FREE No. 9 Mar
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2013
Erotic temple in Solo Cross Java Walk Semar, who are you? Javanese wisdom The Old Blind Man with the Siter Interview with a decision maker Also inside : • What’s up in March 2013 • Practical information
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General Information Monthly magazine Editorial Editor in Chief : Erik W Jorgensen Contributors : Patrick Vanhoebrouck Bert Piotr Śmieszek Deti Lucara Vasiliki Ralli Circulation : 5 000 Produced by PT Mindo Jl Suryodiningratan Griya Surio Asri 2 No. A2 - Yogyakarta Tel. +62 274 372 971 - info@yogyabisnis.com
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• Erotic temple in Solo. 5 • Cross Java Walk - part 2. 8 • Rare species of street food: Ronde. 10 • Semar, who are you?. 12 • Zango Unchained. 14 • Javanese wisdom. 16 • Javanese Health Secrets. 18 • The Old Blind Man with the Siter. 20 • Interview with Guy Mazars - Furniture. 22 • What’s up in March 2013 in Yogyakarta. 24 • Practical information. 24 • Map of Yogyakarta. 27
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Jogja Mag No.7 - January edition - Page 5 Photo credit : Hendra Bahagia
If Yogyakarta is full of perfect spots to visit, the neighboring city, Solo, holds unique treasures that should not be missed. There, nature and temple hunting will fill an enchanting day with happiness and surprises. Just one thing to remember . . . your camera!
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Destination of the Month 1 day trip in the slopes of Mt Lawu True, Borobudur and Prambanan, as masterpieces of touristic books, and very well promoted in research concerning central Java. This draws the majority of the travelers to Yogyakarta. But approximately at 2 hours driving from here, there is Solo. Less touristy, but still the surroundings deserve to be discovered. There is largely enough to see to spend a wonderful day there, between nature and temple. Among the very best of Solo, we suggest today the Cetho temple, Sukuh temple, and Tawangmangu waterfall. To get there, it is, nowadays, not so difficult. By bus, private car, or by a tour package, there are a lot of options for all budgets. Enjoy your trip! First stop: Cetho Temple It is an ancient heritage dating from the last Hindu period in Indonesia. This temple was built in 1451.
It represents the cultural concept of megalithic architectural style of punden berundak-undak (storied holy place) because of the 13 stages terraces (9 of them have been restored). It is located on the slope of Mt. Lawu, at the gates of East Java, at Gumeng Village inside the government of Karanganyar. The word “Cetho� in Javanese means CLEAR or OBVIOUS. This might be related to the fact that the temple has a strategic location. At the height of 1500m, it can be seen from all over the foot of Mt. Lawu. Bali lovers would definitely recognize the shape of the main gate, typical of Hindu temples. Up to this moment, the Cetho temple is still used as a place for religious ceremonies by the local citizens who are mostly Hindu.
origins. Was it linked in a way with the South and Middle American societies ? Was it built using the concept back to the pre-historic Megalithic culture? Up to date none of these theories has been declared as officially fact. This temple is still a complete mystery! In any case, exploring this temple with a naïve or advised eye is a unique experience. Last stop: Tawangmangu waterfall It is one of the best natural treasures of Mt Lawu. This is more than an 80 meter waterfall that provides fresh air and a priceless relaxing time. It is located nearly 35km east of Solo, right on the Equator, in the middle of a 20ha protected wild forest. There, you will find more monkeys than humans who will think it funny to disturb you, trying to steal your things. Monkey business… Also, you will appreciate the traditional market nearby, where you should not miss trying “sate kelinci” (rabbit satay). The perfect place to end the day before going back to Yogyakarta, or Solo, if you wish to discover the city. To get there: Second stop: Sukuh temple This is one of the less known temples in South East Asia. It is located also on the slope of Mt Lawu, more than 1,000 meters above the sea level. One of the main unique aspects is that despite of the fact that Indonesian society is quite strong and standardized concerning sexual topics, this temple is full of erotic ornaments. Also, shaped as a Mayan Pyramid, this temple raises smoking theories concerning its
Many tours and travel arrange the trip to Sukuh and Cetho temple from Yogyakarta, with tour packages or private car. Traveler can do this trip also by them self. From Yogyakarta there is train and bus service to Solo, and than other bus from Solo Bus Terminal to Tawangmangu. Stop at Karangpandan and catch minibus to Sukuh. From Solo the trip takes 2 hours in total. JM
