Archive for September 20th, 2006
Visiting Surabaya will not be complete without enjoying the beauty and historical uniqueness of Ampel Mosque. This site is well-known in South-East Asia as Sunan Ampel Pilgrimage Tour.
Sunan Ampel or Raden RAHMATULLAH is one of Wali Songo who is well-known as an Islam missionary in Indonesia, especially in Java island. He made Surabaya as the place where he spread Islam because this place located on the coast used to be called Ujung Galuh.
To support Islam spreading, Sunan Ampel built a mosque and its well, bedug (large drum suspended horizontally at mosque to summon to prayer) and pesantren (school of Koran studies for children and young people, most of whom are boarders) which up to now can be seen its originality.
The Mosque was built in 1421 A.D. It is 800 square meters. There are 16 pillars whose height is 17 meters inside the mosque to support its roof. It is believed that those pillars are brought directly from Arab. On those pillars, there is calligraphy of Ayat Kursi [verses in Koran that explain the power of God]. Several Korans are leant on each pillar.
Beside that, there is a tower which is usually used to recite the call to prayer. The tower that is 30 meters height is located near to the South entrance of the mosque. The tower has unique shape. It is made of hardwood tree decorated with carving and motif. There are many steps to pass to go upstairs. Unfortunately the tower is not open for the public anymore. There are big bedug and small bedug on the South section of the mosque. The small bedug is the artifact of Sunan Ampel.
 Around the mosque, there are the big doors. The upper section of the door is decorated with the ornament of symbol of Mojopahit Kingdom. The door is about 3 meter height and it reminds us of the style of the old house’s door. Ampel Mosque is used for Moslems who want to worship God and ask for His favors whenever they want. Even, it seems that the room in the mosque is designed to make people who stay inside feel comfortable and cool. Koran and Islamic books are kept in order in the bookcases spread inside the mosque.
The expansion of the mosque has already been done. Additional mosque was built in 1993 and finished 3 years later. Even though it looks modern but the similarity with the previous building is maintained as much as possible such as the pillars and several ornaments. Even though those pillars and ornaments are nowadays architecture making but they look classical. Besides being used as a place to do prayer, this mosque is also used to hold recitation of the Koran especially after sunset prayer and the early morning prayer except on Thursday evening.
The Story Of Mbah SOLEH
There is an interesting story behind the process of building the mosque. It is a story about Mbah Soleh who has nine souls. It starts when Mbah Soleh dies for the first time and Sunan Ampel builds the mosque alone. One day, Sunan Ampel hopes the presence of Mbah Soleh to help him and suddenly the figure of Mbah Soleh has stood behind him. This phenomenon is repeated. After the eight death of Mbah Soleh, Sunan Ampel passes away and the building of the mosque is continued by Mbah Soleh. When the building of the mosque is finished, Mbah Soleh passes away for the ninth time and also for the last time.
There are seven wells from where the water can still be taken up to now inside the mosque. It is believed that these well never get dry. It can be said that the water is Surabaya’s zam zam [zamzam is water from Mecca”s sacred well]. The seven wells are connected by tunnel and the water can be taken from twelve gentongs[large earthen-ware bowl for water] and dispenser on the west section of the mosque.
Unfortunately, the wells cannot be seen publicly because they are covered by wood. It is done to avoid polytheism. It is also believed that the water from the wells can heal various diseases.
Ampel Tombs
Ă‚Â On the other side of the mosque, there are several tombs which are always visited by hundreds pilgrims. On the north section of old Ampel, there is Mbah Soleh tombs. Nine gravestones are arranged in a row showing that Mbah Soleh had ever been alive and he had died nine times. These tombs are iron fenced around to protect the tombs.
On the west section of old mosque, we can see the tomb of Mbah BOLONG who first succeeded to determine the direction of Mecca which is then used as reference for all mosques in Java island. It is said that Mbah Bolong used his finger to make a hole on the wall so that he could see Kabah (the small cubicle shrine in the Great Mosque of Mecca containing the famous black Stone of Mecca) in Mecca.
