Sumba, Man Eater Betel and About Grave Stones ...

Sumba, Man Eater Betel and About Grave Stones ...

Meets the first time with the men who go everywhere with a machete at the waist with a red mouth because betel no doubt make me so confused, too. That's probably my first impression when i visited several villages in the interior West Sumba in the province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT/Nusa Tenggara Timur) in the context of malaria research for 4 years in this place.

The men started from teenagers to senior citizens who have, and then passing with a machete, but eventually I knew that for them the machete is a symbol of manhood, is also a symbol of respect. A village head before we went immediately rushed into the house wearing a distinctive Sumba woven sarong, carrying machetes welcomed us pride.

And what most impressed me was the habit of chewing betel nut men Sumba. If elsewhere the common betel is women, so here also is the betel habit of men. Chewing betel nut may be similar to smoking. It feels incomplete if they do not chew betel.

They believe that in addition to delicious, healthy betel also turned out to be a drug even. Though when I tried to force to swallow because bitter taste in my mouth. The habit of chewing betel nut was not only done in the village, but it is very common in the employees in such districts weetabula city, capital of the southwestern Sumba chewing betel.

Another interesting thing from my trip to the hamlets throughout Sumba is about the grave. If on the other graves are usually far from the settlement in Sumba is usually built on the grave yard. Graves with construction as the box with a cover of stone. Formerly the stones used to build the tombs are natural stones are cut.

You can imagine how many animals are sacrificed for the making of the grave only. But now many have made such grave cement casted. Interestingly that generally remained grave built not far from their home neighborhoods and built for one family.

I had asked a Ratenggarong chief who was considered one of the old villages in West Sumba related resources of this unique cemetery. Apart from that so that has been inherited by hereditary custom he again builds stone tombs especially large and expensive with a big party it is also a proud family.

That the grave yard of the house was built, it is a manifestation of their love of the people who have gone to stay close and always be remembered. Also in another hamlet I can explain that they are saving the grave in front of the house as an indication that the family is buried there is the owner of the land where the cemetery is located.

Unique, I sometimes compare the cultures of Sumba in Toraja. There are some similarities. People Sumba and Toraja people both Christian majority but felt that the influence of custom is still very strong. For example in the matter of death and rituals. Held with great fanfare at the expense of so many farm animals such as buffalo and pigs, and in particular in Sumba is also a horse. Said a friend of Sumba, the whole issue here should be completed by a new old tradition brought to the church. How strongly they hold customary.

In Sumba are many amazing things. Exotic nature. Savanna and grassland. The horses are running free with red lips smile population.

Tradition Festival, when the knights in the battle against the agility of a stick javelin. Until the tradition of "beilis", dowries breast milk substitutes to be paid a man if you want to marry the girl of Sumba. Also a tradition to gather Nyale exotic beaches and the sea on the coast of West Sumba and West Sumba is so powerful and still a virgin. Not to mention the distinctive Sumba woven with color and exotic motifs.

Maybe next time will be narrated, and from our Sumba menitip love for all Kompasianer in Indonesia, hopefully one day can visit here.

Masjid Agung Semarang Central Java (Great Mosque in Shout West Asia)

Masjid Agung Semarang Central Java (Great Mosque in Shout West Asia)

Great Mosque or Masjid Agung Semarang Central Java is a mosque located in the city of Semarang, Central Java province, Indonesia.

This mosque was built in 2001 until 2006. This mosque stands on 10 hectares of land. Grand Mosque was inaugurated by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on November 14, 2006.

Great Mosque of Central Java (MAJT) which was built in 2001 to 2006 is located in East Semarang area, precisely located at Jalan Gajah Semarang. Majestic mosques and spectacular stands on 10 hectares of land and has very complete facilities, such as the convention hall (auditorium), souvenir shop, Pujasera, office buildings, libraries, and the tower of view.

Mosque was built about five years time this building was left of the ideals and aspirations of the main Mosque of Central Java (MAJT) able to control social and economic life that tends to promote worldliness. Overall this mosque construction cost of 198,692,340,000 IDR.

Grand Mosque was inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on about 14 November 2006 by pressing the sirens and the signing of a replica plaque.

While the original inscription had been installed permanently in the front yard entry level 3.2 meterdengan Mosque weight 7.8 tons, is a natural stone taken from the slopes of Mount Merapi, Magelang regency, Central Java.

This inscription carved Nyoman M. Alim is also believed to create a miniature temple of Borobudur is located in Minimundus Vienna Austria in 2001.

Central Java Grand Mosque was built in the area of approximately 10 hectares, with an area covering the main building 7.669M2, and can accommodate 6000 pilgrims.

