EE FR
VOLUME 20 / February 2014
The Insider’s Guide
candi ijo Reach for the Sun
Night at the Museum Swim with the Dolphins Anneke Fitrianti
Written in Ink
TOURIST DIRECTORY | TOP EVENTS THIS MONTH | CITY MAP
CONTENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE This February we take a look at people who are shaking up the status quo. We bring you the incredible story of one man who has traveled kilometers on his bicycle to deliver children books in remote areas. Learn about a tattoo artist who’s been sucked deep into the art of her ink and follow a student group that brings museums to life at night for a special glimpse of Jogja’s colonial past. Complete with these compelling stories and more, JogjaMag is proud to guide you through this remarkable city. With pointers of where to visit and where you can get a fabulous snack, we are here for you, whether you’re just stopping through or here for an extended stay. Thanks to all the people, locals and guests alike who make Jogja such an enjoyable place to be.
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DESTINATION OF THE MONTH Candi Ijo
FOUNDER EDITOR
CONTENT MANAGER WRITER PHOTOGRAPHER GRAPHIC DESIGNER CUSTOMER SERVICE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DISTRIBUTOR CONTRIBUTORS Cover Photo
Sylvain Leroy Erik W. Jorgensen Sarah Herz Julianne Greco Anna Miranti Deti Lucara M. Arifin Mika Guritno Lily K. Jisura Hendro Wijanarko Kris Biantoro Patrick Vanhoebrouck Moko Pramusanto M. Arifin
STREET FOOD Kipo
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JAVANESE HEALTH SECRET Jamu Cekok
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UNDERGROUND JOGJA Night at the Museum
OF JOGJA 20 PORTRAIT Written in Ink ACTIVE JOGJA Swimming with the Dolphin
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TOP EVENTS What’s Happening this Month
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INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH Drs. Diah Tutuko Suryandaru
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TOURIST DIRECTORY Find what you’re looking for JOGJA MAP City Map PHOTO OF THE MONTH Love is in the Air
Copyright of:
PTPMA. Mindo Kp. Minggiran MJ 2/1106 B Yogyakarta Tel. 0274 7436052
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JAVANESE WISDOM The Fifth is the Center
Take Care, Julianne Greco
JOGJAMAG STAFF
INSPIRING JOGJA The Mobile Library
Contact: 0274 7436052 cso@jogjastar.com
YogyaMag @jogjamag jogjamag.com
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DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
Candi ijo Such Great Heights
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cara
Lu Words: Deti ifin
Photo: M. Ar
andi Ijo, a temple in Yogyakarta, has something in common with Machu Picchu in Peru, but what could it be? As it turns out, both temples are laid on top of a highland and serve as legacies of great civilizations from the past. Even more, Machu Picchu stands as one of the highest cities in the world, located 2,430 meters above sea level thanks to the Incans, while Candi Ijo is known as the highest temple in Yogya with an elevation of 410 meters, courtesy of ancient Javanese civilization. While Candi Ijo does not meet Machu Picchu in scale, its beautiful scenery is noteworthy and makes for a great destination. Candi Ijo is one of many Hindu temples found in the Prambanan area, about seven kilometers east of downtown Yogya. The temple was built from the ninth to tenth century in the Matraram-Hindu era, an ancestral kingdom of the Kraton, Yogya’s palace today. Particularly famous temples in this area are Prambanan and Ratu Boko. As the main Hindu temple in Java, Prambanan possesses a very large complex that encompasses some other temples. Located about one kilometer away are the temples Lumbung, Bubrah and Sewu. Other nearby temples, which are scattered within a four to six kilometer radius are Ijo, Sowijan, Banyunibo and Ratu Boko—the second greatest Hindu temple in Yogya, after Prambanan. The number of temples in this area reveals the spot’s importance and the significant role it has played in terms of religion, politics, economics and culture. The center of the ancient Mataram kingdom is estimated to be somewhere in the
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Photo: M. Arifin
Please scan this QR code for directions to Candi Ijo
Words: Deti Lucara
Tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit Candi Ijo.
Prambanan area, making its significance comparable to other famous historic districts in Southeast Asia, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar and Ayutthaya in Thailand. Each temple in the Prambanan area has a unique and special character. Candi Ijo, though less popular than Prambanan itself and Ratu Boko, has a distinctive quality because of its location on Yogya’s highest peak. Standing only about four kilometers southeast of Ratu Boko, Candi Ijo only takes about 30 minutes to get to from the city center. Go by either motorbike or car for the journey that includes at least three kilometers uphill. The road leading to the top is not too smooth, with a lot of holes along the way. However, the trek up is paid off with a lovely panorama at the top. The temple complex consists of 17 building structures that are divided into 11 terraces. The first terraces leads to the entrance with a staircase stretching from west to east. The eleventh building has eight poles, four main temple buildings and three ancillary temples. The buildings’ layouts are based on the sacredness of each terrace. The highest building on the top terrace is considered the most sacred place. In the main temple, there are representations of Lingam and Yoni, symbolizing the union of the Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati and indicating that this is the temple wing for Shiva. Additionally, in the middle of an ancillary temple, there is a statue of Nandi, Shiva’s riding bull in Hindu mythology. Candi Ijo is one of the best spots to view the city from a high elevation. It stands beautifully atop Ijo Hill, giving it a melodramatic and romantic feeling. Spending time at Candi Ijo, watching sunset with a loved one is a moving experience to be tried. The city skyline set in front of a golden sunset with magnificent temples towering above make for a stunning moment.
