Romancing The Gendang, Hamid`s Way Of Keeping Traditions Alive

Pendang - "I feel something is amiss if I go through the day without once playing the gendang (drum) - just like a forlorn person pining for his missing loved one," quipped a cheerful-looking Hamid Abdullah, to the rapturous guffaws from all those within earshot.

The affable 48-year-old Hamid, whom residents of Kampung Kuala Lanjut affectionately call Pak Tih Mid, was all smiles as he related his experience at playing the gendang silat (traditional Malay drum which usually accompany a silat demonstration) to journalists, at his home here.

Grabbing the 53.3 cm-long drum that hung on the wall of his house, Hamid placed the musical instrument on his lap, his fingers caressing the skin as he strike forcefully onto the drum face, letting out a staccato of thumping beat.

Occasionally adjusting his headgear, Hamid related his gendang-playing legacy.

Among the 15 siblings, Hamid is the fifth and only child who took up the cudgel from his father and is carrying on with the musical tradition, which has been in the family‘s patriarchal lineage for the past three generations.

"I started playing the drum at the age of 14 and have never stopped to this day," claimed Hamid, who still keep the first drum that he made some 30 years ago. He also keeps the drum his father made some 70 years ago.

Earning A Living Playing the Gendang

Hamid who formed his own musical ensemble called Gendang Budaya Warisan Pak Tih (Hamid‘s Cultural Drum Heritage) 20 years ago, said playing the gendang silat has enabled him to support his family.

Besides playing at silat demonstrations, he also gets invited to perform at wedding receptions as well being a regular act at government functions like the Merdeka celebrations and VIP receptions.

Hamid charges from RM600 to RM2,000 depending on the location, time, the nature of the function and whether other traditional instruments would be required.

Hamid demonstrated his musical prowess by playing five drums simultaneously.

"The thinner the leather used, the better and sharper would the sound of the beat be," said Hamid.

He said the quality of the beats produced by a drum depends on the tautness of the leather used for the drums surfaces.

Usually, cowhide leather is used to form the bam or inferior surface of the gendang that emits low-pitch beats while sheepskin leather is used for the superior surface or cang that emits high-pitch beats.

"Rattan is used to reinforce the tautness of the bam," said Hamid who keeps 10 pairs of various Malay drums used for silat and joget routines.

For Hamid, even though the task to create a gendang is really meticulous, the interest in keeping his fathers legacy alive keeps him going on.

"A good gendang is that made from either the jackfruit, coconut or cempedak wood. I would usually seek out the wood from the jungle", said Hamid who also teaches the art of self defence, Silat Gayung Melayu.

He said the ideal length of a gendang is around 55cm as it would not strain the arms and can be comfortably held.

Such gendang may cost up to RM800 and making one, takes about one month, he said.

Assistance from Kraftangan

Hamid felt as if he was over the moon when the Kedah-branch of Kraftangan Malaysia offered him RM5,000 assistance.

Hence, from the money, Hamid built a workshop next to his home in an effort to conserve the Malay drums heritage.

Apart from the gendang-making work, the workshop also doubles up as a kind of a showroom for those who wish to view the finished products.

Kraftangan Malaysia also channeled RM20,000 worth of cowhide leather and machine for Hamids gendang-making effort.

Fifth Generation

Now Hamid is a relieved man as three of his children have shown that they are keen to follow his interest.

Hamids sons Mohd Sabri, 25, Mohd Shabi, 17 and Mohd Faizal, 16, frequently follow their father and his Gendang Warisan Pusaka troupe to their performances.

According to Mohd Sabri, ever since he first started to hear the performance of the gendang when he was a child, his interest in the tradition has built up.

"I started to play the gendang when I was in standard three, and now I work fulltime to make them. If not my brothers and I, who else would continue this legacy, furthermore performing with the gendang is able to give us a good income.

"Sometimes, we have our hands full in meeting the invitations to perform", he said.

Mohd Sabri is also learning how to perform with the serunai like his father who is adept at performing the traditional tunes like Mak Inang Lama, Layang Mas and Didikku.

This was proven when Hamid charmed the journalists when he performed the Ayam Didik tune with the serunai. By Nurul Halawati Azhari

Source: http://www.bernama.com/ (September 25, 2008)

Mystical touch to Balinese artworks

Kuala Lumpur - ART has always been a big part of Huang Fong`s life. The 72-year-old self-taught artist has been linked to art even as he started off at a bicyle repair shop in his early days.

The Indonesian Chinese was then infusing colours into black-and-white photographs that were common in those days.

Later, he realised that the earnings from his part-time job were better than his full-time income derived from repairing bicycles.

So, it was only natural that he switched to do what he liked and knew best.

Specialising in water colours on canvas, which is a technique hard to master, Huang Fong said he had spent a few years researching and perfecting the technique.

He said the secret was in managing the oil that was found on the canvas before putting the colour in.

“Normally, water colour on canvas does not last long and is hard to distribute evenly due to the oil on the canvas but a lot of research and hard work helped me master it,” he said while he was in Kuala Lumpur for his first solo exhibition in Malaysia at the Metro Fine Art Gallery, Legend Hotel.

His motifs are based on what he sees around him in Bali, particularly women.

His subjects amplifies or focuses on the women of Bali clad in their intricate sarongs while at a chore or dance.

“Familiarity with my surroundings help me picture my scenes well and I work on that basis,” Huang Fong added.

Some of these paintings also feature nude women or semi-nude women, focusing on the delicate feminine curves.

“Why would I want to paint women? It`s simply because they are beautiful and there is no better option than beauty as a subject,” said the artist.

Each of Huang Fong`s paintings also feature a smoky effect on the background, lending them a mystical and mysterious feel.

“The smoke is a reference to incense smoke that is common in Bali,” he added.

There are 35 big and small art pieces for sale at the exhibition with prices ranging from RM6,000 and RM49,000.

The exhibition is open till Sept 27 and viewing time is from 11.30am to 5.30pm. By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

Source: http://thestar.com.my (September 25, 2008)

Pantai Kundur folk stir up charity feast

Malacca - Over 300 residents of Pantai Kundur helped prepare 22 pots of bubur lambuk (porridge) to be given away to the less fortunate in conjunction with the month of Ramadan.

The gotong-royong cookout saw volunteers divided into 22 groups taking turns to prepare the porridge that was later packed and distributed.

Held at the Tangga Batu Pekan mosque on Sunday, the cookout was the fourth to be organised by residents there in as many years and was the largest giveaway of the traditional Malay porridge in the state so far with over 3,000 packets distributed.

Pantai Kundur state assemblyman Datuk Ab Rahaman Ab Karim said the event was jointly organised by the Pantai Kundur Community Development Centre, the Malacca State Tou-rism Action Council and the Tangga Batu Pekan mosque.

“About RM6,600 was spent on the ingredients for the porridge alone.

“We decided to continue preparing it the gotong-royong way as a means of preserving the Ramadan tradition practised by our forefathers,” he said.

