Archive for September, 2006
Bromo-Tengger national park is located on East Java, about three hours by car from Surabaya. Tengger is a huge, old caldera with the Bromo volcano inside. The smoking cone of Bromo raises from the plain of this 10 km wide caldera, but is not the highest mountain inside. Side by side with Bromo are also other mountains like Gunung Batok (2.440m) and Gunung Kursi (2.581m). Bromo (2.392m) and the nearby Semeru volcano, the highest mountain on Java (3.676m), have during the two previous centuries had at least 100 eruptions. The eruptions have sometimes caused large damages, but is also the reason why this region is so fertile. Like the rest of Java the soil consists largely of volcanic dust and ash, which on this particular island is not acid.
Smoke is always rising from the crater, the smell of sulphur can be very irritating.A legend tells the story about how the Tengger caldera was dug out with just half a coconut shell by an ogre in love with a princess. If he succeeded with his task in just one night the hand of the princess should be granted to him. When the king saw that the ogre might succeed, he ordered his servants to pound rice. Due to this the cocks started to crow, thinking that dawn had broken. On hearing this the ogre threw away the coconut shell before dying of exhaustion. The coconut shell became Gunung Batok and the trench became the sand sea.
After the collapse of the Majapahit kingdom this highland became a refuge for Hindus who did not escape to Bali, and today the Hindu society here is, next to Bali, among the largest in Indonesia. There are growing cultural ties with Bali. For the Hindus Bromo is regarded as sacred, a large temple is built on the plain just below the smoking volcano, and due to the geophysical instability of the area it is quite new. Hindu ceremonies are frequently performed here, the most important is the colorful Kasada festival, where the Tengger people throw offerings into the crater at sunrise to please the volcano god.
The first sunlight appears and the nearby mountains turns from invisible to the most fascinating landscape.Depending on your starting point the trip to Bromo can be made in one day. If you like to spend the night there are some hotels at the edge of the Tengger caldera. Many come here from Surabaya, but also Probolinggo at the coast is a popular base for exploration of this district. For many travelers to East Java the sunset from the top of Bromo is a must. If you start from Surabaya or another place not too far away you can rent a car with driver and guide and depart in the middle of the night. Arrival will then be in sufficient time before sunset and you will travel to the volcano top either by horse or by walking. These small horses have an incredible stamina, but the trip is only two kilometers in flat terrain and can easily be made by foot.
Leading up to the narrow edge of the crater is a long stair, and up there you can only wait for the sun to light up the incredible landscape and feel the temperature raise. Temperatures can easily fall to 15 degrees C and lower at night. The sunset is worth the trip, especially if you arrived in the darkness and never seen this landscape which is unfolding in front of you before. It is not the Bromo volcano itself that is so spectacular, it is the landscape that surrounds it.
In the valley leading up to Bromo you can buy flowers of local kids.There is also a lot to see on the way back. After breakfast at one of the hotels on the edge of the Tengger caldera, the car will bring you down the green and fertile valley passing a few villages. If there is time a visit to one of the waterfalls along the road can be recommended. If you don’t want to go there at night the trip can as well be done during daytime, however the temperature then will be much higher. It takes some more effort to walk to the top of the mountains surrounding Bromo, but the view is supposed to make this worthwhile. It is also possible to climb Semeru, but the track is sometimes closed because of volcanic activity.
source : www.maharani-tours.com
September 29th, 2006
Malang, 90 km south of Surabaya, perhaps the most popular area among East Java’s scenic beauty. Far above the steamy lowlands, the mountain resort of Malang with its elevation of about 450 meter above sea level provides cool relief from tropical heat making Malang a popular tourist destination. Walk around to examine local flora and to the road-side markets which sell particularly good tropical apples is an unforgettable experience.
Apple plantation tour to Kusuma Agro in Batu under the fresh air and sunny sky can spend your time walking around among the enticing apple trees. Wonosari tea plantation in Lawang is situated in a picturesque hill. It offers more attractions, jogging track around tea plantation, tennis even swimming activity. Cottages are provided to comfort visitors. Located on the elevation of 900-1200 meter above sea level, this place is a right choice for the weekend family picnickers.