INSPIRING JOGJA
mitra tema Books for Hope
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Mitra Tema Library Demen, Sriharjo, Imogiri Tel. 085741625750 (Sumanto) Email: mitratema@gmail.com
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Photo: M. Arifin
How to help Mitra Tema: - Donate childrens’ books - Become a volunteer. -Mitra Tema’s Bank Account BRI Simpedes Unit Imogiri, Bantul 3585-01-028074-53-9
he received a flood of donated books, money and materials to rebuild his library. He even got a motorcycle from one donor, which really simplified his job. Unfortunately, some donors later took back the assets they handed him, including the motorcycle. Without a motorcycle, Sumanto no longer does the mobile library and just provides the library within his home. “I’m getting older and getting tired easily when cycling, so I don’t do that anymore.” Despite these challenges and setbacks, Sumanto’s dedication is breathtaking. Although he has neither a steady job nor a fixed income, he believes that by wholeheartedly helping others, good fortune can come from anywhere. “I’m never afraid of what my family should eat tomorrow. Amazingly, it seems miracles happen to me most of the time. I get a little income from just about anything, such as selling bananas from my garden, getting honoraria as a speaker in seminars and so on,” he explained. Sumanto is often invited to give speeches in seminars both in Yogya and out of town. Each time, he brings home seminar kits or simple items from the hotels as a gift to his children’s library, such as soap, sugar and creamer. “Children don’t just need a book, they also need toys, gifts, care and affection. It can be really simple, sometimes just second-hand goods or small stuff from hotels. As long as we give it sincerely, it means a lot to them. My great happiness is seeing the smiles on children’s faces, as bright as the future they have to face ahead,” he said with a warm smile.
Words: Deti Lucara
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umanto, a middle-aged man, would pedal his bicycle 10-16 km over hilly terrain everyday roundtrip to bring books to children in some remote areas in Imogiri village, Bantul, Yogyakarta, about 20 km southeast of the city. Sumanto left his metropolitan life at a fairly prestigious job in Jakarta and returned home to his village to devote himself to providing books for children without being paid. “There were many reasons why I decided to leave Jakarta, but let’s say metropolitan life was no longer a fit for me,” he explained. In Imogiri, the reality of rural poverty opened his eyes about the importance of knowledge to improve the standard of living. He happens to be a book enthusiast, which lead him to open a simple library for children in 2003, named Mitra Tema with the 500 books he collected over the years-an amount which grew significantly and was later multiplied by six times. For Sumanto, having a library was not enough, as more needed to be done to reach more children in remote areas. Putting a travel bag on his old bicycle, Sumanto started pedaling from one village to another, carrying a collection of books for children. In 2006, when the big earthquake struck Yogya, Sumanto’s house and library were hit hard and he lost more than 3000 books from his library, leaving about 90% of his collection destroyed. This devastating event was a turning point for him as his story was broadcasted via mass media, exposing the story of his library. Many people were touched by Sumanto and
JAVANESE WISDOM
MANUNGGAL KIBLAT PAPAT LIMA PANCER The four cardinal points, the fifth is the center
Why is Candi Ijo placed on top of a hill? Even when they are often located within plains and valleys, Javanese Hindu Buddhist temples and shrines are not always built on flat ground. Actually, there is a whole set of shrines that are clearly associated with topographical markers – namely hills and mountains: temples built on small, isolated hilltops and temples located in high, remote areas. Within and around the Province of Yogyakarta, 16 temples are built up high. Built at the top of a hill, they convey a different impression than temples built in the shadow of high volcanoes. They fuse with the hill and form a summit to be reached by visitors. They organize the natural landscape and re-shape the hill, so that it fits with cosmological principles. The presence of a temple at its top transforms the hill into a replica of Mt. Meru, the axis of the universe. Although the temple may itself represent Meru, locating it on a hilltop makes the association even more obvious. In Hindu and
Words: Patrick Vanhoebrouck & Moko Pramusanto 12
Buddhist thought, the symbolism of Meru is inextricably linked with royal power. Meru is not only the pivot of the universe, it is the abode of Indra, who presides over the gods and is presented as a model of the Hindu/Buddhist king. It is thus not surprising that, given their cosmological and royal implications, hilltops were considered appropriate building sites for Hindu-Buddhist shrines. Temples like Candi Ijo consist of shrines built outside the wet-rice cultivation areas, away from communication routes, in relatively high and remote areas. Why was that the intention of the builders? Architectural and epigraphic data suggest that at least some of the sites located on the Pegat-Ijo hills were related to ascetic and tantric practices. This is obviously the case with Candi Ijo and the nearby religious complex of Ratu Boko. The presence of meditation caves in the northern part of the Boko compound already suggested that the place was used by hermits or ascetics. There are therefore good reasons to believe that Ratu Boko was the dwelling of Buddhist hermits. Other references to ascetic practices from the gunung Pejat-Ijo hills are for example inscriptions found near a large Ganesha statue which deal with the worship of the god by sādhu, indicating that the hilly area was also used by Hindu ascetics. Similarly, the inscribed golden plate found within the temple pit of Candi Ijo refers to Jatila (Śiwa the Ascetic). Figures of ascetics are also part of the decoration of the lowermost building of the Ijo temple complex.
