One of the "scariest" popular ceremony that held in Jepara, Central Java, is Torch War. About 50 person will face to face, holding flaming torch, then hit each other with the torch. Even it is quiet scary, but this tradition has become one of the most fantastic tourist attraction in Jepara.
This tradition has started long time ago. In early 16th century, in Demak Sultanate in Jepara district, there was a small village called Tegalsambi. There was a wealthy man in the village called Kiai Babadan. Since he had a lot of cows and bulls, he asked his neighbor - Ki Gemblong - to look after his cattles. But Ki Gemblong did not look after it very well. Soon, all cows and bulls were lose its flesh and sick. After know the condition of his cattles, Kiai Babadan was very angry. He made a torch - made from coconut midrib and flamed it - then confronted Ki Gemblong. Ki Gemblong also prepared the same torch. And not long, both of them were fight each other using the torch. The fight between them make the animal's stable destroy, but did not make the animals died in flame. Surprisely, all of them were cured.
Since then, people from Tegalsambi - which are the descendant of Kyai Babadan and Ki Gemblong's family - did the ceremony called Torch War (Perang Obor). The ceremony means to repel the evil spirits that bring harmed and illness.
The War ceremony usually held in every Tuesday Pon night (date's name based on Javanese calender) in Dhu al-hijjah's month (the sacred month in the Islamic Calender). It is starting with Wayang Show and the parade of hereditary items, such as The Sword of Gendir Gambang Sari, statue,and encient perforated drum (Beduk Dobol). All those items were believed as the heritage from Sunan Kalijaga - one of saint of Islam in Indonesia - to Kebayan Tegalsambi (the first leader of Tegalsambi village).
The main tools on this ceremony are dried coconut midribs (called Blarak) and banana leaves, tied them both into a big torch handle. All players - usually 50 persons - are wearing same uniform that covered their and head. The war will started on 8 pm, then each of the participants hit each other use the torch. The rule of the game is simple: Whenever any one of them raise the torch, then it means he is ready and any of the participants can hit him until his torch is damaging or the participants put down his torch on the ground (means "surrender"). The participants can be replaced by others as long as the total players are unchanged.
During the game, there will be any one who will suffer for fire burn. Usually The Torch Handler (Pawang Obor) will cure them use "Londoh Water" - which is a water that believed can cure any burn that occur during the war.
The Torch War has become one of the most attractive tourist object in Jepara, Central Java for the past 10 years. If you have intention to see and participate on the ceremony, come to Jepada on May or Jun. The ceremony usually did on that time. You can also check the schedule to your travel agent for further details.
If you visited Indonesia, especially to city like Bandung, Surabaya, Solo, or Jogjakarta, you might find a unique transportation : a carriage with three wheels which been paddled by a men who sit on the back seat. It is called Becak / Beca, a very well-known traditional transportation in Indonesia.
Paddled Becak
Actually Becak is not a true and original transportation mode from Indonesia. Back in 1930, this transportation was used by the traders from China who brought this transportation from their country to Indonesia as the carriage of their stuff. The name of Becak was originated from Be Chia (Hokkian Dialect, which means "horse carriage") because back in China, this transportation was drag by horse. Since using horse is not popular in Indonesia that time, so the carriage been drove by the men. In the earlier, people called this transportation as "Roda Tiga" (The Three Wheels). But since 1940, it starting been called Beca (wrote as Betjak, Betja, or Beetja) and used as regular transportation for people.
In 1942, when Indonesia was occupied by Japan, the uses of gasoline had been controlled by the Japanese Government and many Indonesia people were not allowed to own car. Because of that, the needs of Becak - as public transportation - was increasing and there has a very huge expansion of becak's quantity that time, especially in most of Java's big city, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Jogjakarta, Solo, Semarang, and Surabaya.
Becak with Machine (Becak Motor)
In 1943, becak has been introduced to Makassar - one of the city in Sulawesi Island- and other city outside Java,such as Medan, Padang, Palembang,and Lampung.
Becak is ganing it high popularity in 1960s - 1980s, because it provides door-to-door service that easier passenger to go anywhere they want (especially if they bringing along a lot of their things).
