BATAK

Batak is one of the ethnic groups in Indonesia. This name is a collective theme to identify some tribes who live and come from Tapanuli and East Sumatra, North Sumatra. Ethnic groups are categorized as Batak: Toba Batak, Batak Karo Batak Pakpak, Simalungun Batak, Batak Angkola, and Batak Mandailing.

Nowadays most people adhere Batak Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, and Sunni Islam. But some are embracing the belief tadisional: Malim tradition and also embracing animist beliefs (called Sipelebegu or Parbegu), although now the number of the adherents of these teachings waned.

Greetings Typical Batak

Each tribe has Batak greeting each signature. Although the Batak tribe famous for greeting “Horas” but there are still two more greetings less popular in the community and “Njuah Mejuah Juah Juah”. Horas itself still has a reference to each tribe by the use

1.    Pakpak “Njuah-juah Mo Banta Karina!”

2.    Karo “Mejuah-juah Kita Krina!”

3.    Toba “Horas Jala Gabe Ma Di Hita Saluhutna!”

4.    Simalungun “Horas banta Haganupan, Salam Habonaran Do Bona!”

5.    Mandailing dan Angkola “Horas Tondi Madingin Pir Ma Tondi Matogu, Sayur Matua Bulung!”

Kinship

Kinship is related to the legal relationship between people in social life. There are two forms of kinship to the Batak tribe, which is based on lineage (genealogy) and based on sociological, while no territorial kinship.

Forms of kinship based on lineage (genealogy) is visible from the clan genealogy ranging from Si Raja Batak, Batak tribes which all have a clan. While kinship based on sociological occur through agreement (match between a particular clan) or by marriage. In Batak traditions, the unity is the bond of blood in Indigenous clans, and clan. This means for example Harahap, unity is customary Marga Harahap vs another. Given that Indigenous Batak / Batak traditions are dynamic which is often tailored to the time and place influence the differences between the traditional style of the area.

The existence of philosophy in the parable of the Toba Batak language that reads “Jonok dongan partubu jonokan do dongan parhundul” is a philosophy that we always maintain good relations with its neighbors, because they’re the closest friends. However, in the implementation of custom, the first look is a one clan, although basically neighbors should not be overlooked in the implementation of Indigenous Peoples.

TRADITIONAL DANCES

Indonesia has many kinds of dances that spread across the provinces of Indonesia. Each dance has regional characteristics and distinctive when compared with the other dances. With a lot of dances have spread throughout the archipelago, Indonesia is a country known for its rich culture, rich in art and rich traditional dances.

Here are some examples of types of dances archipelago in the various provinces in Indonesia:

1.    Regional dances of Aceh

·     Seudati dance

Seudati dance derived from Arabic backgrounds Islam. A dance full dynamic balance with the religious atmosphere. This dance is very loved and well-known in the region of Aceh.

·     Saman dance

Saman Meuseukat dance, done in a sitting position on your side with a dynamic rhythm. A dance with a poem full of teaching virtue, especially Islam.

2.    Regional dances of Bali

·     Balinese Legong dance

Legong dance is a dance background love story of King lasem. Danced in a dynamic and captivating.

·     Kecak dance

Kecak dance is  a dance based on the Ramayana story and the book tells the story of Hanuman and Sugriwa.

·     Pendet dance

Pendet initially a worship dance that many exhibited in the temple, the place of worship of Hindus in Bali, Indonesia. This dance symbolizes the welcoming the gods fall into the natural world. Gradually, over the times, the artists transform into Pendet “welcome greeting”, but still contains elements of the sacred-religious. Creator / choreographer of modern dance forms are I Wayan Rindi.

3.    Regional dances of DKI Jakarta

·     Mask Dance, a traditional Betawi dance to welcome big guests.

·     Yopong Dance, is a dance tribute to honor guest country.

4.    Regional dances of Central Java

·     Serimpi dance

Serimpi dance is a dance palace in the past with a gentle atmosphere, great and charming.

·     Blambangan Cakil dance

Blambangan Cakil dance recounts the struggle against Buto Cakil Heroine (giant). A symbol of crushing insolence.

INDONESIAN CUISINE

Indonesian cuisine is a reflection of the diverse cultures and traditions from archipelago comprising some 6,000 islands and holds an important place in the national culture of Indonesia in general, and almost all Indonesian cuisine rich with flavor comes from spices such as pecans, chili, key retrieval, galangal, ginger, kencur, turmeric, coconut and palm sugar followed by the use of cooking techniques and ingredients according to indigenous traditions, there is also the influence of trade coming through such as India, China, the Middle East, and Europe.