Photo: M. Arifin
Why is it facing west? It goes without saying that the main orientations towards west and east of the Javanese temples in general are associated to the movement of the sun and the moon near the equator. Ritualistically this movement was highly important in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy and is still to this day a core concept of the Kejawen cosmological thinking. Whereas the sun was associated usually with concepts of material birth and growth, the moon was related to concepts of spiritual awakening and death. Conceptions of space defined in pairs of complementary elements are well known in present day Indonesia, and are still found all over the archipelago. Two perceptions of space were challenging one another among the elite of central Javanese society. One was the imported Indian pradaksina concept, which relates space, time and sun. The other was of Javanese origin, probably ancient, and conceived a dualistic world. For Candi Ijo it is probable that the high level spiritual approach to death (sunset) by local ascetics played a role in its facing west. West is usually associated with funerary rites and ancestor worship rather than deity worship. Auspicious signs like the full moon moving westward and the setting of the sun would have had an influence in turn for the devotees during their meditation rituals. Candi Ijo follows a Hindu conceptual orientation of the Axis Mundi or central Axis of the universe and within which the center is grounded by the mythical Meru.
What about contemporary mystical aspect of the four direction It is clear for present day Javanese spiritual adepts that a monument like Candi Ijo is a symbol of high religious symbolism linked to still current cosmological values found in Kejawen. The meanings encapsulated in the spatial orientation of the monument, the reliefs and its auspicious location at a hilltop are best interpreted through the teaching or ilmu called Manunggaling Kiblat Papat, limo Pancer. This aspect of Javanese culture portrays the obsession of the people to organize their world according to an ancient template of the Hindu-Buddhist Mandala ornament. The mandala figure will always represent a core source of wisdom which radiates its beneficial power and receives enlightening input to and from the four cardinal points of East, West, North and South. The system of four directions and a fifth center is applied in all sorts of important aspects of social and spiritual life by the Javanese, because it offers them an ordered template of correspondences between apparently distinct variables in the material and visible world. Most commonly it is visible in the architecture of older buildings (the Sultan Kraton i.e.), in agricultural practices (mangsa) and in harmonizing initiation rituals (slametan). In pure mystical and spiritual practices of meditation, inner power or rituals the system if Sadulur Kiblat Papat, Kalimo Pancer is an essential prerogative for success and mental achievements. Esoteric books on the subject are named Primbon and are still hugely read by adults seeking a bit of harmony in their life.
street food
What’s That?
Every day, Bu Djito Kipo snack shop uses four to five kilograms of sticky rice flour to make 500-600 pieces of kipo.
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However, since the Islamic Mataram Kingdom changed its location to the Yogya palace on Jl. Rotowijayan, the popularity of kipo began to recede. It was not until much later in 1986 that the snack reclaimed its popularity, when Djito Suhardjo, a citizen from Kotagede presented kipo at some national culinary festivals. Since then, kipo has been back by popular demand. Djito inherited the recipe from her father, Mangun Irono. The family business is now down to the third generation with Sri Rahayu, ever since 1991. Bu Djito Kipo Snack Shop can be found on Jl. Mondorakan, about 500 meters west of Kotagede traditional market. While there are several other shops that sell kipo in the Kotagede area, a handful of them are supplied by Bu Djito, leaving only a few others that make the snack themselves.
Photo: M. Arifin
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ne of the city’s mysteries is a little green cake. No one knows exactly the name of this cake, but when people first used to ask about it, they would say, “what is it?” or in Javanese, “iki opo?” Since then, the cake has adopted the name “kipo” shortened from “iki opo”. Further mystery ensues from this cake since the contents are not common knowledge. As it turns out, kipo is made from sticky rice flour with green coloring that comes from pandan suji leaves. The filling contains shredded coconut and sugar. To make the cake, the contents are roasted on a clay mortar until lightly browned. Citizens of Kotagede believe that kipo originates from their area. In the days of the old Islamic Mataram kingdom in 1586-1613, when the capital of the kingdom was built in Kotagede, kipo was popular among the nobility.