In 1980's, becak becomes a very serious problem for Jakarta because of its extreme increasing. In 1950, becak only have 25,000 units that spreading in all over Indonesia. But in 1966, its quantity was blowing up hugely into 160,000 units in Jakarta only, and increase even much bigger - into more than 400,000 units in early 1980 - and become the main cause of the traffic jam. And this quantity was only noted in Jakarta only!!
In the same time, Indonesia government started to think that using of becak is considering as slavery and not fit with human rights. Due to this consideration, based on Regional Government Regulation (Peraturan Daerah) No. 11/ 1988, becak is restricted permanently as public transportation. Eventhough, the regulation is valid in Jakarta only. In other cities, becak still exist and treated as regular public transportation, until today.
THE TYPES OF BECAK
Each city has its own typical and types of becak. But generally, becak can be divided into two types :
a. Becak with back-controller (the driver is sitting at the back). It can be found in Java area.
b. Becak with side-controller (the driver is sitting at the side). Mostly used in Sumatera area.
Bemo
Both types of becak can be divided into two sub-types :
1. Paddled becak.
2. Machine becak.
Paddled becak is using men power to paddle the becak. In most area in Java, all of the becak used paddle. Some people considered this kind of becak is similar as slavery act and critisized as a violation of human rights. Even that, this kind of becak still used in some Java city, like Bandung, Solo, Jogjakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, and also some city in Sumatera, such as Palembang.
Each city have its own trade mark of paddled becak. The seat of Java's becak usually a little bit higher to balancing the driver and the passenger's weight (especially for "heavy weight" passenger). Meanwhile Sumatera and Bandung's becak usually have lower seat to ease the passenger entering the becak.
Machine becak is becak that use machine to run. Usually the becak been attached to the motorcycle, either side-by-side or back-to-back.
Bentor
Besides regular becak, there are some types of becak that become the trade-mark of each city in Indonesia :
1. BECAK MOTOR :
Literally it means "becak with motor". It is a becak that been attached with motor cycle side-by-side and its width is similar as regular car. It is a regular trasportation that been used in Medan and Pematang Siantar, North Sumatera.
2. BEMO :
Actually Bemo is refering to "Becak motor". Differently with Becak Motor in Medan, Bemo is almost similar as car but use motor-cycle machine. Bemo is commonly found in Jakarta and become a trade-mark of Jakarta's traditional transportation. Bemo is created in 1962, and its purpose is to replacing Becak. Since it's abling to run faster and further comparing Becak, most people starting to like using Bemo.
3. HELICAK :
Another type of becak is Helicak, the combination words of "helicopter" and "becak", because its shape that similar with those transportation. Launched in March 24, 1971, helicak became one of the most famous transportation in Jakarta. Same as becak, the driver was sitting at the back, while the passenger at the front. The passenger cabin was made from steel and fiber glass. It made passenger safe from heat, rain, and dust. However, because of the inconsistency regulation from local government, soon helicak did not developed well and dissapear by the end of 1970's era.
4. BENTOR :
Refer to "Becak Motor", it is a trade-mark transportation from Gorontalo, South Sulawesi. This is becak with motor-cycle back-to-back position and can run very fast. Althought Bentor is very popular, the existance of this transportation is not permitted.
5. BECAK RENGAT :
Becak Rengat (or simply called "Becak") is one of becak type that very popular in Rengat, Riau Island. It is paddle-becak in which the position of the driver is at the side of the becak, not in the back as other becak.
It's been three weeks already since its first eruption on October 25, 2010, but Mount Merapi is still active and endangered people around its location. The secure area has been expand by local government from 15 kilometers into 20 kilometers. There are more than 2,000 refugees from Mt. Merapi that still staying in refuge due to the condition of the volcano that still unstable. The alert for Mt. Merapi still at the highest level.
All refufees are suffering and need help. We are seeking for donators who are willing to help them. If you have intention to help the refugees and people that suffer from Mt. Merapi, please send your help (dry food, blankets, clothes, masks, or money), you can send your help to :
Jl. Raya Banjaran Km. 20.5 No. 486
Kab. Bandung, West Java
Indonesia 40336
Phone : + 62 - 22 - 5949049 (Attn. Mrs. Lisda)
OR you can send your fund thru :
Bank Central Asia (BCA), Cab. Bandung
Account No. 0080185740
a.n. Mulyady Chandra
But if you feel very difficult to transfer the fund of send the things to help to refugees (due to the location of youc country, which is not possible to do all those thing), you can help by clicking the advertising that you see in this blog, and buy them. For every purchase you made in this blog, US$ 0.02 of each one of the purchases will be used to help the refugees.
