JogjaMag September 2013 by Mika Guritno

FREE ENGLISH Sept 2013

#15

Your Guide to Discovering Jogja

Set Sail to Karimunjawa Discover Java’s Postcard Perfect Paradise p. 5

Tourist Kampungs p. 22 Lost Something?

Ask your Local Psychic p. 20

What’s Happening this month p.24 TOP 10 EVENTS THIS MONTH

TOURIST DIRECTORY & MAPS

Over 1,500 local business listings www.jogjabagus.com

Contents

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, Each of our monthly issues are designed to highlight interesting stories and information about the sights, sounds, and tastes that visitors will find in and around Jogjakarta. For September, we feature the amazing destination of Karimunjawa, an enchanting tropical retreat off the north coast of Java. We listen to a band of local street musicians in Jogja who bring new sounds to gamelan, and sip cups of steaming kopi joss at late night stalls. In vignettes, interviews, and recipes we hope to bring you closer to the magic of our fair city, and it is thanks to the local businesses, students, tourists, and organizations who help make it happen every single day. ‘till next month, Sarah Herz

JOGJAMAG STAFF FOUNDER & EDITOR CO-EDITOR CONTENT MANAGER STAFF WRITER PHOTOGRAPHER GRAPHIC DESIGNER CUSTOMER SERVICE MARKETING CONTRIBUTORS Cover Photo Copyright of:

Sylvain Leroy Erik W. Jorgensen Sarah Herz Anna Miranti Deti Lucara Mika Guritno Cecilia Morlacchi Mika Guritno Nining Hendro Wijanarko Patrick Vanhoebrouck Moko Pramusanto Sylvain Leroy

PTPMA. Mindo Jl. Suryodiningratan Griya Suryo Asri 2, No. A2 Yogyakarta Tel. 0274 372971

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Karimunjawa: Your Own Pirate Islan

JOGJA 08 INSPIRING Yakkum STREET FOOD

JAVANESE WISDOM

JAVANESE HEALTH SECRET

Kopi Joss

JOGJA UNDERGROUND Gamelan with a Twist

Find the Guide Within Yourself and Become its Best Pupil

ADVERTORIAL

Colombo Hotel

Pilis

POTRAIT OF JOGJA The Psychic

INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH

Head of Tourism & Culture Department of Yogyakarta City

TOP 10 EVENTS - SEPTEMBER 2013 What’s Hapenning This Month

TOURIST DIRECTORY

Find what you’re looking for

JOGJA MAPS

City Map, Jl. Prawirotaman & Jl. Sosrowijayan Contact: 0274 372971 (eng) 08562662373 (Ind) cso@jogjastar.com

JogjaMag @jogjamag jogjamag.com

Previous Editions

restaurant - travel - guesthouse fair trade shop - yoga studio indonesian and world kitchen friday night jazz alternative tours and courses contemporary art exhibitions fair trade shop | yoga classes open daily from 7.30 am

jalan prawirotaman 30, jogjakarta, java, indonesia ph +62 274 38 65 57

www.viaviajogja.com | www.viaviacafe.com

Destination of the month

Your Own Pirate Island Discover Java’s Postcard Perfect Paradise

ogyakarta is the starting point for many types of trips across Java. You can choose your own adventure from all the itineraries featured at your homestay’s reception area, but sometimes it is hard to know where to go next. If you are ready to take a break from touring temples, and like following the road less traveled, stow your Bali book in your bag and book a boat to Karimunjawa National Park. Situated 80 km north of Central Java are 27 tiny islands that comprise the area in and around Karimunjawa National Park. With a total population of less than 10,000 people, and many islands completely uninhabited, this remote marine reserve is teeming with opportunities for that postcard perfect moment that is just you, white sand, blue water, and millions of happy fish. Once you are there, you will never want to leave. Homestays, guesthouses, and a few resorts offer housing for all budgets. Friendly tour operators will fit you out with snorkel gear, and let you pick your islands - taking you out in small fishing boats with nothing but a cooler of drinks and some lunch supplies, while letting you drift by tropical scenes you previously thought only existed on your desktop. To begin to appreciate the 250 species of fish,

the 100 varieties of coral, as well as observe the 40 different types of birds, swim with sharks, and catch a glimpse of the local deer you should plan for at least 3 full days in the park, though ‘island time’ can quickly seep into your bones as the weeks roll by. It doesn’t take much to imagine how this tropical paradise looked to the pirates, who sought refuge here, or to the British penal colony that was briefly in residence. Not much has changed in the last 300 years. Landlubbers will encounter an interesting cultural blend between the Java culture from the island of Java, the Madura from the islands off the coast of Java, and the Bugis - the sailing culture that has been the source of pirate legends and the “boogey” man. These residents live harmoniously on the five inhabited park islands, amongst palm tree coastlines and mangrove swamps. The kind of beauty you’ll find both on land and underwater is no accident. Karimunjawa has retained its pristine environment and timeless feel thanks in part to limited seasonal transportation options (see box). During the rainy season (October to April) the seas can be too high for the ferry to run, sometimes for weeks, and even in the dry season (May to September) things can be dodgy. If you have a plane you must 5