The porridge, a must-have for Muslims during the fasting month, usually comes with ingredients such as meat, vegetables and nuts.

Source: http://thestar.com.my (September 26, 2008)

Majestic SOAS Mosque Turns 50

Bandar Seri Begawan - Exactly 50 years ago on Friday, September 26, 1958, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque was officially opened by the 28" Sultan of Brunei, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa`adul Khairi Waddien.

One of the celebrated landmarks of Brunei turns 50 today

and the Golden Jubilee celebration will see His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attending the Friday prayers and signing of the plaque.

The mosque was built at a cost of $7.7 million, with the best of materials at that time used for its construction.

Preparation for the Golden Jubilee celebration started as early as March this year with renovations on the whole mosque infrastructure ranging from general repair to mosque facilities including repair on the domes upgrading the gate and cleaning the lagoon and artificial barge.

The mosque is now glistening under the $2.6 million facelift with the dome being the main attraction. Repairs to the dome took more than six months and now it shines in all its grandeur.

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque has been a popular tourist attraction for decades and more importantly, it represents Brunei`s history throughout the world as visitors are left awestruck at its magnificence and beauty.

A special committee was formed in 1949 to build an edifice that would symbolise Brunei`s faith, vision and strength, which began as they laid the foundation of Sultan OmarAli Saifuddien Mosque.

Its members comprising locals and foreign architects were chosen to help realise the vision of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien and what he wanted Brunei to be.

According to historians, the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is an embodiment of the late Sultan`s characteristics; strong, regal, inspiring, ardent and fervent which all was successfully captured upon its completion.

The mosque single handedlv epitomises his vision which places Islam at its zenith.

On February 4, 1954, construction works began and the 5-acre site chosen encompassed the areas of Kampong Sungai Kedayan, Kampong Sumbiling Lama and Kampong Bukit Salat.

With Brunei Town playing its growing role as the town centre and the high population density in this area at that time, the site selected undoubtedly gave residents the best religious facility for their daily use and strengthened the Islamic faith for the masses in the country.

Four years later, at exactly 12.25pm on September 26, 1958, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien officiated the opening of the mosque.

Malaya`s first Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Malaya`s Prime. Minister Tunku Abd Rahman Putera, and the Sultans of Malaya were present to witness the historic event as well as Brunei`s own high-ranking officials, citizens of Brunei and its neighbours.

Fifty years oh, the mosque continues to serve as a reminder for the people of where they came from and the great strides it took to get there.

For those residing in the area near the mosque, its importance will persevere as much as it did in the past, has in the present and will the future. By Syafiq Affendy & Narissa Noor

Source: http://www.brudirect.com (September 26, 2008)

Solo Police Investigates Theft of Museum`s Bronze Statue

Solo - The police in Solo, Central Java, Police will begin after Lebaran an investigation into the theft of an antique bronze statue from the Radya Pustaka museum, said Solo police chief Akhmad Syukrani.

According to Syukrani, the police got hold of Central Java Relic Protection and Preservation (BP3)‘s inventory list which said that on November 2007, 52 items out of the entire 85 bronze collection in Indonesia‘s oldest museum were copies.

Syukrani said that the police was in possession of evidence indicating the statues were forgeries and the actual relics dating back 6 - 9th century BC. "The facts pointed at Heru Suryanto as the suspect," he said.

Heru Suryanto was charged with selling one of the stone relics from the same museum. He is now detained in Surakarta prison since the judge gave the verdict of one and a half years imprisonment last June. He collaborated with the Radya Pustaka museum‘s curator, KRH Darmodipuro alias Mbah Hadi to forge and sell six pieces of relics to Hugo E. Kreijger, a former curator at Christie‘s in Amsterdam.

However, until today the police were unable to bring in Hugo who is residing at the outskirts of Amsterdam, even though he has been declared as a suspect since December 2007. Solo Police have also sent a red alert to the Interpol after unsuccessfully trying to present Hugo in court through Hashim Djojohadikusumo, a businessman who bought the relics.

Archeologists believe that the stolen bronze is a major showcase of the museum, which belongs to Keraton Surakarta Foundation, since the collection consists of rare statues like the statue of Princess Cunda. There are only two statues of the a diety who represents wisdom of the world. The second such relic can be found in India. Therefore Cunda is estimated to be sold in international auctions for Rp 20 billion.

Syukrani doubts the police will be able to solve the bronze statues case immediately, since there has been no clarification as to when the collection was stolen and copied. "They were probably stolen before the stone relics," he said.

Moreover, the police must first find the original statues. "This is going to be difficult," Syukrani said. An investigator told Tempo that the bronze collection might have gone to a collector overseas. Several collectors from the US, England, Hong Kong, and Singapore have contacted the police to clarify their bronze documents‘ validity.

The mayor of Solo, Djoko Widodo claimed to have been contacted by local collectors. "They are willing to surrender the statues as long as they will not be charged," he said.

Syukrani hopes that Heru and other inmates who are now in prison are willing to tell the truth and accelerate the investigation. "I hope they will be cooperate," he said. The police will also question BP3 officials as witnesses.

From prison, Heru Suryanto denied charges he sold the bronze collection. "It‘s not that I want to redeem myself, but I don‘t know that many people who deal in bronze," he claimed.

Source: http://www.tempointeractive.com (September 25, 2008)

60 Persen Nominasi Ditolak UNESCO Jadi Warisan Budaya Dunia

Jakarta - UNESCO makin ketat melakukan seleksi untuk menetapkan warisan budaya takbenda sebagai warisan budaya dunia. Dalam Sidang UNESCO ke-6, sebanyak 60 persen dari 88 nominasi ditolak.

Sidang Sesi ke-6 Komite Antarpemerintah Unesco untuk Perlindungan Warisan Budaya Takbenda menetapkan 40 persen dari 88 nominasi sebagai warisan budaya dunia. Sidang yang dihadiri 535 delegasi dari 70 negara digelar pada 22-29 November 2011 di Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Nusa Dua, Bali.

"Sidang tahun ini berlangsung paling lama, sangat ketat dan unik. Sebanyak 40 persen yang diterima, sisanya ada yang dikembalikan ke negara yang mengusulkan atau ditolak," Ketua Sidang Unesco ke-6 Aman Wirakartakusumah.

Dari 40 persen atau sekitar 35 nominasi yang diterima masuk sebagai warisan budaya takbenda UNESCO, salah satunya adalah Tari Saman dari Gayo Lues, Aceh milik Indonesia.

Masuknya Tari Saman dalam daftar warisan budaya dunia UNESO tak lepas dari strategi yang diusung delegasi Indonesia. Aman menjelaskan, pengajuan nominasi dalam jumlah sedikit merupakan strategi.

Ia mencontohkan, Korea mengajukan sebanyak 35 nominasi yang ditolak oleh sidang UNESCO. "Nominasi Indonesia hanya Tari Saman dan diterima secara aklamasi. Kami mengajukan sedikit tetapi memenuhi kriteria yang ada,” kata Aman.

Selanjutnya, sidang UNESCO ke-7 akan digelar di Negara Grenada pada 2012.