All donation will be respected and delivered to all of the refugees in Central Java.
About Mt. Merapi
Mt. Merapi have been known for centuries as one of the active stratovolcano - and part of the Pasific Ring of Fire - that located on the border between Central Java and Yogjakarta, Indonesia. Literally in Javanese, Merapi means "The Mountain of Fire". Its been recorded that Mt. Merapi have been erupted regularly since 1548. Meanwhile, stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in Merapi has began about 400,000 years ago. In the beginning, the eruptions typically were effusive with basaltic lava. But then, it becomes more explosive with vicous andesitic lavas.
Mt. Merapi have been erupted regularly in every two or three years. The larger ones usually in every 10-15 years or so. The deadliest eruption have occured in 1930, when 13 villages were destroyed and 1,400 people killed by pyroclastic flows.
Another notable eruption of Mt. Merapi was in May 2006 when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck roughly 50 kilometers southwest of Merapi, killed more than 5,000 people, raising the volcanic eruptions. LAva and superheated clouds of gas pured repeatledly down its upper slopes towards to Kaliadem River, which is located southeast of Mt. Merapi. Two fatalities recorded as the result of the eruption.
And the latest eruption of Mt. Merapi is 25 October 2010, when Merapi started to erupt three times, spewing lava down to southern and souteastern slopes. The eruption continues in 26 October. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation monitor shown that at least 12 eruptions, 232 seismic events, 269 avalanche seismic events, 4 lava flow, and 6 heat cloud happened that day. At least 194 death cassualites attibutable to the Merapi eruptions, 151 people were injury, and 198,488 refugess from several destroyed villages around Mt. Merapi.
The Culture of Mt. Merapi
The late Mbah Marijan
Mt. Merapi have been known as one of the official royal places that been used by Yogjakarta and Solo's King for annual offering celebration to keep the volcano quiet and peaceful, and also to appease the spirits of the mountain. The celebration is leading by Juru Kunci Merapi (The Key Holder of Merapi) who set up the celebration and praying. Juru Kunci has been appointed by The King of Yogjakarta. The last Juru Kunci - called Mbah Marijan - died in accident of the Merapi eruption on October 2010. Until today, no one has been appointed to replace him.
October 25, 2010, 7.2 SR of earthquake had shaked Mentawai Islands. And in the sudden a big wave of water swapped Mentawai Islands and destroy everything. Till today, more than 88 persons still missing and 449 persons have died during the tsunami disaster. All victims are being evacuated in GKPM Church, located in Sikakap, Mentawai District.
Mentawai's Tsunami Disaster have become one of Indonesia's national tragedy. Another one is happening in Central Java, in Madiun city, when Merapi Mountain - in the same day - exploded and 37 people died in the inident. President Soesilo BambangYudoyono had been Mentawai to visit the victims of the tsunami. People from all around Indonesia have gathering fund to help the people in Mentawai.
If you have interest to help people in Mentawai, you can send your fund to :
Bank Central Asia - Cab. Asia-Afrika (Indonesia)
Account No : 0080185740
Name : Mulyady Chandra
But if you feel very difficult to transfer the fund of send the things to help to victims of tsunami (due to the location of youc country, which is not possible to do all those thing), you can help by clicking the advertising that you see in this blog, and buy them. For every purchase you made in this blog, US$ 0.02 of each one of the purchases will be used to help the victims.
Any amount would be very helpful for the victims of Mentawai's tsunami.
ABOUT MENTAWAI ISLANDS Before the tsunami incident happened, Mentawai Islands have been known as one of the most beautiful island after Bali Island. They are a chain of seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatera Islands in Inonesia. There are some islands that offering nice and fresh scenaries. Some of the well known islands is Siberut, Sipura, North Pagai, and South Pagai.