catch, be sure to check the weather in advance, and give yourself an extra day or so for the unexpected. Some other things to keep in mind are that electricity is not available during the daytime, so bring extra batteries, and buy your ice in the early morning, keeping it locked safe in a cooler for the day’s use. There is an ATM on the main island of Karimun, motorbikes available to rent, and a few small shops where you can buy a limited selection of groceries. If you have the world’s largest feet consider packing in your own flippers for snorkeling.

• • •

•

Travel Options Reserving a flight from Semarang directly to the islands. Booking a package tour through one of the many local operators. Contacting the fast boat ferry and reserving a ticket before jumping on public transportation to Semarang or Jepara (be sure you know which one before you go). Taking the ‘slow boat’ option from Kartini Pore (Jepara) to Karimunjawa and saving a few bucks, though spending a lot of patience.

Trust us, wear sunscreen.

DirecScan me for direction to Karimun Jawa

Inspiring jogja

Yakkum,

A Total Commitment to Help People with Disabilities Embrace and Support The Disabled Ones with Love

Yakkum Contacts: Office: Jl. Kaliurang km 13,5 Tel. +62 74 895386 or 895181 PO BOX: 6310, YKGD, Gondolayu www.yakkum-rehabilitation.org support@yakkum-rehabilitation.org Opens Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm

Photo: Mika Guritno

range of tools including tricycles, prosthesis, crutches, ankle splints, knee braces, long leg braces, two rising braces, long leg brace tubers, lock braces, ankle braces, body corsets, and more. In addition of physical rehabilitation, Yakkum also reinforces each patient’s ability to be strong and independent psychologically, socially, and financially. “Each of our patient must undergo several programs based on their needs included physiotherapy, education classes, mental development classes, and the skill development classes to prepare them to enter the workforce. The skills classes include graphic design, sewing, cooking, cosmetology, basic electronics, advanced electronics, batik, and more” Maria, the head of Yakkum, says. For all they have done, Yakkum members still feel it is never enough. The real challenge lies in building the mentality of the disabled people, and changing the way of thinking in society in general. “Today, most people still think that people with disabilities are weak. In their minds, the disabled ones should just do nothing and rely their lives on others. This paradigm such a double-edged sword: on one hand it weakens disabled people mentally, on the other hand it makes people treat disabled ones as the weak,” Maria explains. In order to change this mentality and attitude, Yakkum always asks family and friends of the disabled persons to support and embrace them sincerely in society. It is an integrated program package, starting with the closest ring of a disabled person, this circle of acceptance and support is expected to grow bigger in society at large.

Words: Deti Lucara

t the age of 4, Amanda still had to crawl because of her weak legs. Born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital defects in the joints she started life unable to develop the ability to walk, stand, or even sit properly. Various attempts were made by Amanda’s parents to alleviate her suffering, though probably nothing will be able to cure her completely. Until one day the mother was introduced to Yakkum by a doctor. Yakkum (Yayasan Kristen Untuk Kesehatan Umum, or Christian Foundation for Public Health), is based in Jogjakarta, focuses on rehabilitation for the disabled. In Yakkum, Amanda went through regular physiotherapy for several months. Her physical and mental health was monitored by a doctor, who supplied equipment and treatment for her specialized needs. Her social skills began to develop, thanks to the attitude of the teachers and volunteers at Yakkum viewing every member as family, making it easier for her to navigate in society. In such a conducive situation, Amanda felt accepted and loved, and it encouraged her to diligently practice walking and sitting, using her walker equipment and LL Orthosis. The involvement of her entire family in the therapeutic process, as advised by Yakkum, also had a positive impact on her. The therapy for Amanda continues today, and while she gets better at walking she also gets the joy back on her face, as it begins to win over the pain and disability. Bringing back a cheery smile and hope to disabled people, especially the youth, is what makes volunteers and staff in Yakkum keep going, “It is my pleasure to see them happy and hear them laugh again,” says Ichan, one of the full time staff. Yakkum was founded by Colin FA McLennan from New Zealand in 1982, with the mission to accommodate the mobility needs of people with disabilities, Yakkum manufactures a wide

STREET FOOD

KOPI JOSS A little hot charcoal in my cup of coffee, please.

