Archive for May, 2008
Magelang, Central Java (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s Buddhist community celebrated their holy day of Waisak in many parts of the country on Tuesday.
The biggest celebrations took place at Borobodur and Mendut temples in Magelang District, Central Java.
Around 15,000 Buddhists from Central Java, West java, Jakarta, East Java, Kalimantan, Bali and Sulawesi flocked to Mendut and Borobudur temples to observe the birth of Sidharta Gautama, the chairman of the organizing committee of the Indonesian Grand Sangha Conference (KASI) Waisak 2008 Sugiyanto said here on Tuesday.
“At least 15,000 Buddhists are attending the celebration here, we have provided around 28,000 bottles of scared water up to now (at about 11.30 am local time), and all have been distributed to the congregation ,” he said.
The Waisak day marks the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar and celebrations take place at Buddhist temples throughout Java.
After meditation, the Buddhists walked a distance of around three kilometers from Mendut Temple to Borobodur Yemple , passing Pawon Temple on the way.
“We give priority to make this ritual more sacred, because in the past Mendut and Borobudur temples were actual Buddhist shrines,” he said.
Borobudur , one of the world`s largest ancient Buddhist temples, was chosen as the center of the Waisak celebration in order to preserve the temple which has been named as a world cultural heritage, he said.
The spectacular Buddhist monument was built in the ninth century and provides a fitting backdrop for the occasion.
Waisak celebrations were also held among other things in Pangkalpinang (Bangka Belitung), Palu (Central Sulawesi), Denpasar (Bali), and Semarang (Central Java). (*)
Magelang, Central Java (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s Buddhist community celebrated their holy day of Waisak in many parts of the country on Tuesday.
The biggest celebrations took place at Borobodur and Mendut temples in Magelang District, Central Java.
Around 15,000 Buddhists from Central Java, West java, Jakarta, East Java, Kalimantan, Bali and Sulawesi flocked to Mendut and Borobudur temples to observe the birth of Sidharta Gautama, the chairman of the organizing committee of the Indonesian Grand Sangha Conference (KASI) Waisak 2008 Sugiyanto said here on Tuesday.
“At least 15,000 Buddhists are attending the celebration here, we have provided around 28,000 bottles of scared water up to now (at about 11.30 am local time), and all have been distributed to the congregation ,” he said.
The Waisak day marks the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar and celebrations take place at Buddhist temples throughout Java.
After meditation, the Buddhists walked a distance of around three kilometers from Mendut Temple to Borobodur Yemple , passing Pawon Temple on the way.
“We give priority to make this ritual more sacred, because in the past Mendut and Borobudur temples were actual Buddhist shrines,” he said.
Borobudur , one of the world`s largest ancient Buddhist temples, was chosen as the center of the Waisak celebration in order to preserve the temple which has been named as a world cultural heritage, he said.
The spectacular Buddhist monument was built in the ninth century and provides a fitting backdrop for the occasion.
Waisak celebrations were also held among other things in Pangkalpinang (Bangka Belitung), Palu (Central Sulawesi), Denpasar (Bali), and Semarang (Central Java). (*)
Source: ANTARA News
May 21st, 2008
Pesan Waisak 2552 Be
SURABAYA - Umat Buddha di Surabaya kemarin memperingati hari raya Waisak 2008/2552 Be secara khidmat. Sejak pagi umat Buddha membanjiri vihara. Mereka melakukan rangkaian ibadah memperingati peristiwa Tri Suci Waisak.
Seperti di Vihara Mahavira Graha Surabaya. Sejak pagi, sekitar 200 umat duduk rapi memanjatkan doa dengan melafalkan puji-pujian Namo Sakya Muni Buddha. Doa itu berisi pujian tentang perilaku dan sifat sang Buddha. Selang beberapa saat, upacara dilanjutkan dengan Sa Tjing. Yaitu, Biksuni Chuan Huei, sebagai pemimpin kebaktian mencipratkan air ke jemaat.
Prosesi dilanjutkan dengan upacara pradasigna. Mereka berjalan mengitari ruang ibadah tiga kali diiringi bebunyian lonceng Buddha. Pada putaran ketiga, mereka menyiramkan air ke patung Sidharta Gautama yang terletak di tengah-tengah kolam sembilan naga. Kebaktian diakhiri dengan berdoa di hadapan rupang Buddha.