Among the islands, Siberut is the largest one. Located at the nothernmost of The Mentawai Islands, it has 4,030 km2 width and well knwon for its range of primates, such as Kloss Gibbon (Hylobates klossii), Pig-Tailled Langur (Simias concolor), Mentawai Langur (Presbytis potenziani), and Mentawai Macaque (Macaca pagensis).It has protected rain forest ecoregion which called Siberut National Park. The park is isolated from mainland for over 500,000 years already.
The native people who live in the islands is called Mentawai, or also known as Mentawei and Mentawi. They live a semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the coastal and rainforest environments of the islands. Their language is Mentawai language, in which belong to Aunstronesian language family.
Mentawai has become a noted destination for surfing. Many surfers from all around the world gather regularly in Mentawai, especially Siberut. Besides surfing, Indonesia Ministry of Tourism is projecting Mentawai to explore Culture Tourim in there. Some villages such as Madobag, Tuapejat, and Bosua are having a lot of ancient cultures that still live till today and able to be promoted to people around the world. Will this project can be happened, due to the tsunami disaster? We are crossing our fingers....
Sambal - literally means "chilli sauce" in Indonesia - is a very well-known sauce in Indonesia. Every city in Indonesia has its own sambal signature, and that makes them very unique.
Sambal has become one of the "must have" sauce that should always available in almost every Indonesia's meal. Basically, sambal main material is chilli. There are a lot of variant of chillies that can be use for sambal, depending on how "hot" sensation people want to have. The most regular chilli that being use is Cayenne pepper / Bird Pepper. To get tasty hot sensation, some people combine the pepper with other like onion, tomato, garlic, vinegar, and / or fruits.
There are more than hundreds of Sambal variants in Indonesia. And here are some of them, which I consider the best of the best sambal from Indonesia :
1. SAMBAL TERASI :
One of the well-known and very popular sambal around Java Island is Sambal Terasi (terasi means shrimp sauce, made from fermented fround shrimp, usually made into rectangular blocks). It used red and green peppers, terasi, sugar, salt, and lemon, then mix them together. In West Java, sometimes they add pounded tomatoes to get sweet and sour taste of the sambal.
2. SAMBAL ONCOM :
Sambal Oncom is popular in West Java. It made from fermented soya bean, mix with chilli, garlic, shallot, sugar, and salt. Usually use as condiment for Nasi Kuning (yellow rice, traditional made using turmeric) and Nasi Uduk (steamed rice).
3. SAMBAL ASAM :
Sambal Asam is made in similar way as terasi, but with addition of tamarind concentrate that made the sambal slightly sour ("asam" means sour in Indonesia).
4. SAMBAL BAJAK :
Chili fried with oil, garlic, terasi, candlenuts, and other condiments. Similar taste as Sambal Asam, but richer flavour.
5. SAMBAL MANGGA / NANAS :
Sambal Mangga
Actually it is Sambal Terasi with additional of shredded fruit to get fresh taste. Usually people use Mango (Mangga) or Pineapple (Nanas) on these sambal and use it as accompaniment to seafood.Sambal Mangga is very famous in Java Island, meanwhile Sambal Nanas is very famous in Riau Island.
6. SAMBAL LADA IJO :
Origins from Padang (West Sumatera) and very popular in Sumatera Island, Sambal Lada Ijo is made from green chilli, green tomatoes, shallot, and some sprices, then stir fried. Sometimes, people add small fish called "ikan teri" to make the sambal more tasteful. This kind if sambal called Sambal Teri Lado.
7. SAMBAL BALADO :
A stylish and signature sambal from Minangkabau (West Sumatera). It made from chilli pepper, blended together with garlic, shallot, red / green tomato, salt, and lime juice, then sauteed with oil.
8. SAMBAL TUMIS :
This chilli is made in stir fry (tumis means "stir fry"), and made from the combination of terasi, onions, garlic, and tamarind juice. Usually it mix with other ingredient to produce dishes such as Sambal Kangkung (Ipomoea aquatica / Water Spinach's Sambal).
9. SAMBAL KECAP MANIS :
This is a very popular sambal too in Indonesia. It is the mixture of sweet soy sauce, chilli, and shallots, and served as a condiment for Seafood (mostly for fried or barbeque fish) and Sate (Indonesia's Barbeque on stick).