Ask the parking man which one is the original angkringan Lik Man. 10

Photo: Mika Guritno

Angkringan Lik Man opens everyday from afternoon till mid night, but Kopi Joss is best enjoyed in the evening, so make sure you come after the sun goes down.

and built stalls just next to Lik Man original stall. For the first visit, it will be difficult to distinguish where the famous Lik Man’s angkringan is. Please note that the Kopi Joss served in Lik Man’s angkringan uses charcharcoal made from a certain quality wood, which it does not leave fragments of charcharcoal and ashes in the cup of coffee. “When our charcharcoal dipped in the coffee, it will not make you cough because no charcharcoal ashes are mixed with the drink. It could also be seen from the rim of the cup, it is always clean, no ashes there,” Yanto --one grandson nephew of Lik Man, who was in charge that night-- explains. When you come to this place, you can sit on a wooden bench near the protable kitchen where the seller serve food and drinks. The furnace with charcoals and kettle on it will make your sit and chat with friends warm. Meanwhile if you want to join the dozens of young people who used to gather here every night, have a cross-legged sit on the mat across the road. Savouring Kopi Joss, sego kucing, and a variety of snacks in angkringan with bunch of friends, is probably the real night scene and ambience of Jogja.

Words: Deti Lucara

long Wongsodirjan street, just north of the Jogjakarta train station there is a row of small food stalls called Angkringan. Angkringan or small food stalls can be found just about everywhere you look in Jogja, but there is something different and unique for sale in the ones along Jl. Wongsodirjan. ‘Kopi Joss’ is a special coffee which has a hot charcoal added to it just before it is served. Call it ‘kopi joss’, and locals will point you to the legendary place where you can get it. ‘Kopi’ means coffee and ‘Joss’ is the sound when the hot charcoals in contact with the coffee water in the cup, makes the flavor and aroma of coffee finds its way to seduce you. The substance of carbon in the charcoals efficacious to soothe upset stomachs. The first kopi joss vendor was Lik Man (Lik is the nickname for the uncle, and Man is the name of the vendor). In 1950s, a student from Gajah Mada University of Jogjakarta came to Lik Man’s angkringan and requested a coffee and asked to put a hot charcoal from the stove’s fire which is used to boil water on kettle. Lik Man then called the drink ‘Kopi Joss’ and began selling it and surprisingly it has received great appreciation from the public. Lik Man has passed away but his name is still used to the name of the angkringan as a tribute to him. Angkringan Lik Man is now run by his children and grandchildren. In 2000s many other angkringan entrepreneurs popped up selling Kopi Joss as well

Underground Joja

Gamelan with a Twist Angklung Tek-Tek brings new life to ancient sounds

Photo: Mika Guritno

music with the gamelan tools and rhythms. This collaboration is an interesting innovation, a way for the young generation to deal with traditional music in the midst of modernization, and as groups of young people from Cilacap migrated to other cities angklung tek-tek has gained rapidly in popularity, reaching the streets of Jogjakarta in 2009. Along Malioboro, there are four bands that perform angklung tek-tek every night. Each group usually consists of six young people playing pop or dangdut songs. One of these bands is Kridolaras, who claims to be the second angklung tek-tek group to come to Jogja. The initiator of the band, Joko, said that Kridolaras evolved slowly with recruiting and teaching young players this new type of music compilation. Although he only graduated from elementary school, Joko has a natural talent as a musician, and is able to make arrangements of any song so it is adapted to angklung tek-tek instruments. “I made music arrangement of almost every song that becomes a hit, then do rehearsal afterwards with my crew” Joko said. For Joko, it is a pleasure to devote his life to music, preserving local arts, providing a livelihood for others, and entertaining the audiences. Initially he and some friends did performances on the streets, where all the instruments were worn by rope around the neck for easy transport. But he now make use of a sidewalk to the south of Beringharjo traditional market as their stage during the day, and then moves further north Malioboro at night. Kridolaras is often invited to perform in hotels and weddings parties, both in Jogja and out of town. The hard work of Joko and his band has paid off. What they do is a proof that traditional arts can be integrated into modern times with some creative innovation.

