ETERNAL FIRE-PAMEKASAN
Pamekasan is the capital, of Madura. Five km. south of the village of Dangka, there is an interesting eternal fire, best seen on a moonlight night. The great Kerapan Sapi is held here annually at the beginning of September or October. A showroom for the local arts and crafts is located near the public square.
KANGEAN ISLAND
Kangean Island is the name of an island among the many islands that are stretched out east of Madura Island, of East Java. From the government administration point of view; the island is divided into two; West Kangean, which is included in the Arjasa Sub-District, and East Kangean, which is included in the Sapeken Sub-District. Both Sub-District are part of the Sumenep Regency.
Geographically, on the topographic map, Kangean Island is located closer to Bali Island, as compared to Lombok Island. To Bali Island in West Nusa Tenggara, it is a 4 hours sea journey by speedboat.
This island, which is 30,000 hectares in size, apparently holdsa tourism potential that is feasible to be offered. In particular for adventuretourism, in free nature. The attraction of Kangean Island can be felt, starting with the journey from West Kangean to East Kangean. All along the route, a combination of natural forests with the captivatingbeaches of the Java Sea, are stretched out. If you would like to buy souvenirs, in Arjasa of West Kangean, there are wood handicrafts of bahar and sentaki roots. It is said that a cane of such wood has certain virtues for the user. Apart from that, the area is also known for its jungle fowls that have melodious crows, and are excellent studs for cross breeds. It is not too difficult to obtain these jungle fowls, because there is a breeding farm in Arjasa, managed by H. Ansoruddin.
The other tourist attractions are found more in East Kangean. Between Tembayang Bay Harbour and Sepanjang Island, a little island south east of Kangean Island, a natural mangrove forestry is lined up. It even has a still intact habitat. Various animals, like monkeys, komodos and snakes, are still found here, in abundance. Hence, the mangrove forestry that functions as the transition between the marine and land eco-systems, can still be found on Kangean Island. Because of its genuinity the Perum Perhutani Unit II of East Java, which manages this area, has determined this area as one of the tourist locations that has a mangrove forestry, and a still intact eco-system,as its main presentation. Permits can be obtained at the Perhutani Station in Tembayangan Bay. Or further information can be obtained from the Perhutani KPH Madura Office at jalan Joko Tole No. 190, Pamekasan. Phone (62-324) 22549.
In between the stretches of mangrove forestry, that from little islands, is the marine park with its variety of coral reefs, complete with colorful decorative fish.
To experience the beauty of the marine park on the mangrove forestry, no spy glasses or supporting equipment is needed, because it is fenced off by the rather dense mangrove forestry. The sea is clear blue, because of its remote location far away from pollution. A boat can be rented for Rp. 75,000,- a day to travel along this marine park.
Not far from the stretches of mangrove forestry and only around 5 minutes by speed boat, there is a pearl oyster farm. Here, tourists can watch losely how these valuable pearl-oysters are bred. How these are harvested from the sea bedsm to be polished into a range of jewelry.
Compared to other tourists destinations, the eco-tourism potential on Kngean Island indeed has not been fully developed yet. Everything appears still genuine and natural. But, it is actually this naturality that has become the attraction to visit the island.
LOMBANG AND SLOPENG BEACHES-SUMENEP
About 21 km from Sumenep, Slopeng Beach is located on the north coast of Madura. The tall palm trees lining the beach’s edge provide welcome shade to visitors.
Lombang Beach is located on Madura’s north-easternmost point. A row of short pine trees separate land from the stretch of fine, white sand is backed by short cemara trees - an ideal location for visitors in search of quiet relaxation.
Passing visitors, feeling somewhat uncomfortable due to the hot weather, will no doubt appreciate a custom in which local villagers offer them fresh, young coconuts, picked straight from the trees.
PALACE AT SUMENEP
SUMENEP, an old and attractive town, 53 km north-east of Pamekasan in the more isolated hills of the interior. See Sumenep’s 18th century mosque, the kraton and its small but interesting museum of royal family possesions. Asta Tinggi, the royal cemetery is only about three km from the town centre.
THE ROYAL CEMETERY AT ASTA TINGGI AND THE ROYAL PALACE AT SUMENEP.
Asta Tinggi is the cemetery of the kings of the Sumenep empire The mosque at Asta Tinggi was built during the 17th century and has an entrance gate depicting a mixture of Javanese and Madurese styles.
Some 1.5 km from Asta Tinggi is the Royal Palace (Keraton) of Sumenep.
