THE SAMAN DANCE, ACEH

The vibrant traditional dance from the province of Aceh , the Saman Dance has been acknowledged by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as an  Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. Its official announcement is scheduled to take place at the UNESCO Conference to be held in Bali, on November 19^th 201, said Department Head for Cultural and Tourism Resources of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, I Gede Pitana as reported by ANTARANEWS.com. With the acknowledgement of the Saman Dance, more of Indonesia’s authentic cultural expressions has been recognized as World Intangible Heritage, following listing of the Wayang, the Keris, Batik and the Angklung, said Director Pitana.

Performed by a group of dancers wearing mostly colorful and bright traditional costumes, the Saman Dance relies heavily on precision and synchronization of movement of each member in the team, making this a most dramatic and fascinating performance.  Standing or kneeling tightly close to each other, the dancers sing and move in perfect sync, in an increasingly accelerating tempo.  A single mistake will definitely mess up the entire routine.  

The Saman is a development of an Acehnese dance called the Pok Pok Ane. It is the singing of a poem, which is combined with the clapping of hands, and slaps on the chest and thighs which create its rhythm. The Saman Dance is truly an entertaining performance wheret only beautiful minds can create such exquisite and artful techniques.

“The acknowledgment has passed through a long and complicated process, and we hope there will be more of world cultural heritage in Indonesia that will be recognized and listed by UNESCO in the years to come,” commented Pitana. He further added that the efforts of entering the Saman Dance has taken several years before it finally made it to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

There are 890 sites today listed as UNESCO world heritage, with 689 in the cultural heritage, 176 natural heritage, and 25 cultural and natural mixed heritage. Among the total, Indonesia obtained 11 of listed heritage, including 4 in Natural Heritage, 3 in Cultural reserves, and 4 iin the Intangible Heritage category.

Indonesia’s Natural Heritage parks that are in the UNESCO World’s Heritage List include: the Ujung Kulon National Park in Banten, the Komodo National Park in East Nusatenggara, the Lorentz National Park in Papua, and the tropical rainforests of Sumatra. While the Borobudur and Prambanan temples along with the Sangiran pre-historic Site on Java make up the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites of Indonesia.

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Wayang Orang, puppet man, Indonesia

Puppet man also called wayang wong (Javanese) is a puppet who is played by using people as characters in the story of the puppet.

In accordance with the name is called, is no longer dipergelarkan puppets with the puppets puppet play (wayang kulit is usually made ​​of buffalo leather or another), but showing human beings as a substitute for the puppet dolls. They wear the same clothes as ornaments used in wayang kulit. In order to form the face or get their faces resemble shadow puppets (when viewed from the side), often times these people puppets player modified / decorated his face with additional drawings or paintings.

Puppet shows people that still exist today, one of which is the puppet people Barata (in the area of ​​Pasar Senen, Jakarta), Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Taman Sriwedari Solo, and others.

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Boen Tek Bio Tample, Tangerang

The second wave of Chinese arrivals to Tangerang is expected to occur after the massacre of Chinese in Batavia in 1740. VOC is able to extinguish the rebellion was sent to the Chinese people to cultivate Tangerang district. Dutch established the settlement of Chinese people in the form of huts that are still known by the name: Pondok Cabe, Pondok Corn, Pondok Aren, etc.. Tegal around Sand (River Sand) Dutch established settlements known as the Chinese Nine plots. The village was later developed into a commercial center and has become part of the city of Tangerang. This area lies east of the river Cisadane, now the Old Market area.
Boen Tek Bio Temple establishment is expected around the year 1750. The slum dwellers are plot Nine mutual help raise funds to build a temple named Boen Tek Bio. (Boen = Literature Bio Tech = Virtue = Places of Worship). Bio The first stand was expected to remain modest in the form of bamboo poles and thatched. Early 19th century, after trading in Tangerang increased, and people Boen Tek Bio more and more, these temples and experience changes in shape as can be seen now.

As the host of this temple is Goddess Kwan Im. Besides Dewi Kwan Im on the left and right temple was also built places for other Gods.Unlike most temples in Indonesia or in the Chinese city, Boen Tek Bio Temple has a tradition that has lasted for hundreds of years that is what is known as the Mutual Toapekong. Once every 12 years when the year is the Dragon according to Chinese calendar, took place in the city of Tangerang palanquin procession Yes Lam Ka, Tek Kwan Kun and last Joli Kwan Im Ema. Feast of the Dragon is enlivened by the Lion Dance and Puppet show Potehi who successfully siphon thousands of visitors.

