Saturday,Nov 27 2004, 08:32:03 AMPART 42: PUNCAK NOV. 11, THURSDAY No one can...

PART 42: PUNCAK

 

 

NOV. 11, THURSDAY

 

            No one can join us today. So its Dito and me again. Her mom prepared me breakfast and gave us food for the trip and for Buka Puasa if we get caught in the traffic. We left at 1 pm. The city is still crowded.

 

2 pm – we just entered the Hi-way to the South

3 pm – we passed by BOGOR vicinity with lots of tea farm, the Botanical and Nature Park is way off this road

3:30 – the traffic was slow at Puncak. Dito prayed in ATTA’AWUN Mosque. The view is spectacular.

4 pm – we reached PUNCAK PASS, means “the summit”, with a height of 1500 meters above sea level. We drove past until we are near CIPANAS.

PUNCAK – tea plantations blanket the upper reaches of the pass, while villages just below it supply Jakarta’s kitchens with fresh fruits and vegetables. The nights are invigorating, especially during the rainy season, with temperatures averaging 20-22 degrees Celsius.

This area is filled with Cottages, Villas, Hotels, recreational places and private rest houses. Its the nearest escape from the hot, busy and hectic streets of Jakarta (like Malang and Batu for Surabaya people in East Java) because of its cooler temperature and refreshing sights). We passed by Kota Bunga (Flower Town).

5 pm – turned back to Puncak Pass and had “A rest in the clouds”. I tried drinking Bandrek. Its a mixture of coffee, milk, honey and ginger. Its hot and spicy. I'm not feeling cold. It makes me sweat. So this is the common drink here.

5:30 – drove back down the hill

5:50 – Buka Puasa while driving. The traffic on the opposite lane coming from Jakarta is heavy.

7 pm – we arrived Jakarta, had dinner and met Dito’s girlfriend and friends

9 pm – we drove around the COMMERCIAL-BUSINESS DISTRICT then took her home.

11 pm – car wash

 

 

 

NOV. 12, FRIDAY

 

I said goodbye to Dito’s family. Too bad, Sha-sha and I are starting to get along.

His father mentioned that I should come back here before I went home to the Philippines.

I sms Basma to meet us at 3 pm because I will move to her place. Her sim is off again.

Dito went to pray for the Jumatan (Friday Service) then met his girlfriend.

We went to southern district to get her TOEFL result. Now Basma’s sim is on.

Met Basma on time and his father took me to their humble home.

 

I'm too tired. I took a 2-hour nap.

Basma’s 2 sisters and niece took me out for dinner.

We drove for almost an hour because most of the restaurant had run out of food already.

The traffic was heavy in narrow streets.

When we got home after 9 pm, I fell asleep within less than an hour. The bed was comfortable.

Even if this is my first night, I slept like a baby.

 

 

--- to be continued ---

 

 

Saturday,Nov 27 2004, 08:30:05 AMPART 41: JAKARTA, Central NOV. 9, TUESDAY I...

PART 41: JAKARTA, Central

 

 

NOV. 9, TUESDAY

 

            I woke up late. Refreshed. I met Dito’s family. They are all warm and nice. His mother even prepared me breakfast. I'm the only one eating. Well, there is Sha-sha, the youngest daughter. She is 4 years old, very smart and talkative. Her smile is better than his big brother.

 

Monumen Nasional (MONAS) – National Monument. We walked around the towering obelisk with a bronze flame covered with golden leaf at the top. Some say it’s a “phallic” symbol. (Most of the major towns in Indonesia have an obelisk monument as their landmark). It was built under Sukarno in 1961 and it was finished in Suharto’s regime in 1975. The entrance is about 100 meters away from the tower and you have to go underground. Then we came out at the base of the tower. Its noon time. Its hot.

Inside is an elegant door, design with carvings. Inside the room contains the original paper read by Sukarno himself – the Proclamation of Independence for Indonesia.

 

We took the lift, 19 floors high or 137 meters (445 ft). A viewing room is located at the base of the Golden Flame. You can see Jakarta panoramic view in 360 degrees.

           

The most important Government Offices are right across the park in all sides.

            At the basement of the tower has a NATIONAL HISTORY DIORAMA MUSEUM.

 

MASJID ISTIQ’LAL (the largest mosque in West Java). Its huge and has a white dome. In front of it is the CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL – it looks like I'm in Rome, Italy because of its Neo-Gothic design. Their main doors are facing each other. Cool!

