breeders get together to stage the race.
Gendang Beleq Festival
The Gendang Beleq Dance is one of Lombok’s famous local dances. it is so named because the musicians beat a huge (beleq) drum (gendang) that set the well – defined ‘Lombok’ rhythm to which the dancers perform. in the olden days this dances was performed to say goodbye to soldiers heading for the battlefield and again when they were welcomed home. this dance whit it’s distinct sound is now performed to welcome important guest.
Senggigi Festival
Senggigi festival is a week of cultural events to promote Lombok tourism, which will be held in the Senggigi Resort area and organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture West lombok, artist and cultural observer and by tour agencies. During this event, all the color of Lombok’s arte and culture are brought together in one central location so as to be easily experience by all. Domestic and overseas guest are invited to join the event. Some important event that are going to be present include.
Painting Kite Competition
This event is oven for everyone, especially children. it’s designed to incurage children to explore they imagination and aspiration through they talent which is paint.
English Speech Competition
The competition is designed to encourage the younger generation to use more English. Especially since West Lombok relies on tourism. The more people who can speech English means more information can be given to tourist.
Stick Fighting Festival
Manhood and heroism is a total criteria are shown into a game called Perisean. The fighter called Pepadu use a stick as a tool to fight and perisae which made of Cow’s skin as a shade to protect themselves from getting hurt. Sportive is becoming the main requirement in this game with a referee called “Pekambar” will act as a judge. A simple traditional music will accompanied this game as a spirit lifter. it is usually held during the dry season. This game is also a performance to ask for the rain from the God.
Takbir Competition
Takbir is a praised to GOD, because Muslim people have completed one month fasting period, and was successful in suppressing they passion. Those happiness showed through a Takbir and Tahmid and play in a mosques. And after a while, Takbir and Tahmid are shown as a parade. Takbir is paraded at the end of the fasting month after the last breakfast.
Lebaran Topat
Lebaran Topat is a cultural event related to the Moslem religion in Lombok. Lebaran Topat as the tradition to celebrate Lebaran and recreation by bringing traditional food “Topat” with variety of side dishes including vegetables, it’s held in the 7 day after Idul Fitri. Lebaran Topat is Held particularly in the West Lombok, started to pray to happiness and prosperity in the mosque, musholla, family grave yard and followed by recreation along the coast line, the traditional food “topat” and variety of side dishes including vegetable dishes.
Mulang Pekelem – Mt. Rinjani
The Balinese Hindu are have been in Lombok since event though they live in Lombok over generation they are still maintain their culture and tradition. One of the tradition is Ngaturang Peklem at Lake Segara Anak, Mt. Rinjani. Pekelem means gives some offering to God like gold and buffalo heads as a expression of gratitude to god for his blessing everything in life. Thousand of pilgrimate will go up to Lake Segara Anak, some times pilgrimate as the far as Bali will come to this event. beautiful panorama of Mt. Rinjani will make them keep coming back next year.
Perang Topat
Perang Topat (Rice cake War) is a ritual ceremony which is performed as a expression og gratitude to God for his blessing of fertile soil plentiful agriculture produce. This event is performed in Lingsar Park by both Hindus and Sasaks, who throw rice cakes “topat” at each other. The show begins at 16.30 p.m after Pedande Mapuja, when the Waru flower fall (Rorok Kembang Waru). The ceremony is usually held every year at the time of sixth full moon (according to the Sasak calendar) some time in November or December. Topat is a plating if coconut leaves filled with rice and boiled.
Taken From Lombok Villas
Ogoh Ogoh Parade
One day before the Hindu new year, the Hindu people in Lombok have a Tawur Kesanga ritual which mean to purify Bhuana Agung (macrocosmos) and Bhuana Alit (microcosmos) as well as naturalize negative power from Bhuta Kala. The Tawur Kesanga ritual is usually held in West Lombok and Mataram city during Tileming Sasih Kesanga. The Tawur Kesanga ritual usually begins with the Ogoh ogoh parade. An Ogoh ogoh is statue to visualize Bhuta Kala. This statue is to give more focus to people throughout the Tawur Kesanga ritual. During the Ogoh ogoh parade the statue is spun around before being faced in the right direction. after that the statue is cremated to ensure that the bad spirit won’t disturb the people again.
Male’an Sampi
Male’an Sampi is highly exciting Lombok tradition that always has the power to draw a crowed. The event is actually a series of cattle race held on a water logged race track 100 meters long. The local Sasak language the meaning of Male’an Sampi can be divided into two world, male’an meaning to chase and sampi meaning cow. Male’an Sampi is a favorite pastime for farmers and cattle breeders in West Lombok. This event is usually held at the planting season when the farm is empty and the farmers and cattle breeders get together to stage the race.
Gendang Beleq Festival
The Gendang Beleq Dance is one of Lombok’s famous local dances. it is so named because the musicians beat a huge (beleq) drum (gendang) that set the well – defined ‘Lombok’ rhythm to which the dancers perform. in the olden days this dances was performed to say goodbye to soldiers heading for the battlefield and again when they were welcomed home. this dance whit it’s distinct sound is now performed to welcome important guest.