Regarding the first arrival of Chinese people to Tangerang not clearly known. In the book entitled Sunda history? "Tina Kite Parahyang"? (Note from Parahyangan) called on the arrival of the Chinese people to the area of Tangerang. The book told of the landing party Tjie Tjen Lung (Halung) at theestuary of the river Cisadane are now given the name Dragon Bay in 1407 . at that time around the government center downtown now, which is ruled by Sanghyang Anggalarang Sanghyang Much as representative of the image of the Kingdom of Parahyangan. Boat Halung entourage had pictorial and were damaged as well run out of supplies. Destination area who originally wanted to visit is the White Rose. The delegation was led Halung seven heads of families and there are nine of them girls and young children. They then face Trance Anggalarang to ask for help. because the girls who participated in the delegation was beautiful, the staff fell in love and eventually Anggalarang ninth girl dipersuntingnya. As compensation, the trips Halung given piece of land north coast of Java in the east of the river Cisadane, which is now called Kampung Teluk Naga.

 

Speaking of Boen Tek Bio Temple is inseparable from the historical city of Tangerang and the presence of the Chinese in Tangerang.

Besides the mutual Toapekong event, since 1911 the people of Boen Tek Bio Petjun a party that was held in Kali Cisadane, the dragon boat racing competitions. The race is held around May-June during the dry season when river water was clear and calm.

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Kailasa Museum, Central Java

If you like religious objects, you should visit the Kailasa Dieng Museum. In this museum, you could trace the ancient Javanese Hindu civilization of the 7th and 8th centuries.

The Kailasa Museum is situated in Gedung Arca Compound and belongs to the Central Java Conservation Agency in Dieng, Batur sub-district, Banjarnegara district, Central Java.

Since it is situated within the Dieng area, you could also see a beautiful and cold environment because the Dieng highlands is not only famous for its ancient civilization but also its beautiful and natural scenery.
 
Dieng was a volcano, which erupted and destroyed its peak. This highland was made of dead cauldrons which filled with water to become a lake.  The lake dried and was used for Hindu religious activities.

Historically, Dieng was a ritual site for Hindu followers. Up to the present, 22 ancient Javanese epigraphs tell about Dieng as a center for religious activities. Here, you will be astonished by temples near the Museum.

Some say, the names of these temples were taken from the names of players in Mahabrata stories such as Arjuna, Bima, Setyaki, Gatot Kaca, Dwarawati, Sembadra, Kunti, and Srikandi. In addition to these temples, you could also find loose sculptures near the Dieng temple compound such as Arca Nandi ( a bull), a symbol of Siva and Mahaguru.

When entering the museum, you will see Dieng’s antique sculptures. After that, you could climb steps to an information room where you could get as much information as possible, such as the history of Dieng highland and its temples.

Several panels provide information about the life of local inhabitants in the highlands. Some panels also tell about their lifestyle and agriculture, and information about local Mosques and Mushallas, arts, and the Myth of Anak Bajang. Other panels provide more information about the Dieng highlands as a center for Hindu ritual activities and about its temples. Dieng is taken from the word "Di" which means mountain, and "Hyang" which means God. Thus, Dieng means a mountain where Gods live.

The Kailasa Museum is taken from a epigraph. It means a holy mountain. This Museum was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism, Jero Wacik, in 2008. It was built to provide information about the Dieng highlands.

Kamaro Island : Festive Cap Go Meh Celebrations, South Sumatra - Palembang

Ever since the 9th century when the ancient kingdom of Srivijaya became a thriving trading power and an epicenter for Buddhist learnings, Chinese merchants came to trade in Palembang and monks stayed here to study Sanskrit before proceeding to India, or on their journey home from India. Many settled in the city so that through the centuries the growing Chinese population, its culture and history became an inseparable part of the city of Palembang. 

Later, in the 17th century Chinese communities were also involved in the construction of the Kuto Besak Fortress when it was first built as the Sultan’s new palace.  