Words: Deti Lucara

or decades, tourists and scholars have come to Java to experience the ancient musical tradition of gamelan. The unfamiliar instruments and rhythm used by an ensemble of stately players in traditional batik clothing bring Java’s cultural history fully into the present day, letting the listener gain a sense of what makes this corner of the world different from all the others. The tradition and ceremony around gamelan music is respected in present day Java, but there is a new sound that is coming from the island’s youth that combines familiar tradition with the popular songs of today. On your evening excursions through Jogjakarta you may be lucky enough to encounter one of these groups who identify themselves as angklung tek-tek (...). Angklung tek-tek was first developed in Cilacap, a city located on the border of Central and West Java, and a major sea port for national and international markets. Due to its central location, Cilacap musicians are exposed to the traditional styles of different regions, which has led them to create a unique blending of sounds and instruments from across Java. For example, the bamboo instrument in gamelan, the angklung, originates from West Java, but in Cilacap it has been applied to the harmonies and rhythms more common to Central Javanese gamelan songs. This adaptability to traditional sounds is what opened the door for Cilacap’s youth to take it a step further, adding more modern instruments, such as drums, and composing variations of popular

Kridolaras Music Group can be found in the south of Beringharjo traditional market everyday 10 am – 2 pm, and on Malioboro Street starts from 7 pm – 9 pm. Contact: Joko 087838466650

Javanese Wisdom

“DADIYA GURU YA MURIDE PRIBADI, DADIYA MURID YA GURUNE“

Find the Guide within yourself and become its best pupil

islands intensified between Portuguese, Dutch, English, Indian and Arab merchants at the end of the 15th century, the northern harbors increased gradually in importance. It is there that much of Nusantara’s spices, minerals, wood and fabric were stored, bought and then traded for export. The Arab, Chinese and Indian Muslim traders founded the first Islamic compounds or ‘kaum’, each with their own mosques and this was initially authorized by the Hindu-Buddhist emperor at the time, Prabu Brawijaya V. It could be said that Islam and economic trade came hand in hand, slowly gaining in importance over the next centuries. Demak, Jepara and Semarang harbors later became the gateways to the heartland ruled by the Mataram Kingdoms. The strategic position of these ports on the main Asian naval trading routes and their relative distance from the stronghold powers of first the empire of Majapahit and later the Mataram made them targets for conquest by successively MiddleEastern and Gujarati Muslim preachers, the Dutch colonial minded VOC and even the English colonial imperialists under Sir Stamford Raffles during his invasion of Java in 1811. It seems clear that for the Dutch or the English, Semarang and the other harbors were essential in isolating the powerful Sultans from Mataram in their kraton in Solo and Yogyakarta as well as their numerous vassal kingdoms in Central and East Java. The colonial expansion and the huge plantation production or looting it entailed needed

Words: Patrick Vanhoebrouck & MokoPramusanto

fter Ambarawa, the road leading to the Karimun Islands descends from the central volcanic range and through to the Javanese northern coastal districts, passing beautiful tropical landscapes strewn with several hills and old volcanoes. It eventually ends at either the harbors of Semarang or Jepara cities. Before or after your stay in Karimun, visitors can spend several days in the old coastal cities of Semarang, Kudus, Demak or Jepara, delving in the history of this part of Java and explore the lush outlying areas and natural wonders around Gunung Muria with its dense forests and cascading waterfalls. Besides Dutch colonial buildings and harbors, you can also find the oldest mosques in Java dating from the early 16th century, the first one being the Masjid Agung in Demak. Local culinary delights await the gastronomical explorer who might readily taste the difference with Yogyakarta’s sweeter fare and southern Javanese cuisine. These districts dotting the northern coast of Java are known collectively as the “Pasisir Utara” and since the 16th century have been instrumental in the development of the entire Central and East Javanese cultural sphere. Two major factors above all determined the forthcoming fate and history of Java forever: foreign trade, and Islam. The first foreigners who arrived and came into contact with the Javanese people and the Kingdoms of the Majapahit Empire were mostly religious pilgrims or traders. As the trade with Java and outlying

centrally located ports for shipping goods back to Europe. Yet before the domination of the Europeans, the entry points through Demak and Jepara saw the start of a massive subsequent conversion to Islam of an initially animistic and Hindu-Buddhist Javanese population. This conversion was instrumented both peacefully and by force through the efforts of the charismatic 9 Muslim Saints known as the Wali Songo. It has to be said that the Nine Saints employed persuasive methods to bring about the Muslim conversion of Java, and the closeness of mystical Sufism to Tantric practices beforehand was undoubtedly a key for the acceptance of the new religion from Mekkah in Javanese land. Amongst them, two Pasisir natives named Sunan Kalijaga and Syeh Sit iJenar knew how to advance Islamic ideas into pre-existing cultural worldviews by utilizing popular traditional forms of art and performances (such as the Wayang repertoire). Soon Kings and spiritual gurus learned to accommodate the secret teachings of Sufism and integrated these in a syncretic form of spirituality known until today as Kejawen, incorporating Hindu and Buddhist values as well as Islam methods yet still respecting the cult of ancestors. Muslim purists often argue as a result that Islam in Java is an imperfect corruption of the original religion taught in Mekkah and that the present 21th century efforts to reform Javanese Islam are therefore legitimate. However it may be, the perspectives of westernized and Muslim modes of thinking and production seem to have had a huge impact on intellectual and educational developments in Java over the last centuries and here again the Pasisir areas produced some renowned figures. One man in particular which needs mention is the late Raden Mas Panji Sosrokartono, born in Jepara and buried in Kudus. This personage is widely considered to be one of the genius founding fathers of the Republic of Indonesia as he was extremely influential