Dirjen Nilai Budaya, Seni dan Film Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Ukus Kuswara mengatakan, Indonesia mengajukan tiga nominasi budaya Indonesia ke UNESCO yaitu Noken (kerajinan tangan) dari Papua, dan Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), dan sembilan jenis tari-tarian dari Bali akan dipilih di Grenada.

Tiga budaya Indonesia akan bersaing dalam 62 nominasi pada sidang UNESCO ke-7. Keterbatasan dana yang dimiliki UNESCO menyebabkan jumlah nominasi yang disidangkan diperkecil dari 88 menjadi 62 nominasi.

Ukus menyebutkan, tercatat sebanyak 15.000 kekayaan budaya di Indonesia. Pemerintah menargetkan untuk mencatat 1.000 kekayaan budaya lainnya. Pemerintah juga berencana membuat sistem perlindungan budaya seperti UNESCO dalam skala nasional.

Ketagihan Film 'Biru', Pacar Dicumbu

Surabaya- Dampak negatif dari kerapnya melihat video porno, membuat SR (17), warga Jl. Penjaringan Sari, nekat menyetubuhi pacarnya. Lantaran perbuatan pelajar SMK kelas II itu, sang kekasih yang tak tamat dari SMP, kini hamil dua bulan.

Informasinya, pelaku melakukan perbuatan itu sebanyak dua kali yakni di bulan Agustus dan September kepada Rintih (bukan nama sebenarnya).

Selain itu, lokasi yang dipilih pelaku juga sangat vulgar seperti di bilik warnet di kawasan Ruko di Perumahan Purimas pada siang bolong.

Meski perbuatannya tidak diketahui orang, namun perubahan pada tubuh korban justru terlihat. Apalagi sejak hamil, Rintih kerap murung hingga menaruh curiga kedua orang tuanya.

Tak ayal, hal itu membuat kedua orang tuanya mendesak agar korban yang tinggal di Jl. Kedung Baruk, bercerita.

Seakan disambar petir, kedua orang tuanya yang mendengar pengakuan korban, lantas mendatangi rumah pelaku untuk minta pertanggungjawaban. Tapi sayang, keluarga pelaku justru menolak sehingga keluarga korban melaporkan hal itu ke Polsek Rungkut.

Mendapat laporan tersebut, Kapolsek Rungkut, Kompol Nouvil Hartono langsung memerintahkan anggotanya untuk menangkap pelaku di rumahya. Tapi penangkapan pertama gagal. Pasalnya, pelaku mengetahui kalau dirinya dilaporkan ke polisi, sehingga kabur.

Namun pada Rabu (23/11/2011) kemarin, pelaku diantar orang tuanya ke Polsek Rungkut guna menyerahkan diri dari pengejaran petugas.

"Orang tuanya tak tega ketika melihat anaknya menjadi buronan polisi selama dua minggu, sehingga dibujuk untuk menyerahkan diri," ungkap Kompol Nouvil didampingi Kanitreskrim, Iptu Kemis Wandoko, Kamis (24/11/2011).

Informasinya, hubungan antara pelaku dan korban sudah tiga tahun dan kerap janjian ketika pulang sekolah di warnet yang sekaligus tempat pelampiasan nafsu oleh pelaku. Awalnya, kedua insan ini sekedar mengotak-atik situs jejaring sosial facebook (FB).

Tapi ketika warnet tak ada penggunjung selain mereka, membuat pelaku berpikiran mesum. Dari situ, korban diajak bercumbu hingga berhubungan intim. "Akibat rayuan maut, korban rela keperawanannya direnggut sang kekasih," tambahkan Nouvil.(beritajatim.com/ndr)

Misterius, Kasus Video Porno Guru Matematika

Bintan - Kasus rekaman adegan mesum Fr (32), seorang guru Matematika SMA negeri di Kijang, dengan Mr (23), pegawai honorer Sekda Pemkab Bintan, terbilang misterius. Walau Fr sudah ditangkap, hingga detik ini polisi masih terus menyembunyikan kasus tersebut.

Ada apa dengan polisi? Pertanyaan ini mulai terlontar di tengah masyarakat. Kasus rekamanan porno ini, menurut perwakilan Ikatan Pemuda Tarbiyah Indonesia (IPTI) Bintan, Suyito, tidak hanya menjadi masalah pribadi kedua pelaku. Namun, status guru PNS yang disandang Fr otomatis juga membawa nama dunia pendidikan di Bintan.

"Jika bukti dan saksi memang sudah kuat atas penangkapan Fr yang seorang guru ini, maka polisi pun seharusnya memberikan klarifikasi resmi mengenai masalah sebenarnya. Ini agar tidak ada opini macam-macam di tengah masyarakat. Karena Fr seorang guru juga, ini juga hak publik untuk mempertanyakannya," terang Suyito yang juga seorang akadimisi salah satu perguruan tinggi di Tanjung Pinang ini.

"Persoalan ini harus ada efek jeranya agar tidak terjadi lagi. Ada kesan kasus ini akan di-peti-es-kan. Jika sampai sekarang polisi tidak memberikan keterangan, maka kita semua pasti berpikir ada something wrong dari kasus ini," sebutnya.

Kanit Reskrim Polsek Bintan Timur Ipda Efendri Ali mengaku belum diizinkan oleh pimpinannya untuk memberikan klarifikasi lebih lanjut. "Nanti ada waktunya. Saat ini atasan belum memberikan instruksi untuk memberikan keterangan," sebut Ali saat dihubungi kemarin.

Kapolsek Bintan Timur Komisaris Achmad Suherlan juga masih sulit ditemui terkait klarifikasi masalah tersebut.

Banyak rumor beredar bahwa Fr sudah tidak berada di sel tahanan Polsek Bintan Timur. "Kabarnya Pak Guru sudah keluar dari sel ya?" tanya salah seorang guru sekolah lain di Kijang.

Sementara itu, korban Fr, yakni Mr, sejak Selasa (8/11/2011) tidak masuk kantor. Mr sebenarnya sudah tampak terpukul sejak Senin (7/11/2011) lalu saat masuk kerja. Saat akan dikonfirmasi, Mr terlihat menghindar.

"Kami sebenarnya sudah melihat ke rumahnya, cuma kami nggak menyinggung pembicaraan terkait hal ini. Pada Senin lalu saat masih masuk kerja, tampaknya dia sudah banyak menangis," ujar Herry Wahyu, Kabag Organisasi Setdakab Bintan, kemarin.

Sementara itu, Ramzan, kepala sekolah menengah atas tempat Fr mengajar, mengatakan bahwa guru-guru di sekolahnya berinisiatif melakukan aksi solidaritas untuk membantu keluarga Fr pascapenahanan tersebut.

"Bagaimanapun, dia punya istri dan anak-anak. Dia juga bekerja di sini. Jadi, berdasarkan kesepakatan bersama dalam rapat, guru-guru berinisiatif untuk menyumbang membantu anak-anak dan istrinya," sebut Ramzan.