10. SAMBAL ULEK :
Traditional sambal that make fromred chilli and salt, then crush it on the Indonesia's traditional stoneware called Ulekan.
11. SAMBAL SETAN :
This is the craziest and hottest sambal in Indonesia. Very popular in Bali and Lombok Island, this sambal is made from Madame Jeanette peppers. The name literally means "Devil's Chilli Sauce" and it already described how hot the sambal is.
12. SAMBAL TALIWANG :
Sambal Taliwang
Very famous sambal from Taliwang, a village in Lombok Island. It made from Naga Jolokia pepper - the hottest pepper inhe wolrd (it also known as Ghost Chili) - with addition of garlic and shrimp paste.
13. SAMBAL MATAH :
Originated from Bali, this sambal is also a very well-known in Indonesia. Made from raw shallot and lemongrass, and content a lot of finely chopped shallot, bird's eye chilli, terasi, and a dash of lemon.
14. SAMBAL DABU-DABU :
One of the well-known sambal from Manado (Sulawesi Island). Consist of coarsely chopped tomatoes, calamansi, shallot, chopped bird's eye chilli, basil, vegetable oil, and salt. The taste is very close to the Mexican Salsa sauce.
15. SAMBAL PETAI :
Sate with Sambal Kacang
A mixture of red chilli, garlic, shallot, and petai (stinky bean), and it's stir fry. Sometimes it's adding slices of chicken's liver and / or gizzard.
16. SAMBAL KACANG :
A mixture of chilli with garlic, shallot, sugar, salt, crushed fried peanuts, and water. Very famous chili that usually used as a additional for sate or a condiments for Nasi Uduk.
Manado, located at the Bay of Manado in North Sulawesi. Surrounded by a mountainous area, it is the largest city in the region and a key tourist transit point for visitors.Arriving in Sam Ratulangi international Airport of Manado, you will find a lot ecotourism attractions in Manado. Bunaken National Park, for example. It is a very nice place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Or perhaps you prefer city view? Manado has it.
The first thing you should try when arrive in Manado is Bubur Manado or Tinutuan. There is no way you can say you ever been there if you never try this cuisine yet.Bubur Manado (literally means "Manadonese Porridge") is a rice porridge mixed with various vegetables (spinach, kangkung, corn, pumpkin, and cassava or sweet potato. It has became the icon of Manado.
The history of Bubur Manado is starting in 1950's. In that time, Indonesia was being in the middle of war with Holland. While rice (the staple food in Indonesia) was limited, people in Manado started to make porridge for their family. They put anything that possible to eat inside the porridge so everybody can ate : vegetables, corn, fish, and others). Even it is not nice to see, but the taste is good. Since then, it became one of the most favorable cuisine among Indonesia's soldiers.
After the war ended in 1959, people in Manado starting to create Bubur Manado in more attractive appearance and taste. Since then, Bubur Manado become one of the famous cuisine in Manado. Many people who come to Manado will look and try for it.
Eat the porridge while it hot, combining with fried spicy salty fish. Hmmm...very delicious....
Indonesia has many famous things that been well-known thru all over the world for centuries. But it is interesting to know that recently there are a lot of countries claim some of them are belong to theirs. Well…. You should not wonder why. Indonesia has been known as a country which consists of many beauty and exotic cultures. Some of them have been promoted and introduced to worldwide quiet often. I believe some people who ever visit Indonesia felt the culture is suitable for their country. So they took it and claimed them as theirs.
There are lots of interesting, exotic, and fascinating things from Indonesia that has been known (even been claimed by other countries) thru the world. Here are some of them :
BENGAWAN SOLO
Bengawan Solo is a song about SoloRiver, which flows through central and eastern Java, Indonesia, & is the longest river in JavaIsland. By end of 90’s, there are some Asia countries claims this song as theirs. Actually this song was made by Gesang Martohartono, a very well-known Javanese musician . He wrote that song in 1940, using local kroncong style.
Kroncong – pronounced “kronchong” - itself is the name of ukulele-type instrument and it is one of Indonesia musical style. One group of kroncong band typically consist of two ukuleles, a cello, a guitar, a bass, and a lead vocal. Kroncong music has been known since 16th century.