Besides Mbah Bolong’s tomb, there are tombs of the martyrs and Sunan Ampel’s disciples. 25 meters from Mbah Bolong’s tomb, you enter the area of Sunan Ampel’s tomb which is located side by side with the tomb of his first wife CONDROWATI. The area of these tombs is wider than other tombs. It is to give more space to the great number of pilgrim.
The pilgrims also believe that if they ask something near to or in front of Sunan Ampel’s tomb, their wish will easily come true. Perhaps, because of this belief, Sunan Ampel’s tomb is always crowded by the pilgrims. It can hold 3000 pilgrims.
This religious site is 4 hectares. It has 5 gates and 5 entrances. They are located on the west section at gang Petukangan Baru [gang is a narrow street]. On the south section, the entrance is located at Ampel Lonceng. The main gateway which is also the main entrance is located at Ampel Suci street. This entrance is open round the clock.
There are two entrances on the east side, namely, Ampel Masjid and Ampel Wira’i and from the north, the gateway is at gang Petukangan Tengah. From Nyamplungan Street, these four narrow streets can only be reached on food around 100 meters to the mosque.
Approaching the mosque, you will find Ampel Market. This market is a place where the shopping stalls sell things along the gateway. Those shopping stalls sell Islamic accessories and small things such as Arabic perfume, veil, tasbih (a string of 100 beads to recite laudation), Moslem clothes, and so on.At Lawang Agung shop, you can find Ampel special cake. This cake is called “Sambosa”. It is a triangle-shaped cake with kind of curry powder.
Prohibition and Tips
There is no specific prohibition to enter the area of Ampel pilgrimage site. It is just those who are Moslems should wear Moslem clothes, considering that this site is an religious area. For those who have other religions are also allowed to enjoy the historical remains. They just should wear polite and tidy clothes. It is also not allowed to take picture in this area.
If you want to witness the crowd of pilgrims at Ampel Mosque, you may come on Thursday Kliwon evening (Kliwon is the fifth Javanese’s day of the five-day week). That day is the peak of all rituals done by the pilgrims. Besides that day, the peak is also on the last ten odd night at the end of Ramadhan (ninth month of the Arabic calendar).
Transportation
The religious area is located at 45 Ampel Suci street Surabaya or 53 Ampel Masjid in front of Nyamplungan street. There are several alternative transportations to take, among them are:
1. Lyn D (public Transportation). It stops at Nyamplungan street in front of the entrances mentioned above.
2. Lyn WL (public transportation). It stops at the same street.
There is parking lot for motorcycle, car and bus. The motorcycle can be parked in front of the entrance whereas car and bus are parked across the street.
To enter this area is free of charge. But the pilgrims can do charity by putting the money into charity box spread around Ampel area. If you are interested in visiting this pilgrimage site, please contact (031) 3537948.
Photo text
1. Ampel Mosque and its old minaret
2. A pulpit from Mojopahit period inside Ampel Mosque.
3. Sunan Ampel’s tomb that interests the pilgrims’intention.
source : www.suarasurabaya.net
September 20th, 2006
Surabaya Great Al-Akbar Mosque was built on August 4, 1995. It becomes a new icon and the pride of all Surabaya people and turns to be one of religious tourism spots that attracts visitors from other regions.
It is located at the side of Surabaya-Gempol highway. The building of Great Al-Akbar Mosque was marked by the laying of a cornerstone done by former vice president of Republic of Indonesia, TRY SUTRISNO and it was officially dedicated by KH. ABDURRAHMAN WAHID, the former president of Republic of Indonesia, on November 10, 2000. The idea of building this mosque came from the Mayor of Surabaya and the Governor of East Java.
The main building and supporting facilities cover 22.300 square meters. It is 147 meters times 128 meters. Its roof is one big dome supported by four copulas and one minaret. The shape and color of Great Al-Akbar Mosque’s dome look different from the domes of other mosques in Indonesia. The uniqueness of the dome is on its shape that is almost similar to half sphere roof with 1,5 layer and it is 27 meters in height. This shape rests on trimmed-pyramid shape. It has 2 layers and is 11 meters in height. Its diameter is 54 m x 54 m.