Words: Deti Lucara
KIPO
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UNDERGROUND JOGJA
night at the
Words: Deti Lucara
Photo: Courtesy of Facebook: Yogyakarta Night at the Museum
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museum
bout 50 people gather at night in the middle of Verdeburg Fortress complex, which now functions as a museum. Normally, the museum is only open to visitors during the day, so what are all those people doing there after dark? Filled with excitement, participants are divided into two groups, each led by a tour leader to take them different directions, moving down the Vereburg complex to explore other heritage buildings nearby. Though not in a scene from a movie starring Ben Stiller, this crowd is one group of participants on a Yogya Night at the Museum Tour. The name of the tour actually is inspired by the 2006 feature film, directed by Shawn Levy. The tour was initiated by a group of students majoring in History Science at Gadjah Mada University, to offer an alternative means of visiting museums. “If we hear the word ‘museum’, the first things that come to mind are ancient, dusty and boring. My friends and I found a way around it, how to make visiting museum and learning history more fun. We came up with the idea of educational tours by exploring the museum at night,” Tantri Apsitasari, the nuanced tour’s co-founder, explained. With a permit from the manager of the Verdeburg museum, Tantri and friends opened up registration for tour attendees in August 2012. Originally, the tour package was only offered in the dark, literally. All the lights were shut off and participants had to use flashlights to find their way. “Exploring one room to another in the Verdeburg buildings complex in the dark is quite exciting. It gives a different sensation and build the ambience,” Tantri said. 16
Verdeburg itself was built by the Dutch in the 1760s to restrict the movement of the Yogya Palace in the colonization era. The fort consists of military boarding, a logistic warehouse, office, prison and more. Today, the buildings of the Verdeburg complex are used to display dioramas of the Indonesian struggle against the Dutch. Once the tour started gaining a good reputation and received positive responses, a new tour package developed. “We see that a museum is not just the matter of a static building. A museum is the whole context of history. If we’re going to learn about the Dutch colonization through its heritage buildings, it is not enough to only explore Verdeburg fort itself. There are several locations in Yogya that became Dutch activity centers in the past and are evidenced by some colonial buildings. Thus, it is important to visit other areas as well,” Tantri said. The new tour package takes place at kilometer zero, starting from Fort Verdeburg continuing over to the Military Society building, which has now become Taman Budaya Yogyakarta (TBY). Participants are then lead to a Loji Kecil (small lodge and housing complex), and then across the street to the Kidul Loji Church, on to the Bank of Indonesia building, a JavaneseChristian church and Gedung Agung (former presidential building dating back to 1946). The tour then returns to Fort Verdeburg to finish up. The Yogya Night at the Museum Tour not only gives an alternative view to what a museum is and learning history different, but also encourages society to preserve Yogya’s historic buildings.
i Due to the organizers’ university activities, the tour cannot be held regularly. For further information, please contact: Tantri: 085736577539 Erwin: 08995007066 FB: Yogyakarta Night at The Museum
JAVANESE health secret
JAMU CEKOK T
Photo: kendhilkencana.blogspot.com
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This very traditional institution has existed for a long time, as it was established in the year 1875 by a certain Kertowiryorahardjo. It has been managed by the same family for five generations now. Basic raw jamu plants utilized here in the mixtures are for example papaya leaves, curcuma varieties (temu lawak, temu giring, temu ireng) and tamarind pulp. Because these plants are generally of the bitter kind it has been tradition to use a forcible way to induce ingestion of the jamu (cekok). The sides of the jaw are clamped with fingers, the nose may be pinched. The jamu paste is pressed within a white cloth filter so it seeps into the child’s mouth. This type of jamu is prescribed for children above the age of nine months. The Javanese are seen to be insensitive to the moaning and crying of the baby, even as the children already are terrorized entering this strange practice. Others who have already gone through the process may be calm and accepting because of habit. The ingestion of this jamu has to be done with an empty stomach to avoid the child’s vomiting up. This drastic technique of jamu intake is only utilized by parents in cases of extreme or chronic appetite dysfunctions which may be feared to alter normal growth and development of the child. Many mothers also bring an auspicious suggestion with them while visiting these traditional doctors, believing in the efficiency of the therapy. This is almost a traditional custom based on the satisfaction of previous healing. Many people amongst Javanese communities indeed look at Jamu Cekok as some kind of wonder medicine.
Words: Moko Pramusanto
his traditional herbal therapy is named Jamu Cekok because of the forced oral ingestion (dicekoki) into the mouth of a baby or young child who is afflicted by a lack of appetite or digestive ailment. It is one of the typical Jogja-style blends of jamu’s (herbal remedy). The mode of intake happens by forcing the mouth of the child open while a jamu lady presses a liquid jamu concoction through a white cloth close-by the lips. It is a usual scene to see the child screaming in fear because of the forcing process or either the bitter taste of the jamu itself in its mouth. The herbs utilized in Jamu Cekok are those that stimulate the appetite of the child and heal from intestinal worms, cough, mouth sores, runny nose or fevers. Usually mothers with kids afflicted by above ailments will bring their offspring to the practitioners who still specialize in Jamu Cekok, who will diagnose the patients in a particular manner which is transmitted orally from generation to generation. The practitioner will decide on the specific fresh herbs to be mixed in a wet paste. Excess jamu paste will always be disposed of since usually these types of wet jamu cannot be preserved more than a day. A famous Yogyakarta Jamu Cekok practice can be found on Jl. Brigjen Katamso, No. 132, just north of Jl. Parangtrtitis and the Prawirotaman area. It is known under the name “Kios Warung Jampi Asli Jamu Cekok Kulon Kerkop”. Because it is located near an Old Dutch graveyard (kerkhof in Dutch) from Colonial times which has long been replaced by the entertainment complex of Purawisata.
