Archive for August, 2007
Tiffany Wan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
East Java artist Ivan Hariyanto and Jakarta-based artist Paul Hendro have long known and admired each other’s work.
It seems fitting that Ivan and Paul’s first encounter with one another would take place at the opening night of their joint painting exhibition at Philo Art Space, titled Encounter.
“The title ‘Encounter’ refers to the joining of two realist painters,” said Amalia Ahmad, co-owner of the gallery, noting the parallels between the two artists’ works.
Indeed, at first glance, it’s easy to see the stylistic similarities between the work of Ivan and Paul. Both painters eschew fanciful depictions in favor of more simple, un-idealized renditions of their subjects.
That’s not to say that their takes on realism lack creativity.
Ivan, the slightly surreal and more experimental of the two, has a knack for unconventional framing and boldly colored backgrounds. One of his most playful pieces on display is Eddie Hara-Why Me?
On a stark yellow background, what appears to be a self-portrait of Ivan is howling in pain as a surreal-looking fish, painted in the style of Eddie, bites his finger.
A different piece worth contemplating is the symbolic You Are My Hamburger. Another self-portrait of Ivan is framed against a light pink background, his figure hunched in a covetous pose while holding a rock, a hamburger floating above his hands.
Look closely and one can also spot a Salvador Dali-esque melted watch face splayed over the rock.
“The hamburger represents a joke, because a lot of people cannot afford things like hamburgers and Cokes,” said Ivan, 52. “The watch represents how fashion changes over time and that this hamburger is a trend.”
One thing that Ivan didn’t choose to elaborate on was a small American flag painted onto the hamburger, no doubt to signify its national origin and to denote some thinly veiled criticism.
What he did divulge was the inspiration for much of his work, which stems from a need to balance the barrage of technology and modernism with the traditional.
Works like The Traditional Dancer with The Woman are indicative of his vision, pairing a Western woman in modern dress with a dancer of seemingly Balinese origin, the latter appearing to push away the former.
“I cannot deny the uprising of media, the Internet or TV,” said Ivan, who has been painting for more than 30 years. That is why I mix the traditional with the modern. There must be a balance. You cannot be uprooted: You have to remember your culture.”
Whereas Ivan’s work is a bit more esoteric in symbolism, Paul prefers to lay things out at face value.
Pieces like Thanks, Daddy and Berangkat Subuh, Pulang Larut (Dawn departure, night return) illustrate an embracing of modern lifestyles and a simple air of positivism.
One would think that a deeper disparagement of affluent excess or technological detachment lay beneath the two works, but Paul countered, saying, “There are so many negative things in the news and the media. I just want to highlight the positive.”
But some of Paul’s work falls more on the surrealist side, which can be seen in the piece Tentang Tingkap2 Langit Yang Terbuka (open layers in the sky), which depicts a sky layered with open windows and money raining down through them. Paul explained of the painting, “If God gives you fortune, no one can stop it.”
Another example of Paul’s non-adherence to the rules of realism is the piece Dua Hati, in which a two tree trunks supported by steel beams join together at a point.
“The wood and metal are like a husband and wife with very different characters, but they can work together,” said Paul.
Much like the metal and wood in Paul’s painting, the character of both artists may be different, but the joining of their art is like a successful symbiotic relationship.
(in box):
Encounter
Philo Art Space
Jl. Kemang Timur 90 C
South Jakarta 12730
tel. 7198448
philoartspace@yahoo.com
through Aug. 26
Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/
August 13th, 2007
Kabupaten Probolinggo, Kerapan sapi merupakan atraksi khas dari pulau Madura yang merupakan lomba (pacuan) sapi. Probolinggo yang mayoritas penduduknya dari suku Madura atau campuran (antara Madura dan Jawa), maka kerapan sapi juga menjadi atraksi yang dilestarikan.