With time, Chinese celebrations and religious commemorations were introduced and accepted as part of local culture. Today the annual highlight in the Chinese calendar is the Cap Go Meh, held 15 days after Chinese New Year, - here called Sin Cia,-  centering on the Island of Kamaro, or sometimes spelled Kamaru, located midstream in the wide Musi River delta where are   pagodas and Chinese temples.

On this day, thousands of ethnic Chinese fr Palembang and around Indonesia, as well as from neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia to Hong Kong and Taiwan gather on the island, arriving here by boat from Palembang city.

There is a legend about Kamaro, which has a number of versions. According to one version, the island is evidence and symbol of the love and loyalty of Princess Siti Fatimah, daughter of the King of Srivijaya, towards a Chinese prince called Tan Bun An. 

In the 14th century, so the legend goes, Prince Tan Bun An arrived in Palembang to study. After living here for some time, he fell in love with princess Siti Fatimah.  He came to the palace to ask the king for her hand in marriage. The king and queen gave their approval on one condition, that Tan Bun An must present a gift.

Tan Bun An then sent a messenger back to China to ask his father for such a gift to be presented to the King of Srivijaya. When the messenger returned with pots of preserved vegetables and fruits, Tan Bun An was surprised and enraged because he had asked his father to send Chinese jars, ceramics and gold.

In his anger he threw the ships cargo into the Musi River, unaware that his father had placed gold bars inside the fruits and vegetables.  Ashamed after finding out his mistake, he tried to recover what he had thrown into the river.  Tan Bun An, however, never returned as he drowned with the precious cargo.

When Siti Fatimah heard about the tragedy, the Princess ran to the river and drowned herself to follow her lover, but not before leaving a message saying; "If you see a tree grow on a piece of land where I drown, it will be the tree of our true love ".

At the place where the princess drowned, a piece of land appeared on the surface of the river. The locals believe that this new island is the couple’s tomb and therefore, they call it "Kamarau Island" which means that despite high tides in the Musi River, this island will always remain dry.

The local ethnic Chinese believe that their ancestor, Tan Bun An, lives on this island.  As a result, the island is always crowded during Chinese New Year.

Today, a magnificent Chinese temple, the Hok Cing Bio, stands here. Built in 1962, it attracts many devotees. On special occasions, especially on what the Hokkien call the ‘Cap Go Meh’  Celebrations, the island is packed with locals and visitors coming from Palembang and overseas. There is something magical about Kamaro island. Witnessing the crowds on this particular occasion is an attraction by itself.

To reach the island , cross the river for free as everything will have been arranged by the Chinese community here. There are tongkangs, small boats called ketek, speedboats, and dragon boats. Find your own spot in a crowded tongkang then walk along the walkways to locate the graves of the legendary Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah, or watch Chinese opera on the island. There is also a show of Barongsai, and local Chinese bands. The event starts in the morning and lasts until midnight. Naturally, with the flood of visitor to the island, food vendors, and those selling drinks, souvenirs, religious accessories, and even clothes, secure their own spaces too to do what they do best: selling.

The vivid red and golden colors, the burning incense, and the excitement around will make this a day of utter excitement. Wealth is in abundance during the event. To see it, just come here a couple of days before the actual activities begin. Cap Go Meh is an event both for the Chinese and everyone else who wishes to participate in these celebrations.

Pampang Cultural Park, East Kalimantan

Pampang Cultural Park is a cultural site to see when traveling to East Kalimantan. Dayak Kenyah tribe live in this area after their migration in 1967 from their original hometown of Apokayan in Malinau district, East Kalimantan. They left their village to stay near urban areas, so that they could obtain education and fulfill their basic needs. At present, not less than 800 members of Dayak Kenyah community live in Pampang village. Dayak Kenyah performing art is held every Sunday from 2 pm to 3 pm. No show is held other than Sunday. Entrance fee is Rp 5.000 per person

Dragon Vilage, Tasikmalaya, West Java.

If you are tired of life in a metropolitan city with its sky scrapers, you should take a few days off to stay in the Dragon village within Neglasari village, Salawu sub-district, Tasikmalaya, West Java.

This 1.5 hectares village is still 'green' and not influenced by modernization. Some 311 people live in this village. You will have to take several hundred steps to cover the villages over 500 meters. You will see hundreds of high ebony trees, large green paddy fields and the long Ciwulang river. In addition, you will feel the cool air and sounds of river waterflows in the distance.