Archive for June, 2006
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
The Madurese people preserve a number of myths explaining their origins, among them the story of Raden (Prince) Segoro. It is told that long time ago the Javanese kingdom of Medang Kamulan was ruled by one Prabu Gilingwesi, whose daughter, Dewi Bendoro Gung, became pregnant as the gods had willed. The king, however, became angered and ordered one of his ministers, Patih Pragulang, to kill her.
Obeying the command, Patih Pragulang sailed the princess out to sea on a raft, but at the last moment was unable to carry out the deed. Eventually the raft came to rest on the land which was to be called Madura, which is said to stem from the words ‘Madu’ meaning honey, and ‘oro’, open Country. Dewi Bendoro Gung later gave birth to a handsome boy who was to be called Raden Segoro.
At the age of three the child encountered two sea-serpents which, through the intervention of Empu Polleng (Patih Pragulang disguised) changed their forms and became the pusaka (heirlooms) named Alugoro and Nenggolo.
On becoming an adult, Raden Segoro served the king of Medang Kamolan and on one occasion successfully repelled a Chinese invasion. Returning to Madura he asked his mother about the identity
of his father.
Enraged by her son’s question, Dewi Bendoro Gung turned his dwelling place into what is now the forest of Nepa and a haven for monkeys which according to local belief are descended from the soldiers of Raden Segoro. Nepa can be found in the district of Banyuates, 42 km north of Sampang. Another legend recounts the story of Jokotole, son of the Putri (princess) Kuning, who was a grandchild of Pangeran Bukabu of Sumenep. Jokotole and his brother Jokowedi had been conceived by way of a dream encounter between Putri Kuning and their father Adipoday. While journeying to Majapahit to assist his stepfather named Empu Kelleng, Jokotole met with his uncle, Adirasa, who gave him the flying horse Si Mega and a whip, both of which had been entrusted to him by Adipoday. To this day the horse Si Mega continues to live as the Regional Emblem of Sumenep. The whip, too, is one of Madura’s well known souvenirs, and the names Jokotole and Putri Kuning (Madurese “Pottre Koneng’) can be found on the ferry boats which run between Surabaya and the Madurese port of Kamal. Epigraphical evidence helps to reveal the role played by Madura in the general history of Indonesia, as well as the island’s relationship with the ancient rulers of Java. For instance, it is known that during the period of Singosari (1222 - 1292 A.D.), the Regent of Sumenep, one Aria Wiraraja, ruled over the whole of Madura and, together with Raden Wijaya, helped to establish the Javanese kingdom of Majapahit after successfully repelling the punitive force sent to Java by the Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan in 1292 - 1293 A.D. At the beginning of the Islamic period, the new religion was introduced into the Madurese court circle by a crown prince of the kingdom of Palakaran (Arosbaya, Bangkalan) named Pratanu, son of Prince Pragalbo. A century later, during the golden period of Mataram under the leadership of Sultan Agung, a grandson of Pratanu named Raden Praseno was given authority over the whole of Madura, with the title Pangeran Cakraningrat I. His seat of power was at Sampang. He in turn was succeeded by his son Raden undakan, who became Pangeran Cakraningrat II. During this period the recently established Dutch East India Company (VOC) began to exploit Mataram’ s internal political strife, which resulted in the rebellion of Trunojoyo and the forced exile of Cakraningrat II to Lodaya. When the rebellion was finally put down, Cakraningrat II returned to rule over western Madura, with a new seat of power at Tonjung (Bangkalan).
Cakraningrat II was succeeded by his son Cakraningrat III, whose rule was ended abruptly by a rebellion incited by his younger brother R.T. Suroadiningrat, who became Cakraningrat IV.
However, because he opposed the Dutch East India Company he was forced into exile in Tanjung Harapan and his son, R.A. Secoadiningrat (Cakraningrat V) took power. The seat of government was moved again at this time to Sembilangan. Cakraningrat V was succeeded by his grandson, Panembahan Adipati Cakraningrat VI, who in turn was succeeded by his uncle, Adipati Cakraningrat VII. Since the time of the setting up of a capital at Arosbaya in 1528, the religion of Islam spread eastward across the island and had a profound effect upon Madurese social and political life.