ﾃつ
Four Days Bromo / Malang Tour
Day 01 Surabaya - Bromo (D)
ﾃつUpon your arrival in Juanda airport Surabaya, you will be met for meeting service and we will then directly transfer you to Tosari Village (1700 meters). After that we will arrive at Bromo Cottages, a place where you will be overnight. Then, after checking - in youwill enjoy your dinner and the rest of the evening is free program for you to fill in.
Day 02 Bromo - NongkoJajar - Malang/Batu (B,L)
ﾃつYou will have morning call at 04.00 am and shortly after you will enjoy your coffee break before we start the journey. After that we will drive you drive to Mt. Pananjakan; a viewing point for sunrise (subject to the weather condition). Afterwards we will drive down to Mt. Bromo crossing the sea of sand. From here we will change ride with a local pony up to the foot of Mt. Bromo. Then we will walk the 246 steps straight up to the rim of the mountain and experience the great view on top. After the great journey we will return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast is free at leisure until the scheduled time to deliver you to Malang through Nongkodjajar, enroute visit Singosari Temple and Dwalaras. Next we will continue the trip to Batu which is a city famous for its little bit of Switzerland and also visit agro apple plantation and flower farms at Kusuma Agro Wisata. You will have your lunch in local restaurant. Then shortly we will deliver you to Malang/Batu for an overnight. The rest of the evening is free program.
Day 03 Malang/Batu - Wonosari - Surabaya (B, L)
ﾃつAfter you have breakfast we will drive you down to Wonosari Tea Plantation. There, you will enjoy the scenic panorama and see the tea processing activity. You will have the chance to join the local tea pickers picking tea’s leaves. Your lunch will be served in local restaurant. Afterwards we will continue the trip by driving to Surabaya and on the way there we will stop by at Sidoarjo. Then, in the afternoon you will enjoy the sightseeing of Surabaya from other dimension. The tour first sets off to Kayoon florist where you can see colorful flowers and various food stalls, then a trip to Kya Kya with its china town atmosphere including its foods. Afterwards we will have a trip to House of Sampoerna; one of the biggest kretek cigarettes in Indonesia with its history in the museum then shortly after that drives you back to your hotel.
Day 04 Surabaya - Departure (B)
ﾃつAfter breakfast and free at leisure until time to transfer you to airport for your next destination. End of service.
Inclusions: Accommodation base on twin share including breakfast, Air-conditioned coach, Tours as per program, Meals as mentioned, English speaking guide, Refreshment, Parking, admission fees.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
We have designed a course that fits naturally into the environment, provides a good test of golf.
for all players and features spectacular views and scenery. Three Days Surabaya Golf Tour
Day 01 Surabaya - Transfer in. Upon your arrival in Juanda Surabaya airport, you will be asked
for meeting service then you will directly be transferred to Prigen or Pandaan, known for its
popular highland resort in East Java and place for weekend hideout.
Finish with the beautiful scenery and trip of Pandaan you will be delivered for an overnight stay at
Finna. Then, the rest of the day is free on your own leisure.
Day 02 Surabaya - Playing Golf
ﾃつAfter enjoying your breakfast, you will be accommodated with Tee-off at Finna Golf or Taman
Dayu Country club to have one round of golf (18 holes). In the afternoon after you finish with your
golf activities we will drive you down to Surabaya for an overnight and get yourself ready for your
tomorrow activities in Surabaya.
ﾃつDay 03 Surabaya - Playing Golf - Departure
ﾃつAfter enjoying your breakfast at hotel you will be transferred for Tee-off at your own choice of Golf
course for another round of golf (18 holes). After you have finish with your play we will deliver you
to the airport for your onward departure flight. End of Service
ﾃつInclusion: Ac transportation, Return transfer airport/hotel/airport and hotel/golf course/hotel,
baggage handling, English speaking guide, 2X Green & Caddy fees (Weekdays) at designated
golf course.
Remarks: Playing out on weekends (Saturday/Sunday/Indonesian Public Holidays) subject to
surcharge in accordance The club’s policy and Buggy/Golf cart is excluded and payable directly on the spot.
source : www.maharani-tours.com
September 29th, 2006
Probolinggo ( ANTARA News) - Even status Gunung Bromo ( 2392 mdpl) in Probolinggo, Jatim, expressed status Siaga, public Tengger who live in the top of the mountain area will remain execute Yad ceremony of Kasada according to plan by 6-7 Septembers 2006.