part 2 Merbabu is without a doubt the highlight of my hike from Semarang to Parangtritis. Not only, it is literally the highest point of the trip (3145m). It’s also a fantastic climb. On my way up, I cross farmers with big stacks of grass on their heads. When I tell them I’m on my way to the top, they reply: “Bagus! Bagus! You’re a strong man!” I try to point out that they are probably stronger, walking barefoot up and down the slopes with hayricks on the pate. They find that highly amusing. The afternoon clouds catch up with me, and all of a sudden I’m surrounded by a thick white blanket. Weather conditions can change scarily fast on these altitudes. The mountains play a teasing game of hide-and-seek. You’re never sure how good the views will get, or if there will be a view at all. So I go trigger-happy with the camera every time I see a glimpse of a neighbouring mountain. Late afternoon however the game is over; the clouds make way to unveil an incredible display. I can see “them” all, from Lawu to Sundoro, a visual span of more than 120 km of a mountaineer’s porn. I enjoy the sunrise whilst packing the tent, taking pictures and cooking oatmeal. I’m kind of in a hurry today because I will meet three friends at the foot of Merapi. Finally, I will have some company! I’ve
noticed that walking by yourself in Indonesia gives you street credibility as a weirdo. Therefore I’ve started to lie to people, saying that I will meet up with imaginary friends a bit further down the track, which is, obviously, not weird at all. Chris, Wisnu and Jason however are ‘real’! I even have pictures to prove that they joined me crossing of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. We gather at the ridiculously enormous New Selo sign. The ascent from here is steep but fairly simple. The only way is up! When we reach the rocky Pasar Bubrah, a perfect camping spot very close to the crater, both the sun and the moon are out.
smaller it gets and there it is: water! It’s here that I find the beautiful and idyllic “Brochure of Java”. The harmony of the irrigation canals in the fertile earth is picturesque and so peaceful in comparison with the previous landscapes. It’s very pleasant to walk between the rich fields full of vegetables, rice, peppers and tobacco. It’s a cosmic feeling, like you’re on a different planet. There’s even silence. During the night, however, big groups arrive at the Pasar, enjoying the climb their very own way: ring tones and Indonesian ballads blasting while yelling just for sports. The Garuda has landed. It’s a short but punchy and sandy climb to the crater early in the morning. The view is more than rewarding, and looking down into the crater, looking straight in the evil eye of Merapi, is just mind blowing. Yet the biggest adventure is the descent. The path down to the southeast is less popular than the Selo track and therefore overgrown and, in some parts, hard to find. There are also no reliable maps. We need our maps, the compass, our combined orientation skills and the scattered pieces of information gathered from other climbers to navigate the way down. It’s a huge relief to find an old rusty arrow pointing to Deles Indah after four hours of walking. It’s still a long way down form there and the jokes per hour drop proportional with every kilometre. Reaching the base camp in Deles is a victory as sweet as the tea they serve us there. With the mountains behind me, I want to get to Parangtritis beach as soon as possible. The easiest way to find your way to the sea? Lykke Li Style: Follow rivers. The Kali Woro looks more like a stone quarry than a river at this time of the year. There’s frantic activity during the final weeks of the dry season to dig up as much sand and stones as possible. The rough and dry scene reminds me of gold diggers in the Wild West. The cold lava flows from the 2010 eruption have blasted away dams and bridges. It’s quite impressive. It looks like a monster puked his guts out, and that he didn’t chew his last meal all too well. The further I follow the river the
I pass Prambanan and reach yet another area, the much dryer region of Gunung Kidul. To get me through this final strip, I get the help of three ladies. Mie, Sara and Ebby met me with their backpacks filled with very organic apples, nutritious roasted nuts, sunflower seeds and tempe crackers. In order to fit all these delicious goodies in their bags, they decided not to bring the outside of their tent, you know, the waterproof part. This resulted in, on the one hand, the best camping dinner ever and, on the other hand, a somehow chaotic night as the rainy season of 2012-2013 decided to start exactly there that night. It was a night remembered by the fragile cosiness of a tent. Over the hills, passing by the huge dumpster of DIY Piyungan we reach the Kali Opak, our final guide to Parangtritis. We take it easy. The dams and the dike offer great opportunities for breaks and picnics. Just before we hit the Kretek bridge the route goes into the hills one last time. From up here, I can see and smell the blue Indian Ocean! An irrepressible smile appears on my face when I finally walk on the dark sand of Parangtritis. I bend over and touch the water. Time for a beer! Bert Cross Jawa Walk Exhibition Opening 2nd March ViaVia Jogja, Jl. Prawirotaman 30 viaviajogja.com and bertorama.com
