#5: Time and Name of Days

Hi guys, here's another series of my videos: Learning the Indonesian Language. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and click the bell button to get notified whenever my new videos coming up.

Monday = Senin Tuesday = Selasa Wednesday = Rabu Thursday = Kamis Friday = Jumat Saturday = Sabtu Sunday = Minggu Morning = pagi Day = siang Afternoon = sore Evening = malam

#4: Call a stranger and make yourself understood

Hi guys, here's my another video series of Learning Indonesian Language. It's about how to call a stranger and also how to make yourself understood.
More video are coming up, so make sure you've subscribed and hit the bell button below my video on youtube, so you get notified every time my new video is uploaded. Enjoy ;)

1. How to call a stranger

Sir = Pak (Bapak)
Ma'am = Bu (Ibu)
Mas = approximately same age (male)
Mbak = approximately same age (female)
Kak (Kakak) = approximately same age (both male & female)



2. How to make yourself understood

Sir, excuse me, can you speak English?
Pak, maaf, bapak bisa bahasa Inggris?
Mas/Mbak/Kak, bisa bahasa Inggris?

Is there anyone can speak English?
Ada yang bisa bahasa Inggris?

Excuse me, can you talk slower?
Maaf, bicaranya bisa lebih pelan?

Can you repeat that?
Boleh diulang(i)?

I'm sorry, I don't understand.
Maaf, saya nggak ngerti.

Do you understand what I mean, Sir?
Apa bapak ngerti maksud saya?

I don't know.

Saya nggak (kurang) tahu.

#3: Basic Question

Where = di mana?
When = kapan?
What = apa?
Who = siapa?
Why = kenapa?
Which = yang mana?
How = gimana?

#2: Introduction

Hello, this is my second video of Learning the Indonesian Language for daily conversation. Enjoy :-)

Phrases:

• May I sit here? = Boleh saya duduk di sini?
• Yes = ya; iya; boleh
• Sorry, ___ = Maaf, ___
• No = tidak; nggak; enggak
• Don't = jangan
• May I get to know you? = Boleh kenalan?
• My name is ___ from ___ = Nama saya ___ dari ___
• I'm ___ from ___ = Saya ___ dari ___
• This is my friend, ___ from ___ = Ini teman saya ___ dari ___
• What's your name? = Namamu(nya) siapa?
• Where are you originally come from? = Asli(nya) dari mana?
• Where are you staying here? = Di sini tinggal di mana?

#1: Greetings

Hello guys, in this tab, I attach my youtube link, in case you're interested in learning the Indonesian language. Notice that this video is only for daily conversation, so it's not too formal. Enjoy :-)

1. Good morning = selamat pagi
2. Good day = selamat siang
3. Good afternoon = selamat sore (I know I forgot to mention it here, hope in the next video)
4. Good evening = selamat malam
5. Good night = selamat tidur
6. Hello, how are you? = halo, apa kabar?
7. Good, thank you = baik, terima kasih
8. See you later = sampai ketemu lagi

Solo Part 3: Second Oldest Museum & Keraton Surakarta

Seems I forgot to share other spots while I was in Solo. Sorry guys. Here they are:

1. Museum Radya Pustaka
Remember I wrote about Java Opera or Wayang Orang in my previous blog? If you have not read it, here is the link.
The opera is always performed in Taman Sriwedari. Not far from there, you will find the second oldest museum in Indonesia: Museum Radya Pustaka (The first oldest museum is National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta). It was established by Kanjeng Raden Adipati Sosrodiningrat IV (royal advisor of Pakubuwana IX & X), in October 1890. The museum is pretty near, just about next to Taman Sriwedari. You can get there just by few steps. 

Front yard of the museum, right after the rain stopped.

We went here in January, so it was still rainy season. Pardon the cloudiness and those watery cobble stones. I directly went here soon as the rain stopped. So anyhow, the building was literally a house, owned by a Dutchman: Johannes Busselaar (so no wonder the building plan very much let's say "homey"), and used to keep important & confidential archive of Surakarta (Solo) palace. As time went by, there are various things added and kept in there. Not only literature, but also another matters which are related with the palace, such as souvenir collection, traditional & modern (at that time) weapons (you know guns in Jackie Chan & Owen Wilson movie Shanghai Noon? Pretty much like that), gifts from another empires, various mode of suit which were combined with batik (suit which usually worn by Solo King at that time), and many more. 