Sebuah atraksi masyarakt khas Madura, yaitu lomba atau pacuan (kerapan) sapi. Di Probolinggo dengan mayoritas penduduk bersuku Madura atau campuran Madura Jawa (Pendalungan), kerapan sapi juga menjadi atraksi tetap. Pemerintah Kabupaten Probolinggo dalam hal ini Dinas Perhubungan dan Pariwisata, menampung aspirasi masyarakat tersebut dengan menyiapkan wadah kegiatan kerapan sapi 2 (dua) kali dalam satu tahun. Yaitu Upacara Ritual Kasada yang dikemas dalam acara Pra-Kasada dan perebutan Trophy Bupati Probolinggo di HUT Kabupaten Probolinggo [Bappeda]
Source: http://www.kabprobolinggo.go.id/
August 10th, 2007
Komitmen Pemerintah Kota Surabaya untuk menyiapkan warga kota Surabaya yang mampu menggunakan dan berinovasi dengan IT terlihat semakin nyata. Hal ini merupakan upaya mewujudkan Kota Surabaya sebagai kota jasa dan perdagangan (Trade & Service). Menurut rencana, Walikota Surabaya, Bambang DH, akan meresmikan Techo Park Taman Flora, Jumat (10/8) di Kebun Bibit Surabaya. Hadir pada acara tersebut Ketua DPRD Kota Surabaya, Para Pejabat Pemprop Jatim, Para Pejabat Pemkot Surabaya, Para Rektor Perguruan Tinggi Surabaya, Komunitas IT dan para pelajar Surabaya .
Bertepatan dengan hari Kebangkitan Teknologi, maka kehadiran Techno Park ini dimaksudkan untuk mendekatkan ICT (Information Commmunication Technology) kepada masyarakat sehingga bisa melihat dan merasakan ICT dengan biaya murah. Selain itu, juga untuk mengembangkan layanan public berbasis teknologi informasi berupa kawasan taman yang luas dan asri serta dilengkapi prasarana pembelajaran dan hotspot wifi.
Pada kesempatan itu, juga akan diperkenalkan SmartCity Card yakni kartu multi akses yang dapat berfungsi sebagai kartu identitas, pembayaran dan komunikasi, serta kegiatan lain seperti Demo software pengolahan Lingkungan oleh Dinas Kebersihan dan pertamanan, Demo e-Commerce dan Micropayment oleh Bagian Bina Pembangunan, Demo layanan gakin berbasis IT oleh RS. Soewandhie dan Bapemas, Demo multi intelegen oleh Dinas Pendidikan serta demo Voip oleh PIKTI-ITS.
Source: http://www.surabaya.go.id/
August 10th, 2007
Bulan ini, Pura Mandara Giri Agung Semeru kembali merayakan hari jadinya. Seperti tahun-tahun sebelumnya, hari jadi ini diisi dengan persembahyangan, tanda syukur pada Sang Pencipta.
Berdiri pada tahun 1986, Mandara Giri Agung berkembang menjadi tempat ibadah umat Hindu yang mencuri perhatian banyak orang. Tak hanya mereka yang ada di Lumajang, namun juga luar Lumajang, bahkan luar negeri. Maklum, bangunan pura yang berada di lereng sebelah timur Gunung Semeru ini terbilang sangat menawan. Lihat saja candi Bentar atau apit surang di jaba sisi, dan candi kurung atau gelungkuri di jaba tengah. Melihat bale patok, bale gong, gedong simpen, dan bale kulkul. Juga pendopo, kisi-kisi di areal utama, dan masih banyak lagi.
Dulu, Mandara Giri bermula dari bangun di atas tanah pekarangan seluas 20 x 60 meter. Setelah tiga tahun jalan, areal tanah berkembang menjadi dua hektar. Sehingga, banguan pura yang semula nampak sederhana, kini, sudah berkembang megah. Menjaga senyawa bangunan dan fungsinya, pura ini tak pernah sepi dari aktifitas keagamaan. Bermula dari upacara Pamlaspas Alit dan Mapulang Dasar Sarwa Sekar yang digelar pada Minggu Umanis, Wuku Menail, 8 Maret 1992, pura ini mulai menjadi saksi digelarnya beberapa upacara suci.