A product used at several great mosques like Selangor Great Mosque in Syah Alam is used to cover the dome. The result, as it can be seen now, is a 200-tonnes dome that looks very solid, unique and beautiful. Its elegant shape makes the building look shady, commodious, and comfortable. The mosque’s construction is a technology that answers people’s wish in which the mosque shows its wholeness without being disturbed by pillars which often interrupt the view.
Carving and Calligraphy
Other special qualities of Great Al-Akbar Mosque are on the carving and calligraphy motif that decorate various parts of the building. Even before entering the mosque, the visitors can see 45 carved doors made of teak. There are bedug [large drum suspended horizontally at the mosque to summon to prayer] and kentongan [drum made from wood which is used to sound an alarm] at the front porch of the mosque having specific characteristic because of being specifically carved.
Ă‚Â Carving and calligraphy ornaments can be seen on the entire wall, mihrab (chamber in mosque indicating the direction of Mecca), the recess, main walls including bookshelves where the Korans are put that are spread all over the mosque. The ceiling is ornamented with 180 meters times 1 meter Koran calligraphy. The carving and calligraphy add to the grandeur and the quietness of Great Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya.
The beauty of the mosque is one important consideration in the process of building Great Al-Akbar Mosque such as illumination starting from the building, yard and garden up to the lamps that light the dome and the minaret. 240.000 watts is supplied to support electrical energy.
Various interior elements such as soldered glass decoration have been used by people. This art of glass carving becomes the strength and beauty on the field of exterior and interior. This decoration is made by applying triple-glazed unit. It is the coating of panel of soldered glass or panel of bevel with tempered glass by using machine and material made in America. Triple-glazed unit does not only save energy but also damp noises.
Other important touches for the grandeur and the glory of Great Al-Akbar Mosque are painting and finishing. In the process of finishing, elegant color is used to give Al-Akbar Mosque the feeling of coolness. All parts are colored with harmonious colors dominated by bright colors. This touch is necessary to create supporting condition to reach concentration on praying and asking for God’s favors.
A mosque does not only function as a place to pray but it also function as the center of religious service that is closely related to human struggle as God’s caliph on earth. For that reason, Al-Akbar Mosque prepares certain development concept so that it can function as the center of education, culture, information study and even Moslem development dealing with economic and sophisticated technologies.
Some of Great Al-Akbar Mosque’s power of interests are its easy of access and location and wide and cool parking area. The 3-floor minaret, completing the grandeur of Great Al-Akbar Mosque, is 99 meters in height. It is in accordance with the 99 names of Allah. The sight of spread area of Surabaya can be seen from the top of minaret.
It is free of charge to use any facilities at the Mosque. The visitors are only asked to give their donation put in alms box. Parking fare for motorcycle is Rp. 500. The fare for car is Rp.1500. Bus will be charged Rp. 15.000. It costs Rp. 2000 to enter the minaret.
Ă‚Â Great Al-Akbar Mosque also offers tour package such as going for a walk held once two months. Before going for a walk, the participants listen to sermon about life and religion for 7 minutes. It is hoped that this event will encourage participants to introspect through dzikir [repeatedly chant part of the confession of faith, often in unison, as a form of worship] and to socialize with other moslems
Prohibition and Tips
To keep the mosque holy and glorious, the mosque management issues the following prohibitions:
1. Men and women who are in a state of ritual uncleanness which requires bathing are not allowed to enter the mosque.
2. The visitors should wear clothes covering aurat [genitals or part of the body which may not be visible while performing a ritual]. Men are not allowed to wear short pants. Women should wear vail and are not allowed to wear sleeve-less clothes.
3. Except wearing diaper, children under 4 years old are not allowed to enter the mosque
4. Non-moslems are not allowed to enter holy ground [the place to pray]
5. Eating, drinking and sleeping in the mosque are prohibited.
6. It is not allowed to sell anything in the mosque.
7. It is prohibited to photograph the mosque without asking permission.
8. It is prohibited to take mosque’s properties.
9. It is prohibited to wear footwear in the mosque [at the holy ground]
At the outside of the holy ground, the tips are as follows:
1. Moslem and non-moslem visitors are allowed to visit the section located outside of holy ground.
2. The visitors should park their vehicles at the parking area and pay the fare based on regulation.
3. The visitors should wear decent clothes. Women are not allowed to wear short pants, mini skirt and tight-fitting clothes,
4. The visitors should keep public order in the mosque area.
5. The visitors should keep the mosque are clean and they are not allowed the holy ground except for praying.
6. non-moslem visitors who want to take a tour and want to see the beauty of rooms in the mosque can use second floor by using escalator accompanied by mosque security.