Court was equipped with an area of 7500 M2 giant umbrella 6 who can open and close automatically as in the Nabawi Mosque in Medina, able to accommodate 10 thousand worshipers.

This mosque architecture is a blend of Javanese architecture, Arabic and Greek. On the right wing is Convention Hall or auditorium that can accommodate 2000 pilgrims, were left wing is prepared to library separately later in the design of a modern library (digital library); and office space for rent.

Great Mosque of Central Java but is prepared as a place of worship, was also prepared as an object of religious tourism. To support these goals, the Great Mosque is equipped with a guesthouse with a capacity of 23 rooms in many kind of class, so that the pilgrims who want to spend the night can take advantage of the facility.

Another attraction of this mosque is Al-Husna Tower or Al Husna Tower 99 Meters height. The bases of the tower have Da’Is Radio Studio (Islamic Da'wah). While on the 2nd floor and 3rd floor used as the Museum of Islamic culture and on the floor there is Cafe 18 Muslims who can spin 360 degrees. On the 19th floor is equipped for tower view 5 binoculars that can see the city of Semarang.

At the beginning of Ramadan 1427 H then, binoculars at the mosque was first used to see Hilal Rukyatul as seen by the team of Central Java Rukyah using sophisticated binoculars from Boscha

For the purposes of worship, mosque architecture of universal and local fusion was able to accommodate 10 thousand worshipers. Inside the mosque is complex there guesthouse with 23 rooms in various classes. This homestead provision aims to provide lodging facilities for pilgrims or religious tourists who want to spend the night in MAJT.

For those who want recreation, MAJT also provides some entertainment facilities, such as play equipment and train a rabbit that will take visitors around the mosque complex.

Grave immortality "Menapo" Muaro Jambi

Grave immortality "Menapo" Muaro Jambi

Twenty times larger than Borobudur temple in Central Java and two times larger than the temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, no wonder the temple complex Muaro Jambi enshrinement was described as the largest temple area in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, this area is like a grave humanitarian legacy of eternity because none of his form intact temple.... Muaro Jambi temple complex is located about 35 kilometers north of Jambi, precisely in Muara Sebo, Muaro Jambi, Jambi Province. Amazed at the same time it seems ironic that the two words fit to describe the condition of enshrinement in the mouth of the Batang Hari River.

Said amazed sticking because of this vast complex enshrinement reached 2062 hectares. Ranging from land that has occupied Archeological Heritage Conservation Center AHCC) of Jambi, people's gardens, to the canals connecting one temple with the other ones. Temples are scattered among the uniqueness of this canal Muaro Jambi Temple Complex, which was found in the complex other enshrinement in the archipelago.

Noted there are 11 major temples discovered and partially restored, among them Gumpung Temple, Temple High and High I, Gedong I and II, Kedaton, Koto Mahligai, Astano, Gulf I and II, Hill Sengalo, and Twins Stone. Stretch of the temple that's not including the 82 estimated temple ruins still buried in the dirt a dozen, or so-called menapo by residents around the temple.

A trace of canals and ditches in Muaro Jambi temple architecture is the concept of ancient urban planning is amazing. 2-3 meter wide trench built around the temple and serve as a barrier, while the 6-10 meter wide canal created snaking cut temples which function as a transport route. The canal was to connect with Batanghari River.

Jambi BP3 researchers believe, the main transportation to the temple at that time using the boat. This transport system is like the canals in the city of Venice today.

There are four channels which have been given a name, namely Canal Jambi, Malays, Suez, and the Dyke Johor. "In addition to the canal, there Kelari Lake, a small lake connecting antarkanal," said Agus.

Besides the canal, there are interesting tales root among people living near the temple, the story of the failure of Datuk Paduka Raja built a temple idol skies overnight, which was asked by the Princess Pinang Masak. Because of annoyance, the king of the temple was kicked up scattered and form small temples.

Briefly, the story is much like the legend of Bandung Bondowoso who failed to build a thousand temples for Roro Jonggrang, or Sangkuriang who did not succeed in making a boat and a lake for Dayang Sumbi.

After being pampered sense of wonder, irony emerges when looking at the red bricks that make up the temple was porous with age. Black shade of green moss strong glue, brick crack that extends even into the temple decoration. In fact, almost the entire temple consisted only of the foundation and body, while the top was nowhere to be tracked.

Wall and gate that surrounded the temple was almost invisible scar, like a gate and wall around the temple Gumpung-discovered in 1820 and was renovated in 1982 to 1988, the only remaining part of the foundation until the waist-high calf adults.