” We will remain execute Yad ceremony of Kasada, there is no change, because this is ceremony is obligation,” said public doyen Tengger, Supoyo, also Kepala Desa Ngadisari, Probolinggo, Rabu.
vibration activity of Tremor vulkanik Gunung Bromo since 2 Septembers then increasing. If before all vibration amplitude number of tremor vulkanik range from 0,5 to 5 mm, experience increase out of 23 mm become 26 mm.
Supoyo confess public have known that government have released commemoration about activity Gunung Bromo which now increase so that expressed in status Siaga. But, the alertness status will not bracket execution of Yad of Kasada which have been prepared.
Mount Bromo for public Tengger which is Hinduist is sanctum that is also place of their ancestor. In consequence, Yad of Kasada as presentation of bhakti to ancestor as well as Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa ( God Almighty) will remain be executed as usual.
The same thing is also laid open Sesepuh Dukun Tengger, Mudjono that Yad of Kasada will be passed off as usual. Even, with execution of the ceremony is expected Gunung Bromo is not irate and public is always given safety.
September 28th, 2006
Worse luck ( ANTARA News) - Result of recommendation from Vulcanology Director General, the tourists visiting area wisata Gunung Bromo is prohibited to climb top, caused by improvement of activity from the mount.
“ﾃつﾃつ Because improvement of activity being marked smoke of thick in culminating crater Bromo, hence this mount status rising become allerting from before all active normal,” said Kepala Balai Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru ( BTNBTS) Hery Subagiadi when contacted in Malang, Selasa.
However, he said, area wisata Gunung Bromo still be opened, because in general still have not endangered, only the tourists is urged not to go up up to top, because smoke is the thick.
It is told by him, tourist visiting Gunung Bromo is prohibited to come near cauldron to start radius around 1 kms from top.
Touch commemoration activity of Hari Kasodo being started by Rabu-Kamis ( 6-7/9), Heri Subagiadi tell, until so far still have not there are postponement letter from at doyen and also prominent in area Tengger relate to the management of Kasodo.(*)
source :
September 28th, 2006
Surabaya ( ANTARA News) - Mount Status Bromo which as high as 2393 metre above sea level start Tuesday ( 5/9) boosted up to to become Siaga, said Kepala Badan Geologi and Pusat Vulkanologi Mitigasi Bencana Bandung Dr Ir Surono.
In Mount Bromo since 2 Septembers 2006 have been is codified is vibration activity of tremor vulkanik is tending to height until 23 mili metre ( mm), even have time to go down 2 mm, but since Monday ( 4/9) vibration activity of its vulkanik return to increasing until 26 mm, said description of the mass media being received by ANTARA News, Selasa.
If before all in Gunung Bromo vibration amplitude number of its vulkanik tremor range from 0,5 mm until 5 mm, hence at Tuesday experience increase out of 23 mm become 26 mm.
Meanwhile, he explain, condition of sulfatera or white smoke from crater Bromo also have experienced discoloration, and smoke have seems to be having colour rather thick grey white as high as 25 metre hinga 50 metre from cauldron lip, and brimstone aroma hardly sting.
He arise, at the height of Gunung Bromo status, hence [his] side always increase watcher to do evaluation of activity in the area.
Besides, local local government with the side of National Park Bromo Tengger-Semeru, also always co-ordinate with Pos Pengamatan Gunung Bromo in Cemora Lawang and or with Pusat Vulkanologi and Mitigasi Bencana Geologi.
To anticipate the happening of disaster victim, public and area visitorﾃつGunung Bromo tourismﾃつsuggested not to to come near or climb in radius one kms from active cauldron Gunung Bromo.
September 28th, 2006
THE MASK
ﾃつFor entaertainment and ceremonial instrument. There is three kind of masks in East Java such as:
Madura Mask
Commonly uses for performer of mask festival art. The dialogue doing by the performer (dalang) and the story is about Ramayana and Mahabarata.