“Rare species” of Javanese Street food RONDE RONDE RONDE Knock, knock, knock, knock……. It sounds like another Javanese delicacy is arriving in front of our house. This time we get to know Pak Kero and his delicious and famous Wedang Ronde, known all over the island of Java as Ronde. This famous dessert originated from Java and through the years became very popular throughout Indonesia. Wedang in Javanese language means ‘a drink’ and Ronde is a unique rice cookie in the shape of a ball with a hidden insert of palm sugar. The original Ronde is based on four main ingredients and all over most populated island in the world it is served the same way. The primary ingredient and a base of this snack consumed mostly in the afternoons are the flour balls with the sugar inside. In addition to the balls, few other things are served in the dessert bowl. Pak Kero adds handful of the cubed bread as well as pink coloured Kolang Kaling.
Kolang Kaling is a product made from the fruits of the Enau tree that is a supplier of the famous ‘gulah merah’. The final all of the ingredients is specially made water with ginger, red sugar and lemon. Apparently the most delicious Ronde can be found in the town of Semarang, however we are sure that our Yogyakarta version competes, which you can prove by investing small amount of money and trying Ronde. The bowl of delicious Ronde costs only 2500 to 5000 rupiah and it tastes really Javanese good. Piotr Smieszek
Semar : Who are you ? Past the midnight hour, the dalang (puppet master) of the Javanese wayang puppet theater prepares for the climax of the performance. He sets the stage for the goro-goro, the clown scene, as the chain of events leads to the peak of a conflict between the two sides of the wayang characters. Goro-goro scene intervenes with extensive jokes from the clowns, the Punokawan. There are four of them, Semar (also known as Ki Lurah Semar) and his sons: Petruk, Gareng and Bagong. They first appear in the second act of a wayang performance as the servants and counselors of whoever the hero of the wayang play is. Although they are called “clowns” Semar is the one who has a serious-minded character and he is perhaps the most venerable of all the punakawan, often regarded as the most sacred figure of the wayang set (kotak). Semar is one of the few characters in wayang stories that is not from Indian mythology; his origin is a hundred percent Javanese. At a literal level Semar is viewed as the founding ancestor and chief guardian spirit (dhanyang) of the ethnic Javanese. According to one version of the Javanese creation myth, he has been the “Promethean” god-man who first came to an accommodation with the natural forces of the island, thereby making it suitable for human habitation and rice cultivation. One genealogy of Semar is that he is the elder brother to Batara Guru (the Hindu god Siva), king of the other gods whilst another wants him to be the god Sang Hyang Ismaya in human form. The fact is that he is considered the most powerful of all Gods in the wayang genre and on occasions Batara Guru has to submit to him. Semar is portrayed as being immensely fat, with heavy breasts and enormous buttocks, he is decorated like a woman but dressed as a man which gives him a hermaphroditic identity. It is said that his fat, bulbous body symbolizes the earth and his white face reflects his honesty or integrity (kebersihan), wisdom (wicaksana) and purity of spirit (kesucian). Another commentator suggests that Semar’s black body and white face show the
contrast between day and night. Similarly, the punakawan usually appear after midnight to guide their master along the correct path in life, in alignment with both traditional and Islamic beliefs that late at night is the best time to receive spiritual guidance. Actually there are additional ambiguities on Semar’s physical appearance: he has wrinkles on his face but his haircut is the one of a child (he’s got a crest), he is smiling but his eyes are always watery, and finally he is got the most remarkable weapon: his farts. When Semar is farting the world in chaos will be fixed as his fart is a powerful weapon which is used, when the conventional ones, of the hero that Semar is following, fail. He is surely a mysterious figure but his most important aspect is that even though he is of divine origin his place is with the common people of Java and not with the hierarchy. Semar’s role thereby suggests that secretly, despite the glory of the courts where he advises, his power and wisdom lies with the common people. His interventions remind audiences that the masses have the capability to overturn dynasties, if and when rulers fail to maintain the cosmic balance. Vasiliki Ralli