Di hari-hari istimewa, pura ini menyedot pengunjung hingga 10 ribu orang. Rata-rata, selain ikut jadi peserta, mereka ada yang datang khusus untuk melihat proses persembahyangan secara langsung. Tak heran jika jauh hari sebelum Nyepi digelar misalnya, di Lumajang, beberapa hotel sudah dipadati wisatawan. Juga saat menjelang Odalan, upacara yang diselenggarakan di pura sebagai ulang tahun berdirinya pura, sekaligus memohon keselamatan bagi masyarakat dan alam semesta.
Mengapa hari jadi pura ini begitu bermakna? Ternyata, pendirian pura ini merupakan mimpi tersendiri bagi masyarakat Hindu di Kecamatan Senduro, Lumajang. Sejak tahun 1970-an, gagasan berdirinya sebuah pura telah muncul meski untuk merealisasikan terasa kembang kempis. Pucuk dicinta ulam tiba, beberapa tokoh Hindu di Bali menyambut baik gagasan ini. Karena, umat Hindu Bali pernah mengadakan nuur tirta (pengambilan air suci) di Patirtaan Watu Kelosot, kaki Gunung Semeru, lalu dibawa ke Bali. Prosei ini menjadi bagian dari upacara Agung Karya Ekadasa Rudra di Pura Agung Besakih, Bali, Maret 1963. Prosesi yang sama juga diualang pada tahun 1979. Eksistensi mata air suci Watu Kelosot pun makin kukuh. Sehingga, saat kebutuhan pura di Lumajang mulai berkembang menjadi wacana, dukungan pun mulai berdatangan.
Beratnya proses pendirian pura ini kemudian menjadi alasan, mengapa hari jadi Pura Mandara Giri Agung Semeru perlu dirayakan secara khusus. Mereka yang terlibat dalam perayaan ini, juga rela menyiapkan waktu khusus untuk persiapan. Seolah tak ingin ada yang luput apalagi keliru dalam perhitungan. hd laksono
Source: Majalah Traveler, Juli 2007
August 9th, 2007
As has been extensively reported around the world, on Saturday, May 27 2006, at 05.55 am (WIB - Western Indonesia Time), Indonesia was struck by an earthquake in the Bantul region, 25 kms south of the historic cultural city of Yogyakarta in central Java. The earthquake measured 6.2 on the Richter scale and to date over 5000 people have been reported killed, 20,000 injured, and hundreds of thousands made homeless.
The earthquake destroyed several towns and many villages throughout the province of Yogyakarta (both city and province have the same name). It heavily affected Gunung Kidul regency, Yogyakarta city, Klaten regency, Kulon Progo regency, and Sleman regency among others.
Extensive physical and infrastructure damage also occurred to vital infrastructure such as telecommunication, electricity supply, and transportation links.
Tourism is a key economic sector for Yogyakarta, providing employment and income to thousands of people in the province, directly and indirectly. The Bantul region, for instance, where the earthquake did the most damage and where loss of life has been greatest, is home to hundreds of craft villages that make souvenirs, arts and crafts for the tourism sector.
Even before the earthquake struck, the local tourism economy had already
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| Prambanan Tample |
started to be seriously affected in the last few weeks by the eruptions of Mt. Merapi; the volcano located 20 kms to the north of Yogyakarta city.
In response to the crisis to the tourism sector caused by the devastating earthquake, public and private tourism stakeholders in Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces have joined together under the patronage of the Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Mr. Aburizal Bakrie and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jero Wacik to set up a voluntary organization, Java Crisis ” Tourism Media Centre.
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Their mission is to assist in the rescue, relief, rehabilitation and recovery of the people, companies, and organizations working in the tourism sector in both provinces and to keep the world informed as to the progress being made to return Yogyakarta to its normal status as an important cultural tourism destination, the heart of Javanese culture.