Senggigi Festival
Senggigi festival is a week of cultural events to promote Lombok tourism, which will be held in the Senggigi Resort area and organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture West lombok, artist and cultural observer and by tour agencies. During this event, all the color of Lombok’s arte and culture are brought together in one central location so as to be easily experience by all. Domestic and overseas guest are invited to join the event. Some important event that are going to be present include.
Painting Kite Competition
This event is oven for everyone, especially children. it’s designed to incurage children to explore they imagination and aspiration through they talent which is paint.
English Speech Competition
The competition is designed to encourage the younger generation to use more English. Especially since West Lombok relies on tourism. The more people who can speech English means more information can be given to tourist.
Stick Fighting Festival
Manhood and heroism is a total criteria are shown into a game called Perisean. The fighter called Pepadu use a stick as a tool to fight and perisae which made of Cow’s skin as a shade to protect themselves from getting hurt. Sportive is becoming the main requirement in this game with a referee called “Pekambar” will act as a judge. A simple traditional music will accompanied this game as a spirit lifter. it is usually held during the dry season. This game is also a performance to ask for the rain from the God.
Takbir Competition
Takbir is a praised to GOD, because Muslim people have completed one month fasting period, and was successful in suppressing they passion. Those happiness showed through a Takbir and Tahmid and play in a mosques. And after a while, Takbir and Tahmid are shown as a parade. Takbir is paraded at the end of the fasting month after the last breakfast.
Lebaran Topat
Lebaran Topat is a cultural event related to the Moslem religion in Lombok. Lebaran Topat as the tradition to celebrate Lebaran and recreation by bringing traditional food “Topat” with variety of side dishes including vegetables, it’s held in the 7 day after Idul Fitri. Lebaran Topat is Held particularly in the West Lombok, started to pray to happiness and prosperity in the mosque, musholla, family grave yard and followed by recreation along the coast line, the traditional food “topat” and variety of side dishes including vegetable dishes.
Mulang Pekelem – Mt. Rinjani
The Balinese Hindu are have been in Lombok since event though they live in Lombok over generation they are still maintain their culture and tradition. One of the tradition is Ngaturang Peklem at Lake Segara Anak, Mt. Rinjani. Pekelem means gives some offering to God like gold and buffalo heads as a expression of gratitude to god for his blessing everything in life. Thousand of pilgrimate will go up to Lake Segara Anak, some times pilgrimate as the far as Bali will come to this event. beautiful panorama of Mt. Rinjani will make them keep coming back next year.
Perang Topat
Perang Topat (Rice cake War) is a ritual ceremony which is performed as a expression og gratitude to God for his blessing of fertile soil plentiful agriculture produce. This event is performed in Lingsar Park by both Hindus and Sasaks, who throw rice cakes “topat” at each other. The show begins at 16.30 p.m after Pedande Mapuja, when the Waru flower fall (Rorok Kembang Waru). The ceremony is usually held every year at the time of sixth full moon (according to the Sasak calendar) some time in November or December. Topat is a plating if coconut leaves filled with rice and boiled.
Taken From Lombok Villas
raziey
Lombok'ಸ Event
Ogoh Ogoh Parade
One day before the Hindu new year, the Hindu people in Lombok have a Tawur Kesanga ritual which mean to purify Bhuana Agung (macrocosmos) and Bhuana Alit (microcosmos) as well as naturalize negative power from Bhuta Kala. The Tawur Kesanga ritual is usually held in West Lombok and Mataram city during Tileming Sasih Kesanga. The Tawur Kesanga ritual usually begins with the Ogoh ogoh parade. An Ogoh ogoh is statue to visualize Bhuta Kala. This statue is to give more focus to people throughout the Tawur Kesanga ritual. During the Ogoh ogoh parade the statue is spun around before being faced in the right direction. after that the statue is cremated to ensure that the bad spirit won’t disturb the people again.
Male’an Sampi
Male’an Sampi is highly exciting Lombok tradition that always has the power to draw a crowed. The event is actually a series of cattle race held on a water logged race track 100 meters long. The local Sasak language the meaning of Male’an Sampi can be divided into two world, male’an meaning to chase and sampi meaning cow. Male’an Sampi is a favorite pastime for farmers and cattle breeders in West Lombok. This event is usually held at the planting season when the farm is empty and the farmers and cattle breeders get together to stage the race.
Gendang Beleq Festival
The Gendang Beleq Dance is one of Lombok’s famous local dances. it is so named because the musicians beat a huge (beleq) drum (gendang) that set the well – defined ‘Lombok’ rhythm to which the dancers perform. in the olden days this dances was performed to say goodbye to soldiers heading for the battlefield and again when they were welcomed home. this dance whit it’s distinct sound is now performed to welcome important guest.
Senggigi Festival
Senggigi festival is a week of cultural events to promote Lombok tourism, which will be held in the Senggigi Resort area and organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture West lombok, artist and cultural observer and by tour agencies. During this event, all the color of Lombok’s arte and culture are brought together in one central location so as to be easily experience by all. Domestic and overseas guest are invited to join the event. Some important event that are going to be present include.
Painting Kite Competition
This event is oven for everyone, especially children. it’s designed to incurage children to explore they imagination and aspiration through they talent which is paint.
English Speech Competition
The competition is designed to encourage the younger generation to use more English. Especially since West Lombok relies on tourism. The more people who can speech English means more information can be given to tourist.