Restoration Working Group Chairman Jambi Kristanto BP3 Januardi admit, until now not known how the design of the top of the temples in the Temple Complex Muaro Jambi.

Undiscovered manuscripts made in writing how the temple, and even by whom. A number of temples, such as Astono or Kedaton, who allegedly built more than one phase with a different period of manufacture was, not co-exist with the inscription evidence or historical records.

"Menapo"

Currently, Muaro Jambi Temple Complex has yet to be explored using the boat, except Temple Bay I and II, because it lies across the Batang Hari River. Traveling over some of the temple will pass a number that has been given menapo red stakes, saying the number and BP3. Menapo-menapo was located in durian orchards, duku, and the villages brown.

Menapo form is like a mound as high as 0.5 to 1 meter. However, first, that menapo-high menapo until there is 3-6 meters. According to residents, the word comes from the word menapo NAPO, which is a kind of deer in the local language. When the flood, took refuge on the mound NAPO small hills. Finally, residents say the small hills that hide the NAPO menapo terms.

Generally, the name of the temple following the name of the temple menapo found. Which gives the name of one village, one Astano Temple?

Not only that, giant orchids, tiger orchids called jambi (Gramma top phyllum speciosum), looks exotic on the tree branches around menapo durian.

This temple had been buried until it was rediscovered by British soldiers, SC Crooke, in 1820. Unfortunately, once again, because the type of stone is brick, mostly found in the temple was intact condition.

The restoration of the temple will be completed gradually and one by one. Since the 1970s until today, the restoration continues, namely the  Kedaton Temple.

That the temple Muaro Jambi. A cultural heritage of the great college in the land archipelago, the natural process of aging due. And, if not guarded, which left only the tombs and the story....

Ubud elegance, the Best City of Asia

Ubud elegance, the Best City of Asia

Ubud, in the tourist area of Gianyar regency, Bali, received an award as the best city of Asia on the basis of a magazine reader survey-based tourism in the United States, Conde Nast Traveler, the beginning of January. The area was judged the best of the hospitality community, the atmosphere or the atmosphere, the culture or the site, as well as accommodation, restaurants, and places shopping.

Ubud is selected as the best city of Asia with a score of 82.5, beating Bangkok, Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, and Kyoto.

Anything or anywhere in Ubud and surrounding areas that might be kind of an icon worthy of the best tour of Asia that? Is not the atmosphere or the atmosphere in the center of Ubud, which is about Puri Ubud, no different from Kuta, for example, which began stuffy and colored jams each day?

"We are grateful and excited Ubud selected as the best city of Asia with a score of 82.5, beating Bangkok, Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, and Kyoto. However, it also carries heavy consequences to organize the existing conditions, such as the chaos that happens everywhere, "said Gianyar Regent Tjokorda Oka Sukawati Ardhana Artha or Cok Ace at Puri Ubud, Saturday (30/1/2010), when receiving award.

Cok Ace, besides speaking as a family of Puri Ubud, he also Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI) Bali and on behalf of Ubud Hotels Association.

According to Cok Ace, it urgently needs to be addressed, especially clutter traffic flow, parking in urban areas, markets, organization and security of coastal and river basin Tukad Pakerisan.

Therefore, the mere suggestion, take a full day for the patient-lice-like atmosphere to enjoy Ubud. Try to "dismantle" street, place, and the atmosphere in the back of Puri Ubud. That's where the uniqueness and distinctive tourism areas is presented.

Location of the relatively near Ubud from Denpasar, about 25 miles, offers a choice place to stay. Through Road by Pass Ngurah Rai and by Pass Ida Bagus Mantra, from Kuta takes only one hour.

By staying in the area of southern Bali, the tourist will enjoy the beach, next to the still strong rural atmosphere fields.

If your wallet thick, you can enjoy the variety of luxury hotels on the outskirts of Ayung River. Hotels and villas in the area are serving a variety of spectacular rice terraces and cliffs times.

Another option, cottages and cabin tour around Puri Ubud. There you can mingle with the community. The tourist lodge owner is also complete even with mebanten service or prepares a variety of equipment offerings and religious ceremonies.

Haven

There are some lovely havens to be visited on the "back" Ubud. One of them is Tegallalang. If you're a fan of bikes, why not try using a bike. Problem rental, do not worry. This is Bali! By bike, the whole atmosphere around will be easy to get caught.

Make sure all the way down Tegallalang, a village located 5 kilometers north of Ubud. The village is a village of wooden crafts which coupled with panoramic terasering fields. Unfortunately, that beautiful stretch of scenery at some point the house was covered with rows of shops or craft shops. Go into the village streets, one of the scrawny villages. The view presented, the atmosphere had caught the eye craters.