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Tourism is a multi-sectoral enterprise and as the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jero Wacik noted it will need the efforts and coordination of many government ministries working closely with the provincial authorities and the private sector to carry out this mission.
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| Taman Sari |
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As rescue and relief turns into recovery, it will be vital for the people affected to have the employment and income generated by tourism in order for them to be able to stand on their own two feet and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Officially has operated 24 hour, Java Tourism Care with various programs. Participation in all kinds of form would be appreciated.
Source: http://www.my-indonesia.info/
August 8th, 2007
The Tengger people`s traditional thanksgiving ritual, the Yadnya Kasada, will take place at Mount Bromo, Probolinggo district, on August 26-27 or 10 days earlier than last year when it was held September 6-7.
Kasada is a festivity through which the Tenngger people express their gratitude to their god, Hyang Widi Wasa.
“Every year, the function is always held 10 days earlier than in the preceding year,” a senior local community figure, Mudjono, said when contacted by phone from here.
He said the Kasada was held on September 17-18 in 2005 and on September 6-7 in 2006 and this year it will fall on August 25-26, he added.
“The people of Tengger will only prepare the things needed for the ceremony while the other supporting activities prior to it will be organized by the local tourism office,” he said.
Source: Antara News
August 7th, 2007
The Government of Gresik Regency celebrated Public Security Anniversary 45th by conducted ceremony on ….
The Government of Gresik Regency celebrated Public Security Anniversary 45th by conducted ceremony on Wednesday, 13 June 2007 at Town Square. Gresik Regent, Drs. KH. Robbach Ma’sum, MM who read the greeting of Ministry of Home Affairs, said about the importance of society protection because it is related to Local Government obligation. That is why, role of Public Security needs in everyday, such as taking care of environmental security, disaster handling, general election both local and nasional grade. The Regent was also Noticing that duty and the function of Public Security will run well if there are good coordination and communications between the members, institutions, and societies.
Source: http://www.gresik.go.id/
August 6th, 2007
JEMBER - Festival layaknya karnaval Samba di Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, kemarin dipertunjukkan di jalan-jalan utama Kota Jember, Jawa Timur. Gerimis yang mengguyur tidak mengurangi minat puluhan ribu penonton menyaksikan Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) yang tahun ini memasuki penyelenggaraan keenam itu.
Sebanyak 450 peserta yang seluruhnya arek-arek Jember dengan aneka kostum menyusuri catwalk jalan di pusat kota sepanjang tiga kilometer dari alun-alun hingga GOR PKPSO Kaliwates. Tahun ini JFC mengusung tema Save Our World. Karena itu, bentuk busana yang ditampilkan peserta menyuarakan pesan sadar lingkungan.
Bupati Jember MZA Djalal saat membuka parade JFC mengaku sangat bangga karena JFC berhasil mengharumkan nama Jember di berbagai even nasional maupun internasional. “Dengan adanya JFC, masyarakat dari luar daerah atau luar negeri bisa berkunjung ke Jember untuk menikmati segala keunikannya,” katanya. Setiap defile kemarin menampilkan atraksi menarik sesuai tema masing-masing.
Untuk menampilkan atraksi dan kreasi, para peserta membutuhkan waktu sebulan penuh untuk berlatih. Tidak hanya berlatih cara berjalan di catwalk, para peserta juga dilatih menari, menyanyi, berdandan dengan teknik-teknik kelas dunia
Pengadaan JFC berangkat dari keinginan menjadikan kota di sisi timur Pulau Jawa itu sebagai kota wisata mode pertama di Indonesia.(m-2/jpnn)
Source: Jawa Pos Online, Senin, 06 Agt 2007
August 6th, 2007
The Jakarta Post
As part of its art appreciation work in East Java, the Hotel Majapahit Surabaya, along with the Adhicipta Art Gallery, is presenting the Majapahit Night Moment program at the hotel’s Balai Andika Room on Aug. 31.