to President Soekarno, the first president and charismatic leader of the anti-colonial Revolutionary struggle after World War II. A gifted child with clairvoyance capabilities, Sosrokartono studied and worked as a young man in the Netherlands. As a polyglot mastering 24 international languages and 10 local ones, he worked across the board from New York to Geneva via Paris and Den Haag. After successful career as interpreter at the UN he decided to study his passion of Medical doctor. Yet here he was disappointed with the limits of medical knowledge, decided to move back to Java and reverted back to his own Javanese culture to discover secrets on mental and physical health. Through the process he learned of the old Sufi and Javanese mystic ways of reaching universal balance from old texts and inspirational gurus. His writings on the topic of mysticism are to this day some of the most popular and widely quoted lines of Javanese wisdom.

One of his most famous quotes, pertaining also to this text which deals with recurrent foreign knowledge and worldviews imported on indigenous subjects, says the following:

Dadiyo Guru, yamuridepribadi, Dadiyomuridyagurunepribadi. Piwulanganesengsaranesesamii. Ganjaraneayu – Arumingsesame Translation: “Become the teacher for your own self’s student; Become the student of your own self’s teacher. The teaching is about mankind’s suffering. The result will lead to finding the key to goodness and happiness”. Obviously this admonition is as relevant for today’s world as it was 5 centuries ago.

Advertorial

Colombo Hotel A Convenient Hotel to Start Your Adventure Cruising The Temples

Photo: Mika Guritno

and we will provide all the comfort and ease to it,” Irene SP, General Manager of Colombo Hotel, said. There are not many representative yet affordable mid-range hotels in the eastern Jogja, since this location is far from the downtown and shopping center. In fact, the hotel is worth staying as the area nearby offers its own charm. And for the guest who wants to go to the downtown, Colombo Hotel provides a shuttle service and making the distance is no longer a problem. Situated in Jl. Jogja-Solo which is an intercity highway also makes Colombo hotel the best place to transit and take rest. Their 70 rooms are ready to welcome you in comfort, while the meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 300 people is also available to meet your needs. The 3 stars hotel standard facilities are also available for all the ease, convenience, and security for each guest such as swimming pool, restaurant and cafe, shopping gallery, ATM center, laundry & dry cleaning service, free wifi, CCTV, Express Check in & Check-Out Service, Valet Service, Secure Parking Area. And starting from September, a new sky lounge on the 5th floor

Words: Deti Lucara

xploring the temples in Jogjakarta must be one thing included in your itinerary. Jogja has many Hindu and Buddhism temples scattered at several locations in eastern area, considering the former kingdoms from the past once established in this area. The temples such as Kalasan temple, Ratu Boko temple, Plaosan temple, Sewu temple, Bubrah temple, Lumbung temple, Barong temple, Sojiwan temple, Gana temple, Ijo temple, Banyunibo temple, Kalasan temple, Sambisari temple, and the famous one: Prambanan temple. Staying at the hotel which is strategically located near the temples would be a distinct advantage. Colombo Hotel, a new-clean-and comfortable hotel which is located on Jl. Jogja-Solo km 14, offers convenience for you who wants to trace back the history of the glorious Javanese kingdoms in the past, through the temples heritage tour. It takes only 5-15 minutes from hotel to reach the temples nearby. “The common itenirary for tourist is visiting Jogja Palace, Malioboro, and surrounding areas. But for those who wants a different tour, cruising the temples is the best choice. Stay at our hotel

Colombo Hotel Jl. Raya Jogja - Solo km 14, Kalasan Tel./Fax 0274 4469000 www.hotelcolombojogja.com Meanwhile room amenities include 32inch LCD TV, Bath Up (Suite Room), AC & Telephone, Coffe & Tea Maker, Hot & Cold Shower, Refrigerator (Deluxe & Suite Room), Safe Deposit Box (Deluxe & Suite Room), Private Balcony (Deluxe & Suite Room). The Jonggrang restaurant at the hotel is also another excellent they have to offer. Indonesian and Western food processed by a seasoned chef, making each meal special. In addition, a complete wedding packages are also available. Wedding receptions can be held in a romantic poolside, or in the elegant Grand Ballroom. The package includes makeup, decoration, catering, video and photos, the suite room for bridal, professional MC, entertainment, wedding cake special, welcome drinks, and also special price of rooms for the bridal family. And afterall, the family-friendly services come from the hotel staff will make you feel like at home during your stay. Colombo Hotel always tries to treat guests with special and maintain the relationship for a long term.