Few years ago, the mosque was bomb by extremists. Some Muslims aired that it was the Catholics who planted the bomb. But the Imam (Islamic Preachers) from that Moque said that the Priests are their brothers so it’s unlikely that they (Catholics) will start a turmoil. (This idea originated from the “pluralism” of the country. All 5 major religions are tolerated. Only Individualists, Seperatist, Extremists are causing the trouble).

 

TAMAN ANGGREK (Mall) Where I had some food and drinks, Dito is fasting of course, before we headed to the airport to pick up his brother who will be coming from Bantam, an island near Singapore. He is also “mudik” to spend the holidays with the family.

The plane was delayed. While waiting, we saw a Presidential Car with lots of escorts. The flag has a crescent moon on the red stripe – The Singaporean Prime Minister.

His brother arrived with big boxes. The items in Batam have less tax so its cheap.

The family was once again complete and they asked me to have dinner with them.

 

 

 

NOV. 10, WEDNESDAY

 

            We went to PLASA SENAYAN to meet Theo (UP-Bandung) and Grace (UI-Jakarta). But we met Wahyu (UB-Malang) by accident, and Basma (UD-Semarang) knows about the meeting too. So we just had some talking and strolling, I bought a book about Java by Periplus Publication, good book, then we waited for Buka Puasa (Fast-breaking) at 5:50 pm (20 minutes behind compare to Surabaya). It was raining hard outside.

 

            At first, we cannot find a place to sit in the food court. Its full with people and food, sitting and waiting for the Buka Puasa. We found seats in one of the fast food. That was their breakfast. Then after an hour, we moved back to the food court to have our dinner, Grace and I. This time, its their lunch.

 

            It was raining hard earlier so its hard to get a cab. Dito and I tried to get a ride for 1 and a half hour. We got home after 10 pm.

 

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THE HISTORY OF THE CAPITAL OF INDONESIA

 

            THE Ciliwiung river runs through Jakarta, and during the 15^th and 16^th century this place was a large harbor for export of spice, mostly centered in the SUDAN KELAPA Harbor. When the Portuguese came here in 1522 the town was under rule of PRAJAJARAN dynasty, the last Hindu Kingdom on West Java. The Islamic Demak Dynasty seized control in 1527, the Portuguese was thrown out and the town called Jayakarta, “the victorious city”. It now became part of the BANTEN sultanate, and both British and the Dutch established trade posts here.

 

            The Dutch fort came under siege by local Javanese forces (Prince Wijayakrama) in 1618, supported by the British. The alliance did not appeal to the Banten leader who then sent a force to “relieve” the Jayakartan leader from his duties. The Dutch celebrated the temporary victory and now named it BATAVIA. They took revenge in 1619 by storming the town, burnt it to ashes and built a new fort by the shoreline. Later they successfully defended this against Banten to the west and twice against MATARAM Kingdom (Sultan Agung) to the east (1628 and 29). A new city that was almost a copy of Amsterdam was constructed in the swamps, this was also named Batavia, a name that should stand until the Japanese occupation (1942-45), when it got its current name.

 

            Batavia quickly became too small, large number of Indonesians and Chinese kept coming. Tension grew between the different groups of people and Chinese gangs created unrest and attacked outposts outside the city. On 9 October 1740 the Batavian citizens went berserk and massacred 5,000 Chinese within the city. A year later the remaining Chinese inhabitants by severe epidemics, and the city spread far south of the port (now Glodok). After independence people continued to flock to this relatively small city and Jakarta soon overtook other Indonesian cities in size and importance, it became the undisputed “Ibu Kota” (mother city) capital in 1950.

 

Like other Indonesian cities this is full of contrasts, the difference between rich and poor is huge and can be seen everywhere. This got even worse during the Asia crisis at the end of 1990’s when Indonesia was the hardest hit country and Jakarta the center of unrest and riots. Four students were killed on 12 May 1998 at Trisakti University, shot down by soldiers; this led to three days of very violent riots and chaos. More than 6,000 buildings was damaged or burnt down. The unrest led to the fall of Suharto a few days later. The students were again shot at on 13 November 1998, and a new wave of riots took place, also this time with many buildings on fire and loss of lives.

 

You know the rest. PEACE!