portrait of jogja
Anneke Fitrianti Written in Ink
Photo: M. Arifin
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Anneke Fitrianti
or Anneke Fitrianti, a 28-year-old woman, having a profession as a tattoo artist is her destiny. Fitrainti and tattoos go way back. She has been familiar with them since she first laid eyes on her parents, who have their own tattoos. She knew what she wanted from life from the moment she held her first tattoo needle. “This is a dream job for me. I feel happy and proud when my tattoos become part of someone’s body forever,” she said. For most people, it may sound odd, that a young and beautiful woman yearns to be a tattoo artist. But this is what she calls a fate. Fitrianti’s strong determination was proven when she underwent a one-year apprenticeship without being paid at Eternity tattoo studio. “During my one year apprenticeship, I was not allowed to touch the tattoo machine, my job was just cleaning up the studio and watching how Atong, my mentor, worked. But I felt grateful and really keen on learning how to tattoo properly. Initially, I had to tattoo fruit skin and my own skin, until finally I was trusted to tattoo someone else’s skin. And ever since I touched a tattoo needle, I knew that this is my destiny,” she recalled with sparkling eyes. Becoming a tattoo artist is not just about having drawing skills and being able to afford tattoo equipment; it also takes passion. “Virtually all work requires passion to live it. Without it in our work, we will not develop much and we become quickly bored,” Fitrianti said. Passion is the drive that makes her diligently learn and explore the world of tattoo art until this day. Her commitment and totality in working is evidenced by her works, which are so neat and attentive to detail. “I want those who have my tattoos to be proud of them, because the tattoos will be a part of their lives forever. Therefore, I make sure everything looks beautiful and perfect,” she said. She treats every tattoo seriously, from the design on paper to finishing it on skin. “I always take the time to make a tattoo design. Tattoos must have a special meaning for those who have them. Therefore, before making the design, I spend time talking to my clients, digging up their life’s story to know what they want to convey through a tattoo. Finally my relationship with the client is personal, not merely a business relationship.” It is not easy being a woman in the tattoo world. Professionally, many people question her ability as an artist because of her identity. Socially, many people look down on her negatively since tattoos can often carry a negative stigma in Indonesian culture. But when it comes to destiny, what’s written in ink is much more permanent and powerful than what can be judged at face value.
Words: Deti Lucara
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“The body is a personal journal, every tattoo is a diary that describes someone’s life,”
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active jogja
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Swim with the Do l p h ins Join the Club
i GET SWIMMING Club Dolphin Membership: Rp. 75,000/month, 3 trainings/week Private lessons with Coach Wahyudi: Rp. 25,000/hour Tel. 081326008579
Photo: M. Arifin
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Around 60 members of the Dolphin Club meet three times a week at two different locations: the pool of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) and Tirtasari pool on Jl. Kaliurang km 9.3. The club is divided into six levels, based on a proficiency scale. Participants are placed in their levels after a swimming assessment given the first meeting, but levels can be flexible. A typical training session mixes dry land training with actual swimming in the pool. The first 15 minutes are used for stretching, core strengthening and conditioning. The rest of the hour-long practice is for swimming drills. At the more beginner levels, swimmers are encouraged to practice each basic stroke, freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke, and become comfortable with them. As swimmers advance, they can choose a stroke to specialize in. In addition to group classes, coaches also offer private lessons so swimmers can go at their own pace, make their own schedule and personalize their training.
Words: Julianne Greco
n the Java heat, lounging in the pool is a tempting option to refresh. Make the most of pool time by getting in a workout while cooling off. The benefits of swimming for sport are extensive, including its endurance building, fat burning and low impact nature. Dive in and get in shape with one of Yogya’s swimming clubs or coaches to learn the basics or sharpen up your strokes. “It’s a great sport for improving our fitness and stamina,” says Dede Wahyudi, a coach for the Dolphin Club. Native to Yogyakarta, the Dolphin Club, was established in 1998. The club provides the opportunity to regularly train in the pool and get coaching for people of all levels and ages, interested in improving their swimming and using the sport to get in shape. While the majority of the club’s members are local students, coaches encourage anyone interested to give it a shot. Coach Wahyudi recommends hopping in the pool with the club because “it’s much more fun to train with friends and a group rather than alone.”
interview of the month
Drs.
Diah Tutuko Suryandaru
f Taman o d a e H a The ogyakart Y a y a d u B
This month, we had the opportunity to chat with Diah Tutoko Suryandaru about the art scene and its prospects in Yogya. Suryandaru currently serves as the head of Taman Budaya Yogyakarta (TBY), a subdivision the Cultural Department of Yogyakarta.
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Based on the differing potentials of art in each district, does TBY still offer the same chance for all to express their creativities, whether that means providing funding or other forms of support? Basically, we do give the same opportunities to everyone, from any art background and district to exhibit or perform their works here. We do not want to be partial. But as for the process,
Photo: M. Arifin
Is it fair to say that TBY is representative of the art scene in Yogyakarta? Yogya is very rich in artistic and cultural potential. There are many creative people in this city. Both traditional and modern arts thrive here, and TBY accommodates them all equally to perform and develop their styles here. If anyone wants to know about the Yogya art scene, you can simply come to TBY to get the overall picture—our tagline is “Window of Yogyakarta�.