Stick Fighting Festival
Manhood and heroism is a total criteria are shown into a game called Perisean. The fighter called Pepadu use a stick as a tool to fight and perisae which made of Cow’s skin as a shade to protect themselves from getting hurt. Sportive is becoming the main requirement in this game with a referee called “Pekambar” will act as a judge. A simple traditional music will accompanied this game as a spirit lifter. it is usually held during the dry season. This game is also a performance to ask for the rain from the God.
Takbir Competition
Takbir is a praised to GOD, because Muslim people have completed one month fasting period, and was successful in suppressing they passion. Those happiness showed through a Takbir and Tahmid and play in a mosques. And after a while, Takbir and Tahmid are shown as a parade. Takbir is paraded at the end of the fasting month after the last breakfast.
Lebaran Topat
Lebaran Topat is a cultural event related to the Moslem religion in Lombok. Lebaran Topat as the tradition to celebrate Lebaran and recreation by bringing traditional food “Topat” with variety of side dishes including vegetables, it’s held in the 7 day after Idul Fitri. Lebaran Topat is Held particularly in the West Lombok, started to pray to happiness and prosperity in the mosque, musholla, family grave yard and followed by recreation along the coast line, the traditional food “topat” and variety of side dishes including vegetable dishes.
Mulang Pekelem – Mt. Rinjani
The Balinese Hindu are have been in Lombok since event though they live in Lombok over generation they are still maintain their culture and tradition. One of the tradition is Ngaturang Peklem at Lake Segara Anak, Mt. Rinjani. Pekelem means gives some offering to God like gold and buffalo heads as a expression of gratitude to god for his blessing everything in life. Thousand of pilgrimate will go up to Lake Segara Anak, some times pilgrimate as the far as Bali will come to this event. beautiful panorama of Mt. Rinjani will make them keep coming back next year.
Perang Topat
Perang Topat (Rice cake War) is a ritual ceremony which is performed as a expression og gratitude to God for his blessing of fertile soil plentiful agriculture produce. This event is performed in Lingsar Park by both Hindus and Sasaks, who throw rice cakes “topat” at each other. The show begins at 16.30 p.m after Pedande Mapuja, when the Waru flower fall (Rorok Kembang Waru). The ceremony is usually held every year at the time of sixth full moon (according to the Sasak calendar) some time in November or December. Topat is a plating if coconut leaves filled with rice and boiled.
Taken From Lombok Villas
Ogoh Ogoh Parade
One day before the Hindu new year, the Hindu people in Lombok have a Tawur Kesanga ritual which mean to purify Bhuana Agung (macrocosmos) and Bhuana Alit (microcosmos) as well as naturalize negative power from Bhuta Kala. The Tawur Kesanga ritual is usually held in West Lombok and Mataram city during Tileming Sasih Kesanga. The Tawur Kesanga ritual usually begins with the Ogoh ogoh parade. An Ogoh ogoh is statue to visualize Bhuta Kala. This statue is to give more focus to people throughout the Tawur Kesanga ritual. During the Ogoh ogoh parade the statue is spun around before being faced in the right direction. after that the statue is cremated to ensure that the bad spirit won’t disturb the people again.
Male’an Sampi
Male’an Sampi is highly exciting Lombok tradition that always has the power to draw a crowed. The event is actually a series of cattle race held on a water logged race track 100 meters long. The local Sasak language the meaning of Male’an Sampi can be divided into two world, male’an meaning to chase and sampi meaning cow. Male’an Sampi is a favorite pastime for farmers and cattle breeders in West Lombok. This event is usually held at the planting season when the farm is empty and the farmers and cattle breeders get together to stage the race.
Gendang Beleq Festival
The Gendang Beleq Dance is one of Lombok’s famous local dances. it is so named because the musicians beat a huge (beleq) drum (gendang) that set the well – defined ‘Lombok’ rhythm to which the dancers perform. in the olden days this dances was performed to say goodbye to soldiers heading for the battlefield and again when they were welcomed home. this dance whit it’s distinct sound is now performed to welcome important guest.
Senggigi Festival
Senggigi festival is a week of cultural events to promote Lombok tourism, which will be held in the Senggigi Resort area and organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture West lombok, artist and cultural observer and by tour agencies. During this event, all the color of Lombok’s arte and culture are brought together in one central location so as to be easily experience by all. Domestic and overseas guest are invited to join the event. Some important event that are going to be present include.
Painting Kite Competition
This event is oven for everyone, especially children. it’s designed to incurage children to explore they imagination and aspiration through they talent which is paint.
English Speech Competition
The competition is designed to encourage the younger generation to use more English. Especially since West Lombok relies on tourism. The more people who can speech English means more information can be given to tourist.
Stick Fighting Festival
Manhood and heroism is a total criteria are shown into a game called Perisean. The fighter called Pepadu use a stick as a tool to fight and perisae which made of Cow’s skin as a shade to protect themselves from getting hurt. Sportive is becoming the main requirement in this game with a referee called “Pekambar” will act as a judge. A simple traditional music will accompanied this game as a spirit lifter. it is usually held during the dry season. This game is also a performance to ask for the rain from the God.