 

 

Saturday,Nov 27 2004, 08:28:40 AMPART 40: To SINGOSARI and Jakarta NOV. 8,...

PART 40: To SINGOSARI and Jakarta

 

 

NOV. 8, MONDAY

 

            Ok. Nobody can join me to Ngilyep. Some are gone and some cannot travel far coz it is still Ramadan Fasting Month. So I decided to go back to Surabaya after lunch.

 

11 am – had light breakfast

11:30 – Agung was suppose to bring me to the bus station but I said I want to take a picture of the Hindu Princess PRAJNAPARAMITA Statue replica(13^th Century Singosari Kingdom) near the station. Its about 5 meters high.

12 nn – he drove me up to SINGOSARI, next town Northeast of Malang Town Proper, to see a HINDU Temple then to LAWANG (next town) to see BUDDHIST Temple and CATHOLIC Church

SINGOSARI Kingdom was last ruled by King Kertanegara, was the capital in 13^th Century.

 

12:30 – took the bus from a bus stop

1:45  – I arrived Surabaya. I was fast

2:15 – Fego picked me up by motorcycle

3 pm – I unpacked my stuff from Malang then packed-up for Jakarata.

3:30  – I called my travel agent if I can move my flight from Wednesday to TODAY. Bisa!!! (can)

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4 pm – I asked my board mate to take me out by motorcycle to the main street to get a cab.

4:10 – I sms Grace and Dito that I will arrive in Jakarta after 7 pm. Grace will try to find somebody to fetch me. Dito will meet me after 11 pm after his family affairs. He was surprised coz I'm arriving early as planned

5 pm – reached Surabaya Airport

6:10 – boarded the plane

6:35 – plane took off. The air also had heavy traffic. 3 planes landed before we can take off.

7:25 – plane landed in JAKARTA AIRPORT (far Northwest side, outside the city)

7:45 – got out of the Arrival area. Grace said I should take the bus to BLOCK-M (Southwest district)

8 pm – the bus left the airport. Its a 40-minute ride without traffic jam

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9 pm – arrived Blok-M Mall because the traffic was slow. I immediately looked for food. Went to Mc Donalds. I havent eaten or drank any fluid since I left Malang. Its like Fasting too, huh.

9:20 – Grace sms saying that NO ONE (not a single soul) from Aiesec LC – Indonesia University (whatever their reasons may be) can pick me up or give me place to rest for a while or accompany me while waiting for Dito. Bad timing for my arrival, huh?

9:30 – Mc Donalds is closing. I went out to the street.  I realized I have money and a big bag. Plus, I forgot my ATM card, its in my Passport. Then my passport is in my drawer... in Surabaya!!! WWHHHAAAA-DDDUUUHHHH!!!!!

 

Ive heard that in this district, there is a small community where thieves, snatchers, pick pockets live. I went back in the vicinity of Blok-M Mall, behind the big exit gate near the Security Guard Station. At least I feel safe. They dont even bother me. I'm just sitting there and smoking and texting anyone in Jakarta:

Basma – her sim card is off. She has more than 2 sim cards. I will stay at her place on Friday.

Theo – his phone rang, when I sent sms its off. He arrived from Bandung

Ociet – hes far from where I am. He arrived yesterday from Malang

Pandu – lost his cellphone few weeks ago. Also from Malang

Arif – he lives near but doesnt care to reply. Originally Jakarta

LCP – he was not replying since I planned this trip so maybe... nevermind, ya uda!

 

 

Well, this was not the first incident that a Trainee arrived in Jakarta but not a single LC-UI person was available. Same thing happened to the trainee for UP – Bandung.

 

Is this how the Betawi (Jakarta) people act? Or Sudanese (West Java)? Because Javanese (Central & East Java) are know to be hospitable (and hostile too). Or regardless of tribe, is this the “BIG CITY PEOPLE” Attitude? (pardon my labeling)

For “Big City People”, the city is big and rough, they thrive to survive everyday. They are independent and cannot be bothered. They mind their own problems. They have their own set of friends. (Remember Jakarta is the Seat of All Powers and bombarded with problems many times)

 

So, when you come to Jakarta you must be tough. You must be on your own. Get a map and compass. And learn the language.

 

But how come one Filipino Aiesec Member said he can stay in any UI members (that was before his trip was cancelled) and I must be sorry for myself because I am a “Trainee”. That is the right Aiesec brotherhood but, eerrrr... bad attitude.