The song describes the legendary Solo River in a poetic and nostalgic way, that it is surrounded by mountains, it sources are near the city of Solo, and the uses of it in the past.This song is very popular (even until today) especially among Japanese during their occupation in Indonesia in 1943 – 1945. They brought the song with them to Japan after returning from the war, and introduced it worldwide. Since then, this song gained a large popularity, especially after been recorded by Japanese singers, such as Toshi Matsuda.
Bengawan Solo became a big hit in Chinese society after Malaysian singer, Ms Poon Sow Keng and Ms Koo Mei, sang it in Mandarin versions in 1957. Since then, this song is on of the best known Chinese oldies.
Many artists have recorded the song, among whom are Waldjinah (The Queen of Kroncong from Indonesia), AnnekeGronloh, Rebecca Pan (Chinese singer), and Frances Yip (Hong Kong’s Cantopop singer).
RASA SAYANGE
Another popular song that once had been claimed by other country is Rasa Sayange. Created by Paulus Pea from Ambon (an Indonesian ethnic group in Maluku, an island group east of Sulawesi, Indonesia). This song was used by Dutch East Indies Government (when they were colonized Indonesia in 1925) when made a tourism promotion. Malaysia use this song as a soundtrack for their movie, Antara Dua Darjat (1960, directed by P. Ramlee), which instantly became a hit. Since then, people believe the song was made by Malaysia composer. This statement became a controversy and became bigger when Malaysian Tourism Board used this song on their advertisement to promote Malaysian tourism industry. On November 2007, Malaysia finally returned claimed the song.
Besides in Malaysia, this song also very popular in Singapore and is often sung at social events or dinner parties.
REOG
In 2008, Malaysia claimed Reog is one of their origin cultures (according to them, this dance came from Batu Pahat Johor and Selangor, Malaysia) and named it as Tari Barongan (Tiger Dance). This claim has raising anger, especially Indonesia art society.
Historically, Reog was created by Ki Ageng Kutu, one of servant of Bhre Kertabhumi, King of Majapahit Kingdom that rules West Java in 15th century. Reog is the name of the big lion mask (known as “Singa Barong” – literally means King of the Jungle) with peacock feather on its head and been arranged like a very big fan. This is the main equipment of the Reog Dance (it is 50 kg weight!!). One person wear the mask and dance, while sometimes wave it. Some dancers wore paper horse and a person wore red face clown mask are the additional.
Recently Reog has been registered officially (No. 026377/11 Feb 2004 in Law and Human Rights Department of Indonesia) as one of the original culture and art from West Java.
BATIK
It is a wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile that been well known and as a trade mark of Indonesia, especially Jogjakarta (one of the biggest city in Indonesia, located in Central Java). Recently, batik patterns can be found easily in several countries such as West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, and Mali), India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Burma.
SONGKET
Literally means “embroidery fabric that made from gold or silver threads”, songket is a hand-woven in silk or cotton. It is intricately patterned with gold or silver threads. In weaving process, the embroiderer inserted metallic threads between the silk or cotton weft threads to create a shimmering effect. Songket is a luxury product traditionally worn during ceremonial occasions. It has been known and produced in SumateraIsland since centuries and spread out to Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi, Lombok, and Sumbawa. Recently it also produce in east coast of Malay Peninsula and Brunei.
SILAT / PENCAK SILAT
It is a martial art forms, a combative art of fighting and survival. It usually accompanied with traditional instruments, such as kendang (double headed drum), and sometimes looks like folk dance.
Since 7th century AD, Silat has been a well-known martial art in Minangkabau (an ethnic group in highland of West Sumatera). Silat itself comes from Silek (Minangkabau language). When Islam spread throughout the archipelago in the 14th century, it was taught alongside silat. Silat became a spiritual training as well as being a combat art and folk dance.
In 1948, the term of Silat has been change into “Pencak Silat”. Pencak is the performance aspects of the martial art, while Silat is the essence of the fighting and self-defense.
KECAK DANCE
It is a form of Balinese music drama that performed primarily by men. It is also known as Ramayana Monkey Chant. Usually it performed by a circle of more than 100 performers wearing checked cloth around their waists and percussively chanting “cak” while throwing up their hands. This form of dance has been introduced by I Limbak, a well-known dancer from Bali, and has been performed since 1920.