Exiting from Tegallalang, point the way to Pakudui, Sebatu. Known as the village Pakudui producing wooden statues, specially shaped Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK). That's where the authenticity of making the sculptures will be enjoyed GWK directly. Sculptures costing tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of rupiah in the village. Satisfied with various handicrafts, prepare yourself to get the spiritual atmosphere of Bali, just 400 meters to the east Pakudui. That's where Pura Gunung Kawi, Sebatu, is located.

Serene and peaceful feeling was immediate once we were in front of the temple. For those of you who came there as a traveler, be sure to first pay the entrance fee USD 7000 (for adult) and USD 3,000 (the children). Entrance fee is already included for rent parchment (jarit cloth) to wear whilst in the temple area.

Www.babadbali.com site notes, there are three named Gunung Kawi temple in Bali. Incidentally all in Gianyar Regency. Besides the Sebatu, there appears Pura Gunung Kawi and Bitra Siring.

If the time is right in the middle of the day, some food stalls and restaurants in Ubud was waiting. If you are a tourist who can eat all kinds of food, pork roll shop next to Mrs. Oka complex Puri Ubud worth a visit.

For halal food is very diverse. Bengil the famous duck or Warung Makan Nasi Bu Mix Kadewatan Mangku in Kadewatan not be abandoned. If we find a formal impression on Ducks Bengil, more relaxed atmosphere presented at Warung Bu Mangku. Understandably, the table on the terrace lesehan held Balinese house compound it.

Human-headed Snake Found in Probolinggo

Human-headed Snake Found in Probolinggo

It is believed to be supernatural beings of human-headed snake-shaped small or termed jenglot, horrendous Sukoharjo citizens of District, Sub Mayangan, Probolinggo, Monday (8/2/2010).

More About Jenglot

A jenglot is a type of mysterious creature or vampire in Indonesian and Malaysian culture and mythology. It is described as looking much like a tiny, living human doll. It is usually depicted as a mythical creature, sometimes seen in crypto zoology, and occasionally purported to have actually been a human body.

Jenglot is believed to be found in Indonesia, especially in Java. They are mostly found by native psychics after they have performed a supernatural ceremony. Jenglots are said to be found anywhere, from under the ground, on a wrecked house roof, and even in the trunk of a huge tree.

Jenglot 'keepers' feed their creature with blood, either animal blood (goat) or human blood. Those who feed the creature with human blood buy it legally from the Indonesian Red Cross. The jenglot is said to not drink the blood directly. The person places the jenglot near the blood, but the jenglot doesn't even move or touch the blood. It is said that the jenglot will get the nutrients of the blood in their own way. Some say it comes alive and consumes the blood when it is alone.

In Indonesia there has been several "exhibitions" of jenglot specimens found and showcased. Most being found on the islands of Java and Sumatra, and are held as private collections of supernatural researchers and fans. Many were found to be hoaxes, being masterful taxidermist fixings of monkeys and fish, however, not all specimens were examined, and the jenglot is an actively believed myth that many natives believe to be real. People who have caught the jenglot usually bring their creature all over Indonesia to exhibit them in order to gain some money.

According to an Indonesian legend, Jenglot was a monk who wanted to learn the "Ilmu Bethara Karang" or the way to eternal life. They say if a person with great supernatural power meditates in a certain cave, they'll become jenglot.

But this Jenglot is different jenglot commonly found in some areas. Usually only a small shape with long hair loose to touch the tip of the foot. Nails in his hands and feet too long.

However, the horrendous jenglot these citizens have characteristics height of about 10 cm in diameter and the size of the big toe, up to waist-length hair, scaly skin and no legs, but has a tail that curled most of the 15 cm.

Jenglot that resembles the human-headed snake was first discovered by searchers geckos, Holis (45) from Kelurahan Sukoharjo, Sub Mayangan, about five days ago.

According Holis, he found a strange creature on the embankment in the area of District fields Jrebeng, Probolinggo Indonesia. At that time he was chasing geckos. However, he was startled by a passing shadow not far from the place.

Immediately, Holis also known to have the spiritual ability to pursue the black shadow. However, he was surprised to see snakes around the bushes in front dike fields. Using spiritual readings he held the snake's tail with a holding timber.

He admitted surprise that the serpent's tail like a human head with long hair. "I then caught him and brought him home," he said.

When questioned further about how to catch and bring the snake into the house, seemed reluctant to talk Holis length.

"Anyway I do not use any ritual. I just caught it, "he said.

In fact, when some electronic journalists to interview them, Holis not willing. "Do me," he said then walked into the middle of his left journalists.