Mind you, without Trainees there won’t be Aiesec. (Am I right or am I correct?)

So you must take care of the trainees same as you treat a fellow foreign member or a CEEDer.

That is just my opinion. Nothing personal. I just have a big mouth.

Don’t mind me. We are not gonna meet again, anyway. This will be my last major trip around Java.

Mohon maaf if I have offended you. I don’t want any trouble. PEACE!

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11:30 pm –  finally, one guard talked to me coz he noticed that I have been sitting quietly. We just had a short chat coz Dito has already arrived to pick me up

1 am – I'm already on bed. Alhamduh’lil-Lah! (Thanks be to God!)

 

But I could not fall asleep. I have this sleeping-disorder... I CANNOT SLEEP IN ANOTHER HOUSE FOR THE FIRST NIGHT. This is my first night in this house. Same as in Dito’s boarding house in Malang.

 

I heard mosques shouting Suh-oor (3:30 am eating and praying before sunrise), Dito getting up to eat with his family, until he comes back to bed. I need to save my energy for later this day.

 

 

Saturday,Nov 27 2004, 08:12:33 AMPART 39: To Malang again – Vanya’s...

PART 39: To Malang again – Vanya’s Birthday

 

 

NOV. 6, SATURDAY

 

            It was the last day of school yesterday but I have to finish my printing before I start my holiday. After which, Fadil took me to the bus station and I'm headed for Malang again. Hell its 12 noon and its very hot.

 

            I arrived in 1:30 pm and its starting to rain. At last! The rainy season has come!!

 

Pandu picked me up and brought me to Brawijaya Univ where Aiesec are having Preperation Exchance (Parex) for new members.

 

            At 7pm we headed for a restaurant for Vanya’s birthday. Too bad some people did not arrived. The food are great and we were bloated – me, Dito, and especially Rico. The girls eat a lot too, don’t you know. Ohh, I got sleepy after eating. I felt weak because of the change of weather and I didn’t eat much the whole day, plus I'm drinking “soda gembira” (happy soda) with tonic water, condensed milk and strawberry syrup. Yum, yum!

 

 

 

NOV. 7, SUNDAY

 

            I just hang around during the second day of the Parex from 10 am to 3 pm. I'm supposed to go to Jember (200 km+) to the East but my friend there is not responding to my call. Next option is to invite these people to go with me to Ngilyep Beach (50 km+) South of Malang tomorrow. But most of them are going to their hometown (Pulang Kampung or “Mudik”) for the Idul Fitri which started yesterday.

 

For the evaluation, Mas (means “big brother”) Wili, and Aiesec Alumni and Consultant, who has been with LC UB for 8 years, more or less, gave a sermon for almost an hour. I cannot understand his idioms so I fell asleep on my seat. When I woke up, he is still not finished and I saw the people around him playing with their nails, hair, toes, carpet, etc.

 

            In the evening it was raining. (In Surabaya, came down a heavy downpour and flooded some parts and some districts had no electricity). Mas Wili took me, Agung and Bagus to have dinner outside. He chose the place for me – PODOROSO. Inside, they are playing “Peter Pan” Band songs on videoke!!! As in the whole two albums!!! I can’t get my eyes off the tv set, they cannot talk to me coz I'm singing and I just swallow my food. Then we went to NESCAFE TERRACE to unwind. But then, their tv set is tuned to Soccer – Bagus cannot get his eyes off the tv set now. Then Rico arrived. How did he know we are here?

 

            Rico will stay again with me at Bagus’ house. This is not my first time to spend the night so I can sleep well. I was awakened by some youngsters in the street clapping, banging cans, clapping and shouting “Suh-oor!!! Suh-oor!!!” because its eating time at 3 am.

 

            I felt Rico move, he raised his closed fist then shouts “Suh-oor!!!” and clapped – in his sleep.

 

Ya ampun!!!   Insha-Allha!!!   Oh my, God!!!   Diyos ko!!!

PEACE!

 

Saturday,Nov 27 2004, 08:08:49 AMPART 38: My New CellPhone NOV. 3 - WENESDAY I

PART 38: My New CellPhone

 

 

NOV. 3 - WENESDAY

 

            I bought Sony Ericson K500i. Here are the pics.