Zango is a unique restaurant for Jogjakarta, blending the traditional Javanese joglo structure with the modern atmosphere of Europe, and seamlessly blending local and international food, with high quality products, at a very reasonable price. No matter your style Zango can provide to your pleasure, both for the palate and the atmosphere. The leaders of Zango’s cuisine are two new chefs. Chef Hari has trained for years and now specializes in sushi - developing the broadest, most complete sushi experience in Jogjakarta. Newly arrived Chef Sergio is the leader of the international menu that Zango is famous for. He specialized in Spanish and fusion cuisine, and working alongside Chef Rony, who has developed a new character and direction for Zango’s menu - with a concept and atmosphere suitable for all audiences. Zango cooks many dishes without much oil and our main course just have the touch of olive oil that makes them special in aroma and flavor. Zango has already incorporated into the new menu their Spanish/Mediterranean specialities, with a variety of fish that are always fresh and cooked in the true Mediterranean style, offering new sensations never before tried in Jogjakarta.
Chef Hari, Chef Sergio, Chef Rony Zango staff always cook with the best ingredients, and quality, which is why our daily special depends on what we find, fresh from market, and inspires us to make certain dishes, offering the best of our skills and our soul in the quality of the food. In Zango we cook so that customers feel at home, can have a good time with family and friends, and can enjoy our unique and exclusive atmosphere. It also has a capacity for over 100 people with 25 employees serving the needs of clients at all times, thus waiting times are appropriate and consistent with each customer selected menu. Zango is open every day of the week for you to choose the most appropriate time for your lifestyle, with a schedule that runs from 11 am to 10.30 pm, for the last order.
Zango has an innovation in flavors, textures and taste sensations that makes sure the meal time is something special, and not just basic survival. You can feel different textures and flavors in the same food, and when combined with the aromas you will remember the uniqueness of the moment.
Zango also prepares a different daily special, with a total of more than 40 plates that are not on the menu, serving those so many people who are forced to eat out every day for reasons of distance or work - making sure they have a balanced and varied diet at a very reasonably price - ranging between 45,000 and 65,000 IDR, including drinks. Due to the busy life that we all experience, Zango is focused on a healthy diet combination of low fat and fruit detox.
Zango Sushi Lounge Zango is proudly serving the most popular and healthy food in the world. High in omega-3 fatty acids, sushi is part of a Japanese diet that is said to increase life expectancy. Sushi is delicious and also very good for you. Fish and rice are typical in the Japanese diet that gives you great health benefits. For example, the average life expectancy for both women and men in Japan is one of the highest in the world. Here are seven sushi ingredients that help boost your health. 1) Fish and seafood sushi is low in calories. 2) Rice is an excellent source of carbohydrates and protein, and it is gluten-free. 3) Rice Vinegar has amazing antibacterial properties. 4) Ginger root is pickled and served as a palate cleanser with sushi. It aids digestion as well as boosting the immune system. 5) Soy sauce is high in protein, magnesium, potassium, and iron. 6) Nori (seaweed) contains protein, minerals-especially iodine and is rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, Niacin and C.
7) Wasabi is rich in vitamin C and has powerful antibacterial properties and is mildly antiseptic. Zango also offers a range of leisure activities for different days of the week such as the Special Sauce, where we host classes and the company of authentic salsa dancers who will participate in the evening of enjoyable dancing - so much fun! The Zango Friday sessions will also offer some Lounge music with DJ Chilout specialized sessions, where you can enjoy our fruit - presented and combined to be healthy, with no sugar. Please follow us on F and T @zangoresto where we will publish all our daily specials and inform you of the different events and developments at our restaurant.