Takbir Competition
Takbir is a praised to GOD, because Muslim people have completed one month fasting period, and was successful in suppressing they passion. Those happiness showed through a Takbir and Tahmid and play in a mosques. And after a while, Takbir and Tahmid are shown as a parade. Takbir is paraded at the end of the fasting month after the last breakfast.
Lebaran Topat
Lebaran Topat is a cultural event related to the Moslem religion in Lombok. Lebaran Topat as the tradition to celebrate Lebaran and recreation by bringing traditional food “Topat” with variety of side dishes including vegetables, it’s held in the 7 day after Idul Fitri. Lebaran Topat is Held particularly in the West Lombok, started to pray to happiness and prosperity in the mosque, musholla, family grave yard and followed by recreation along the coast line, the traditional food “topat” and variety of side dishes including vegetable dishes.
Mulang Pekelem – Mt. Rinjani
The Balinese Hindu are have been in Lombok since event though they live in Lombok over generation they are still maintain their culture and tradition. One of the tradition is Ngaturang Peklem at Lake Segara Anak, Mt. Rinjani. Pekelem means gives some offering to God like gold and buffalo heads as a expression of gratitude to god for his blessing everything in life. Thousand of pilgrimate will go up to Lake Segara Anak, some times pilgrimate as the far as Bali will come to this event. beautiful panorama of Mt. Rinjani will make them keep coming back next year.
Perang Topat
Perang Topat (Rice cake War) is a ritual ceremony which is performed as a expression og gratitude to God for his blessing of fertile soil plentiful agriculture produce. This event is performed in Lingsar Park by both Hindus and Sasaks, who throw rice cakes “topat” at each other. The show begins at 16.30 p.m after Pedande Mapuja, when the Waru flower fall (Rorok Kembang Waru). The ceremony is usually held every year at the time of sixth full moon (according to the Sasak calendar) some time in November or December. Topat is a plating if coconut leaves filled with rice and boiled.
Taken From Lombok Villas
raziey
ACEH
ACEH
Aceh is a region on the northern tip of Sumatra. Aceh first rose to importance as a center of resistance to the Portuguese. Aceh went into decline when the Dutch established a presence in Malacca.
It was used as a counter to the Dutch by the British, and an Anglo-Dutch treaty guaranteed Aceh's independence in 1824. In 1871, the Treaty of Sumatra gave the Dutch a free hand in Aceh in return for recognition of British rights in the Horn of Africa. The Dutch invaded Aceh in 1873. While the Dutch gained control of the cities, they could not project their power into the countryside. Major war lead by strong Acehnese resistance leaders ended in 1912. Outside main cities, guerrilla war continued until 1942.
Overview
Chinese chronicles from as early as the sixth century speak of a Buddhist kingdom called Po-Li on the northern tip of what is now Sumatra. Arabic writings and Indian inscriptions from around the 9th century also mention this area and its obvious importance.
Of all the regions in Indonesia, Aceh, at the northwestern end of Sumatra, is the first to have contact and be influenced by the outside world. Ironically, it is still one of the least known regions of Indonesia, even among Indonesians themselves.
Aceh has a fascinating history which over the centuries has shaped and transformed the region into what it is today. In 1292, Marco Polo, on his epic voyage from China visited Sumatra on his way to Persia and reported that in the northern part of the island there were as many as six busy trading ports including Perlak, Samudera and Lamri. Islamic writings and Indian inscriptions from around the ninth century also name the area and its importance, primarily as a busy and highly strategic trading posts.
The first Islamic kingdom of Perlak was established in the year 804 about 100 years after Islam is first believed to have reached the archipelago. In 1511, the Portuguese seized the important strategic port of Malacca, pushing many Asian and Arabic traders to call instead on the developing port of Aceh, bringing with them wealth and prosperity. Aceh's dominance in trade and politics in northern parts of Sumatra and in the entire region had begun and would last until it reached its zenith between 1610 and 1640.
Aceh's decline began with the death of Sultan Iskandar Thani in 1641, and as a result the British and Dutch both began vying for domination of the area. Eventually the signing of the London Treaty in 1824 saw the Dutch gain control of all British possessions in Sumatra in return for their surrender of enterprises in India and withdrawal of all claims on Singapore.
The Dutch found gaining control of Aceh to be more difficult than they had anticipated. It was a long drawn out struggle for the Dutch in their attempts to subdue the recalcitrant Acehnese. The Aceh War, which lasted intermittently from 1873 to 1942, was the longest ever fought by Holland.
From Po-Li to Aceh Darussalam
"The city of Achin, if you could call it a city, is incredibly spread out, and is built in the forest itself in such a way that no even one home is visible until we find ourselves directly in front of it. And everywhere we went there were houses and people, so that I felt that the city covered the whole land," John Davis, a British observer on a Dutch ship which visited Aceh in 1600 AD wrote. The kingdom of Aceh he spoke of was ruled by Alaidin Riayat Syah.
The history of the Liang Dynasty of China (506-556) spoke of a kingdom called Po-Li to be found on the northern tip of Sumatra. This same kingdom was again mentioned in the history of Sui Dynasty (581-671). "The people in this land are masters at throwing a disk, about the size of a small mirror, whose edges are cerated and sharp, and in whose center a hole is cut. If they throw this weapon they never miss. The other weapons they use are much the same as those existing in China."