All Set For SOAS Mosque Celebrations

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Religious Affairs yesterday conducted a full rehearsal for the golden jubilee celebrations of Sultan Omar `Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

The purpose of the rehearsal was to prepare for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam`s visit to the mosque for the mass Friday prayers, which will be held tomorrow. An estimate of more than 2,000 people, including members of the royal family, ministers, and government officers, were expected to attend.

Yesterday, the officers from the Religious Affairs ministry performed a run-through for the monarch`s arrival to the mosque.

A hadrah (traditional Malay music instrument) performance, along with students from religious schools will line up near the entrance to welcome His Majesty to the mosque.

Upon arrival, Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Mohd Zain Hj Serudin would be present to greet the monarch.

His Majesty would then greet with the 50 people who have completed reading the al-Quran as a commemorative act for the mosque`s golden jubilee celebration. The readers have been coming to the mosque to recite three jun per day since September 16.

Tomorrow, they will each complete one reading of the holy book, thus conducting 50 turns of the Khatam Al-Quran, which marks the 50 years that have passed since the mosque was constructed.

His Majesty will also be invited to sign a large commemorative plaque, made out of marble, to signify the inauguration of the mosque`s golden jubilee. This would then be followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasin and a tahlil (prayers for the deceased) ceremony.

A special sermon would be delivered to the congregants of the Friday prayers, in light of the celebrations. The prayers will be led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Abd Hamid Bakal.

Construction of the mosque began on February 4, 1954 and was completed on September 26, 1958. Encompassing an area of five acres, the 225 by 86 feet mosque can accommodate about 3,000 worshippers. Outside prayer areas were also set up yesterday to facilitate the large expected turnout.

Source: http://www.brudirect.com (September 25, 2008)

N Sulawesi Christian youth to help maintain Idul Fitri security

Manado, N Sulawesi - Christian youth organizations here have declared their readiness to help maintain public security during the Idul Fitri (Muslim post-fasting-month) holidays.

"We will guard all locations used for Idul Fitri prayers in North Sulawesi. Thereby, our community will always live in peace and harmony," Franky Mokodompis, general secretary of the Youth Commission of the Minahasa Evangelical Church (GMIN) said in Manado on Monday.

Mokodompis also asked the public to always respect the holy days of religious communities to which they did not belong. Such respect was a form of the inter-religious tolerance existing in the region and aimed to avoid violence or destructive actions.

"Inter-religious tolerance in North Sulawesi has existed for quite a long time . Muslim youth organizations also always help to maintain security around churches during Christmas, New Year and also Easter," he said.

An executive of the Indonesian Christian Students Movement (GSKI), Sandy Lantang, said with Idul Fitri now only a few days ahead, it was important to ensure tranquil and secure conditions in the community.

"North Sulawesi has always been in secure and conducive conditions on holy days because there is a high degree of inter-religious tolerance among the people," he said.

Source: http://www.antaranews.com (September 23, 2008)

Teenager Makes Malaysia Proud At Dubai Quran Recital

Dubai - Malaysian Muhammad Ahmad Zahid`s recital of the Quran was mesmerising, one that helped him clinch first place in the best recitation category at the 12th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) which ended here yesterday.

And the 13-year-old "hafiz" made the country proud when he had the honour of reciting verses of the Quran at the prize-giving graced by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Looking smart in a baju Melayu suit and songkok, Muhammad, from Sekolah Darul Hikmah in Ampang, Selangor, was all smiles as he was congratulated by government officials, fellow contestants and others who were at the Cultural and Scientific Association Centre, the venue of DIHQA, in Al Mamzar.

The teenager, who took three years to memorise the Muslim holy book, received his prize at a separate ceremony a few days ago.

The overall winner of the DIHQA, which began early this month, was Yemeni Fares Al Aagam, followed by Libya`s Noor Al Deen Al Younsi and Khalid Al Ainati from Kuwait.

The first three winners of the Quran recitation competition received 250,000 dirham (1 dirham = 94 sen), 200,000 dirham and 150,000 dirham, respectively. The fourth to 10th place winners received between 65,000 dirham and 35,000 dirham. A total of 85 contestants took part in the competition.

Muhammad was a picture of confidence as he took the rostrum before a packed house last night, and began reciting the Quran. A local newspaper described his performance as "breathtaking".

"Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God)," was how he summed up the whole experience later, before scurrying off with some new-found foreigner friends at the end of prize-giving which was also attended by the Malaysian consul-general in Dubai, Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin.

Speaking to Bernama earlier, Muhammad said he began memorising the Quran at the age of seven, admitting that it had not been easy.

He counted his legal advisor father and mother, a dentist, as among his biggest supporters.

"It was really tough in the beginning but it got easier along the way. And a keen interest in what I was doing also helped me greatly," said the young man who hailed from Kuala Lumpur.

Asked what were his secrets of success, Muhammad said: "Hard work, doa (prayers) and perseverance."

Besides Dubai, his talent had brought him to places like Austria where he was invited for a Quranic performance in 2006. He often receives invitations to lead prayers at mosques in Malaysia.

The teenager said he had spent much of Ramadan in Dubai and was looking forward to returning home to be with his family for the rest of the fasting month and Aidilfitri celebration.

On his Dubai trip, Muhammad was accompanied by Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officer Mohamad Faizal Omar Baki.

Muhammad attended an iftar (breaking of fast) with members of the Malaysian community in Dubai yesterday where he also led the Maghrib prayers.

Syed Mohamad Hasrin, the consul-general, hosted the iftar meal for the Malaysian hafiz at a hotel here on Thursday.

Mohamad Faizal revealed that his young charge had bought shoes for himself and other gifts for his family with the prize money he had won, ahead of their flight back to Malaysia this evening.

Although Muhammad was not among the top 10 overall winners, the Jakim officer expressed confidence that the teenager would do well in similar events in the future. By Muin Abdul Majid

Source: http://www.bernama.com (September 21, 2008)

Seized cultural artifacts in Maitum: remnants from yet another ancient Mindanawon tribe

Davao City – Vigilance by residents, the police, the local government in Maitum, Sarangani and the provincial government has paid off: five of the 22 sacks of cultural artifacts seized by the police last month have been transported to the National Museum as initial inspection by archaeologist Dr. Eusebio Dizon showed the shards from anthropomorphic burial jars are different from the now-famous “faces from Maitum.”

“They`re a different people. They`re a bit different from the Maitum collection that`s why it`s good to know how different they really are,” Dizon said when he passéd by the provincial police headquarters in Alabel, Sarangani from Balut Island on September 11, on his way to Manila, to check on the artifacts as directed by the National Museum.

The Maitum anthropomorphic secondary burial jars are about 2,000 years old.

The seized artifacts were apparently sorted already as one plastic bag, for instance, contained shards of faces and ears, eyes and mouth while another plastic bag yielded shards of hands and elbows.

“They`re really different,” Dizon said, of the seized artifacts, adding that the faces are different and the fingers on the hands of the Maitum jars are just lines, unlike the seized artifacts, whose fingers are separate.