Dalam peringatan hari Waisak tahun ini, vihara di Jl Pasar Besar Wetan No 8 Surabaya itu mengambil tema menjaga kelestarian lingkungan. “Umur dunia semakin tua, karena itu perlu sikap bijak agar kondisi lingkungan tetap kondusif,” kata Biksuni Chuan Huei usai memimpin kebaktian.
Menurut dia, sikap tersebut sangat diperlukan, mengingat alam telah memberikan tanda-tandanya. Seperti, bencana yang terjadi di banyak tempat. Selain itu, dalam kondisi bangsa seperti sekarang ini, diperlukan kesadaran untuk berbuat kebajikan dengan cara membantu sesama.
Ajaran untuk selalu melestarikan lingkungan telah dicontohkan sang Buddha. Prajnavira Mahasthavira, pimpinan Vihara Mahariva Graha mencontohkan bukti yang ada pada relief di sejumlah candi, seperti Borobudur dan Candi Pawon. Di sana terdapat ukiran pohon kehidupan yang melambangkan keseimbangan ekosistem.
Menurut dia, lambang pohon itu memberikan pelajaran agar manusia selalu menjaga keseimbangan lingkungan sembari melaksanakan praktik spiritual. “Cinta lingkungan merupakan cermin kematangan spiritual dan salah satu bentuk greget untuk memajukan kualitas hidup,” ucapnya.
Suasana serupa terjadi di Vihara Dhamma Jaya. Sekitar 500 umat Buddha sejak pukul 07.45 menjubeli vihara yang terletak di Jl Bulu Jaya, Lakarsantri itu. Umat yang mengenakan pakaian putih hitam itu berbaris mengelilingi vihara sembari membawa aneka buah, lilin, dan bunga sedap malam.
Setelah tiga kali berputar, umat memasuki Dhammasala dan meletakkan buah, bunga, dan lilin di atas meja altar. Upacara dilanjutkan dengan pembacaan paritha suci Jaya Manggala Gatha. Isinya, kisah kemenangan sang Buddha yang terdiri atas 12 judul selama 30 menit. Pembacaan kisah itu untuk menunggu datangnya detik-detik Waisak yang jatuh pada 09.05.
Dalam khotbahnya, Romo Pandita Widya Kusuma mengingatkan umat akan kisah Buddha yang rela meninggalkan harta, takhta, wanita, dan keluarga untuk menjadi seorang pertapa. Buddha keluar masuk hutan dan hidup sengsara sekitar enam tahun. “Itu dilakukan semata-mata untuk menghindarkan manusia dari penderitaan,” ucapnya.
Karena itulah, dia meminta umat merenungkan kembali cita-cita dan tujuan sang Buddha jika ingin menghormatinya. “Salah satunya peduli terhadap lingkungan, masyarakat, dan penderitaan orang lain,” kata Ketua Dayaka Sabha Vihara Dhamma Jaya itu.
Suasana khidmat juga terasa di Vihara Vimalakirti. Di vihara yang terletak di Jl Tanggulangin 6 Surabaya itu, umat Niciren Syosyu melakukan sembahyang. Mereka membaca mantra agung Namyohorengkekyo sambil membawa buah-buahan dan meletakkannya di meja altar. Mereka juga membaca buku doa Kyobon setebal 32 halaman. (eko/nw)
Source: Jawa Pos Online
May 21st, 2008
Dipamerkan di PTC, Masuk Muri
SURABAYA - Gaun dengan jahitan, bukan sesuatu yang mengherankan. Tapi, bagaimana jika ada seorang perancang yang khusus memamerkan karya-karya gaunnya dan semuanya tanpa jahitan? Ini yang terjadi di Pakuwon Trade Center (PTC) kemarin (18/5).
Di tempat itu, dipamerkan gaun-gaun tanpa jahitan dengan gaya simpel karya Elizabeth Njo May Fen. Acara tersebut masuk Muri (Museum Rekor Indonesia) karena dianggap belum pernah ada sebelumnya. “Memang pantas masuk Muri,” kata Paulus Pangka, Manajer Muri.