In the history of the T'ang Dynasty (618-906) the existence of this kingdom is listed in Book 222. "There is also found a bird called s'ari, which can understand the speech of man. It is black, with a read head, and claws like those of an eagle." The bird referred to was the minah (Gracula religoisa).
Several Arabic writings of the early 9th century also mention an area called Rami or Ramni, and sometimes Lambri. "On that island - I am referring to Lambri - there are many elephants. There is also sapang wood, bamboo and a tribe of cannibals," the Arab notes report. And most experts agree that the positioning of the area indicated is that of what is now known as Northern Sumatra.
In an inscription found in Tanjore, India which was carved in around 1030-31, the name Ilamuridesam is used to refer to a place near Manakkavaram (Greater Nickobar island). Texts from 13th century China also refer to a country called Lan-Wuli or Lan-Li. All these names are very similar to Lamuri, which was mentioned in earlier reports.
At the end of the 13th century, Marco Polo, the adventurer from Venice reported that in the northern part of Sumatra there were to be found as many as 6 trading ports. These were Ferlec, Basman, Smudra, Dagroian, Fansur and Lambri. The name Lamuri was also refered to by Arab explorers like Ibn Sa'id (end of the 13th century), Rasyid ad-Din (1310), and Abulfide (1273-1331). And in 1323 the Christian Father Odoric de Pordenone angrily wrote of the habits of the people of Lamuri, whom he described as savages because they practiced poligamy and cannibalism.
Cheng-Ho, and admiral serving the emperor of China of the Ming Dynasty, in the first part of Sumatra: A-lu (Aru), Su-men-ta-la, or Hsiu-wen-ta-la (Samudra) and Lanwul-li, or Lan-po-li (Lamuri). Concerning Samudra he reported that the region exported precious stones, other kinds of stone, indigo, rhinoceros, pumice stone, gaharu, kalambak, and pucuk wood, cloves, incense, daggers, arches, tin, pepper, sapan wood, belereng and other things. According to the same notes, after a struggle for the throne the name of the region referred to was change to A-tsi (Aceh).
The influence of Hinduism and Buddhism was also felt in this region, but it is not clear when this first occurred. The are is close to India so it is assumed that this influence existed there long before it did in other parts of Sumatra or Java. In the 54th book of the Ling Dynasty history there are several indications that the religion embraced by the king of Po-Li was Buddhism. Several other histories report the presence of Hinduism in Aceh. However it is all but impossible to find any physical sign of this presence, so it is difficult to reconstruct what type of influence India actually had in Aceh. This is probably because of the influence of the Islamic religion in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D.
"All aspects of the culture which were in direct opposition to Islamic law and teachings were wiped out completely" according to A. Hasjmy. Almost all structures and objects related to Indian influence were destroyed and almost no trace at all is left.
According to A. Hajmy the mosque in Indrapuri (Aceh Besar) was built on the foundation of a huge temple. "Its form was similar to that of the Borobudur temple."
The first Islamic kingdoms in Aceh were Perlak, Lamuri and Pasai. The kingdom of Pasai was the first to embrace Islam in Southeast Asia. Two other Islamic kingdoms of Aceh, Samudra Pasai (14th and 15ths centuries) and Aceh Darussalam (16th and 17th centuries), had major impact on the development and expansion of Islam in Indonesia. The religious, philosophic and literary works of the ulemas of Aceh opened up new horizons all over Indonesia.
The name Aceh itself began to be used more definitely around 1520 when Tome Pires of Portugal wrote, "Aceh is the first nation along the coast of Sumatra and is bordered by Lamri, which extends into the interior." Concerning the king of the region Tome Pires refers to him as being a Moslem king with power great enough to bring all of his enemies under control.
Denys Lombard, and expert on the history of Aceh, in his book, "The Kingdoms of Aceh" (1986) speculates that the king referred to was probably Ali Mughayat Syah, who is believed to have been the establisher of Islamic power. This king won the first sea war against the Portuguese in May 1521. Under his rule, and those of his successors, Aceh continued to expand its borders into the whole of Sumatra island and into Semenanjung, Malaysia.
The golden age of Aceh came during the period of kingdom of Aceh Darussalam (Land of Peace) under the rule of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636). According to Ausgustin de Beaulieu, a French admiral, the Aceh kingdom was the strongest of all the neighboring nations in terms of its sea power. In its three main harbors as many as 100 war ships were on the alert and ready to sail at a moment's notice. "A third of them were larger than any war ship ever seen in Christiandom," Beaulieu wrote. He also recorded the information that each ship carried three cannons and 40 tons of shells, and were manned by between 600 and 800 men.
Peter Mundy, a Briton, in 1673 reported that Aceh had an armada of 200 large ships, besides numerous large and small boats with sails made of woven matting or rattan. The Portuguese, the foe of Aceh, called these large Acehnese ships Espanto del Mundo or the "bogey men of the world". These ships were about 100 meters long, with three sails and equipped with 100 guns. "Even though our eyes were accustomed to seeing things of great beauty, we all amazed to see this (the ships)," Faria y Sousa, a Spaniard, who worked for the Portuguese, reported.