In front of the museum we can see statue of Rangga Warsita, a poet lived in 19th century.

Radya Pustaka classifies it's collection according to the matters/elements. So we'll find collection made from metal in one room, ceramics in the next room, and bronze in another room.

First part of the building, the terrace, we can spot several cannons from Dutch. Then step in the building, first room, we can see all kinds of wayang (traditional puppets) from domestic and abroad. In the next room, we'd find all metal stuffs: statues, weapons, miniatures. Then just few steps from there, there's an antique musical instrument: organ, a gift from Napoleon Bonaparte. 

  

Wayang room

The next room, we could see all materials made from ceramics (or some of you probably call it as "China"). And I love what I found in the next room: library!! Too bad some of them are written in Dutch. Well I could read it, even not knowing the meaning :p But not all of them written in Dutch. There are also in Indonesian language, and Javanese :D 

 

In the next room, we'll find statues and traditional music instruments (gamelan) made from bronze. And the next room, I was stunned by a set of massive gamelan which was owned by Kanjeng Raden Adipati Sosrodiningrat IV. How should I describe it? Magnifique! Got goosebumps only by watching it.

Kanjeng Raden Adipati Sosrodiningrat IV

Radya Pustaka seems like to surprised their visitors with their glorious collection. I thought the massive gamelan was the peak of all collection. Meh... I was wrong. Indonesia is an archipelago. Empires which reigned ALWAYS had maritime transportation: a huge ship. No, I didn't find the great ship, but if you just stood there, there is a huge statue of Rajamala's head, the legend in Solo history. I can't imagine how big the ship was. They said it was placed on the prow (front of the ship), and stern (back of the ship). With it's golden teeth, long mustache, big nose, eyes almost popped out, and all red. Geez it's so big!! Another goosebumps I got.

Rajamala's head

Finally, in the last room (the largest one I think), we find another statues, batik which usually wore by people in palace when Pakubuwana IV - V still reigned. Including the suits I mentioned earlier, combination of modern suit and batik.


2. Keraton Solo/Surakarta (Surakarta Palace)

Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat is the official palace of Kasunanan of Surakarta. This palace was founded by Susuhunan Pakubuwana II in 1744 as a substitute of the Palace ravaged by Chinatown Rebellion in 1743. 

Palace garden

Palace garden

Palace garden

Palace garden

Although the Kasunanan of Surakarta has officially been part of Indonesia since 1945, this palace is still the residence of Sri Sunan and his court house which runs the royal tradition today. 

The garden is massively big, surrounded by the museum with terraces. So calm, peace, and quiet. Several big trees are coping the garden sand, completed with sound of chirping bird. Even it was a hot day, but the mind remind calm.

Main palace terrace

Palace terrace, across from the main palace

Surakarta Palace

Garden of Surakarta Palace

There's a museum inside the palace cluster, which keeps various collections of kasunanan, such as gifts from European kings, replicas of palace heirlooms, and gamelan. This palace is an example of the best traditional Javanese palace architecture.

All kings who had reigned in Keraton Solo

These "boxes" were used as kings transportation by lifted and carried by palace subordinates & servants. 

King's wagon

Its wheel is even taller than me

Before we enter the palace garden, we have to take our shoes off, unless if you were wearing flat sandals with straps like me, you'd be allowed to wear them inside the palace cluster. People in palace avoid the palace garden sand got carried outside. So they minimize it by ask visitors to take their shoes off. 

Gamelan inside the Palace

History at a glance (translated from Wikipedia)

Susuhunan Amangkurat II (Susuhunan of Mataram from 1677 - 1703) moved the Mataram Sultanate to Kartasura, due to Trunajaya rebellion in 1677. At that time, Susuhunan Pakubuwana II was reigning, Mataram was subjected to an uprising by the Chinese (allied with Javanese anti-VOC) in 1742. With support from Adipati Cakraningrat IV (reigned in West Madura and ally of VOC), Kartasura was finally recaptured even the situation had been severely damaged. Susuhunan Pakubuwana II fled to Ponorogo, then built a new palace in the village of Solo as the new capital of Mataram.

Susuhunan Pakubuwana II

Kartasura Palace building had been destroyed and considered "polluted". Susuhunan Pakubuwana II then ordered Tumenggung Hanggawangsa, Tumenggung Mangkuyudha, and the commander of Dutch troops, J.A.B. Van Hohendorff, to find the location for new capital/palace. They finally found it about 20 km to the southeast of Kartasura, in the village of Solo to be exact. 