Dari sisi pembuatannya, juga tergolong unik. Tiap kostum dirancang May Fen hingga siap pakai, hanya dalam waktu 15 menit. Kemarin, Muri mencatat 24 gaun tanpa jahitan yang rancangannya langsung diperagakan May Fen.
May Fen mengatakan, dia merancang busana tanpa jahitan sudah sejak lama. Namun, karyanya baru diseriusi baru-baru ini. Dia mengaku mendapat ide saat menyaksikan banyaknya turis yang berkunjung ke Bali hanya berbalut kain di tubuhnya. Kain-kain itu tanpa dijahit.
Dari sinilah lantas menginspirasi May Fen untuk menseriusi rencangan busana dengan ciri khas tanpa jahitan.
Lantas, bagaimana cara May Fen merekatkan antara potongan kain? Wanita 34 tahun itu mengatakan, dia menggunakan trik tali yang dililitkan di bagian tubuh. Tali yang berasal dari kain dan dipotong kecil-kecil itu memiliki fungsi sama dengan jahitan. Yaitu merekatkan potongan satu dengan lainnya sehingga menutupi bagian tubuh.
“Karena itulah, kami menggunakan kain jenis lycra dan tile,” katanya. Jenis kain tersebut tergolong berat, sehingga tak mudah berkibar-kibar. Selain itu, jenis kain itu juga tidak mbrodoli saat dipotong.
Dia menambahkan, gaun rancangannya bisa digunakan untuk berbagai acara. Untuk yang berukuran pendek dan bergaya kasual, lebih cocok untuk digunakan bepergian ke mal. Sedangkan yang berukuran panjang bisa digunakan untuk ke acara pesta.
Kelemahannya, kain lycra dan tile tidak memiliki banyak warna. “Karena jenis kain tersebut sebenarnya digunakan untuk membuat pakaian olahraga,” ucapnya.(eko/kum)
Source: Jawa Pos Online
May 19th, 2008
An inter-island ferry carrying more than 700 passengers and crew caught fire as it neared port on the island of Borneo, an Indonesian television channel reported.
District chief Wahyudi Anwar told MetroTV that rescuers pulled 10 survivors from a river outside the town of Sampit, around 500 miles north-east of Jakarta.
The status of the other passengers was not immediately clear, but attempts were being made to evacuate others, the broadcaster said.
Mr Anwar said the vessel, the KM Dharma Kencana, was travelling from Surabaya, the provincial capital of East Java, to Sampit, a district town in Central Kalimantan, with 706 passengers and 22 crew.
Boats are a main source of transportation in Indonesia, a vast archipelago with more than 17,000 islands.
Overcrowding and poorly enforced safety standards cause frequent accidents.
Source: http://ukpress.google.com/
May 19th, 2008
Tinggal Pilih Di Food Court Level 1 BG Junction
Tak perlu jauh-jauh jika ingin mencari aneka makanan khas Surabaya. Sebab, mulai hari ini hingga 18 Mei, BG Junction menghelat Festival Masakan Khas Surabaya di food court level 1. Ada beragam sajian tradisional khas Surabaya yang bisa dinikmati. Mulai semanggi Surabaya, lontong kikil, lontong balap, lontong mi, rujak cingur, hingga bubur Madura.
Menurut Yeni Novilia, asisstant manager advertising & promotion BG Junction, festival makanan itu merupakan bagian dari even rutin bulanan. Setiap sebulan sekali, pengunjung kami suguhi beragam masakan bertema. “Temanya bergantung momen,” ujarnya. Karena Mei bertepatan dengan hari ulang tahun Surabaya, tema masakan khas Surabaya pun dipilih.
Dia menambahkan, festival makanan memang menjadi even unggulan BG Junction. Sebab, animo masyarakat terhadap acara tersebut cukup bagus. Setiap diadakan, menu makanan yang dijajakan selalu habis terjual. “Terutama saat akhir pekan. Sebelum jam tutup, banyak makanan habis duluan,” jelasnya.