On land Aceh's army featured the use of elephants, which were greatly feared. Beaulieu reported that the elephants forces numbered as many as 900. These forces were supported by a cavalry mounted on 200 horses. The Aceh kingdom also had a force of at least 40,000 foot soldiers. With this type of military strength Aceh expanded its territory and successfully fought off the Portuguese in areas as far away as Malacca and Semanjung, Malaysia. Because these forces inspired such confidence the people of Aceh did not bother to build high, thick walls to protect Aceh city. Explorers from Europe who are used to seeing such fortresses in Europe and India were amazed that Aceh had none.
As time passed the Dutch became the threat instead of the Portuguese and Aceh was the only part of Indonesia that had yet to fall under the influence of the colonial forces at the first of 20th century.
The Aceh war (1873-1942) was the most major war ever fought by the Dutch and it claimed over 100,000 lives, including that of the Dutch Major General J.H.R. Kohler.
On Aceh's side many heros and heroines surfaced, many of them dying, during this prolonged struggle, among them being: Teungku Chik di Tiro, Teuku Umar, Cut Nyak Dien, Panglima Polem, Cut Meutia, and many, many more. Aceh was the last region in Indonesia to fall to the Dutch colonial forces, and the first to break away.
Aceh is a region on the northern tip of Sumatra. Aceh first rose to importance as a center of resistance to the Portuguese. Aceh went into decline when the Dutch established a presence in Malacca.
It was used as a counter to the Dutch by the British, and an Anglo-Dutch treaty guaranteed Aceh's independence in 1824. In 1871, the Treaty of Sumatra gave the Dutch a free hand in Aceh in return for recognition of British rights in the Horn of Africa. The Dutch invaded Aceh in 1873. While the Dutch gained control of the cities, they could not project their power into the countryside. Major war lead by strong Acehnese resistance leaders ended in 1912. Outside main cities, guerrilla war continued until 1942.
Overview
Chinese chronicles from as early as the sixth century speak of a Buddhist kingdom called Po-Li on the northern tip of what is now Sumatra. Arabic writings and Indian inscriptions from around the 9th century also mention this area and its obvious importance.
Of all the regions in Indonesia, Aceh, at the northwestern end of Sumatra, is the first to have contact and be influenced by the outside world. Ironically, it is still one of the least known regions of Indonesia, even among Indonesians themselves.
Aceh has a fascinating history which over the centuries has shaped and transformed the region into what it is today. In 1292, Marco Polo, on his epic voyage from China visited Sumatra on his way to Persia and reported that in the northern part of the island there were as many as six busy trading ports including Perlak, Samudera and Lamri. Islamic writings and Indian inscriptions from around the ninth century also name the area and its importance, primarily as a busy and highly strategic trading posts.
The first Islamic kingdom of Perlak was established in the year 804 about 100 years after Islam is first believed to have reached the archipelago. In 1511, the Portuguese seized the important strategic port of Malacca, pushing many Asian and Arabic traders to call instead on the developing port of Aceh, bringing with them wealth and prosperity. Aceh's dominance in trade and politics in northern parts of Sumatra and in the entire region had begun and would last until it reached its zenith between 1610 and 1640.
Aceh's decline began with the death of Sultan Iskandar Thani in 1641, and as a result the British and Dutch both began vying for domination of the area. Eventually the signing of the London Treaty in 1824 saw the Dutch gain control of all British possessions in Sumatra in return for their surrender of enterprises in India and withdrawal of all claims on Singapore.
The Dutch found gaining control of Aceh to be more difficult than they had anticipated. It was a long drawn out struggle for the Dutch in their attempts to subdue the recalcitrant Acehnese. The Aceh War, which lasted intermittently from 1873 to 1942, was the longest ever fought by Holland.
From Po-Li to Aceh Darussalam
"The city of Achin, if you could call it a city, is incredibly spread out, and is built in the forest itself in such a way that no even one home is visible until we find ourselves directly in front of it. And everywhere we went there were houses and people, so that I felt that the city covered the whole land," John Davis, a British observer on a Dutch ship which visited Aceh in 1600 AD wrote. The kingdom of Aceh he spoke of was ruled by Alaidin Riayat Syah.
The history of the Liang Dynasty of China (506-556) spoke of a kingdom called Po-Li to be found on the northern tip of Sumatra. This same kingdom was again mentioned in the history of Sui Dynasty (581-671). "The people in this land are masters at throwing a disk, about the size of a small mirror, whose edges are cerated and sharp, and in whose center a hole is cut. If they throw this weapon they never miss. The other weapons they use are much the same as those existing in China."
In the history of the T'ang Dynasty (618-906) the existence of this kingdom is listed in Book 222. "There is also found a bird called s'ari, which can understand the speech of man. It is black, with a read head, and claws like those of an eagle." The bird referred to was the minah (Gracula religoisa).
Several Arabic writings of the early 9th century also mention an area called Rami or Ramni, and sometimes Lambri. "On that island - I am referring to Lambri - there are many elephants. There is also sapang wood, bamboo and a tribe of cannibals," the Arab notes report. And most experts agree that the positioning of the area indicated is that of what is now known as Northern Sumatra.
In an inscription found in Tanjore, India which was carved in around 1030-31, the name Ilamuridesam is used to refer to a place near Manakkavaram (Greater Nickobar island). Texts from 13th century China also refer to a country called Lan-Wuli or Lan-Li. All these names are very similar to Lamuri, which was mentioned in earlier reports.