Basically there is not one singular “cuisine of Indonesia” but rather the diversity of regional cuisine influenced locally by Indonesian Culture and foreign influences. For example, rice is processed into white rice, rhombus or a rice cake (steamed rice) as a staple food for the majority of Indonesia but to the east is also more commonly used corn, sago, cassava, and sweet potatoes. Shape the landscape of the presentation is generally presented in the form of mostly Indonesian food staple with side dishes of meat, fish or vegetable side dish.

REOG PONOROGO

Reog is one of the cultural arts that originated from East Java and Ponorogo regarded as the true home town. Ponorogo city gate was decorated by warok and gemblak figure, two figures who have appeared at the time reog performed.

Modern Reog usually performed in several events such as weddings, circumcisions and National holidays. Art Reog Ponorogo consists of several series of 2 to 3 dances opening. The first dance is usually performed by 6-8 brave men dressed all in black, with faces painted red. The dancers depict the figure of a brave lion. Next is a dance performed by a 6-8 girl ride a horse. In reog traditionally, dancers are usually played by male dancers who dressed women. This dance is called jaran kepang dance or jathilan, which must be distinguished from other dances that kuda lumping dance.

Other opening dance if there is usually a dance by a little boy who brought the funny scenes called Bujang Ganong or Ganongan.

After the opening dance finished, the new core scenes whose contents depend reog condition in which the art is displayed. When dealing with marriage then love scenes are shown. For the celebration of circumcision or circumcision, is usually a story of warriors.

The scene in the art Reog usually do not follow a neat scenario. Here there is always interaction between the player and the puppeteer (usually the leader of the group) and sometimes with the audience. Sometimes a player who is performing can be replaced by another player if the player fatigue. Which is more important in art staging reog is to give satisfaction to the audience.

The final scene is a lion barong, where the actors wore masks shaped head of a lion with a crown made of peacock feathers. Weight mask can reach 50-60 kg. This heavy mask carried by the dancers with their teeth. The ability to bring this mask than obtained by heavy exercise, also believed diproleh with spiritual practices like fasting and penance.

KERONCONG

Keroncong is the name of a type of musical instrument ukulele as well as the name of the type of music that uses traditional Indonesian musical instrument keroncong, flute, and a female singer.

The music blares keroncong beautiful. Drugged lover, who unfortunately dominated by the elderly. Many know, music is music keroncong Portuguese origin. But, there are many cultural experts made clear that this tasteful music native to Indonesia. keroncong very different from the music of the Portuguese. In fact, in Portugal was not found keroncong music as it is known in Indonesia. Regardless of its origin, keroncong music has the potential to grow in the middle of the onslaught of modern music that quickly changed following the trend.

KOMODO ISLAND

Komodo Island is an island located in the Nusa Tenggara islands. Komodo Island is known as a habitat for native animals dragons. The island is also the Komodo National Park which is managed by the Central Government. Komodo Island is located east of the island of Sumbawa, separated by Sela.

On the island of Komodo dragons animals live and breed well. Until August 2009, on the island there are about 1,300 dragons tail. Coupled with other islands, such as Island and Rinca and Gili Mota, their numbers totaled about 2500 tails.

Besides Komodo, this island also store a variety of exotic flora Sepang wood by local people used as medicine and dye clothes, this nitak tree or sterculia oblongata in the believe is useful as medicines and seeds are tasty and delicious like peas.

Komodo Island is also accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the Komodo National Park, along with the island of Rinca, Padar and Gili Mota.

PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Soaring up to 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, among an area that now functions as beautiful park.

There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols ofTrimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.

Entering Shiva temple, the highest temple and is located in the middle, you will find four rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other three rooms contain the statues of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga statue is said to be the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the above legend. In Vishnu temple, to the north of Shiva temple, you will find only one room with Vishnu statue in it. In Brahma temple, to the south of Shiva temple, you find only room as well with Brahma statue in it.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located close to Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is of golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings similar to eagle's. It is assumed that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shines') that is associated with the god of the Sun or Re in Old Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods).

Its ability to save her mother made many people admire it to the present time and it is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as the symbol of the country. Other country using the same symbol is Thailand, with the same reason but different form adaptation and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.

Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that - in Hindu - the tree is considered tree of life, eternity and environment harmony. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking a lion. The presence of this tree makes experts consider that Javanese society in the ninth century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just like Garuda, Kalpataru tree is also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru is used as the logo of Indonesian Environment Institution. Some intellectuals in Bali even develop "Tri Hita Karana" concept for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. This tree of life is also seen in the gunungan (the puppet used as an opening of traditional puppet show or wayang kulit). This proves that relief panels in Prambanan have been widely known throughout the world.