Can you map out the art potential in the region for us? Arts in Yogyakarta are most widely grown in Bantul which is in the south, and also Kulon Progo located in the western part of the region. Meanwhile, the city and Sleman in the north, are more business and commercial areas, so the art is less developed there. In the eastern region, namely Gunung Kidul, in accordance with its natural environment of limestone hills, the society there is not really that into art.
Words: Deti Lucara
Can you tell us a little bit about TBY? TBY is an artistic and cultural institution as the sub-division of the Cultural Department of Yogyakarta Province. Our goal is to accommodate and develop all forms of arts and culture in the Yogyakarta region, including performing arts, music, visual arts and so on. We are an art laboratory to preserve traditional art and develop modern art.
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we also analyze and evaluate the progress of each party. Finally, those who really have talent continue to survive and thrive, while others rise and fall. That is natural selection. Does TBY have any concerns for the future of Yogya’s art scene? Actually, we are proud because TBY has really become the arts center of Yogyakarta. Artists also feel proud to perform or exhibit at TBY. But on the other hand, the art centers that exist in districts become less developed. Supposedly each district has an active arts center that supports the development of local arts, so it’s not just merely the responsibility of the TBY. What’s on the agenda for upcoming events at TBY? Every year we have an arts and cultural agenda. In 2013 we held a series of art performances and musical literatures presented by different art communities all over Yogya. For 2014 we are planning to perform a colosal kethoprak, legendary kethoprak, orchestra music performance, music concert, children’s opera, Java-Bali mask festival, fine arts exhibition and Javanese opera performance. It was all the result of our research and discussions with humanists, sociologists, senior artists and public figures to show all the best of Yogya. That is quite comprehensive. How about annual national and international events that are held regularly at TBY such as ArtJog (national art fair), and Biennale (international contemporary art exhibitions), are they part of TBY’s agenda? Basically, we are also open to other arts agendas. Anyone can make use of the spaces and facilities in TBY as long as they are used for the sake of art, which surely can be accounted for. And it turns out that we are entrusted by other parties to host national and international events here. We are very proud that we could be present to accommodate all the needs of the art world. Our yard is even used by many art communities to do rehearsals. The art life lives dynamically here and it never seems to die. We are very happy to see how art workers in Yogya have a really high sense of belonging to this space.
top events 4 - 12 February
9 February
9 - 13 February
Openartisan Exhibition “ Living With Art ” Time: 9am-9pm Place: Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta Phone: 0274 560404 Admission: Free LIWAR stands for “living with arts,” it is an art initiative event with a diverse range of “arty” products to bring people experiencing and cherishing the arts in everyday life. The concept of the exhibition is open artisan, which believes that any “arty” product is the result of a collaboration of diverse people with diverse backgrounds.
10 - 14 February
Jogja Honda Family Meet Day Time: 8.30am-4.30pm Place: Jogja Expo Center (JEC) Phone: 081229912343 Admission: Free untuk umum, 100 K untuk member A gathering for Honda car owners, especially in the Jogja region, the event is also open to the public in general. Some participating Honda car communities will include: Honda Stream community, Honda Civic community and Honda Jazz community. Many entertainment events will be held, as well as car shows from each community.
18 - 25 February
Pagelaran Akbar Kebudayaan Melayu Time: 9am-9pm Place: Taman Budaya Yogyakarta Phone: 083875158882 Admission: Free Events to introduce the Malay culture to public at large, by featuring Malay art performances, seminars, Malay and Javanese cultural exhibitions. The event is organized by the Lembaga Adat Melayu (LAM), or the Institute of Malay Culture, in Riau. Jogjakarta was selected as the site since this city is a melting pot of various cultures from all over the country and has a very dynamic social life.
23 February
Pekan Budaya Tionghoa Yogyakarta 2014 (PBTY) Time: 5-10pm Place: Kampoeng Ketandan Phone: 0274 9566788 Admission: Free The ninth event of Pekan Budaya Tionghoa (Tionghoa Cultural Week) will take place in Kampung Ketandan, with this year’s theme of “Melestarikan Budaya, Meneguhkan Ke-Indonesiaan.” Many events will be held to enrich the festival such as a bazaar, art performances, carnival, karaoke competition and a Mandarin poetry reading. On 13 February, the 3rd Jogja Dragon Festival will be held to compete for the king trophy, which will take place along Malioboro Street. The Chinese dragon dance (Barongsai dan Naga) will be performed as the highlight event on the 14th. 26
P. Foto “ Look At Me” Time: 9am-9pm Place: Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta Phone: 0274 560404 Admission: Free Reptiles and amphibians are normally considered dangerous animals, but behind their sometimes “scary” appearance, they have an important role in the food chain. This reptile photography event is organized to change the way people behave towards reptiles and amphibians and to care and conserve them as well as to maintain their habitat in Indonesia.
Lomba Tracking GPS Tingkat Nasional, Jelajah Jogjakarta 2014 Time: 8am - 4.30pm Place: Benteng Vredeburg Yogyakarta Phone: 081805830741 Admission: Rp. 100K / team (max 3 people) This GPS tracking event has the theme, “explore the beautiful history with coordinates”. The event is geared towards high school students. Participants will get goodies such as a t-shirt, co-card, lunch, snack, guidebook and surely, an exciting opportunity to explore the city with GPS.