Malang Mask
Usually uses for Panji Story entertain, a story about the journey of Panji Inukertapati (the prince of Jenggala Kingdom) to find his girlfriend, Dewi Sekartaji (the princess of Kediri)
Dongkrek Mask
Topeng arts from Madiun is for parade. There dancer with the mask on dances on the street.
KLELES AND TUK-TUK FROM MADURA
ﾃつBull racing traditional art instruments from Madura. Kleles is an instrument that uses for two bulls for the races. So that bull can race together and there is a places for the driver that control the way and the run of the bulls. Tuk-tuk is additional instrument while the racing begins.
ANGKLUNG FROM PASINAN BANYUWANGI
ﾃつAngklung from Banyuwangi is equipment of Jangger Mini and to celebrate important days. All of Banyuwangi traditional musical usually calls Tabuhan Bali-Balian. The beginning this gamelan has used to celebrate the people who have party and important days.
GRAMAPHONE FROM TUBAN
ﾃつThis is something to keep sound which has made based on work of electromagnet. This gramaphone is square form and inside of this gramaphone there is a machine with its black plate. This have sound circle on the surface. High and low of sound tone can be made by bottom of dent on black plate . If machine is turned with axis so it will turn to membran room. Membran vibration which be done by that middle to be continued to magnet room. It use to get wave on the air, so it will get sound.
SYMPHONION INSTRUMENT CLASIC MUSIC FROM GERMANY
This instrument is inside a cupboard. There is two sides. The under side is shelf inside 47 metal plates. Every metal plate can be taken a song, that song is managed in plate behind so it can be one. Low side of symphonian there is moving machines and every machine are the gears and moving spring. This machine is connected with somethings like gear motor on above room.
WAYANG GOLEK (PUPPETS)
ﾃつFrom Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya. It is as entertainment ceremony tools and to celebrate important day. Wayang Golek arts has grown up especially in West Java, Center Java and East Java. The story usually is about Mahabarata, Ramayana or Damarwulan and Menak.
KLITIK PUPPETS
From Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya. Functions : as an information and entertainment for the peoples. When Islam have been progresses on Java in 16-17 Century, Klitik Puppets have had born. The ceator of Klitik Puppets is Sovereign of Kudus (Sunan Kudus). It called Klitik because it mean small. Story is about Mahabarata and Ramayana or Minak Jinggo and Damarwulan.
BANGKALAN PUPPETS
From Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya. Function as special day, entertainment and ceremonial. This Bangkalan Puppets is illustration told Ramayana Story. The story is about kidnaping of Shinta (Ramaﾃ｢竄ｬ邃｢s Wife). Kidnaped by King of Dasamuka but with the help monkey forces leads by Anoman. Shinta can be saved.
CENTER JAVA PUPPETS
From Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya The story is about Mahabarata and Ramayana used for Ruwatan Ceremony and entertaintment. If we have to compare with East Java Puppets there is some of deferences such as : 1. More soft and more beautiful style 2. Yellow is the main color 3. The language is more gently EAST JAVA PUPPETS From : Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya Function : as an entertainment and
ceremonial.
The characteristics of East java Puppets are :
The style is more simple
Red is the main color
Performing technics is used East Java Language.
The story is same as Center Java Puppets.
GEDOG PUPPETS
From Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya. Tells about Panji Legend from Jenggala Kingdom and Kediri Kingdom. Gedog Puppets was developed in Islam Period. Created by Sovereign of Giri (Sunan Giri). The main roles is Prince Inuketopati from Jenggolo Kingdom and Princess Sekartaji from Kediri Kigdom. This is the most story from East Java. It called Ande-ande Lumut. KENCAK HORSE MINITURE From : Stedelijk Historisch Museum Surabaya This traditional arts for circumcision party in Lumajang, Pasuruan, Probolinggo and Malang.