From that time until today the main historical events can be noted down as follows: 1624 The forces of Mataram under Sultan Agung occupied Madura. 1672 Trunojoyo rebelled and succeeded in ousting Sultan Agung’s forces. 1680 With the help of the Dutch East India Company, Mataram succeeded in re-occupying the eastern part of Madura, with seats of Government at Sumenep and Pamekasan. This part of the island, however, was eventually ceded to the Dutch (VOC). Western Madura (Bangkalan, Sampang) was restored to the descendants of Prince Cakraningrat. For a further two and a half Centuries the Dutch colonial administration increased its hold on Madura This bitter situation turned even worse under the forced labour introduced by the Japanese, who occupied Indonesia in 1942, until the declaration of Independence in 1945
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June 14th, 2006
The Tomb Of Sunan Bonang
Klenteng Kwan Sing Bio
The Town of Thousand Cave : Akbar Cave
Natural Tourism
Bektiharjo Bathing Place, located in Semanding Subdistrict about 7 km from Tuban
Nglirip Waterfall, located in Singgahan Subdistrict about 35 km from the city.
Gua Lawa, located in Montong Subdistrict about 32 km from the city.
Ngerong Water Resource, located in Rengel Subdistrict about 30 km from Tuban.
Goa Suci (Holly Cave), located in Palang Subdistrict about 15 km from the city.
Warm water resource, located at Pratakan Subdistrict of Palang about 35 km from the city.
Tuban Indah (Beautiful Tuban), located in Jenu Subdistrict about 7 km from Tuban.
Joko Tarub natural preserve, located in Plumpang about 14 km from the center of the city.
Museum Kambang Putih, located in Tuban Subdistrict.
June 14th, 2006
TUBAN
Tuban today is a small, sleepy town on East Java’s north coast, about 90 kilometres west of Surabaya. Four hundred years ago, however, it was one of the island’s principal seaports, active in the spice trade and supporting a large population of foreign merchants. Tuban’s attractions, and there are many, are connected mainly with its historical past, especially the period marking the decline of the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit and the beginning of the Islamic era in, the 15th century.
INDUSTRIESSmall Scale Industry
The most popular products of the small industry at this moment are traditional clothes, Batik Tulis and Batik Gedog. The production reached 9,915 pieces per year and have already penetrated local as well as international market. In 1991 this kind of industry was promoted in an industrial expo in Los Angeles USA.
The most popular products of the small industry at this moment are traditional clothes, Batik Tulis and Batik Gedog. The production reached 9,915 pieces per year and have already penetrated local as well as international market. In 1991 this kind of industry was promoted in an industrial expo in Los Angeles USA. Parquette Industry
This products has penetrated its own market in Hongkong, by the total export volume of 300 m3 from the total production capacity of 900 m3. An effort to increase the product and to develop its market has been taken into consideration.
Mining Sector
Mineral products classified as Group C are silica sand, dolomite, clay, limestone and meteorite. The product of silica sand in 1993 is 55.500 tons, dolomite 22.587 tons, clay 20.000 tons, limestone 20.571 tons, sand and stone 2.500 tons.
Limestone and clay as basic materials for cement industry are manufactured by PT Semen Gresik, which is in the near future it will be followed by PT Semen Dwima Agung. Oil mining in the village named Rahayu in Sooko Subdistrict is able to produce 3.000 barrels Subdistrict it produce 5.000 barrels of oil per day. ARTS AND CRAFTS
ANYAMAN BAMBU (BAMBOO)
ANYAMAN PANDAN/MENDONG
BATIK
BATIK GEDOG
BORDIR
GERABAH DAN KERAMIK
ONGKEK HANDICRAFT
MEBEL (FURNITURE)
PANDE BESI
KAIN TENUN
ROTAN (RATTAN)
June 13th, 2006
Bamboo Ornaments
Bamboo ornaments for the home are made in Lamongan, Magetan, Banyuwangi, Ponorogo and around Surabaya and can be bought at almost any souvernir shop. The people’s amusement Park (THR) in Surabaya is good place to look for such items of handicraft. Similar items can also be found in other towns throughout East Java.