Untuk even itu, BG Junction menggandeng pedagang-pedagang kaki lima yang cukup dikenal. Bubur Madura, misalnya. BG Junction mengundang pedagang bubur Madura dari Pasar Atom yang cukup dikenal. Begitu juga rujak cingur. Yang mengisi stan adalah penjual rujak cingur dari Jagiran. “Tapi, ada juga yang berasal dari tenant kami sendiri. Seperti, lontong balap dan lontong mi Gloria,” tuturnya.
Para pedagang yang diundang tersebut menempati stan-stan gerobak yang telah disediakan. Untuk memudahkan pembeli, setiap gerobak dipasangi papan petunjuk tentang informasi menu yang dijajakan. Per porsi makanan dijual mulai Rp 4 ribu-Rp 10 ribu.
Salah satu stan yang cukup diapresiasi oleh pengunjung adalah stan semanggi Surabaya. Masakanan legendaris yang terdiri atas daun semanggi rebus yang diguyur petis itu dikunjungi cukup banyak pembeli. “Lumayan, sudah laku sepuluh porsi lebih,” ucap Kunati, si peracik semanggi, ketika baru buka dua jam. Olahan semanggi Surabaya perempuan 48 tahun itu cukup nikmat. Selain bumbu petisnya memikat lidah, daun semangginya berasa berbeda. Tidak berbau langu, rasanya pun gurih.
Kunati memang mengolahnya dengan teknik khusus. Menurut dia, daun semanggi tidak sekadar direbus. “Setelah direbus, daun semanggi saya taruh di atas wajan. Lalu, saya panaskan lagi sampai airnya hilang,” jelasnya. Dengan begitu, bau langu akan lenyap bersama dengan menghilangnya uap air.
Selain menikmati makanan lezat, dihadirkan hiburan band akustik El-Quarto. Pertunjukan musik tersebut hadir kemarin (15/5) dan saat penutupan pada Minggu, 18 Mei. Festival Masakan Khas Surabaya itu dibuka mulai pukul 10.00 hingga 21.30. (ign/kum)
Source: Jawa Pos Online
May 16th, 2008
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan sit side by side playing the “angklung” traditional musical bamboo instrument while looking at each other once a while and chuckling when the sound of their music is not in harmony.
Jero Wacik and Surin Pitsuwan tried to play the bamboo musical instrument from West Java in the ASEAN Best Music Show, “The Mosaic Archipelago”, at Jakarta Art Building on Tuesday night.
The event was concluded with a segment of an “Angklung Interactive” in which the guests who were ASEAN ambassadors and other foreigners each got an angklung and played together.
From the stage on the occasion, a young woman in traditional “kebaya” - woman`s blouse the front of which is pinned together - asked the the audience to play the angklung and sang the songs Kicir-kicir, I Have a Dream, and Heal the World.
Jero Wacik and Surin Pitsuwan looked chummy and played their angklung to follow the instructor on the stage.
“Let us try to play our angklung,” the culture and tourism minister told the ASEAN chief, who that night wore a black suit.
The minister said the ASEAN Best Music Show was the first of its kind in Jakarta and a similar event would also be held in other ASEAN countries in the future.
“The event will become a new history for ASEAN in its effort to strengthen the bond of friendship through a musical show. The diversities and the differences of each ASEAN member country will be the uniting power of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” Jero Wacik said.
He noted that the ASEAN Best Music Show was designed to introduce and promote the Association`s arts and cultural diversity to the rest of the world.
At least nine traditional dances and musical instruments from Papua, Bali, East Java, Riau, Aceh, East Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, West Java, and North Sumatra, were played in the event. (*)
Source: ANTARA News
May 16th, 2008
SURABAYA - Batik memang kian memikat kawula muda. Sebab, batik tetap bisa tampil apik dengan paduan bahan-bahan kasual. Perpaduan apik tersebut terlihat dalam fashion show Batik, Bordir, dan Accessories Fair 2008 di Jatim Expo kemarin (15/5).
Sebanyak 16 stan pengusaha batik dari seluruh Indonesia turut bergabung menyajikan busana-busana batik unggulan masing-masing. Hasilnya, 64 busana batik dari beragam corak dan warna tersaji di atas panggung. Busana batik kasual, formal, hingga semiformal diperagakan sejumlah model dari Paull Models Agency.