“The more important thing is to find out the location, the origin of these shards,” Dizon said.

Dizon said the artifacts had obviously been dug up for years already because “the lime deposits have been washed out.” This means these have been excavated a couple of years ago.

Dizon said glue markings are also evident as some people apparently tried to put the pieces together.

Dug up years ago

He reckons the shards were dug after the book, “Faces from Maitum” came out in 1996.

“I think…. they waited for the book to come because the book became a reference.”

“Faces from Maitum” is a book written by Dizon and Rey Santiago on the archaeological excavation of Ayub Cave or Pinol Cave in Maitum, Sarangani from November 1991 to May 1992 and January 17 to February 15, 2005.

Several ritual jars and pots were also among the seized sacks but Dizon said these were likely ritual jars and not for cooking.

Dizon described the Maitum find in the early 1990s as “unparalleled in Southeast Asia.

The jars, bearing radiocarbon dates of "1930 plus or minus 50 BP (calibrated date of 5 BC to AD 225) and 1830 plus or minus 60 BP (calibrated date of AD 70 to 370)," are unique in that "they are like portraits of distinct individuals, of specific dead persons whose remains they guard," Dizon and Santiago said in their book.

The discovery of the burial jars, they said, is “very important in our study of Philippine prehistory” as it can provide “significant clues and material evidences for the determination of the Maguindanao prehistory.”

Dizon told Sarangani Governor Rene Miguel Dominguez and Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett that he studied the Makar wharf and airport prior to their construction and found many sites there had decorated potteries.

”I think Maitum was a burial site and maybe General Santos was the habitation? Where the people were living or staying then, I`d like to find out,” Dizon said.

He told Dominguez and Perrett that there was a forest growth in the General Santos area 7,000 years ago. “It disappeared 5,000 years ago when Parker and Matutum erupted and that covered the whole area but there were no people during that time.”

“The earliest so far of human occupation for Mindanao is Maitum,” he said. “That`s why Maitum is significant.”

He said the seized artifacts are “good materials, good for Mindanao, good for the entire country

Seized

Twenty-two bags of shards similar to artifacts from the Metal Age anthropomorphic secondary burial jars discovered in Maitum, Sarangani in 1991 were seized by the Maitum police on August 19.

The bags, seven of them sacks and 15 plastic, were loaded on a tricycle at Barangay Kawa, a coastal area, from a banca allegedly from Maguid in neighboring Palembang, Sultan Kudarat province.

But Mayor Perrett told MindaNews on September 2 that the area in Palembang where the artifacts were supposed to have been taken, “has no cave.”

The shards were apparently sorted already as one plastic bag, for instance, contained shards of faces and ears, eyes and mouth. Another plastic bag yielded shards of hands and elbows.

SPO2 Reginald Delfin, one of the policemen who intercepted the cargo, told MindaNews a resident who was apparently aware of the priceless value of the cultural artifacts phoned the police about the “suspicious-looking” cargo.

An expired permit and a retroactive permit

Delfin said they were told the cargo was to be used as “dekorasyon sa bahay” (house decoration) by the owner. The police was shown a “permit to transport” number 00003803 from the National Museum authorizing “the bearer, Mr. Jimmy Tan,” proprietor/owner of JM Antiques at 115 CM Recto Avenue in Sta. Cruz, Manila, “to transport assorted pieces of cultural properties from General Santos City to the City of Manila for the purpose of authentication and registration with the National Museum from July 16 to August 16, 2008.”

General Santos is 108 kilometers away from Maitum.

The permit was issued on July 15, 2008 by Angel Bautista, Curator I, OIC of the Cultural Properties Division.

The permit was no longer valid at the time the artifacts were seized. Also, the bearer of the permit was not Tan himself but one Dominador Berdin of Mandaluyong City, who identified himself as Tan`s representative.

On August 28, however, Berdin returned to the police station showing another “permit to transport” number 0003845 from the National Museum, valid allegedly from August 17 to September 17. But the date of issuance of the permit was “26 August 2008.”

The permit was issued by Cecilio G. Salcedo, Acting Director III.

The “permit to transport” this time included Berdin`s name but it was apparently prepared hastily as Berdin is not identified as Tan`s representative but also “owner.”

The permit says “This is to authorize the bearer (sic)Mr. Jimmy Tan and Mr. Dominador M. Berdin, Proprietor/owner (sic) of JM Antiques…”

The permit specified the number of bags to transport: “seven sacks and 10 plastic bags” and the “cultural properties” had now become “broken earthenware potteries from Sultan Kudarat.”

Mayor, Gov assert

On September 1, Mayor Perrett called National Museum Director Corazon Alvina, Director IV, and informed the latter that she will not release the artifacts because the representative of Tan could not present a permit to excavate or a deed of sale. Alvina told the mayor that she will investigate the permits issued.

On September 2, Berdin returned to the Maitum police to present a deed of sale dated September 2, that the “broken earthenware potteries” were purchased by Berdin in Maguid, Palembang, Sultan Kudarat for 30,000.

On September 6, Sarangani Governor Dominguez ordered the artifacts transferred from the Maitum police to the provincial police in Alabel, Sarangani following reports the artifacts might be forcibly taken from the police office.

On September 10, Dominguez phoned Alvina and demanded action from the previous requests of Mayor Perrett. By then, an employee of the mayor`s office had been harassed and threatened through text messages.

No bad faith

Bautista, who was dispatched by Alvina to Sarangani on September 12, carried with him an undated narrative report signed by Alvina on ordinary paper, not a National Museum letterhead.

Alvina`s report said she issued an order dated September 1, canceling the “permit to transport” issued by Salcedo.

Alvina mentioned no cancellation during her conversation with Mayor Perrett on September 1 when she promised the latter she would investigate the permits.

Alvina also did not mention the September 1 cancellation of the permit when Dominguez phoned him on September 10.

In her narrative, she said that “since the identity of the said cultural properties was not yet determined by an archeologist, the National Museum staff believes that these materials should be brought to the National Museum for authentication and registration in order to establish its provenance. Hence, the issuance of the permit to transport was procedural and done in good faith.”

The permit signed by Bautista and Salcedo clearly showed differences as “cultural artifacts” under the Bautista permit had become “broken earthenware potteries” under the Salcedo permit. The Salcedo permit was dated August 26 and its effectivity was, according to the permit, “August 17 to September 17.”

“Since the said cultural properties were intercepted in the province of Sarangani, the permit issued by Mr. Salcedo is therefore cancelled. The National Museum will conduct immediately a study on the aforementioned cultural properties to establish if these cultural properties are contemporaneous with the Maitum anthropomorphic jars,” she said.

“The inquiry has yielded no bad faith in Mr. Salcedo`s action,” Alvina said.

Alvina said that henceforth, applications for permit to transport “shall be supported by a written endorsement from the pertinent local government unit, apart from an absolute deed of sale, should the object be purchased or a permit to explore or excavate from the National Museum , should the object be retrieved from an excavation site, terrestrial or underwater. This also empowers the pertinent local government unit in proactively protecting their heritage, hence be participatory in the mandate of National Museum in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.”