Javanese Wisdom: Gunung Lawu
NENG, NING, NUNG
Calm Abiding, Mental Clarity, Union with the Divine It is not a coincidence that Cetho and Sukuh, two of the most mysterious Hindu-Buddhist era temples in Java, are located on the equally mysterious Mount Lawu. This huge extinct volcano peaks at an altitude of 3265m on the border between Central and East Java Provinces. The mountain is shrouded in mystery attributed to ancient legends, myths and strange anecdotes by contemporary climbers and spiritual pilgrims. If we take into account the metaphysical and esoteric meanings of the place in Javanese spiritual beliefs (kejawen) and practices (kebatinan), the religious functions of both the Cetho and Sukuh temples clearly contribute to a mountain-wide spectrum of processes and dynamics proper to the Javanese worldview, not to say genesis of the world. A widely popular mountain to climb, Gunung Lawu possesses several trail routes passing through highly attractive natural attributes in terms of lush valleys with old dipterocarp and evergreen forests, several springs and waterfalls, eventually leading to amazing panoramic views from the three different rocky peaks at the top. As a consequence, climber groups flock towards its slopes, attracting local and international nature lovers as well as outdoor activities and educational trips for school children. Yet for all its natural beautiful assets, the mountain is first and foremost revered or feared for its mystical qualities both amongst local communities and the spiritual pilgrims following the Kejawen tradition of animism-dynamism and Tantric Hindu-Buddhist beliefs. It contains for them several sacred sites worthy of night-time rituals and ascetic meditation practices. In their interpretation, all the natural, geological and hydrological wonders become so
many places of the kramat (esoteric) variety, where metaphysical beings and spirits haunt and guard the secrets of longed for ilmu (spiritual knowledge), and its benefits. Candis Cetho and Sukuh at the Lawu base tell the tales of the heroes of old, the Wayang gods and ancestors of the Javanese. Theirs are stories of morality, of spiritual powers and of higher wisdoms not easily learned through worldly forms of transmission such as schools or work training. They disclose the truths of existential life and higher goals, karmic danger and the pitfalls of illusory habits and emotions, secrets of success and true happiness. Amongst the Javanese society, we find the occurrence of aliran kepercayaan (mystical groups), who perpetuate these traditions of ancestral spiritual transmissions through concepts and ascetic practices. Many of these have Gunung Lawu as a main destination on their training schedules, for a good reason as the mountain is considered a high point of spiritual kejawen activities and history through its relation to royal figures of the past. It is considered so anker (haunted) that many prohibitions involving actions and speech are in place on its slopes, for fear of supernatural reprisals leading to undesired accidents. Respect of the traditions, nature and beliefs is thus recommended, even for mere tourists and climbers. An important reason of its mystical attraction is found through a historical anecdote which took place around the end of the 15th century, when the last Hindu-Buddhist King Brawijaya V had to abdicate to the Muslim armies and the subsequent religious change of the Javanese kingdoms during that time.
through meditation. This he did in order to help his descendants who were to become the future rulers of Java and beyond. He would thereupon assist them as a divine subtle being. His two wise counselors followed his example, as well as the two local chiefs who became respectively the spirit guardians of the Island of Java and of the Gunung Lawu Mountain.