TULUNGAGUNG REYOG
A legend of Mountain Kidul in Kediri Kingdom Period. Tulungagung Reyog Dancers are six persons and each other is bringing a little drum. Beside that there is another instrument like Gong, Kenong and Sroni. According to the folk is story about Jotosuro Effort to propose Dewi Songgolangit has denied. So finally the war is begins and Kediri lost. The commando was surrended in Sentono Gedog. If Kediri want to win, Dewi Songgolangit have to pretend that Jotosuroﾃ｢竄ｬ邃｢s propose accepted with one condition well Bandung must be build on the top of Kelud Mountain. After the well is done, Dewi Songgolangit want to see with stretcher. But in that stretcher is a doll who looks like her. With that way Kediriﾃ｢竄ｬ邃｢s Prisoners was released and guarded Dewi Songgolangit. Reyong was made to cher up the journey.
source : http://members.tripod.com/~mputantular/arts.html
September 26th, 2006
is Museum Mpu Tantular continuation from Stedelijk Historich Museum Surabaya. Museum being build by Von Vaber, people kerkebangsaan of Germany which have become member of Surabaya. Beginning of from this idea is when Von Vaber have idea to lay open history of town Surabaya and dedicate a The Institute of Culture that is is in the end realized in the form of museum.
Business blazed the way by Von Vaber. It is started by collecting data systematically as component of writing of book Old Surabaya and New Surabaya. Museum blazed the way in a room Readhuis Ketabang. Then emerge bargain from Nyonya Janda Han Tjiong to place this museum in a room in Tegal Sari of width five times from wide initialy.
Because development, the room is also felt unsatisfying adequate. Need adequate and broader room. The business is executed blessing is obtained by it a new building in By street that is is now conceived of Jalan Pemuda Surabaya, and financed by public.
Von Vaber pass away on 30 Septembers 1955. Sepeninggal Von Vaber, sleazy museum. Collection of a lot damaged or lossed. Then museum is placed under Yayasan Pendidikan Umum taking care of continuity of life museum. Hereinafter arise initiative to deliver this museum to Local Government of East Java Province. Opening is done on 1 Novembers 1974.
Hereinafter this Museum Negeri Jawa Timur called Mpu Tantular with initial location in Jalan Pemuda 3 Surabaya. Because addition collected, mid of September - October 1975 museum is carried over by Jalan Taman Mayangkara 6 Surabaya. this Museum have complete collection. Contain collection from a period of prehistory, patrimony stone from a period of Majapahit, China, Annamesse, Keramik Majapahit, puppets figures, town photograph Surabaya past, making equipments of ancient batik, currency, wood basrelief and teknoplogi oceanic around year of 1893.
Peculiarly its collection divided into some collections. collection of Prehistory, archaeology, armed, engraving, equipment of ceremony, artistry, ornament of metal, ceramics, and numismatic. You will find unique collections here. For example, telephone set type Alexander Graham Bell being made in the year 1882. this Alexader Graham Bell Telephone Set utilize equipment system to talk to apply separate battery by means of … receiver him.
Then earliest wood bicycle planning by Michael Kesler/Jerman the year 1766, and high bicycle creation by James Starley and William Hillman ( English), what get patent right the year 1870. Do not forget, vapour motorbike result of contribution from Museum Polisi Surabaya being delivered by Mr. TT Bent by 13 Novembers 1934.
Still many collections making your horizon will increase. this Museum Building consisted of two parts, that is frontage ( main building) and backside ( new building). Main building applied for permanent exhibition, being continued in new building at floor under part of East. Upper floor applied for space Tata Usaha and Ruang Kepala Museum. At new building danced under westside applied for Laboratorium Konservasi ( Preparation) and Transient Showroom, while at his(its top applied for space Perpustakaan and Ruang Auditorium.
situation of This museum enough strategic, stay at town way in Surabaya that is between Roadways Darmo and Jalan Diponegoro. Besides also deal with Zoo Surabaya. Open every day at 08.00-14.00 WIB, except Monday. ( CBN)
September 26th, 2006
Masjid, lebih dari sekedar tempat ibadah ritual. Fungsi itu kini semakin mengemuka. Masjid kini banyak kembali menjadi pusat kegiatan umat dalam bidang ekonomi, sosial dan politik. Banyak pula masjid didirikan dengan latar belakang sejarah yang menarik.
Imaji mulai edisi ini hingga empat minggu ke depan hadir dengan seri khusus masjid-masjid di Indonesia yang malam ini akan diawali oleh Masjid Muhammad Cheng Ho di Surabaya..