Javanese Health Secret

Pilis Ancient Salve For New Moms

• • • • • • •

5 rhizomes of temu giring (Curcuma heyneana Val.) 1 rhizome of bangle (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) 2 fingers of krangean (Litsea cuba Pers) 1 rind of the lime called jeruk purut (Citrus hystrix DC.) 5 pieces of clove cengkeh (Eugenia aromatica / Syzygium aromaticum L.) 5 leave-strands of daunkemukus (Piper cubeba L.) Minyak Atsiri or Tawon oil

In short, the Javanese believe that pilis paste applied on the forehead is an effective treatment to diffuse headaches and feelings of dizziness, blurred vision and easing the flow of blood around the cranial area. Often women here apply it after their evening bath and leave it on the forehead for an hour or more. Do you want your eyes to see clearer and sharper? Try the ancient method of pilis paste made with 100% natural ingredients and enjoy life the Javanese way!

Words: Moko Pramusanto

Pilis widely used in Java, especially amongst women and most specifically by mothers after giving birth, even though the practice has lost of its attraction amongst younger mothers these days. Try to observe the use by the elder women selling pilis at your next visit to the pasar or traditional market. Pilis is a grounded paste which commonly contains the following herbs:

Photo: Mika Guritno

others shortly after pregnancy often experience vague complaints of the eyes accompanied by feelings of dizziness. This is a normal symptom, as the activity of birth labor requires extraordinary levels of physical and mental energy. Javanese history proves that our ancestors were able to help solve a variety of postpartum complaints for new mothers by using an herbal paste named pilis. One does this by applying the pilis paste on the forehead above the eyebrows and allowing it to stay there for some time. Pilis is made of potent herbs which contain active components able to penetrate the layers of the skin and enter the body’s energy pathways adjacent to the head and eyes. As a result, the area around the eyes is relieved from pain and eventually clarify vision. Similarly dizziness, headaches and migraines can be eased with this ancient method. From Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we know that the area above the eyes contains several acupressure/acupuncture points which if stimulated may result in strengthening vision, helping the eyes to see clearly and brightly. One of these trigger points is named Gallbladder 14 (Chinese Yangbai or “White Yang”).

POrtrair of jogja

The Psychic Jogja’s powerful friend

Words: Deti Lucara

boy in school, but all of the adults bounced off of him because of the spirit that permeated in that small body was so strong. Yet when Rupotolo approached him, the boy became calm and eventually recovered consciousness. I heard this story from his family, while he remained silent, like usual,” Tuti shared. By coincidence, perhaps, Rupotolo is the greatgrandson of Sultan VII, and was raised in a noble Javanese family where Javanese spiritualism (kejawen) is part of their beliefs. The family holds that the world is divided into two: the physical world and the spiritual world. Often, Rupotolo hears whispers and has visions from this invisible world, especially when he prays to help others. He has done many things for the sake of others, such as returning missing belongings, preventing rainfall in specific areas, improving fortune, and predicting the return of missing fishermen from the sea. Despite all these miracles, Rupotolo still sees himself as an ordinary person, “In fact there is nothing special about me. If I was asked to explain how it works, to be honest I do not know the answer. One thing I know, it’s all just a coincidence. If by chance the request is in accordance with the will of God, it is surely granted,” he says. The modesty and calmness of this man is apparent. He lives in a simple house and lives his life in sincerity. “Live life with honesty, respect others, and put all in God’s hands. There is nothing to worry about. If something is meant to be, it will find its way,” Rupotolo said, imparting his secret to life.

Photo: Mika Guritno

ne day, five fishermen went missing in the South Java Sea. Desperate to locate them, the head of the missing men’s village called a psychic from Jogja to help. The psychic said that he could not promise anything, life and death are in God’s hands, and he could simply pray for their safety, “Wait for five days. If within that time they are found, then they will have all survived. Yet if more than five days passes, please be strong and let go, because that means they will never return,” he said. Exactly five days later, the village head called the psychic again to tell him that the five fishermen had been found and all of them survived. Hearing the news, the psychic cried in thankfulness that his prayers had been heard and answered. Although many miracles have been connected to him, Rupotolo, the modest psychic, considers it all a coincidence. “I happen somehow, into a kind of a bridge to conduct prayers and wishes to the owner of life. Personally I am just an ordinary man, have no power of anything. All the marvels are the work of God himself. I sometimes don’t even believe that I can be that useful,” he humbly said. On a day-to-day basis, Rupotolo works as a Sultan’s servant in the Kraton. His position is quite eminent; as a commander, he is in charge of all soldiers in the Kraton. As a tribute to him, many call him the “Romo” or “Gusti”, a greeting for a wise old man. But personally, he prefers to be called “Pak” a common title for adult males in Java, meaning father. Rupotolo’s special talent revealed itself when he was a child. According to his wife, Surat Yasin (Tuti), her husband has possessed the ability to heal the sick since he was young. During childhood, Rupotolo cured a school friend who was apparently possessed, “There were three adults holding his friend, a tiny