A local legend (dongeng) says that upon seeing his empire and capital being attacked and destroyed by the invading Muslim armies of Demak led by his own renegade son Raden Patah, Brawijaya decided to escape - accompanied only by his two faithful counselors, Sabdopalon and Noyogenggong. They ended their flight on the Gunung Lawu slope, where they were received and guided by two local chiefs, Dipa Menggala and Wangsa Menggala. Brawijaya told them of his intention to meditate on the highest peak in order to receive a sign of guidance (petunjuk) from God Himself, which would define his future actions ; revenge or acceptance for the fate of his doomed Majapahit Empire. After reaching the peaks of Lawu, the King realized he had to accept his fate and perform the ultimate Tantric deed known as Muksa, or self-induced death
These divine ancestor spirits (leluhur) are now still known as Semar, Sunan Lawu and Kyai Jalak and it is with these wise ancestors that Javanese mystics attempt to enter into communication with for spiritual advice and realizations. This type of esoteric shamanic transmission happens through ritual meditation involving specific traditional offerings at a variety of sacred spots or petilasan. The realizations acquired through these practices in connection with the well-known qualities of the divine spirits are believed to guide a human wisely through his/her own life. Avoiding karmic mistakes, overcoming existential challenges, and acting as a compassionate being with an indestructible faith in a Universal Creator are some of the hoped for outcomes, often made easier by the acquisition of powerful mental capacities such as metaphysical perception and manipulation, supernatural power strength, clairvoyance and heightened selfconfidence. Brawijaya V showed the path, by a contemplation practice known as Neng Ning Nung. Neng comes from the word Meneng or Calm Abiding, Ning from the word Wening or Mental Clarity leading to a state of Nung from Dunung meaning Union with the Divine. As such the Javanese mystics know this practice by the saying “Menenging Solah Bawa, Weninging Ati Manungkung Puja�. By MokoPramusanto & Patrick Vanhoebrouck
Javanese Health Secrets : Many activities throughout the day make the body feel tired and its freshness decline. A common Javanese massage technique to overcome this condition is called Tapak/Napak, whereby the palm of the hand is used wholly to apply a pressing touch on the body, followed by a sequence technique of rubbing with the palm. It is similar to the traditional Chinese massage technique named Anmo. Both techniques are aimed at the back (dorsum) and loin (lumbar) areas.
Palm Pressing
Javanese Massage
bladder meridian which includes those meridian points directly influencing internal organs. A massage in the back and waist area can thus provide energy stimulation for the 12 Organs (lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen (spleen-pancreas), heart, small intestine, bladder, kidney, pericardium, Triple Energizer, gallbladder, liver).
Palm Stroking
After the palm pressure and rubbing, the next stage of this technique is to go over the painful area with stroking thumbs. Ideally done with a balsam prepared from water, green lime, turmeric and possibly a touch of tamarind. Tamarind adds acid, which, in the system of the 5 elements, is related to the element of Wood. This element of nature stimulates and influences the muscle and tendon tissues, therefore adding this ingredient will increase freshness and comfort to the relieving feeling of the stroking massage.
Thus, it is clear that massage done in the area of the dorsum has a refreshing effect as the miraculous stimulation of specific buttons strengthens the function of the various internal organs. Proof of the success of this technique is the traditional kerokan therapy, whereby a coin is used to scrape the dorsal areas with a bit of balsam. The effect of the coin scraping spreads like a heatwave throughout the body as energy and blood circulate more smoothly. You can try to push the points in the area of the dorsum (upper back-waist), using the thumbs on a line 2 fingers width off the left and right side of the spine. In such a way, stamina will be maintained, towards a healthier way of life, free of avoidable pain. Healthy Greetings.
According to the Science of Acupressure, the upper back and waist area is the location of the urinary
By Moko Pramusanto and Patrick Vanhoebrouck
The Old Blind Man and The Siter His wrinkled fingers dance lively on the wire which functions as a musical string. A simple homemade “Siter” has faithfully accompanied him for decades. The blindness can’t stop him picking the right wire creating a beautiful melody. The old blind man with his sister is sitting on the sidewalk of Tirtodipuran Street every day playing siter, despite its quiet sound, drowned by the noise of motor vehicles in the midst of a bustling city. The 70 year old man named Amir, and is one of the few remaining siter masters in Jogja. Siter is a stringed musical instrument that is part of the gamelan (gamelan is a set of Javanese traditional musical instrument). Siter resembles a harp in West Java. The name “Siter” comes from the Dutch “Citer” which also deals with English language “Zither”. In China, a similar instrument called the “Guzheng”, and in India, known as the “Sitar”. For Amir, the siter is his world. This instrument not only gives life, but is also a loyal friend in his lonely dark world. Amir lost his eyesight at the age of 9 due to the pox disease. There was no doctor, and he was taken to a traditional physician. His pox was cured, but the high fever eliminated his vision.