Alvina also said that apart from the approval of the OIC/Chief of the Cultural Properties Division, of the permit to transport, “the Director 1V will finally notate said permit, to make it valid and functional.”

The five sacks Dizon had pointed out on September 11 as good materials for study were transported to the National Museum on September 16 by Maitum councilor Jessie Bascuna. Carolyn O. Arguillas

Source: http://www.mindanews.com (September 22, 2008)

Ketupat Selling Like Hot Cakes In Run-up To Raya

Bandar Seri Begawan - In the Malay world, the word `ketupat` is synonymous with Had Raya, so celebrating the festivities with this popular dish is the norm.

This is not merely the case in Brunei Darussalam, hut also in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, where the compressed rice treat is whipped up to mark the arrival of the month of Syawal.

So significant is this dish that in the run-up to Hari Raya, cut-outs and pictures of ketupat adorn shopping malls and homes, as well as festive greeting cards.

Days before the big day, some celebrants would make their way to their favorite dealers to ensure their ketupat supply, while others would go to great lengths in preparing the dish themselves. In the case of the latter, families would gather round a day or two before Raya to cook and weave the ketupat leaves.

Hajjah Salat binti Mat Noor, a long-time ketupat-seller Tamu Kianggeh, said that to make ketupat, one would require leaf-weaving skills and proper knowledge on mixing up coconut milk with the rice.

"With the right combination, you will be able to produce delicious, fragrant ketupat, which will last longer," the 53year-old from Kampong Mentiri added.

Meanwhile, 85-year-old Hjh Tiamah binti Daud from Kampong, Sungai Siamas, who is also in the same business, reported brisk ketupat sale, particularly with Bari Raya just around the corner.

In Brunei there are two types of ketupats available, namely, ketupat pucuk daun kelapa and ketupat pucuk daun Nipah. By Rohani Hj Abd Hamid

Source: http://www.brudirect.com (September 24, 2008)

RI expo in Moscow yields promising results

Jakarta - An Indonesian Expo which was officially opened last week in Moscow has started to show success as cooperation plans designed in one-on-one meetings are generating high hopes, the Foreign Ministry said.

In its official report on the expo here Tuesday, the ministry said the meetings between Indonesian suppliers and Rusian buyers had been scheduled in an orderly way and ran well.

Even though the exhibition was not meant for retail buyers, 700 people visited it on the opening day to obtain information about Indonesia and enjoy a batik fashion show and exotic dance performances.

M. Aji Surya, counsellor for public affairs at the Indonesian embassy in Moscow, said about 100 potential buyers had talked about cooperation opportunities with exhibitors at the two-day event.

Russian company Lishelle held a serious discussion with PT Mustika Ratu about purchasing or distributing the Indonesian company`s products and establshing a franchise system in Russia.

EFKO discussed opportunities to invest in CPO and RBD factories with state owned plantation company PTP VIII.

EFKO which had recently completed an oil refinery in the Black Sea region stated its capability to purchase 60,000 metric tons of CPO per month. While showing enthusiastic interest in doing business with Indonesia, EFKO was also careful in proceeding further because it lacked information about investment in Indonesia.

Carbon Company from Saint Petersburg met with PT Sari Segar Husada on the second day of the exhibition to discuss purchasing early stage of carbon activity and a water treatment plant. A next meeting was scheduled to reach a deal.

Hamid Awaludin, Indonesian ambassador to Russia said that he was content of the rising business contacts in the embassy.

"It is not a retail market. We expect to attract the transactions in a big number with Russian businesspeople," he said.

On September 26, CEOs of Russian companies would have a business luncheon with the head of the Investment Coordinating Board, Muhamad Luthfi and in the evening there would be a fashion show. The day before, Russian tourism practitioners would meet Indonesian culture and tourism officials to discuss opportunities in Indonesia.

Source: http://www.antaranews.com (September 23, 2008)

Dubes Kroasia Saksikan Konser di Rumah Budaya

Tanahdatar, Sumbar - Duta Besar Kroasia untuk Indonesia HE Zeljko Cimbur untuk kedua kalinya berkunjung ke Rumah Budaya Fadli Zon. Ia membawa duta budaya negaranya, enam pemain Ansambel Ad Gloriam Brass yang konser, di Rumah Budaya, Minggu (27/11).

Di tengah acara, Dubes Kroasia berpenampilan sangat sederhana itu, tak sungkan mengambil sendiri foto para pemusik yang sedang mempertontonkan kebolehannya. ”Saya suka alam ranah Minang. Semoga pertunjukan musik ini akan mendekatkan dua budaya, Indonesia dan Kroasia,” ujar Dubes Kroasia HE Zeljko Cimbur, di sela acara.

Ansambel Ad Gloriam Brass terdiri dari enam pemain merupakan anggota Teater Opera Nasional Kroasia dan Zagreb Philharmonic. Ansambel ini didirikan pada 1993 dan sejak saat itu, secara terus-menerus aktif bermusik dalam komposisi yang sedikit diubah.

”Repertoar mereka terdiri dari hasil karya para ahli pencipta musik Eropa dan Kroasia pada zaman renaisans dan barok (F. Sponga, V. Jeliæ, J. Clarke, H. Purcell, GF Handel, JSBach), serta karya-karya modern dari Kroasia di mana beberapa di antaranya khusus ditulis untuk ansambel ini (A. Klobuèar, B. Å ipuÅ¡, S. Dediæ, M. Miletiæ, A. Igrec, dan lainnya),” ujar Edin Hadzalic, Pengelola Rumah Budaya dan Aie Angek Cottage.

Di antara semua karya yang paling berharga, tambah Edin, adalah lima ciptaan dari seorang ahli Kroasia bernama Francesko Sponga Usper yang dimainkan pada ”Malam-malam Bermusik di Osor” pada tahun 1997, 1998 dan 1999.

Menurutnya, Ansambel Ad Gloriam Brass telah melahirkan banyak konser dan pertunjukan (”Malam-malam bermusik di Osor”, ”Malam Zaman Barok Varaždin”, ”Festival Anak-anak Å ibenik”, ”Zagreb Barok Festival”, ”Salon Oèiæ–Zagreb”, ”Malam-malam di Donat–Zadar”, ”München, Sarajevo”, ”Bitola, Skopje, Split, Poreè”, ”Lubenice, Èakovec, Sisak, Rovinj”, ”Hari-hari Bermusik Kroasia (Opatija, Pula)”.

Seniman Kroasia yang konser itu, adalah Lidija Horvat-Dunjko, Mario Penzar, Igor Lešnik, Zagreb saksofon kwartet, dengan paduan suara St Marc, Palma. Mereka sering tampil di TV dan radio Kroasia. Mereka juga telah merekam 2 CD dari pertunjukan live mereka.