According to Rupotolo, if by chance you go to ask the help of a psychic, and he gives a lot of terms that do not make sense like a buffalo slaughter, or finding certain types of rare flowers, and so on, do not believe. If the psychic to communicate with good spirits, they do not need such offerings.

INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH

Eko Suryo What is the role of the Tourism and Creative Economy Department of Jogjakarta? We are responsible to develop tourism, culture, and creative economy in the city district. Our working area is under the Department of Tourism and Creative Economy of Jogjakarta Province. Can you tell us the current and future outlook of tourism in the city of Jogjakarta? The major tourist attractions in the city itself are the Sultan’s Palace, Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan area, Pawirotaman area, and Kota Gede, the silver district. These places are the highlights, and almost every tourist will visit those places, at least one or two of them, when they are in town. In the future we want to develop some tourist “kampungs” (kampung traditionally means an area where the low to middle class live in the city), especially those kampungs which are surrounding locations of luxury hotels and another tourist attractions in Jogja.

Head of Tourism and Culture Department of Yogyakarta Jl. Suroto 1, Kotabaru pariwisata@jogjakota.go.id Tel. 0274 588025 www.pariwisata.jogjakota.go.id/

Photo: Mika Guritno

Words: Deti Lucara

“If we deal with the development of culture, we must let it grow naturally.”

What is the concept of this tourist kampung? The concept is community-based development, on how to empower communities within the society of the kampung so that they thrive and become tourist attraction in themselves in the future. If there is a potential community in the kampung, for example, mask artisans, or another arts groups, we hope that the tourists who stay in the hotels nearby would visit this area. We will encourage the hotels to recommend to their guests to have a look around the kampung and get to know a more traditional way of life. Our responsibility is to motivate the community within society to be ready to make sustainable arts activities in the kampung. When tourists come, the residents in these areas can perform dances, gamelan concerts, and other cultural attractions. In addition, there must be a point of interest as well, such as the artisans, to give tourists the chance to see everyday lives in the communities. We basically just want to build on what already exists within society. Later on, when many tourists visit the kampung, new creative business will flourish. Maybe the residents will sell souvenirs, offer services, and so on. This is an integrated program for the tourism, culture and creative economy sector. This concept is also the way to reduce the economic gaps, since the development of luxury hotels is usually in contrast to surrounding kampungs.

o Maharso When is the target of this program? Currently we are in the phase of mapping the potency in each kampung, next year we will start working on the strategical plans. I believe this program can not be done in a hurry. It depends on the society itself, and if they are not ready, we cannot force them to be. Later on, it is the society who will run this program, so it all must start from their intention. If we deal with the development of culture, we must let it grow naturally. First of all, the sense of culture must grow in people’s heart and soul. If they do not have the sense of what they are doing, then the culture will lose its spirit. That’s why I do not want to set a target. Everything which grows naturally, usually will last long. It seems like there are two opposite things here. If we talk about culture, it is related to sense and it must grow naturally, but on the other hand, tourism deals with target of growth and revenue. How do you see this? This is a real constraint. If we want to develop culture with a strong foundation, it cannot be done instantly. On the other hand, when talking about tourism and targets, all seemed to be achieved in the immediate. From my view, things like this create many superficial artists. In order to pursue the target, many parties held art performances. Though they don’t really understand the spirit of art itself. If the government spends money to fund these euphoria programs, it will be in vain. Without a strong foundation of culture, these arts will just appear once and then disappear. There will be no continuity. It is interesting how you always talk about the spirit, the sense, and the beauty of arts and culture. How you will pack it all in a promotional strategy? I want to create beautiful well-made clips to promote tourism. There is a group abroad that promotes tourism by adopting the concept of Agent 007, James Bond. Bond is always portrayed as a handsome man in the tuxedo surrounded by beautiful women. Based on this concept, they then replace James Bond with some heritage buildings, and the beautiful women walk gracefully in between the buildings. When the clip is made with great artistic cinematography, the beauty of the building’s aura comes out and everyone can pick it up. I’m sure such a clip like this will make whoever sees it want to visit the place on the screen. 23