June 15th, 2006
TOMB OF AIRMATA IBU-AROSBAYA
At Arosbaya, 11 km from the town of Bangkalan, situated on the edge of a small ravine, is the tomb of Kanjeng Ratu Ibu, wife of Cakraningrat I, and the old royal cemetery of the Cakraningrat dynasty. The complex is located on a hill, about 4 km inland from Arosbaya. The headstone is worthy of inspection, and the view from the cemetery is spectacular.
BULL RACING
Bull Racing in Madura is a folk sport that come, into existence long, long ago. Though the colour and excitement is different from the familiar sports of Westerners, it is equally interesting and thrilling. Conducted in the rice fields, the past time evolved into an organized sport with adherents not only in Madura, but spreading to nearby East Java as well. Much later, in 1926 the Dutch East Indies government recognizing the positive impact of the sports on efforts to develop animal husbandry in the province, made available an annual subsidy of 10.000 guiders (± $3220) to promote bull racing in Madura.
The races in its modern form, play a fundamental part in the life of Madura and its people, bringing activity to a standstill when a race meeting is in progress. Conditions specified that bulls entered for the race must be of Madurese stock and colour, height and strength are also taken into consideration. The race season is set from July through October. The last race of the season selects the overall champion, by a process of district races culminating in the finals held at Pamekasan, the capital of the island. Realising the tremendous value the races have for attracting domestic and foreign tourist, they can also be arranged on request for the tour groups. The races are conducted over rather short courses. The length of the village race is 110 meters, that of district race 120 meters, and that of the residency races 130 meters. Each course is 30 meters wide.
Each race therefore lasts only a few seconds, conducted in a series of elimination heats between winners and losers of preceding heats. Excitement mounts heat after heat and eventually two sets of winners are determined, the best of the losers and the best of the winners.
A three man Jury decides the winner on the basis of which teams’ legs cross the finish line first, a system which varies absolutely from that of a horse race. Races start at 10.00 am but already in the morning crowds gather along the street leading to the stadium. The bulls adorned with flowers ribbons, Jewelled head-resses and Yokes, parade through the streets of the town, shaded by brightly decorated parasols, accompanied by strolling drums and flute bands, each team followed by is groups of musicians, handlers and supporters.
A bull parade and whip mass dances performed by local school children are the pre-race formalities. The bulls are stripped off their fineries which are exchanged for more practical racing gear. The jockey perches on the wooden sled, holding the reins in one hand and a whip or baton to drive the team with the other.
A flag is then dropped as signal for the start. However the real show lies not only in the race itsell but also in the festivies which from an integral part of a race gathering. But Madura doesn’t only mean bull races. There is more to it for those with time and interest for archaeology and glimpses at the remaining rurall life of olden times.
June 15th, 2006
Cultural forms in Madura are generally speaking similar to those of Java and, looked at from a wider viewpoint, belong to the Java - Bali - Madura - Sunda family.
Madurese culture, however, has its own shades and tones, undoubtedly conditioned in part by the harsh landscape and climate. Immediately apparent are the differences in language and mental attitude between the Madurese and say, the Javanese. The people of Madura are well known for their straightforwardness and direct approach, particularly evident in their manner of speech. Often considered rough and un- refined by outsiders, a different picture emerges as soon as one goes a little deeper. It might be fairer to say that the Madurese are hot-blooded and quick to excite. This, too is perhaps partly a reflection of the sometimes dry, arid conditions and parched lanscape. The result is that the people of Madura have learned to be quick-witted, industrious, adaptable and, all in all, charming.
A Madurese can be the most loyal friend when approached with politeness; but cross him and watch out! Since Madura shares approximately the same cultural influences and general historical background as neighbouring Java, religion and general way of life are not so different.
In centuries past the Madurese have frequently allied themselves with the Javanese in order to ward off a common enemy. On occasions the two races have fought. In any event, there has always been a continuing communication across the narrow Straits of Madura, and today a large percentage mainland East Java’s population, especially those living along the north east coast and other low-lying areas, claim Madurese descent.
The predominant religion is Islam, brought first to the island in the 15th and 16th centuries by disciples of the Wali Songo, or ‘Nine Saints of Islam’, and notably the followers of Sunan Giri from Gresik. The new religion affected cultural forms, particularly noticeable in the architectural styles.
As important anchorage points on the international trade route linking Europe with the Far East, the port of East Java, and hence Madura, were open to artistic traditions from every corner of the civilised world; from regions as part apart as Egypt, India, China, Persia and, later, Europe
June 15th, 2006