7. The visitors who want to join wedding ceremony or other events in As-Shafa and Al Marwa rooms can use escalator.
8. Legal action will be taken for those who are violating Local-Governmental Regulation no.7/1999 on immoral deeds (drinking liqueur, engaging in sexual intercourse)
If you are interested in visiting Great Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya, please contact Secretariat of Great al-Akbar Mosque on Pagesangan Street Surabaya, phone number: [031]-8289755 – 8289756.
Photo Text:
1. The dome of Great Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya that is similar to half sphere shape and different from the dome of other mosques in Indonesia. The dome makes the Great Al-Akbar Mosque look elegant, shady, commodious and comfortable.
2. The greatness of the Great Al-Akbar Mosque, it looks sturdy
3. ZAHRO SUEDES (left) Imam (title of principal mosque leader) of Masjidil Haram, was at Great Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya.
source : www.suarasurabaya.net
September 20th, 2006
Tugu Pahlawan monument is the symbol of Surabaya people’s heroic spirit when they struggled against the conquerors. It is located on Pahlawan Street in Surabaya. This location is very strategic because it is in the central of Surabaya city, which is located among Bubutan Street, Tembaan Street, Pahlawan Street, and Kebon Rojo Street.
Tugu Pahlawan Monument that was built in ”upside down nail” is considered having monumental philosophy value. The height of Tugu Pahlawan is 40,45 metres or 45 yards. Its beneath diametre is 3,10 metres and its upper diametre is 1,30 metres. There are a lot of carvings such as trisula, cakra, stamba, and padma. They are located under the monument as the symbols of the struggle spirit. The laying of a cornerstone was done by Ir. Soekarno, the first President of Indonesia on November 10, 1951.
 The official announcement of Tugu Pahlawan monument was proclaimed by Ir. Soekarno on November 10, 1952 and it was announced in the Netherlands Raad Van Justitie building that wasn’t used anymore at that time. This building was used as Kempetai headquarter when Japan conquered Indonesia.
When Japan governed Indonesia, this building was used for torturing, and punishing the Indonesian guerillas. When the battle in Surabaya was in its peak, this building was take over by the Indonesian and used as the central headquarter. Finally this building was collapsed because of the artillery shooting from the Allies troops..
Sepuluh November Museum
Sepuluh November Museum was built to strengthen the existence of Tugu Pahlawan Monument. It was also used to learn the history of the battle that happened on November 10, 1945 in Surabaya. This museum consists of 2 floors. The first floor is used to show 10 group of statues that symbolize the struggle spirit of Surabaya people and socio drama of Bung Tomo’s speech. Is is also used as the room to display film of the battle that happened on November 10, 1945 ( electronics diorama) and auditorium room.
 The second floor is used as the rooms to show weapons, to show the reproduction of the documentary photographs, and to show Bung Tomo’s collections. Moreover, there are two static diorama rooms that present eight events related to the battle that happened on November 10, 1945 in Surabaya.
Transportation Access
1. From Purabaya Bus Station
- Bus P5 (Bungurasih – Tol – Jembatan Merah)
- Bus PAC (Bungurasih – Darmo – Perak)
- Bus P1 (Bungurasih – Darmo – Perak_
- Bus F1 (Bungurasih – Kupang – Jembatan Merah)
From Osowilangun Bus Station
- Bemo Lyn O ( Osowilangun – Keputih)
2. From Joyoboyo Bus Station:
- Bemo lyn D (Joyoboyo-Kupang-pasar atom)
- Bemo lyn M (Joyoboyo-Undaan-Jembatan Merah)
- Bus E2 (Joyoboyo-Darmo-Jembatan Merah)
From Bratang Bus Station:
- Bemo lyn N (Bratang-Jembatan Merah)
- Bemo lyn Q (Bratang-Kupang-jembatan Merah)
3. From Tanjung Perak Harbour
- Bus PAC (Perak – Bungurasih)
- Bus P1 (Perak – Bungurasih)
4. From Juanda Airport
- Taxi
Ticket Price to enter Tugu Pahlawan area :
1. Adult : Rp 2.000
2. Children : Rp 1.500
3. Group ( minimum 30 persons ) get discount 10% - 20%
Note : Call (031) 3571100 for information of the group’s arrival
Visiting Schedule :