Since then he ‘sees’ everything by voice he heard. He grew up in traditionalist neighbourhood where people used to play gamelan. But of the many traditional Javanese musical instruments which are familiar for his ears, the gentle sound of siter caught his attention. He started learning to play it autodidactically, and since then his life is destined. Siter becomes his way of life, it entertains people, and a source of income that feed his body and soul. The money he earned is not much, but he accepts each penny gratefully. Amir makes his own siter with simple material namely plywood, wood, and wire. He chooses wire instead of string as the wire is stronger and not easily broken. The friction with wire for decades gives a mark and thickens the skin of his right thumb. Making money from playing siter is a tough job. This street musician has to walk dozens of kilometers from his house in Jogonalan-Bantul, to the downtown area, playing siter along the way and entertain people on the street. As time goes by his reputation was heard of by some hotel managers in Pawirotaman and Tirtodipuran area, and he is sometimes asked to perform in the hotel to entertain the guests. But now he is older and physically weakened and he has finally decided to stop walking around and sit on the side of the road in Tirtodipuran area. Many people pass by and sympathetically stop and give him some money. Some stay longer to enjoy his performance. Most of the melodies he plays were created by himself, but he never writes down or documents any of his work. All is just stored in his head, and no one will inherit his skills. In modern days, it is rare to find someone who has interest or desire to learn traditional music instrument, especially the siter. No wonder the number of siter musician is becoming scarce. But in the rush of modern world where traditional music is easily ignored, Amir remains faithful and sits on the roadside in Tirtodipuran playing his unheard siter melody each and every day. Deti Lucara
Interview with a Decision Maker
Guy Mazars General Manager of CV Asiatik ATM French Address : Jl Parangtritis km 7 cabean Bantul - Yogyakarta 0274 – 454 7760 asiatik@indo.net.id
JM: Dear Guy, can you tell us what guided you to be the general manager of a furniture company in Indonesia? I have an atypical career. All started in 1970 when I used to work for an oil company. I was in charge of prospecting new fields around Indonesia during 5 years. I used to work during 14 years again for that company, but not anymore in Indonesia. When the evolution possibilities of my career were limited, I bought a Hotel in my hometown – Lourdes – in France. After 7 years working in accommodation, I finally sold it, and started to be pensioned. But pension was not for me. I started to work in a real estate company, until a time friends of mine ask me to join them in a teak prospection trip in Indonesia. There, I met my future wife. We set up a first company with my friends, but it doesn’t work really well. Finally, with my brother, we set up another company. Him, making the marketing in France, me, managing the production in Indonesia.
customers (in terms of volume) is for the French market. JM: In average, how many container you send per year? Nearly it is 80 containers a year. JM: Why did you choose Yogyakarta to stand your company? Well, there are 2 reasons for that. The first one is that my wife is from Yogyakarta. The second one is that I quit Jepara - because before establishing my company in Yogyakarta, I had one in Jepara - but due to a lack of professionalism there, I decided to move. JM: What is the best seller of your collection? It is definitely the outdoor teak. It is a seasonal activity, but in 3 or 4 month, I make the more than the half of my yearly production. The pick is between December and January.
JM: Today, what is your activity branch? It is mainly teak outdoor furniture. In there, I manage the production, the finishing and the design of the collections.
JM: How many employee do you have? I use to work with 4 main suppliers. But on my own company, I have in average 65 employees. Except during the high season, when the labour raise until 90 people.
JM: Who are your main customers? My main customers today are some wholesalers for the supermarket companies. A large majority of my
JM: Where are your main suppliers? I have some nearby Yogyakarta, and some nearby Jepara.