At the end of the 13th century, Marco Polo, the adventurer from Venice reported that in the northern part of Sumatra there were to be found as many as 6 trading ports. These were Ferlec, Basman, Smudra, Dagroian, Fansur and Lambri. The name Lamuri was also refered to by Arab explorers like Ibn Sa'id (end of the 13th century), Rasyid ad-Din (1310), and Abulfide (1273-1331). And in 1323 the Christian Father Odoric de Pordenone angrily wrote of the habits of the people of Lamuri, whom he described as savages because they practiced poligamy and cannibalism.
Cheng-Ho, and admiral serving the emperor of China of the Ming Dynasty, in the first part of Sumatra: A-lu (Aru), Su-men-ta-la, or Hsiu-wen-ta-la (Samudra) and Lanwul-li, or Lan-po-li (Lamuri). Concerning Samudra he reported that the region exported precious stones, other kinds of stone, indigo, rhinoceros, pumice stone, gaharu, kalambak, and pucuk wood, cloves, incense, daggers, arches, tin, pepper, sapan wood, belereng and other things. According to the same notes, after a struggle for the throne the name of the region referred to was change to A-tsi (Aceh).
The influence of Hinduism and Buddhism was also felt in this region, but it is not clear when this first occurred. The are is close to India so it is assumed that this influence existed there long before it did in other parts of Sumatra or Java. In the 54th book of the Ling Dynasty history there are several indications that the religion embraced by the king of Po-Li was Buddhism. Several other histories report the presence of Hinduism in Aceh. However it is all but impossible to find any physical sign of this presence, so it is difficult to reconstruct what type of influence India actually had in Aceh. This is probably because of the influence of the Islamic religion in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D.
"All aspects of the culture which were in direct opposition to Islamic law and teachings were wiped out completely" according to A. Hasjmy. Almost all structures and objects related to Indian influence were destroyed and almost no trace at all is left.
According to A. Hajmy the mosque in Indrapuri (Aceh Besar) was built on the foundation of a huge temple. "Its form was similar to that of the Borobudur temple."
The first Islamic kingdoms in Aceh were Perlak, Lamuri and Pasai. The kingdom of Pasai was the first to embrace Islam in Southeast Asia. Two other Islamic kingdoms of Aceh, Samudra Pasai (14th and 15ths centuries) and Aceh Darussalam (16th and 17th centuries), had major impact on the development and expansion of Islam in Indonesia. The religious, philosophic and literary works of the ulemas of Aceh opened up new horizons all over Indonesia.
The name Aceh itself began to be used more definitely around 1520 when Tome Pires of Portugal wrote, "Aceh is the first nation along the coast of Sumatra and is bordered by Lamri, which extends into the interior." Concerning the king of the region Tome Pires refers to him as being a Moslem king with power great enough to bring all of his enemies under control.
Denys Lombard, and expert on the history of Aceh, in his book, "The Kingdoms of Aceh" (1986) speculates that the king referred to was probably Ali Mughayat Syah, who is believed to have been the establisher of Islamic power. This king won the first sea war against the Portuguese in May 1521. Under his rule, and those of his successors, Aceh continued to expand its borders into the whole of Sumatra island and into Semenanjung, Malaysia.
The golden age of Aceh came during the period of kingdom of Aceh Darussalam (Land of Peace) under the rule of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607-1636). According to Ausgustin de Beaulieu, a French admiral, the Aceh kingdom was the strongest of all the neighboring nations in terms of its sea power. In its three main harbors as many as 100 war ships were on the alert and ready to sail at a moment's notice. "A third of them were larger than any war ship ever seen in Christiandom," Beaulieu wrote. He also recorded the information that each ship carried three cannons and 40 tons of shells, and were manned by between 600 and 800 men.
Peter Mundy, a Briton, in 1673 reported that Aceh had an armada of 200 large ships, besides numerous large and small boats with sails made of woven matting or rattan. The Portuguese, the foe of Aceh, called these large Acehnese ships Espanto del Mundo or the "bogey men of the world". These ships were about 100 meters long, with three sails and equipped with 100 guns. "Even though our eyes were accustomed to seeing things of great beauty, we all amazed to see this (the ships)," Faria y Sousa, a Spaniard, who worked for the Portuguese, reported.
On land Aceh's army featured the use of elephants, which were greatly feared. Beaulieu reported that the elephants forces numbered as many as 900. These forces were supported by a cavalry mounted on 200 horses. The Aceh kingdom also had a force of at least 40,000 foot soldiers. With this type of military strength Aceh expanded its territory and successfully fought off the Portuguese in areas as far away as Malacca and Semanjung, Malaysia. Because these forces inspired such confidence the people of Aceh did not bother to build high, thick walls to protect Aceh city. Explorers from Europe who are used to seeing such fortresses in Europe and India were amazed that Aceh had none.
As time passed the Dutch became the threat instead of the Portuguese and Aceh was the only part of Indonesia that had yet to fall under the influence of the colonial forces at the first of 20th century.
The Aceh war (1873-1942) was the most major war ever fought by the Dutch and it claimed over 100,000 lives, including that of the Dutch Major General J.H.R. Kohler.