Sekilas pandang bangunannya kelihatan seperti kelenteng, atau tempat Ibadah umat Kong Hu Cu, dengan dominasi merah, hijau, dan kuning. Arsitekturnya khas bangunan-bangunan klasik Cina. Pintu masuknya menyerupai pagoda lengkap dengan patung naga dan singa. Namun kalau dilihat lebih teliti lagi, akan terbaca lafaz ﾃ｢竄ｬﾅ鄭llahﾃ｢竄ｬﾂ, dalam huruf Arab di punck pagoda. Jelas ia lambang Islam ﾃ｢竄ｬ窶 bukan kuil penganut Tao, tetapi masjid Muslim. Yang jelas, meskipun agama Islam berasal dari Timur Tengah, namun bentuk bangunan Muslim, seperti masjid, di luar jazirah Arab, turut menyerapkan ciri-ciri budaya dan kesenian budaya para penganut tempatannya.
Willy Pangestu adalah Sekretaris Pembina Iman Tauhid Islam, Cabang Jawa Timur dan juga pengurus Masjid Muhammad Cheng Ho.
Rumah ibadah tidak terpaku pada dari mana agama itu berasal. Tapi justru rumah ibadah terpengaruh oleh budaya dari umatnya. Seperti di Indonesia pada zaman wali songo bangunan masjid itu bentuknya seperti orang-orang Jawa, bukan seperti bangunan Timur Tengah yang sekarang ini, dan di Tiongkok banyak bangunan masjid yang bentuknya itu seperti istilahnya kleteng. Kleteng itu rumah ibadah yang berarkitektur Tiongkok.
Gabungan unsur Tionghua dan Arab menjadi ciri khas masjid Muhammad Cheng Ho. Nama itu diabadikan sebagai penghormatan pada Cheng Ho, laksamana Cina yang beragama Islam. Dalam perjalanan beliau ke kawasan Asia Tenggara, Cheng Ho bukan hanya berdagang dan menjalin persahabatan, tetapi juga menyebarkan agama Islam;
Kita sudah sejak 1995 sudah membuat satu yayasan Md Cheng Ho Indonesia. Hingga waktu memberi nama, kita pakai nama yayasan tersebut. Kita ingin sampaikan kepada masyarakat Tionghua yang bukan Muslim bahwa nenek moyang kita itu juga ada yang Muslim, kerana di Indonesia, hampir semua Tionghua, tidak dekat dengan Islam. Kedua, kita sampaikan kepada masyarakat Indonesia bahwa di Tiongkok, itu banyak yang Islam, bahkan wali songo pun banyak yang Cina, cuma dari Belanda, seakan-akan orang Tionghua itu dan Islam adalah ibarat dua hal yang berlawanan.
Masjid Muhammad Cheng Ho di bangun pada tahun 2002, dan bisa menampung 200 jemaah. Meskipun dibangun dengan latar belakang kenangan sejarah, namun juga disesuaikan dengan keadaan sekarang. Misalnya kehidupan masyarakat plural di Indonesia mendorong masjid itu menyediakan tempat berkomunikasi antara kelompok yang berbeda aliran. Masjid Cheng Ho juga merupakan daya tarik bagi para pelancong.
Willy Pengestu, Sekretaris Pembina Iman Tauhid Islam, Cabang Jawa Timur dan pengurus Masjid Muhammad Cheng Ho, menekankan pentingnya unsur pluralisme di kalangan Muslim Indonesia sendiri diberikan perhatian dalam kehidupan beragama di negara itu dan itu tercermin dari misi masjid tersebut.
Masjid Cheng Ho tidak berkelompok pada salah satu golongan aja, di Indonesia ada Muhammadiyah, ada NU, kita tidak berbelah pada satu pihak saja, kita adalah Islam, Islam yang neutral, kebetulan basicnya banyak TiongHua, antara kelompok, mahupun antara ethnics, bahkan banyak dari teman, saudara, yang beda agama juga adakan atau berdiskusi di sini. Banyak dari mereka datang ngomong, tanya-tanya, ajaran Islam yang paling basic, yang tidak mengenal kekerasan, tidak mengenal radikal, Islam agama sejuk, semua orang kalau tidak kenal, tidak sayang, kalau mereka kenal, saya yakin mereka akan sayang.