After the royal palace was completely built, the name of Solo Village was later changed to Surakarta Hadiningrat. This palace was also a silent witness of  Mataram Sultanate displacement by Susuhunan Pakubuwana II to the VOC in 1749. After the Treaty of Giyanti in 1755, the palace was later made official palace for Kasunanan Surakarta.

Treaty of Giyanti which caused schism between Sultanates in Central Java

Treaty of Giyanti, on the other hand, was signed and ratified on February 13, 1755 in Giyanti (southeast of Karanganyar, Central Java) between Prince Mangkubumi, VOC, and Sunan Pakubuwono III along with his allies. Based on the terms of the agreement, the eastern half of the Sultanate of Mataram in central Java was given to Pakubuwono III with Surakarta (Solo) as its capital, while the western half was given to Prince Mangkubumi with its capital in Yogyakarta (sounds familiar?). This treaty marked the division of former territory of Mataram Sultanate between Surakarta Sultanate and Yogyakarta Sultanate. After signing the treaty, Prince Mangkubumi changed his title as prince and became known as Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. 

Pangeran (Prince) Mangkubumi/Sultan Hamengkubuwono I

Sunan Pakubuwono III

The Epitome of Kasuhunan Surakarta

"Sri Radya Laksana" is the epitome, or emblem, or symbol of Kasuhunan Surakarta which was created by Pakubuwono X. The name Radya Laksana is derived from Sanskrit, Radya means kingdom, Laksana means character, identity or symbol. The components are:

1. Makutha (Crown): The symbol of the King who upholds the value of Javanese culture (Keraton) that protect, be and protect.

2. Red & Yellow color, kasepuhan color (ancestors) which can be interpreted "the nature of patience and wise attitude"

3. Basic Color Blue, means rejecting bad nature. Also the manifestation of the vast sky as a symbol of widespread and forgiving.

4. Surya (Sun), symbol of world life source which means giving unconditionally

5. Sasangka (Moon), the moonlight that illuminates the night and does not dazzle the form, as the light in the darkness (uncertainty)

6. Sudama (Star), means guide in darkness or one divine symbol

7. Universe (Earth), as a place of beginning and end of life

8. Nails, symbolize firmness, consistency

9. Cotton & Rice, symbol of clothing and food, where clothing reflects the meaning of decency. The position of cotton on the right holds decency more than to seek sustenance.

10. Red Ribbon - White, is the symbol of the Father - Mother, where every human being must always keep the good name of the family. In addition, it can also mean unity of men (white) and women (red)

Thank you for visiting my blog :-)

Candi Penataran (Penataran Temple)

Summer is here, finally….yes! Summer is supposedly in April, but hey it's May 19th 2017, rain has stopped since few days back, so it's time to travel to some place further.

Continuing my previous journey, last time I was traveling with my husband to some temples in Surakarta or people usually call it "Solo". If you hadn't read them, make sure to click the link here. So anyhow, I will continue to share with you guys about this heritage of my country, Indonesia.

Before I get into the topic, I need to share a glance of historical background about the largest kingdom ever ruled here: MAJAPAHIT. Majapahit was a huge gigantic powerful kingdom. Its territory stretched from the northern tip of Sumatra to Papua. Even Wikipedia mentions it as "vast thalassocracy", a state with primarily maritime realms, an empire at sea, or seaborne empire. They reigned from 1293 AD to around 1500 AD. The founder and also the first king was Raden Wijaya. The existence of Majapahit was highly respected throughout the world. In the 13th century, there were only two major kingdoms, China and Majapahit. In Sanskrit, Majapahit is also known as Vilvatikta (Wilwatikta. Vilva: Maja Tree, Tikta: Bitter). Thus, Javanese also recognize this great kingdom with the name Wilwatikta (Wilwotikto).

Majapahit Flag

Raden Wijaya, the first king and founder of Majapahit

This great kingdom (of course) spread tons of artifact, and other historical buildings in almost every corner of Indonesia territory. But, due to some wars (mostly civil war), those buildings have vanished and only several are left, about 9-12 historical spots remain, including Candi Sukuh (Sukuh Temple), Candi Ceto (Ceto Temple) (I wrote them in my previous blog), and Candi Penataran which I'm about to share...