Brassware
Fake antique brassware as well as more contemporary items are made in Situbondo, Bondowoso, Pasuruan, Tulungagung, Mojokerto, Jombang, and around Surabaya for local sale and to be sold in other cities in Java such Jakarta. The range includes lamps, vases, bowls and many other ornamental items for the home.
Madurese Batik
The island of Madura has a style of batik all its own. Less widely known than the batik clothes of Central Java and Cirebon. Madurese batik nevertheless deserves special mention because of its alluring flower patterns and colours in which red, purple and blue usually dominate. Another variety of East Javanese batik is that of Tuban with its ‘Gedog’ batik, Ponorogo, and Sidoarjo.
June 12th, 2006
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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.
June 12th, 2006
Exotic surf travel almost never has the kind of grace and logic that it does in magazines and movies. Beautiful, uncharted waves are out there, but it’s a long, tedious, sometimes dangerous job finding them. Even with all the complaints about crowded line-ups, only a few surfers ever sail out into the great unknown. This is why many people today think of Gradjagan, in southeast Java, not just as a perfect wave, but as a perfect adventure.
In many ways Grajagan – better known as G-Land – remains a strange, almost alien place to visit, starting with the fact that it’s located at the edge of a jungle filled with birds, reptiles, insects and other creatures not found on the beaches of Sydney or Los Angeles. Then again, the primitive G-Land surf camp of the mid-1970s now offers staff-prepared meals three times a day, satellite TV, shuttle service to the waves, and unlimited cold beer on tap. Yet the jungle still has a strong presence. The surf is dangerous as well as thrilling. But the Gradjagan adventure is catered and well-organized, designed for those who prefer to dip into exotic waters, rather than fling themselves into the deep end.
From your local domestic airport, you can fly to Bali, motor to G-Land, surf for 10 days, then return home, without having to decide anything except what board to ride when it’s 8’ and offshore. True, it isn’t as brave or romantic as heading out with nothing more than a map, a can-opener and a box of waterproof matches. But G-Land allows you to concentrate on waves and surfing, while still getting a strong hit of exotica, and most people appreciate the indulgence.
June 8th, 2006
SUKAMADE TURTLE - BEACH, 97 km from Banyuwangi
Situated on the south coast, Sukamade beach is the site where turtles appear between about 9 p.m. to midnight to lay eggs, which they bury under about half a meter of sand. The egg-laying is subject to seasons, and at times the beach can be awash with turtles, especially during the full moon. Beach guards collect the eggs shortly after they have been laid and rebury them elsewhere where they are safe from poachers and such animals as leopards. The eggs hatch in about two months after which the young turtles are tended in special tanks at Sukamade until they are strong enough to survive in the ocean.
Today, more than 2,500 turtles have been tagged and recorded since the beach became a protected area in 1972. The huge creatures which struggle from the moonlight surf are not without problems, as predators on and off the shore will devour most of their eggs and offsprings, but at least they are spared the human poacher. If homosapiens does lurk in the shadows, it is only the curious.
Sukamade is still very isolated. To get there requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and above all perseverence. Main access is through a 50 km stretch of extremely rough road, passing rubber, coffee, and cocoa plantations. As yet there are no bridges crossing the the rivers, which, though negotiable during the dry season, can become very difficult to cross during the rainy season. Despite the discomfort, however, the trip may be rewarding. Two full days are needed for the 2-way journey with an overnight stop in Sukamade where limited accommodafon is available
How to reach Sukamade:
Surabaya - Probolinggo (99 km) : bus/train
Probolinggo - Jember (99 km) : bus/train
Jember - Jajag (74 km) : bus/train
Jajag - Sukamade (62 km) : taxi
A conservation effort has been underway for some years at Sukamade Beach, where four types of sea turtle come regularly to nest. Stability of the turtle population has been helped by a careful system of tagging and monitoring, as well as the use of special hatcheries. Watching these giant creatures emerge from the surf and struggle-up the beach to lay their eggs on a moonlit night is a unique and unforgettable experience, and one which is certain to ensure Sukamade’s ever growing popularity.
source : www.petra.ac.id/eastjava/cities/banyuw/tourobj/ban10.htm
June 8th, 2006
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