Usaha memberikan penjelasan bahawa Islam bukanlah agama asing kepada masyarakat etnik Cina membantu dalam pendidikan budaya masyarakat etnik Cina di Indonesia itu sendiri. Salah satu tolok ukurnya adalah hampir setiap Jumaat, paling tidak, seorang muallaf Cina datang memeluk agama Islam di masjid tersebut.
September 26th, 2006
… Surabaya, oh Surabaya, oh Surabaya. Kota kenangan, kota kenangan tak ‘kan terlupa. Di sanalah, di sanalah, di Surabaya. Kota kenangan, kota kenangan, tak ‘kan terlupa. Kuteringat masa yang telah lalu. Beribu nyawa, beribu jiwa bertaruh satu. Di sanalah, di sanalah, di Surabaya. Kami berjuang, kami berjuang bertaruh nyawa ….
Surabaya oh my beloved Surabaya. My memory about you is still alive. In this city, in Surabaya. An old memoir for those who keep this city from the conquerors. Thousands souls, thousands heroes will make beloved Surabaya still exist. Because all of us will take a battle for your own sake]
That’s a heroic song for my beloved hometown Surabaya –which I know this very well since I was a kid.
Surabaya or known as City of The Heroes is the big city number two after Jakarta as the capitol of Indonesia. It’s became an important city during the Dutch Aggression in Indonesia at 1945. Also becomes an important harbour for the eastern of Indonesia archipelago (from Kalimantan, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua).
Rip the Flag and send away the conquerors!
To see the heroism of Surabaya people for send away the conquerors (the Dutch and the Britons), we can see Bung Tomo’s activities during the August, 1945. Everyday and night, he go to the radio station and reading poems, asking the people to use ‘bambu runcing’ (sharpened bamboo) for an open war versus the aggressors, then coordining the youth heroes to go to Yamato Hotel (known as Majapahit Hotel after World War II), through to the tower and rip the Dutch national flag; red-white-blue, becomes red and white, our National flag (bendera merah putih). Later, I read this heroic acts in a great book ‘Revolusi Nusa Damai’ (Revolt in Paradise) by Ktut Tantri, a woman from Isle of Man –who became a godchild of King of Klungkung (Bali) also has a good relationship with our first President; Mr. Soekarno. And her book, really, inspired me to be a good author someday 
Tanggwa Aju Manggala Yudha
Meanwhile, in the ancient time of history, Surabaya also had a great kingdom called Majapahit –with capital city Mojokerto, about 100 km from Surabaya. Under initiative of prime-minister Gadjah Mada, Majapahit succesfully made our archipelago as a united. And even bigger than Indonesia nowadays, because Thailand, Madagascar, India, Malay Peninsula (Malaysia and Singapore) and half of Indo-China also became parts of Majapahit. All of them (including Indonesia) are called ‘Nusantara’ acronym from Nusa di Antara (lands surrounding by oceans, because Indonesia is an archipelago surrounded by South China Sea and Indian Ocean then Pacific Ocean). And this success happened because of supporting acts from Admiral Nala, a famous sailorman during Majapahit era (then in the 20th century, name of Gadjah Mada was given to a famous university in Jogjakarta, meanwhile Nala adopted for an Indonesian Navy’s submarine; KRI Nala. Another submarines are; Cakra, Nenggala and Pasopati).
In the beginning, Majapahit people were runaway people from Mataram Hindu –which doesn’t want to changes their religion from Hindu to Islam (muslim). Then, whenever merchants from Indian, Parsi and Malay and also Mataram Islam’s (Jogjakarta) troopers were coming to Majapahit for telling them about this religion, they’re still insist to be Hindu, and runaway again to Mt. Bromo (which has their traditional ceremony called ‘Kasodho’) and Bali.
* Something that make me so proud according the history of Majapahit is their words “Tanggwa Aju Manggala Yudha” in Sanskrit language (means “For the knights, we’re always keep ‘ever onward never retreat’.”) which my anchestors adopted for our family name ‘Manggala’ (The Knight) and because I am a girl, my surname becomes ‘Manggalani’. Thanks for my ancestors
September 25th, 2006
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