I usually started this with "how to get there", but since I've received e-mails from you about how if you're from specific countries, or specific town, it is better I leave it that way. You can e-mail me to get further information. For me, it wasn't hard, yet still a pain in the a$* journey, because we had to spent 20 hours to get there. My husband was behind the wheel, poor him :-(
Well not really 20 hours, we attended my cousin's wedding in Kediri (ok that was 18 hours driving), then continued to Blitar (about 1,5 hours driving), spent one night there (hotel was pretty cheap though), visited my grandparents tombs which were buried near The First President of Indonesia: Ir. Soekarno, visited my aunt in Garum (still in Blitar), then we continued to Candi Penataran. Luckily, it was only 20 minutes driving from my aunt's place.

Candi Penataran

12:30 in the middle of the day, middle of Penataran Temple. Pic: Gumilar Aditya

Location: Village: Penataran Sub-district: Nglegok
District: Blitar Province: East Java Surface area: 180 m x 130 m

First time was reported by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in "History of Java", he mentioned in 1815, Dr. Horsfield found ruins of Hindu temple in Penataran. Judging from the artifacts and structures which still remains, this temple territory consists of several building which were instead of built simultaneously, they gradually built them in relatively long term. This temple cluster was built around 12th - 15th century, under three empire eras:
1. Kadiri Empire (1042 - 1222 AD)
2. Singasari Empire (1222 - 1292 AD), and
3. Majapahit Empire (1293 - 1527 AD)

 

 

It was mentioned in Book of Nagarakretagama (old Javanese eulogy to Hayam Wuruk, king of Majapahit Empire): this Palah (Penataran) is a Dharma Ipas (shrine) to praise Rsi Saiwa-Sugata (Gods in Hindu) which were established on conferment land. The same purpose was also applied to King Srengga (King of Kadiri Empire), and it was written on prasasti (inscription) of Palah.

Now, I'm going to try to describe the cluster plan here, including the measurements. All information I gathered from the historical spot itself, and I'll try to translate it to you guys. Gonna be hard to imagine, even if I wrote this in my own language. So if you find you're getting bored and not good with numbers (like me), just click some videos I attach, then you'll know what I mean.

So, here it goes...
This Penataran cluster is divided into 3 areas:

Area I
Soon after I passed the gate, I was amazed by those 2 big Dwarapala statues. So big!

Gate is green, and as comparison, the man with black hat and red checker shirt, that's my father. And right beside him, The Dwarapala statue (right side). 

Dwarapala statue on the left side.

There is a large stone jutted out on the left side. This is commonly called Bale Agung. Made from rectangle andesite stone, size: 39m x 16,5m and height 1,5 m. In the middle of southern Bale Agung there is lower floor which is made of square andesite stone, size: 8m x 8m, and peduncles on the top of it.
Behind this lower floor there is a pendopo with size: 28 m x 10 m and 1.5 m high. Heading to south, there is a path which connects area I & II. Opposite the path there are three miniature temples of andesite stone with size: 1 m x 1 m. Behind pendopo we could see another 5 m x 5 m lot, on lower surface, still made of andesite stone, and also a temple.

Area II
Seems that first and second area are connected with a gate located south of the Anka Tahun Temple. Area II was formerly divided by two walls. In the north corner of the yard there is another surface with rectangular planes made of andesite stone with 13 m x 4 m wide.

   

We could see dragon temple from here, and another 2m x 2m floor surface. In the north there is another same surface, meanwhile on the south side the floor plan stands out with a size of 4 m x 4 m. Lots of statues (Penataran info gave the measurements, the sum, in detail, but I'll just skip it), and southern Dragon Temple there is a low stratum structure of 3m x 3m andesite, and another path which connects area II & III.
You're still with me now? Hey wake up!! :D

Area III
Both areas are separated by a gate, on the right side of the gate there are three small buildings and another floor surface.

 

 

Finally, we find main temple here, with a rectangular plan of stone andesite material, size: 32.5m x 29.5 m x 7.2 m,with another few temples spread around.

Main temple

View from main temple

View from main temple

My parents on the top of main temple

The feeling is indescribable. I was stunned again and again. Every detail, the cluster plan, the air, the weather, the view, the carvings on andesite stones, everything. Another memory of beautiful place which lingers inside me.

I feel you, I don't wanna go either.  Geez hope he's alright :p

Thank you for visiting my blog :-)

Pic: Gumilar Aditya