If you see the relief in detail, you will see many birds on them; they are real birds as we can see on the earth right now. Relief panels of such birds are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One of them is the relief of the Yellow-Crest Parrot (Cacatua sulphurea) that cites unanswered question. The reason is that the bird only exists in Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, did the bird exist in Yogyakarta? No body has succeeded in revealing the mystery.

You can discover many more things in Prambanan. You can see relief of Wiracarita Ramayana based on oral tradition. If you feel tired of enjoying the relief, you can take a rest in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since 18 September 2006, you can enter zone 1 area of Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being reconstructed.

BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Borobudur temple is Buddhist temple. This temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the World Wonder Heritages. It is not surprising since architecturally and functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayer, Borobudur is attractive.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was a place for praying that was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The name of Borobudur, as some people say, means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.

Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The height before being renovated was 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as supporting base. The first six terraces are in square form, two upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha statue is located facing westward. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. In line with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha's must go through each of those life stages.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizes human being that are still bound by lust. The upper four stories are called Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but are still bound to appearance and shape. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space; while the other upper three terraces where Buddha effigies are confined in domes with wholes are called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance and shape. The top part that is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful the sculptors were. In order to understand the sequence of the stories on the relief panels, you have to walk clockwise from the entrance of the temple. The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. Besides, there are relief panels describing the condition of the society by that time; for example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of navigation in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. For the reason, this temple functions as educating medium for those who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES suggests that you walk through each narrow passage in Borobudur in order for you to know the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the tenth century once visited this temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.

Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having supply of Buddha teaching script from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to improve Buddha's teachings after his return to India and he built a religion institution, Vikramasila Buddhism. Later he became the leader of Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six scripts from Serlingpa were then summarized as the core of the teaching called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or well known as Bodhipathapradipa.

A question about Borobudur that is still unanswered by far is how the condition around the temple was at the beginning of its foundation and why at the time of it's finding the temple was buried. Some hypotheses claim that Borobudur in its initial foundation was surrounded by swamps and it was buried because of Merapi explosion. It was based on Kalkutta inscription with the writing 'Amawa' that means sea of milk. The Sanskrit word was used to describe the occurrence of disaster. The sea of milk was then translated into Merapi lava. Some others say that Borobudur was buried by cold lava of Merapi Mountain.

With the existing greatness and mystery, it makes sense if many people put Borobudur in their agenda as a place worth visiting in their lives. Besides enjoying the temple, you may take a walk around the surrounding villages such as Karanganyar and Wanurejo. You can also get to the top of Kendil stone where you can enjoy Borobudur and the surrounding scenery. 

THE TECHNIQUE OF BATIK

Covering the surface of the fabric using wax to prevent absorption of the dye into the fibers of the fabric is the basic principle of batik. The closing process is done by using a canting fabric that is written into the fabric surface to form a certain motifs that have been designed first or use a batik stamp dipped in hot liquid wax and then stamped into the surface of the fabric.

These terms batik :

a.   Fabric used for batik cloth called mori, the cotton fabric that has been freed from za-inhibiting substances such as wax and starch to strengthen the yarn during the weaving process. Inhibiting substances can be released by using soda ash in the cooking process. Traditionally, batik cloth is soaked in a solution of concoction of spices in order to facilitate the absorption of the dye into the fibers of the fabric.

b.   Motif will be made in detail to be prepared, if necessary design motif is made on the fabric so that the process can directly follow the pattern of batik motifs have available.

c.   Equipment that is used for batik garus prepared. If you want to create batik, then you need to provide is a set of canting (usually consisting of six canting), pan to melt the wax, heating furnaces, and gawangan. If made batik cap, the cap is prepared certain batik, printing table, wok with a flat surface, and a small stove for heating.

d. The dyeing process is done by using a cool dye techniques napthol dyes in accordance with its procedures. In traditional dyeing, coloring dyes used are derived from nature, especially plants that exist in the surrounding environment. For example, to obtain the red color used the noni tree bark soaked in water. The blue color is obtained from indigo trees. In addition, also used soga trees, tall, rice straw to obtain soda ash, as well as activators using clay mud.

e.  In batik dyeing process can not be at once. Staining first performed for a light-colored. Furthermore, to provide older colors, motifs on a light-colored closed again with wax and then dyeing with color done again older. So forth so that all colors can be immersed in the fabric required.

f.   After completion of the process of dyeing, wax removal process is carried out by using a knife or metal sagging derived similar fabric coated on the surface of the candle.

g.  As the final stage of removal of wax, made by boiling the fabric. In this process the wax is still attached to the fabric and can not be cleaned will be gone and out of the fabric fibers.

h.  Finally, the fabric can be dried and ironed so neat. Batik cloth is ready for use as needed.