TOP 10 EVENTS August 2013

14 September

Leather Puppet Show “Karno Tanding” by Ki Sutejo

Time: 9.30pm - 4.30pm Place: Sasono Hinggil Dwi Abad Phone: 0274 512783 / 512785 Entrance Fee: Free Performance of shadow puppet theatre combined with a javanese gamelan orchestra. In this performance a Dalang (Wayang player) plays puppet made from buffalo’s leather behind a white screen, so that the audience only see the shadow of leather puppet. Each puppet presents different act that’s why the puppeteer must change his voice, intonation, even create humor and sing. 21 - 25 September

Van Java Lokalitas yang Mendunia

Time: 7.30pm Place: Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Sri Wedani No. 1 Phone: 0274 523512 / 561914 Entrance Fee: Free An exhibition to preserve Javanesse culture and bring it to worldwide, which presented in form of finearts: painting and sculpture. A joint exhibition attended by some prominent artists from Jogja, Jakarta, and Surabaya presenting their best works.

Klangenan Jogja 2013 Performance

28 September

Time: 3 - 6pm Place: Benteng Vredeburg Phone: 0274 567486 Entrance Fee: Free This event is a media expression of potential art from 45 villages/ districts in Yogyakarta. They will show many traditional arts and performances

Indonesia Trail Adventure 2013

28 September - 4 October

Time: 7pm Place: Jogja National Museum, Jl. Amri Yahya 1 Phone: Entrance Fee: Free Dolanan means playing with toys or playing in a game. Through dolanan, we are invited to reflect on the self and the world around us. The exhibition was attended by artists from different regions with open call system. Various of artworks will enliven the events such as 3D works, installations, and videos.

Every Monday

Time: 3 - 6pm Place: Pendopo/Kedaton Royal Heritage (Royal Ambarukmo Hotel) Jl. Laksda Adisucipto, No 81 Phone: Entrance Fee: Free Bamboo Flute is a traditional music instrument usually played in the traditional orchestra in Indonesia. It’s made from bamboo and has a unique sound when played. Every Wednesday & Thurstday

Learning Classic Traditional Javanese Dance Time: Every Wednesday for women, (10am-12pm) Every Saturday for men, (1-3pm) Place: Pendopo/Kedaton Royal Heritage (Royal Ambarukmo Hotel) Jl. Laksda Adisucipto No. 81 Phone: 0274 588025 Entrance Fee: Free Classic traditional javanese dance is describing a part of story with beautiful movements, precise steps, poses and gestures accompanied with magical gamelan music

Learning Mocopatan

Every Thurstday

Time: 8 - 11pm Place:Pendopo/Kedaton Royal Heritage (Royal Ambarukmo Hotel) Jl. Laksda Adisucipto, No. 81 Phone: Entrance Fee: Free Macapat is a poetry reading performance accompanied by gamelan music. The reader must act of singing using traditional rhytm pattern. There are several songs in Macapat: Dhandang Gula, Sinom, Asmarandana and Kinanthi.

28 - 29 September

Time: Place: Start from Borobudur (Route: Borobudur – Kaliurang – Prambanan) Phone: 087839865279 / 085729994589 Entrance Fee: Registration until Sept 5, fee is IDR 650 K After Sept 6, registration fee is IDR 750 K Indonesia Trail Adventure 2013 is annual trail bike adventure across the country side. This year the event will be held in Jogjakarta with participants from all over the country. The registration fee is included facilities: Merchandise, homestay, 2 times meal/day, doorprizes, and free private party.

“Dolanan” #2

Learn to play Bamboo flute

Jemparingan / Patehan

Every Friday

Time: 3 - 6pm Place: Pendopo/Kedaton Royal Heritage (Royal Ambarukmo Hotel) Jl. Laksda Adisucipto No. 81 Phone: Entrance Fee: Free Jemparingan and Patehan are traditional activities at Yogyakarta Palace. Some archers will sitting-cross legged an shot an arrow toward the target set while the King (Sultan) will watch and enjoy tea and snack. This show is held every Friday to preserve the javanese cultural legacy.

Merah Putih Cat Fun & Cat Show

25 August

Time: 9am Place: Mandala Bakti Wanitatama Balai Utari Jl. Laksda Adisucipto No. 88 Phone : 0274 587818 / 513282 Entrance Fee: Free This local event is supported by ICA (International Cat Association), which celebrates Independence Day through a unique median, the appreciation of cats and their owners who love them dearly. The Cat Show will feature Percia peaknose long hair and short hair (exotic), Percia medium nose and domestic cats. The Cat Fun activities included a cat carnival, cat photo sessions, the heaviest cat contest, a cat eating contest and a running cat competition.

TOURIST