February 2014
TOURIST DIRECTORY car & bike rentals
spas & salons
ViaVia Jl. Prawirotaman 30 Tel. 0274 386557 Class: Yoga, Batik, Indonesian language & Silver craftmanship Alam Bahasa Indonesia Jl. Cendrawasih, Kompleks Kolombo 3 Tel. 0274 589631 Class: Indonesian Language
Jl. Mrican Baru C-3 Moses Gatotkaca, Gejayan Tel. 0274 563203 / 0274 6533765 Mobile. 081578760645 Pit_pancal@yahoo.com www.bambstrans.com
Inna Garuda Hotel Jl. Malioboro No. 60 Tel. 0274 561155 (Hunting) 566353 Ext.156 Fax. 0274 516769 www.barumun-money.co.id
Pamitran Motorbike Rental Ruko Mrican Baru blok 1B Tel. 0274 6666610 / 0274 520545
Mulia Bumi Arta Ambarukmo Plaza, LG Floor Jl. Laksda Adi Sucipto Km. 6 Tel. 0274 4331272
Dewata Motorbike Rental Jl. Prawirotaman 27 Tel. 0274 384389 / 08122788056
PT. DOLLAR CENTER Jl. Pasar Kembang No.23 Tel. 0274 587648
Hafa Car Rental Jl. Prawirotaman MG III/634 Tel. 0274 384444
PT. INTAN ARTHA SENTOSA Jl. Malioboro No. 18 Suryatmajan, Danurejan Tel. 0274 565279
Trac - Astra Rent A Car Jl. Ring Road Utr 27-A Sinduadi Tel. 0274 625000 Fortuna Car & Motorbike Rental Jl. Jlagran Lor 20-21, Pringgokusuman Tel. 0274 564680
ticketing agents MGP TRAVELINDO Jl Demangan No.7 Caturtunggal, Depok Tel. 0274 8261986 Mitra Persada Travelindo Jl. Pringgondani No. 1 Demangan Tel. 0274 511100 Nusantara tour & travel Jl. Urip Sumoharjo No. 77 C Tel. 0274 560988 / 0274 518088 TURINDO TOUR AND TRAVEL Jl. Dr. Sutomo No.45 Tel. 0274 540000 / 0274 566629 Alam Persada Tour & Travel Jl. Gondosuli 10, Baciro Tel. 0274 546828
Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar No. 203 D Yogyakarta (North of Hyatt Hotel) Tel. 0274 6615454 / 087837095454 Open Daily: 10am - 10pm (Last order 8pm) Bujangga Beauty Salon & Spa Jl. Prawirotaman 1 No. 11B Tel. 08873805671
ratu ayu spa Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar 203 D North of Hyatt Hotel Tel. 0274 2633705 Sari Kartika Spa Jl. Tirtodipuran, No.49 Tel. 0274 411160 Indraloka Spa Jl. Kartini 14A, Sagan Tel. 0274 953 3388 Daun Spa & Salon Jl. Dewi Sri no. 40C Tirtonirmolo Tel. 0274 315 4040
courses
Satu Dunia Jl. Prawirotaman 1 No.44 & No.27 Tel. 0274 8527888 / 08139267888 Cakra tour & travel Jl. Sosrowijayan No. 54 Tel. 0274 545334 / 0274 9125008 Kelana tour & travel Jl. Prawirotaman II No. 836 Tel. 0274 7823132 Rizma Corp YAP Square B.8 Tel. 0274 552323 ViaVia Jl. Prawirotaman 30 Tel. 0274 386557 Javaindo tours Brontokusuman MG III/349 Tel. 0274 6677111 Kresna Tour & Travel Jl. Prawirotaman no. 5 Tel. 0274 375912 Mekar Wisata Tour & Travel Jl. Seturan 5A Tel. 0274 486620
money changers Annas Money Changer Jl. Prawirotaman No. 7 Tel. 0274 418456 intra valas Airport Adisucipto Yogyakarta, Arrival Hall Tel. 0274 6934861 Mendut Valasindo Hotel Abadi Jl. Pasar Kembang No. 49 Tel. 0274 582506
Centris Raya Taxi Tel. 0274 7111111 / 0274 4362221
PAMUnGKAS Tel. 0274 521333 Pataga Tel. 0274 386713 RAJAWALI Tel. 0274 487676 RIA Tel. 0274 621056 Sadewa Tel. 0274 414343 Setia Kawan Taxi Tel. 0274 412000 Vetri Taxi Tel. 0274 563555
visa agents Rizma Corp YAP Square B.8 Tel. 0274 552323
ANSOR’S SILVER PUSAT Jl. Tegalgendu No.26 Kotagede Tel. 0274 373266 Class: Silver craftmanship Batik Indah RARA DJONGGRANG Jl. Tirtodipuran 18 Tel. 0274 375209 Fax. 0274 378653 Class: Batik painting BINTORO CRAFT Jl. Tirtonirmolo, Bangunjiwo, Bantul Tel. 08985026809 Class: Pottery IFI-LIP Yogyakarta Jl. Sagan No. 3 Tel. 0274 547409 Fax. 0274 562140 Class: French language SANGGAR SENI WIRABUDAYA Jomegatan 240, Ngestiharjo Tel. 0274 380263 Class: Gamelan & Karawitan
Mitra Persada Travelindo Jl. Pringgondani No. 1 Demangan Tel. 0274 511100 Fax. 0274 541402