BALI

Bali may be small in size, you can drive around the entire coast in one long day but its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so. Ask travellers what Bali means to them and you’ll get as many answers as there are flowers on a frangipani tree. Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerising dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish.

Small obviously doesn’t mean limited. The manic whirl of Kuta segues into the luxury of Seminyak. The artistic swirl of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty treks amid the volcanoes. Mellow beach towns like Amed, Lovina and Pemuteran can be found right round the coast and just offshore is the laid-back idyll of Nusa Lembongan.

As you stumble upon the exquisite little offerings left all over the island that materialise as if by magic, you’ll see that the tiny tapestry of colours and textures is a metaphor for Bali itself.

And those are just some of the more obvious qualities. A visit to Bali means that you are in the most visitor-friendly island of Indonesia. There are pleasures of the body, whether a massage on the beach or a hedonistic interlude in a sybaritic spa. Shopping that will put ‘extra bag’ at the top of your list. Food and drink ranging from the freshest local cuisine bursting with the flavours of the markets to food from around the globe, often prepared by chefs and served in restaurants that are world class. From a cold Bintang at sunset to an epic night clubbing in Kuta, your social whirl is limited only by your own fortitude.

SENI BATIK

Batik art is a form of decoration and textile styling based on the use of wax and dyes. Candles are used as separators color painted or engraved into the surface of the textile. Then combines the colors of textile dyes in accordance with the rules or using berus. Batik art is unique and special because no piece of batik in common with others and even use blocks of the same color cap.

Some utility work such as batik for formal events such ceremonies in the royal, special meetings in government, marriage ceremonies, circumcision and the like, gear and clothing shows dancers on dance performances, materials such blangkon custom clothing accessories and the like, as well as souvenir items.

PUPPET ART

Shadow puppets is a two-dimensional work of art native Indonesia. Materials used to make shadow puppets in Java is usually a buffalo skin or bone, cow leather and goat skin. Leather carving handicraft, especially leather puppets could be described as a blend of art and history due to make a shadow play must go through the process of learning not for a moment, takes tenacity, willingness to learn is high, and have a love of the intricacies of puppet.

Puppet arts education in conjunction with the Indonesia national identity, can not be separated from the review as a philosophy of life puppet arts of Indonesia, Pancasila. Hence, traditional performance art includes the principle of Belief in One God, humanity, unity, democracy or popular sovereignty and social justice.

STASIUN BALAPAN - DIDI KEMPOT

ning Stasiun Balapan
kutho Solo sing dadi kenangan
kowe karo aku
naliko ngeterke lungamu

ning Stasiun Balapan
rasane koyo wong kelangan
kowe ninggal aku
ra kroso nitis eluh ning pipiku

daaag.....dadaaag sayang....
daaag.....selamat jalan....

janji lungo mung sedelok
jare sewulan ra ono
pamitmu nalika semono
ning Stasiun Balapan Solo

jare lungo mung sedelok
malah tanpo kirim warto
lali opo pancen nglali
yen eling mbok enggal bali

ning Stasiun Balapan
kotho Solo sing dadi kenangan

The meaning of the song is Balapan Station in the city of Solo is impressive to you and me, when i drove your gone. At the station, it felt like a loss, you left me. i did not realize the tears on my cheeks. You promise only briefly, no one month. You do not send a letter. Forget or deliberately forgotten. If you remember, please come home.

CAMPURSARI

Campursari is one of the traditional arts in Indonesia that must be preserved. Campursari current art being favored by the people. In addition, song campursari containing values and mandate for audience. And to find the values and the message of the song, song lyric should be read carefully and in appreciation. Appreciation song campursari the observed and provide an assessment of lyric song.

Javanese people who settled in the region of Yogyakarta and surrounding Solo must have heard the song campursari. Campursari song is a song that blended with gamelan gagrag anyar. There is no inherent grip as macapat song. Today, many songs campursari taken from popular songs such as songs from the band.

Song campursari now been developed and understood by the public as the song it can be divided into two. First, macapat song that is bound to grip. Second, free songs are songs that are free and not bound coverage grip as track macapat.

Song made from the words of the authors choice. The song was also included in the literature so everyone is free to listen. Song campursari consumed many people to entertain themselves at anytime.