1. Tuesday – Thursday : at 8 am - 3.30 pm
2. Friday : at 8 am - 3 pm
3. Saturday – Sunday : at 8 am - 2 pm.
4. Monday : The exhibition is closed
Photo Text :
1. Tugu Pahlawan symbolizes the struggle of Surabaya people.
2. One of diorama that can be seen in Sepuluh November Museum.
3. Weapon collection that was used at the battle on November 10, 1945.
source : www.suarasurabaya.net
September 20th, 2006
Pantai Ria Kenjeran (Kenjeran Recreational Beach) offers multi interest tourism. There are water-park and religious tourism marked by the statue of Goddess of Kwan Im as high as 20 meters.
Pantai Ria Kenjeran becomes one of Surabaya tourism icons. It occupies an area of 100 hectares on the East side of Surabaya and offers various Surabaya coastal typical entertainments starting from sport amusement, cultural and religious tourism until edutainment.
It is just that Pantai Ria Kenjeran is different from Parangtritis Beach tourism or other South coasts. Because of its natural condition, it is impossible for people to go diving, swimming and so on at seashore.
But don’t be gloomy, there is Kenjeran Water Park, swimming pool with various depth. Even for Your children, there is a surfboard as high as more than 10 meters cheering up your family vacation.
Pantai Ria Kenjeran also has comfortable place to enjoy Surabaya typical foods at seashore. This place is arranged as typical China architecture the same as Kya-Kya on Kembang Jepun. Nowadays, Kenjeran Kya-Kya has become the choice of Surabaya family.
Kenjeran Kya-Kya holds Full Moon Festival on each mid September for one month. This Festival is also a part of religious ritual presenting thousands of Chinese lanterns in Kenjeran Kya-Kya. To cheer up Full Moon Festival with thousands of Chinese lanterns, the management is now building a new Kya-Kya building on the East side of the beach.
Pantai Ria Kenjeran also provides indoor football facilities completed with more than fields. For those who like combat game, there is a Blast area for airsfot gun lovers. By only spending Rp. 30.000, You can act as counter terrorist team or terrorist by using replica weapon.
Pantai Ria Kenjeran also provides a place for those who are fond of speeding up. In Racing Park, You can channel the fondness of speeding up. Not only car, motorbike, or just go-kart., You can even spur your race horse in Kenjeran race field.
To reach Taman Ria Kenjeran (Kenjeran Amusement Park), you can use personal vehicle passing Kenjeran Street headed to the East or You can also use public transports (bemo) from Joyoboyo Terminal directly to Kenjeran and to enter this area, You only have to pay Rp. 4000 for car and Rp. 1.500 for motorbike.
Kenjeran Park Beautifies itself
Bad image owened by Pantai Ria Kenjeran will be changed by the management of Pantai Ria Kenjeran. At night, barely visible lighting cannot be found anymore. Beautiful lamps that are set make blurred atmosphere turns into bathed in light.
It is not enough, later along the beach, there will be Sea Food Resto like the one in Muarakarang Jakarta that serves Surabaya typical sea food such as Lontong Kupang, Sate Kerang, Kepiting Rebus and so on.
The management of Pantai Ria Kenjeran collaborated with Surabaya University will build Kenjeran Edutainment Park. In it, later, will be presented media for learning science through game the same as in Jatim Park.
Next year, it is also planned to build remote control circuit for those who love automotive, riding school for those who are fond of riding horse and pet shop for those who love animals. The beautification is done to ease the filthy, dirty, or untidy image at Pantai Ria Kenjeran.