In 1930, a German painter and musician Walter Spies had a deeply intereted in this dance and recreate it into a drama, based on the Hindu Ramayana’s story. He also adding a dance in it. Spies worked with Wayan Limbak – another well-known Bali dancer – to popularize the dance by traveling throughout the world with their Balinese Performance Groups. It helped Kecak been known and famous throughout the world as today.
SATE
It is a dish consisting of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork, or fish, use bamboo skewers, and grilled over a charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasoning. It was invented by Javanese street vendors in early 19th century. It has been considered as the national dish, since it is easily to find in any city in Indonesia with many variations. Some popular sate variations are Sate Madura (originally from island of Madura, near Java), Sate Padang (from Padang, West Sumatera), Sate Tegal (from Tegal, Central Java), Sate Banjar (from South Kalimantan), Sate Makasar (from Southern Sulawesi), Sate Babi / Pork Sate (in Jakarta), etc.
TEMPE
It is a Javanese traditional food, made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form. It made from soybeans which consist of higher content of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins (compared to tofu, which also made from soybeans). Tempe is often prepared by cutting it into pieces, soaking in brine or salty sauce, and then frying. Cooked tempe can be eaten alone, used chilli, stir frys, soups, salad, or stews. Tempe ha been used worldwide in vegetarian cuisine. Even some consider it to be a meat analogue.
ANGKLUNG
It is a musical instrument made out of two bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are curved so they have a resonant pitch when struck. Angklung is used and played by the Sundanese (an ethnic group native to West Java). Daeng Soetigna, a music maestro from Bandung, West Java, expanded angklung notations to diatonic scale in 1938. Since then, angkung often played together with western music instrument in an orchestra. The very well-known performances of angklung in an orchestra were made during Bandung Conference in 1955.
Angklung has been known not only in Asia, but also its popularity spreads thru America. One of the well-known angklung ensembles is Angklung Buncis Sukahejo, a Sundanese angklung ensemble at The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington.
WAYANG
Literally means “theater”, Wayang is a kind of traditional puppet show. People believe wayang already exist in Indonesia since the first century CE, before Hinduism came to Southeast Asia. The first record of wayang performance is from an inscription dated 930 CE which say “Si Galigi Mawayang” (Javanese words, means “Sir Galigi played wayang”).
It believes that “Sir Galigi” was an itinerant performer who was requeted to perform a special royal occasion that time.
Most story of wayang was taken from Hindus story, such as the Mahabharata or the Ramayana. The wayang’s player called dalang (mostly played by male. Wayang today is both the most ancient and most popular form of Puppet Theater in the world. UNESCO designated Wayang as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 7, 2003.
This tradition has started long time ago. In early 16th century, in Demak Sultanate in Jepara district, there was a small village called Tegalsambi. There was a wealthy man in the village called Kiai Babadan. Since he had a lot of cows and bulls, he asked his neighbor - Ki Gemblong - to look after his cattles. But Ki Gemblong did not look after it very well. Soon, all cows and bulls were lose its flesh and sick. After know the condition of his cattles, Kiai Babadan was very angry. He made a torch - made from coconut midrib and flamed it - then confronted Ki Gemblong. Ki Gemblong also prepared the same torch. And not long, both of them were fight each other using the torch. The fight between them make the animal's stable destroy, but did not make the animals died in flame. Surprisely, all of them were cured.
Since then, people from Tegalsambi - which are the descendant of Kyai Babadan and Ki Gemblong's family - did the ceremony called Torch War (Perang Obor). The ceremony means to repel the evil spirits that bring harmed and illness.
The main tools on this ceremony are dried coconut midribs (called Blarak) and banana leaves, tied them both into a big torch handle. All players - usually 50 persons - are wearing same uniform that covered their and head. The war will started on 8 pm, then each of the participants hit each other use the torch. The rule of the game is simple: Whenever any one of them raise the torch, then it means he is ready and any of the participants can hit him until his torch is damaging or the participants put down his torch on the ground (means "surrender"). The participants can be replaced by others as long as the total players are unchanged.