Salah satu stan yang menyajikan busana batik kasual adalah Murni & Artis Batik. Mengandalkan bahan katun dengan corak-corak batik khas Jawa Timur, Mursidi, sang perancang, menciptakan sejumlah atasan cantik dengan model masa kini. Misalnya, atasan berwarna dominan hijau dengan corak liris. Dengan lengan balon berpadu kerah rumple, atasan sepanjang paha tersebut mengembang di bagian bawah. Atasan itu cocok dipadupadankan dengan celana jins jenis pensil.
Jika Mursidi memilih kesan kasual pada batik, Moehammad Muchsin dari Abi Batik lebih suka menyajikan busana batik semiformal dengan bahan batik yang terjangkau. Mengandalkan kain batik tulis Madura yang paling murah, Abi -sapaan akrab Moehammad Muchsin- menampilkan atasan berlengan tiga perempat berhias payet dan bordir di bagian kerah. Atasan berwarna biru tersebut menimbulkan kesan etnis nan elegan.
Dalam pameran batik tingkat nasional itu, 220 pengusaha batik, bordir, dan aksesori dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia saling memajang karya terbaik.
Menurut Susilo, ketua pelaksana, pameran yang terselenggara berkat kerja sama Disperindag dengan Asosiasi Tenun, Batik, dan Bordir (ATBB) Jawa Timur tersebut merupakan ajang untuk mempromosikan keragaman batik Indonesia kepada masyarakat. “Dengan pameran ini, kami harap usaha para perajin batik, khususnya yang berasal dari desa, bisa terbantu,” jelasnya.
Kemarin, pameran batik yang akan berlangsung hingga 18 Mei mendatang itu dibuka secara langsung oleh Gubernur Jatim Imam Utomo. Secara simbolis, Imam menorehkan tanda tangan dengan canting di atas kain mori berwarna putih polos. (ken/dos)
Source: Jawa Pos Online
May 15th, 2008
Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Malang, East Java
A cheerful mood pervaded the Gumuk hall in Selokerto hamlet, Selorejo village in East Java’s Malang regency, on this particular Sunday.
A boisterous group of children had followed a van from the Petungsewu Wildlife Education Center (P-WEC) to the hall, where they were greeted by a P-WEC volunteer.
Dressed as a lutung (an endangered monkey species native to Java), the volunteer danced to the music blaring from the van’s sound system.
“Come on kids, follow me. Let’s gather in the hall. Let’s read, play and watch films, all for free. Come on…” he screamed over the loudspeaker as he danced.
In the spartan hall with its earthen floor, P-WEC members laid out plastic sheets and folding tables.
About 200 books comprising 150 different titles, mostly on wildlife, were displayed on the tables, next to plywood puzzles of protected Indonesian animals.
The impatient but curious children thronged the tables and rummaged through the rows of books.
“It’s part of our responsibility to local communities. We’ve noticed a very low awareness of nature among children living near the forest because of a lack of reading material. So we came up with this mobile library,” said Yunita Suci Amalia, coordinator of the P-WEC mobile library program.
According to Yunita, the library is a social program aimed at children living on the periphery of the forest. Gumuk is only 500 meters from the forest.
She said many of these children could not afford to read quality books, in spite of their voracious curiosity.
P-WEC responded to this need by devising the mobile library in early 2007. Previously, the education center had only hosted screenings of films, particularly wildlife documentaries.
“We provide not only books but also guides who tell the children stories about nature. So they learn about nature from books and people,” said Yunita.
To set up the library, the center launched a campaign to collect used books and magazines from various donors. Some 13 institutions and several individuals contributed to this drive.
“We collect all kinds of books and periodicals, not just those about wildlife. We even have literature on motoring, agriculture, forestry and skateboarding, because many adults also join the kids whenever we visit,” she said.
To make the experience even more engaging, contests and games are organized for the children. These include story-retelling contests, puzzles and charades.
“That’s how we arouse the children’s interest and make them proud of their forest, so they’ll be more concerned about nature conservation,” said Sri Wahyuni, project manager for P-WEC, who joined the team as a children’s counselor.
However, the program’s limited facilities restrict its operations.
Currently, the mobile library focuses on five villages each month — Sumber Bendo, Petung Sewu, Kucur, Selokerto and Gumuk, all in close proximity to P-WEC.