Religious Tourism at the Seashore
For the last six years, the members of Three Dharma (The Followers of Budha, Kong Fu Tsu, and Tao) have owned luxurious new religious service place. The building is located at Kenjeran seashore inside the area of Pantai Ria Kenjeran . The name of the building is Sanggar Agung (The Great House Temple).
One thing that is striking from this building is the statue of Goddess Kwan Im Pou Sat as high as 20 meters accompanied by her associates, 2 small children, 2 gods standing on Her right and left sides. Whereas under the Goddess, there are two gigantic dragons bend to fight for a ball of magic jewel.
Another specific characteristic of this Sanggar Agung is the statue of Buddha or Deity Four Faced God (Four Faced Buddha Monument) as high as 9 meters (36 meters including the dome). The monument that was dedicated on November 9th, 2004 had been recorded by MURI (Indonesia Record Museum) as the biggest and highest statue of Buddha in Indonesia.
This building is located on an area of 225 meter squares framed by 4 white elephants in the four points of the compass. According to DUDI ANANDA, Manager of PT Granting Jaya, the building contractor of the monument, who was once interviewed by Mossaik (Suara Surabaya Media Group), the building is almost the same as Four Faced Buddha Monument in Thailand but the whole building including the statue in Surabaya is higher than the building in Thailand.. Whereas for the statue, the statue in Thailand is higher than the one in Surabaya.
The Statue of Four Faced Buddha has deep philosophy. It brings four Buddha’s good natures, namely, mercy, magnanimous, fair and meditation. Whereas each of 8 hands owned by Four Faced Buddha brings holy book, holy water, weapon of defense, weapon to fight the evil, the book of holy scriptures, prayer beads, pennant, and cupu (box for pills).
Texts of Photographs :
1. The Sun set of Kenjeran Beach
2. Kwan Im Statue at the edge of Kenjeran Beach
3. Religion Rites at Buddha Four Faces Statue
4. Kya-kya, for them who likes to eat on the beach edge.
source : www.suarasurabaya.net
September 20th, 2006
Almost all of the zoos in Europe have some collections of fauna from Surabaya Zoo because it has become a centre for Fauna Conservation.
Surabaya Zoo [or Kebun Binatang Surabaya/ KBS] has been functioned so far by people as a recreational place only. Out of this, KBS has three other functions, those are educational, research, and conservational purposes of animals. It is related to the fauna collection and the function of KBS as a centre for Fauna Conservation.
Originally, KBS was activated by some Dutch people in 1916 that had hobbies to collect flora and fauna. At that time they named it as the Botanical Park and Surabaya Zoo.
In 1970’s it was said that KBS had been the biggest zoo in the South East Asia even though if it is compared to Jakarta Ragunan Zoo, the total amount of the animal collections are not really different.
Ă‚Â The present collections of KBS are 4691 animals from 307 species which are known from the three month report I [April 2005]. Most foreign visitors love to see komodos and babi rusa. Komodo is the ancient animal that still exists in Indonesia.
KBS has 32 komodos that 11 of them are adult, 5 males and 6 females. The other 21 are young and baby komodos. The oldest is 25 years old and weghts 100 kgs. Babi rusa is also interesting to see because this is a rare animal and still controversial whether it belongs to swine [babi] or deer [rusa].
KBS which is located at the gate of Surabaya has attracted 977.901 visitors so far [July 2005 report]. KBS has always tried to served better by offering various items and programs for the visitors. The items offered by the KBS management include basic, competence, gift and special offers. Those offers should be enjoyed by 40 people at least.
Ticket :
Ă‚Â KBS is opened everyday on work hours. The price of the ticket is Rp. 7500 for 4 years up. For a group of students [at least 30 persons] get 2% discount and 20% for public. If you want to visit in group or want to know about the offers, just contact the marketing and promotion department of KBS [031] 5674430.
Suggestion and Prohibition :
When you visit KBS, it is forbidden to feed and disturb the animals or bring your pets. Not allowed to litter because most of the thrash are made by the visitors.
Texts of Photograph:
1. Surabaya Zoo, Alteration for city’s tourism spot
2. Some animal collections in KBS
3. Leafy situation in KBS because of reforestation
source : www.suarasurabaya.net
September 20th, 2006