The hotel’s public relation coordinator, Sisca Febriyanti, said East Java special souvenir shops KaosKoeas and BookKoeas would be launched during the program.
“We will also hand over an award to painters in East Java,” Sisca told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
KaosKoeas is combination of graphic design and art works by East Javanese painters which are printed on T-shirts, while BookKoeas is a book compiling traditional stories from the province.
“The T-shirts and books are designed as souvenirs for foreign tourists visiting Surabaya. They are also used as sources of East Javanese art and culture,” she said.
Before the art works are printed on T-shirts, the paintings will be exhibited at the hotel’s spa outlet from Aug. 10 to Aug. 31.
–JP/Indra Harsaputra
August 3rd, 2007
ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya
If you are traveling to East Java this weekend or next, drop by Ponorogo to catch cultural parades and the reyog or mask folk dance festival.
Or, if you prefer something more modern, come to Jember to witness what organizers are calling Indonesia’s Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
Organizing committee chairman Gunardi told The Jakarta Post that the Ponorogo cultural parades will take place from August 7 to 13 to coincide with the town’s 511th anniversary.
Ponorogo is located some 180 kilometers west of provincial capital Surabaya.
“The cultural event and reyog festival are set to become the regency’s icons with elementary and secondary school students expected to display their performing art abilities particularly Ponorogo’s typical reyog dance,” Gunardi said.
At least 23 reyog troupes from all over Ponorogo regency are expected to showcase their feats in the festival.
According to Gunardi, although the troupes have the same sets of equipment like dadak merak (a tiger mask topped with a feather-spreading peacock), gamelan instruments and a bujang ganong (servants mask), they are expected to have their own characteristic dancing styles and spellbinding acrobatic tricks.
The cultural show will also include traditional art parades featuring the regency’s diverse performing arts such as gajah-gajahan, kongkil, odrot, gumbeng, keling and jaranan tek.
“The existing artistic talents will be on show,” said Gunardi.
The Jember’s street fashion show festival, on the other hand, will take place on Aug. 5.
Jember is located some 200 kilometers southeast of Surabaya.
Dynand Fariz, the man behind the program, said the Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) boasts alternative fashion designs and genuine works of apparel trendsetters in this near eastern-tip city of East Java.
This year’s event will be highlighted by a street fashion parade spanning 3.6 kilometers in the city’s main thoroughfares.
Eight groups of models — each has 450 personnel — will be involved in the street fashion show. Each group carries different themes, including humans, animals, plants, water and imagination.
Dynand said some 150,000 people of all ages are expected to watch the big show, the sixth in Jember.
“It’s kind of like Indonesia’s Rio de Janeiro Carnival,” said Dynand, referring to Brazil’s four-day street festival held at the peak of summer.
One of the groups participating in the fashion show is the Borneo Group, which will open the fashion parade by presenting Kalimantan’s exotic wildlife. This theme is inspired by the fact that the Indonesia’s largest island is under the threat of environmental destruction.
“The Jember Fashion Carnival wishes to remind citizens of the need to protect against the imminent extinction of Kalimantan’s natural and cultural riches,” Dynand stressed.
The other groups coming are Prison, Predator, Undercover, Amazon, Chinese Opera, Anime, and Recycle.
The last group, Recycle, will present designs with material for recycling purposes.
Dynand said JFC was trying to convey the idea that the negative impact of non-recyclable goods could be reduced by recycling these products.
“This event may arouse public awareness,” he added.
The JFC, which has been held annually for the past six years, has made its way into the list of top-level agendas which include the International Congress in Bandung, the Cultural Pageant at the State Palace, the Kuta Carnival, Bali Fashion Week and Kutai Kartanegara Parade.
“What makes us very proud is that we were invited and took part in the International Scout Jamboree in London from July 25 to 30,” Dynand said.
Source: The Jakarta Post, Surabaya
August 3rd, 2007
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