JM: Can you tell us if there are quality labels for the especially for the European market? Well, I usually follow the recommendation of 2: TFT and FSC. Those labels guaranty the traceability of the wood. Those label also care if there are kids who are working. JM: Where does the wood you use come from? I use 2 source. One is in the forest nearby Jepara, the other one is in Wonosari. There, following the recommendation of the labels to replant wood, every year I contribute to replant 8 000 trees. This plantation is certified FSC, and is managed by villagers. We invest on the plantation with the labels, the villagers manage, and get income from the sales. JM: What is the main difficulty in the furniture business? QUALITY ! You have to check at any state of the
production. Any single piece is checked before being accepted and processed. Anything bad comes back to the supplier. JM: Did you felt the crisis in 2008? Yes, we still don’t have the level that we had before 2008. 2006 and 2007 were two very good years, hopefully, and the income we get during that period helped us to go through. 2011 was also a hard year. But I am optimistic for 2013. The French market seems to recover. JM: What is your prediction for the next years? There will always be a potential in furniture business, and those who will survive will find the good market, the perfect design on the right time. Globally, I think that the market will recover. The positive effects should be seen in 2014. JM
What’s up in March 2013 1st until 10th March Turning Targets #3 - Realities: Cemeti Archived
Cemeti Art House / Rumah Seni Cemeti Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41, Yogyakarta 55143 Cemeti Art House archives exhibition will present a series of selected documents in a variety of formats: articles, photos, videos, audio recordings and clippings.
2nd March until 2nd April Blossom - Start at 7pm
Sangkring Art Space Nitiprayan Rt 1 Rw 20 No.88 Ngestiharjo, Bantul Yogyakarta Solo Exhibition “BLOSSOM” by Stephan Spiche. Opening words: H.E. Heinz Walker-Nederkoorn (Ambassador of Switzerland in Indonesia).
2 and 3 March Workshop Custom Toys nd
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Tirana House Fashion, Art & Creativity Jl Suryodiningratan 55 YK Already bored with your old toys or broben toys? Make your own with this workshop. Results of the workshop : 5th until 17th March
6th March Taste the Waste - Start at 7pm
Kedai Kebun Forum Jl Tirtodipuran No.3 - Yogyakarta Presentation of the movie “Taste the Waste” , a Cooperation between the Goethe Institut and KKF, and a discution about the food industry, consumerism and organic trends in Germany and Indonesia.
8th and 9th March Open House - From 10am to 17pm
Institut Français LIP Yogyakarta Jl Sagan 3 Yogyakarta After renovation, two days to discover the new building, french course gratis, film, concert, and many surprises !
13rd March until 22nd March Cycle #2 : HYDRO-DYNAMIC
Langgeng Art Space Jalan Suryodiningratan Yogyakarta 55141 Exhibition by Anton Subiyanto[Indonesia] & Dona Prawita Arissuta[Indonesia] & Rocka Radipa [Indonesia] & Ruzzeki Harris[Malaysia] & Syahbandi Samat[Malaysia] & Mariana Saleh[Malaysia].
14th, 22nd, 23rd, 28th March KcK – Cine Club - Starts at 19.00 twice a month
Institut Français LIP Yogyakarta Jl Sagan 3 Yogyakarta 14th March « L’Arnacoeur », a comedy with Romain Duris and Vanessa Paradis 28th March « Decameron », a masterpeice of Pasolini Other events: 22th and 23th March Francophony days 22th 19pm - French Language in Africa, presented by african students and Film 23th 3pm to 6pm : come to taste african foods ! 23th 7pm Concert with the french/senegal group Jesers.
23rd March until 15th April Path of Journey
Tirana House Fashion, Art & Creativity Jl Suryodiningratan 55 YK Solo exhibition by Tina Wahyuningsih
Every Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday Ramayana Ballet Performance 7.30pm - 9.30pm Taman Wisata Candi Prambanan Jl. Raya Yogya-Solo km 16 Prambanan Cultural performance managed to combine the diversity of Javanese art in forms of dance, drama and music.
Practical information
Police: 110 Ambulance: 118 Fire brigad: 113 Emergency: 112 Immigration office: 0274 - 487 165 International Hospital: 0274 - 446 3535 Kota Yogyakarta Hospital: 0274 - 371 195 Red cross: 0274 - 379 212 Tourism information: 0274 - 513 543 Tugu train station: 0274 - 589 685 Airport: 0274 - 484 261 Jas taxi: 0274 - 373 737 Asa taxi: 0274 - 545 545 Sadewa taxi: 0274 - 376 107 Indrakelana taxi: 0274 - 564 572 Money changer: 0274 - 561 155 Yogyakarta city government: 0274 - 562 811