It’s Easy Tour & Travel Jl. Tirtodipuran 51 Tel. 0274 2672386
bars & clubs ASCOS ASMARA ART AND COFFEE SHOP Jl. Tirtodipuran 22 Tel. 0274 383143
ACCOMODATIONS
EasyGoIn’ Restaurant & Cafe Jl. Prawirotaman No. 12 Tel. 0274 384092 Lucifer Cafe Jl. Sosrowijayan 71 Tel. 08159745554
Cafe & Lounge
Simple homestay
South Parking Area Inna Garuda Hotel Jl. Malioboro No. 60
MELATI DUA Jl. Tirtodipuran, No. 51 Tel. 0274 372481 Hp: 081392623152
Tel./Fax. 0274 560853 positivarepublic@gmail.com facebook.com/Republic Positiva Cafe & Lounge twitter.com/Rep_Positiva
the Wayang Homestay Jl. Minggiran, Gg. Pisang, No. 1017 Tel. 0813292240645 Maharani guest house Jl. Parangtritis, Gg. Sartono MJ. III, No. 811 Tel. 0274 411452
Liquid Next Generation Jl. Magelang, Km. 5,5 Tel. 0274 622020 / 0274 623698
Amelia Hotel Jl. Mrican Baru 14 Tel. 0274 554303
Bosche VVIP Club Jl. Magelang, Km. 6,5 Tel. 0274 623848 / 0274 624041
Srengenge Sribitan, RT.01, Bangun Jiwo, Bantul Tel. 081917316547
Rasta Bar & Cafe Jl. Parangtritis, 67B Tel. 0274 371578
Venezia Homestay & Garden Jl. Surami, No. 55 Tel. 0274 373821
TERRACE CAFE Jl. Raya Seturan 4, Catur Tunggal, Depok Tel. 0274 4332931
Cempaka Homestay Jl. Cempaka Putih CT.X No.23, Deresan Tel. 085643151757 Kresna Hotel Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 52 Tel. 0274 373303
Class: Bahasa Spanyol Jl. Kapuas No. 1 (Jl. Perumnas Seturan) Tel. 0274 7870653 (Paloma Cascales: 087839771758) Email: aulamadrid.yogya@gmail.com
Want to Write? cso@jogjastar.com Advertise With Us Tel. 0274 7436052 cso@jogjastar.com
ESSENTIALS Yogya Call Center 0274 108 Fire Department 0274 113 / 7474704 Tourism Police 0274 110 / 562811 ext.1222 Immigration Office 0274 489252 Yogya International Hospital 0274 4463555 / 4463444
Nusantara tour & travel Jalan Urip Sumoharjo No. 77 C Tel. 0274 560988 / 0274 518088 Fax. 0274 518010 / 0274 546066 Satu Dunia Jl. Prawirotaman 1 No.44 & No.27 Tel. 0274 8527888 / 08139267888
Bening Guesthouse Samirono Lama CT.VI/22 Tel. 0274 583197
Tiga Lima homestay Jl. Affandi Kepuh Gg III/946, Gejayan Tel. 0274 564772
Indra Kelana Taxi Tel. 0274 564572 JAS Tel. 0274 373737
Hotel Familia residence Jl. Bausasran DN III/949 Tel. 0274 562638
Bintang Cafe Jl. Sosrowijayan 54 Tel. 08191555105
Sayana Spa Jl. Prawirotaman No. 23 Tel. 0274 386050
taxis tour operators
Global Art Jl Laksda Adi Sucipto, Km 6, No. 15 Tel. 0274 7475663 Class: Painting and Arts
Casaluna Spa Jl. Patehan Lor 15 Alun Alun Kidul Tel. 0274 372933
trend tour &travel Jl. Kusumanegara no.214B Tel. 0274 377111
Pamitran Ruko Mrican Baru blok 1B Tel. 0274 6666610 / 0274 520545
Wisma Bahasa Jl. Affandi, Gang Bromo No. 15A, Mrican Tel. 0274 561627 / 0274 520 341 Class: Indonesian and Javanese Language
Mawar Asri Hotel Jl. K.H Agus Salim 40 Ngampilan Tel. 0274 387956
Adisucipto Airport 0274 488882 / 566666 Indonesian Red Cross 0274 372176
Giwangan Bus Station 0274 410015 Jombor Bus Station 0274 623310 Tourism Information 0274 588025 Emergency Call 0274 112 Ambulance 0274 118 Search & Rescue(SAR) 0274 115 / 587559 Tugu Train Station 0274 512870 / 514270 / 589685
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CITY MAP
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PHOTO OF THE MONTH February Theme
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
THE MOTHER’S HEART IS THE CHILD’S HOME
Photograph by: M. Arifin
i
Next month’s theme: Rainy Season is Over? Photo should be taken in Yogyakarta. Send us your photo to admin@jogjastar.com. The best photograph will win 2 free passes to Kids Fun Gokart and be published in next month’s issue of JogjaMag.
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