On Aceh's side many heros and heroines surfaced, many of them dying, during this prolonged struggle, among them being: Teungku Chik di Tiro, Teuku Umar, Cut Nyak Dien, Panglima Polem, Cut Meutia, and many, many more. Aceh was the last region in Indonesia to fall to the Dutch colonial forces, and the first to break away.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
JAWA TENGAH
Jawa Tengah adalah sebuah provinsi Indonesia yang terletak di bagian tengah Pulau Jawa. Provinsi ini berbatasan dengan Provinsi Jawa Barat di sebelah barat, Samudra Hindia dan Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta di sebelah selatan, Jawa Timur di sebelah timur, dan Laut Jawa di sebelah utara. Luas wilayahnya 32.548 km², atau sekitar 25,04% dari luas pulau Jawa. Provinsi Jawa Tengah juga meliputi Pulau Nusakambangan di sebelah selatan (dekat dengan perbatasan Jawa Barat), serta Kepulauan Karimun Jawa di Laut Jawa.
Pengertian Jawa Tengah secara geografis dan budaya kadang juga mencakup wilayah Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Jawa Tengah dikenal sebagai "jantung" budaya Jawa. Meskipun demikian di provinsi ini ada pula suku bangsa lain yang memiliki budaya yang berbeda dengan suku Jawa seperti suku Sunda di daerah perbatasan dengan Jawa Barat. Selain ada pula warga Tionghoa-Indonesia, Arab-Indonesia dan India-Indonesia yang tersebar di seluruh provinsi ini.
Transportasi
Jawa Tengah dilalui beberapa ruas jalan nasional, yang meliputi jalur pantura (menghubungkan Jakarta-Semarang-Surabaya-Banyuwangi), jalur Tegal-Purwokerto, jalur lintas selatan (menghubungkan Bandung-Yogyakarta-Surakarta-Madiun-Surabaya), serta jalur Semarang-Solo. Losari, pintu gerbang Jawa Tengah sebelah barat dapat ditempuh 3,5 - 4 jam perjalanan dari
Jawa Tengah merupakan provinsi yang pertama kali mengoperasikan jalur kereta api, yakni pada tahun 1862 dengan rute Semarang-Yogyakarta, namun jalur ini sekarang tidak lagi dipakai. Saat ini jalur kereta api yang melintasi Jawa Tengah adalah lintas utara (Jakarta-Semarang-Surabaya), lintas selatan (Bandung-Yogyakarta-Surabaya), jalur Kroya-Cirebon, dan jalur Solo-Gundih-Semarang. Jalur kereta Solo-Wonogiri yang telah lama mati dihidupkan kembali pada tahun 2005.
Untuk transportasi udara, Bandara Ahmad Yani di Semarang dan Bandara Adi Sumarmo di Surakarta merupakan bandara komersial yang paling penting di Jawa Tengah. Selain itu juga terdapat Bandara Tunggulwulung di Cilacap dan Bandara Wirasaba di Purbalingga. Penerbangan Jakarta-Semarang atau Jakarta-Surakarta dapat ditempuh dalam waktu 45-50 menit.
Pariwisata
Jawa Tengah banyak terdapat obyek wisata yang sangat menarik. Kota Semarang memiliki sejumlah bangunan kuno. Obyek wisata lain di kota ini termasuk Puri Maerokoco (Taman Mini Jawa Tengah) dan Museum Rekor Indonesia (MURI).
Salah satu kebanggaan provinsi ini adalah Candi Borobudur, yakni monumen Budha terbesar di dunia yang dibangun pada abad ke-9, terdapat di Kabupaten Magelang. Candi Mendut dan Pawon juga terletak satu kompleks dengan Borobudur.
Candi Prambanan di perbatasan Kabupaten Klaten dan Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta merupakan kompleks candi Hindu terbesar di Indonesia. Di kawasan Dieng terdapat kelompok candi-candi Hindu, yang diduga dibangun sebelum era Mataram Kuno. Kompleks candi Gedong Songo terletak di lereng Gunung Ungaran, Kabupaten Semarang.
Surakarta dipandang sebagai salah satu pusat kebudayaan Jawa, dimana di kota ini terdapat Keraton Kasunanan dan Pura Mangkunegaran. Obyek wisata menarik di luar kota ini adalah Air Terjun Grojogan Sewu dan candi-candi peninggalan Majapahit di Kabupaten Karanganyar; serta Museum Fosil Sangiran yang terletak di jalur Solo-Purwodadi.
Bagian selatan Jawa Tengah juga menyimpan sejumlah obyek wisata alam menarik, diantaranya Goa Jatijajar dan Pantai Karangbolong di Kabupaten Kebumen, serta Baturraden di Kabupaten Banyumas. Di bagian utara terdapat Obyek Wisata Guci di lereng Gunung Slamet, Kabupaten Tegal; serta Kota Pekalongan yang dikenal dengan julukan 'kota batik'.
Kawasan pantura barat banyak menyimpan wisata religius. Masjid Agung Demak yang didirikan pada abad ke-16 merupakan bangunan artistik dengan paduan arsitektur Islam dan Hindu. Demak adalah kerajaan Islam pertama di Pulau Jawa. Kawasan pantura barat terdapat 3 makam wali sanga, yakni Sunan Kalijaga di Demak, Sunan Kudus di kota Kudus, dan Sunan Muria di Kabupaten Kudus. Kudus juga dikenal sebagai 'kota kretek', dan kota ini juga terdapat museum kretek.
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