The high interest shown by children during library calls has prompted Rosek Nursahid, chairman of environmental NGO ProFauna Indonesia, to decide to continue the program and oversee its development. P-WEC is run by ProFauna Indonesia.
“Villagers often ask us to make our visits longer. They say they can’t get enough of the books. So we intend to continue this program,” Rosek said.
Yunita also called for public involvement to help increase children’s knowledge of forests and the environment.
She said she hoped more people would contribute books to the program.
“We receive new or used books. If it’s cash, we may not have enough time to buy books, so it’s better for those wishing to donate to provide books,” she said.
Rosek also hoped the P-WEC visits would encourage communication between P-WEC and surrounding communities.
Many villagers still regard the Wildlife Rescue Center of Petung Sewu and P-WEC as exclusive agencies.
“Everybody is welcome to come here to learn about wildlife and the environment at any time,” said Rosek.
Source: The Jakarta Post
May 14th, 2008
Memeriahkan momen Surabaya Shopping Festival (SSF) 2008, Royal Plaza memanjakan pengunjung dengan berbagai cara. Selain memberikan diskon di masing-masing tenant, ada even Royal Shopping Festival.
Dalam acara yang dilaksanakan pada 5-25 Mei tersebut, pesertanya adalah tenant di Royal Plaza. Tujuannya, pengunjung lebih mudah mencari item yang dibutuhkan dan tenant lebih banyak dikunjungi masyarakat. “Kami tidak membedakan tenant yang mau bergabung. Siapa berminat bisa ikut,” kata Vicky Ratih, promotion manager Royal Plaza.
Dia menuturkan, pengunjung bisa mendapatkan barang harga spesial. Sebab, masing-masing memberikan diskon beragam sampai 50 persen. Acara tersebut dibagi menjadi dua sesi. Pada minggu pertama, diadakan bazar busana muslim. “Minggu kedua pakaian kasual,” jelasnya.
Royal Shopping Festival ternyata memberikan keuntungan bagi tenant. Sebab, jumlah pengunjung dan pembeli lebih meningkat. Di Tata Shoes misalnya, mulai dibuka hingga pukul 14.00 kemarin, sudah belasan sepatu berhasil terjual. “Dengan diskon hingga 50 persen, pengunjung tidak lagi menawar. Mereka langsung beli,” tegas Ratna dari Tata Shoes.
Hal serupa dialami Ratu Fashion. “Kami memberikan diskon mulai 10-30 persen,” ujar Wuri dari Ratu Shoes. (rth/tia)
Source: Jawa Pos Online
May 13th, 2008
The domestic airline industry is becoming more competitive with PT Eka Sari Lorena Airlines (Lorena Air) soon to enter the market hit hard by increasing fuel prices.
“Indonesia has a large population and people still need to travel. There is always opportunity to build a successful (airline) business here,” Lorena Air CEO Eka Sari Lorena Surbakti said on Friday.
Lorena Air, which is a subsidiary of transportation company Lorena Group, is scheduled to fly its first two Boeing 737-300 aircraft on June 6. The company will serve the Jakarta-Surabaya route four times a day.
On June 12, the company will start serving Palembang and Pekanbaru twice a day.
“Demand for air transportation services for these routes is still high,” said Eka at the launch of Lorena Air’s ticket sales.
“The company will develop integrated transportation services,” she said.
“We offer what is called an ‘air to door’ service, where passengers can continue to travel to their destination after stepping off our plane by using our buses.”
Lorena Group is one of the country’s most well-known bus operators.
Lorena will compete head-on with national carrier Garuda Indonesia Airways. That’s the reason why the company will offer lower prices for the same services offered by Garuda, Eka said.
Lorena Air has targeted to carry 1.5 million passengers this year, focusing on the premium market.
The company will commence operations with two carriers, but will procure four more Boeing 737-300 aircraft later this year. It was supposed to fly last year, but failed to secure the necessary carriers.
CFO Michael Madrigal said the company, which now employs around 120 staff, invested over US$5 million excluding aircraft lease costs.
According to Lorena Air’s website, it has spent $30 million for the two Boeing 737-300 aircraft.
There are 16 domestic airlines serving domestic routes currently in the country. (rff)
Source: The Jakarta Post
May 12th, 2008
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