Konser musik yang diadakan di Horison Ball Room Rumah Budaya ini, dihadiri sebagian besar mahasiswa musik Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Padangpanjang, siswa, guru dan sejumlah undangan lainnya. Para pemusik Kroasia itu dengan alat musiknya juga menyanyikan lagu ”Jali-Jali” (Betawi).

Rumah Budaya didirikan tokoh muda Minang yang sukses sebagai pengusaha dan politisi nasional, Fadli Zon. Rumah Budaya mulai dibangun pada 2009 di areal Rumah Puisi. Tujuannya sebagai pusat dokumentasi kebudayaan Minangkabau. Di dalamnya tersimpan sejumlah koleksi baik buku, post card, artefak, manuskrip, keris pusaka, koin kuno, alat musik tradisional, dan berbagai koleksi lainnya.

Pameran Budaya Indonesia Menarik Perhatian Peserta Sidang UNESCO

Nusa Dua, Bali - Sidang UNESCO di Nusa Dua, Bali, beberapa waktu lalu, mengusulkan sejumlah kebudayan Indonesia menjadi warisan dunia. Untuk mendukung acara ini, Departemen Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kerakyatan, baru-baru ini, menggelar pameran World Nature dan Culture Heritage yang memperkenalkan alam dan budaya Indonesia.

Pada acara tersebut, alunan petikan sasando asal Nusa Tenggara Timur juga menempati salah satu ruang pamer dari Kementrian Kebudayaan dan Ekonomi Kerakyatan yang meramaikan pameran yang digelar pada 21 November hingga 25 November, di Westin Internasional, Nusa Dua, Bali.

Selaian ruang pameran dari kementrian pariwisata, di tempat itu juga terdapat sekitar 50 ruang pamer yang menampilkan budaya dan hasil karya bangsa Indonesia. Terutama yang budaya pelesytarian budaya tak ragawi atau integible heritage.

Menurut mantan Menteri Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Gde Ardike, pameran diselengarakan sebagai pendukung sidang UINESCO dan agar para peserta mengetahui nilai-nilai alam dan budaya Indonesia, yang beraneka ragam.

Sidang UNESCO sendiri berlangsung yang membahas budaya dan alam di dunia, telah mengusulkan sejumlah budaya Indonesia sebagai warisan budaya dunia. Seperti Tari Saman dari Kabupaten Gayoluwes dan Angklung dari Jawa Barat.

Pameran yang menampilkan karya seni budayawan dan seniman Indonesia itu sangat menarik perhatian para peserta sidang UNESCO. Kebanyakan mereka tertarik dengan keragaman hasil karya tenun, alat musik dan batu-batu, yang menghasilkan karya seni bernilai tinggi.

Lewat Pekan Pesona Budaya, Jambi Unjuk Gigi

Jambi - Pekan kebudayaan merupakan acara yang kerap diselenggarakan suatu daerah untuk menarik wisatawan-wisatawan untuk datang dan mengenal kebudayaan daerah tersebut, berbagai konsep acara dibuat untuk membuat acara tersebut menjadi menarik. Tak terkecuali dengan Jambi.

Salah satu provinsi yang terletak di tengah pulau Sumatera ini tengah memoles diri untuk unjuk gigi dalam pentas pariwisata nasional dengan menggelar Pekan Pesona Budaya Jambi 2011.

Acara sepekan yang diisi oleh ragam tarian dari sembilan kabupaten dan dua kota tersebut menyedot perhatian masyarakat Jambi serta wisatawan baik domestik maupun lokal. Dengan mencampurkan kebudayaan tradisional dipadu dengan kebudayaan modern, acara yang diselenggarakan tiap tahun ini menjadi pemicu bagi perkembangan pariwisata Kota Jambi yang tengah berbenah diri.

Dengan mengandalkan konsep Candi Muaro Jambi sebagai latar belakang, acara tersebut sukses dan sesuai dengan target yang ditentukan. Malahan menurut Wakil Gubernur Provinsi Jambi H. Fachrory Umar, masyarakat banyak yang mengadu kepadanya, kenapa festival semacam ini hanya diselenggarakan seminggu, tidak sebulan. Hal tersebut dirasa Umar menjadi indikator kebangkitan pariwisata Jambi berbasis kerakyatan.

Sementara Kepala Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Provinsi Jambi, Didy Wuryanto mengatakan bahwa pihaknya gembira karena acara tersebut merupakan kontribusi dari seluruh elemen masyarakat, tidak seperti tahun lalu yang hanya dikoordinasikan oleh pihak kabupaten.

Untuk memperkenalkan apa saja potensi alam dan budaya yang dimiliki oleh Jambi, tentunya perlu kerjasama seluruh pihak dengan kebijakan yang strategis, salah satunya adalah dengan duta pariwisata. Dalam acara puncak Pekan Pesona Budaya Jambi, pemilihan Bujang-Gadis sebagai duta pariwisata menjadi acara puncaknya. Diharapkan dengan partisipasi kaum muda dapat lebih memperkenalkan Jambi ke dunia luar.

Sebanyak 73 finalis perwakilan dari berbagai kabupaten dan kota bertarung dalam ajang tersebut. Asih Verawati dan Andharu Primayudha Infantri menjadi pasangan Bujang-Gadis yang terpilih dalam malam puncak tersebut. Disambut tepuk tangan dan riuhnya warga Jambi yang menonton, pasangan tersebut terlihat gembira ketika diberikan selendang penghargaan oleh Gubernur Jambi.

Pasangan Bujang-Gadis Jambi 2011 tersebut mengaku gembira memiliki tanggung jawab yang besar sebagai duta pariwisata Kota Jambi. Pasangan tersebut telah membuat program dalam waktu dekat, yaitu ingin membuat program radio berisi segala informasi pariwisata tentang Jambi yang terkenal dengan wisata alam dan sejarahnya.

Tradisi Adat Ammatoa Wajib Dilestarikan

Bulukumba, Sulsel - Anggota Dewan Pertimbangan Presiden (Wantimpres) Bidang Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, Prof Dr Meutia Hatta menyatakan kekagumannya pada tradisi masyarakat Adat Ammatoa, Kajang. Ia meminta tradisi tersebut bisa dilestarikan.

Kekaguman itu diungkapkan mantan Menteri Negara Pemberdayaan Perempuan ini saat berkunjung ke kawasan ini, Minggu, 27 November. Salah satu yang dia kagumi adalah nilai kearifan lokal yang dijunjung tinggi masyarakat adat ini yakni kesederhanaan dan kejujuran. Tradisi adat ini, kata putri Proklamator Kemerdekaan RI, Muhammad Hatta ini, adalah hal yang wajib dilestarikan karena merupakan salah satu kekayaan budaya nasional yang hingga saat ini masih ada.

Selain itu, Meutia menyebut ajaran keseimbangan antara kehidupan manusia dengan alam yang diterapkan masyarakat adat Kajang adalah satu karakter bangsa yang patut diteladani. Dengan semakin tergerusnya budaya dan melemahnya karakter bangsa tersebut, maka Meutia mengatakan, tidak ada salahnya masyarakat mencoba menyimak dan mengambil nilai positif dari kehidupan masyarakat yang dikenal dengan ciri khas pakaian serba hitam ini. Bahkan dia mengaku sangat antusias begitu memasuki kawasan adat ini lantaran suasananya yang masih sangat alami.

"Saya sangat terharu datang di tempat ini. Sudah sekian lama saya mengimpikan untuk datang berkunjung langsung dalam kawasan adat ini, namun baru terwujud saat ini," katanya.

"Saya kenal adat Kajang sejak lama karena banyak diperbincangkan orang dengan segala tradisi di dalamnya. Memang daerah ini sangat terkenal. Makanya, ini harus dipertahankan sebagai warisan leluhur," pesan Meutia.

Pemimpin adat Ammatoa, Puto Palasa dalam Bahasa Konjo menerangkan, kawasan adat ini memang berbeda dengan kawasan lainnya di manapun. Selain karena warganya yang sangat menjaga sikap dan kejujuran serta kesederhanaan, juga karena masyarakat di kawasan adat ini memiliki aturan adat dalam memperlakukan alam. Dia juga menjelaskan tentang dasar masyarakat adat Kajang ini dalam mengambil pelajaran hidup yakni pada ajaran yang dia sebut dengan istilah "pasang". "Itu sumber dari segala sumber pelajaran," katanya.

Kepala Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Bulukumba, Andi Nasaruddin Gau mengatakan, kedatangan Wantimpres di Bulukumba adalah sebuah kehormatan sekaligus kebanggaan bagi masyarakat Bulukumba. Pasalnya, dengan kedatangannya ini, kata Nasaruddin, maka potensi yang ada di Bulukumba bisa dilihat dan lebih cepat mendapat respons dari pemerintah pusat. "Apalagi kami sudah membawa beliau berkeliling Bulukumba, termasuk ke Bira, ke tempat pembuatan perahu Pinisi, makam Dato' Tiro dan di Kajang ini," ujar Nasaruddin.

Di kawasan adat Ammatoa, selain bertemu dengan pemimpin adatnya, Meutia juga mendapat gelar yang disematkan langsung Puto Palasa. Ia mendapat gelar Jaja' Manisi yang bermakna seseorang yang agung dan baik dalam kehidupan masyarakat. Gelar Jaja' ini merupakan gelar khusus yang diberikan kepada perempuan. Sedangkan Manisi' adalah kalimat pembenaran kebaikan pada suatu hal atau objek.

Gelar tersebut disematkan lantaran Prof Meutia dianggap sebagai salah satu tokoh nasional di Indonesia yang merupakan putri orang tersohor di negeri ini. Prof Meutia juga adalah orang pertama yang mendapat gelar Jaja' dari pemimpin adat Ammatoa selama ini. Dengan begitu, Prof Meutia kemudian diresmikan sebagai salah satu warga Ammatoa sekalipun tidak berdomisili di tempat ini. Bahkan sebelum meninggalkan kawasan Ammatoa, dia mendapat perlakuan adat khusus dengan tradisi pemberkatan.

Pameran Tunggal “Pesan Cinta” Harsono Sapuan, Imaji Kehidupan Penuh Kebahagiaan

Sebanyak 30 karya lukis oil, acrylic dan sketsa ditampilkan perupa dari Gresik yang tinggal di Yogyakarta, Harsono Sapuan di Tembi Rumah Budaya Yogyakarta, Rabu (16/11) hingga Selasa (6/12). Harsono Sapuan menghadirkan tema “Pesan Cinta” pada pameran yang keduanya di tahun 2011 ini.

Pembukaan pameran tunggal “Pesan Cinta” pada Rabu malam menghadirkan suasana berbeda dari pameran-pameran umumnya digelar di Yogyakarta.

Harsono Sapuan mengajak para seniman sastra dari Yogyakarta dan luar Yogyakarta untuk mementaskan karya sastra mereka di Amphiteater Tembi Rumah Budaya Yogyakarta.

Mereka adalah Arieyoko (Bojonegoro), Anisa Afsal ( Sukabumi ), Indra Ning Listiani ( Tegal ), Catur Mulyadi ( Pekalongan ), Bambang Oeban ( Jakarta ), Mayda Akmal ( Yogyakarta ), Sri Harjanto Sahid ( Yogyakarta ), Hari Leo ( Yogyakarta ), Mardi Luhung ( Gresik ).

Selain itu juga dipentaskan art performance dari seniman Nong Resti dari Sukabumi dan Ben Goyang Resah (Yogyakarta). Pameran dibuka oleh Ki Medi Sumiarno (Juru Kunci Cupi Panjolo). Seratusan penonton menyaksikan pembacaan karya sastra puisi dan cerpen.

Pameran “Pesan Cinta” terinspirasi dari pengalaman hidup Harsono Sapuan yang hadir melalui mimpi, harapan, kecemasan, ketidak puasan dan perasaan cinta yang romantis yang kuat melekat yang mempengaruhi alam pikir secara sadar maupun tidak sadar muncul dalam kanvas Harsono Sapuan.

“Bagiku proses berkarya tidak saja ketika aku berhadapan dengan kanvas, tapi segala pengalaman dalam kehidupanku ketika masih kecil sampai dewasa sampai berkeluarga serta kejadian diluar diriku menjadi sumber inspirasi yang luar biasa,” terang pria yang memperoleh penghargaan anugerah Khatulistiwa Award tahun 2010 ini.

Mohamad Sobary dalam catatan pamerannya mengatakan karya lukis Harsono Sapuan merupakan imajinasi tentang hidup yang menggembirakan yang mencerminkan dunia kegembiraan milik Harsono Sapuan.

Karya berjudul Story Night misalnya menurut Mohammad Sobary menampilka ribuan cerita tentang malam yang penuh roman, keindahan. Bunyi seruling yang ditiup di puncak segala kegembiraan. Malam juga kegembiraan naik motor tanpa gangguan.

“Ini sekedar contoh bahwa hidup itu kegembiraan,” ujar Mohamad Sobary menggambarkan lukisan “Story Night” yang menampilkan kehidupan malam hari sebuah kota dimana diatas kota itu ada sosok wanita sedang memainkan serulingnya.

Demikian pula pada karya berjudul Tjap Toegoe Monas (145 cm x 195 cm, acrylic on canvas, 2008) yang diciptakan Harsono Sapuan yang menghadirkan pasemon (menyindir halus) dengan idion senyum dan tawa.

Karya Tjap Toegoe Monas menghadirkan perempuan tertawa sumringah sibuk bersolek dengan wajah penuh bedak sehingga sangat komikal. Di mejanya tergeletak gincu dan pupur plus bunga warna-warni serta seekor kucing menggeliat di persendian perempuan ini.

Lukisan tersebut menjadi narasi politik ketika Harsono melukis Tugu Monas pada punggung cermin, gedung DPR pada jariknya serta foto-foto para pemimpin politik tanah air. Inilah relasi resiprokal kegenitan perempuan bersolek di satu sisi dengan metafora politik di sisi lain.

Dalam konteks politik, metafora-metafora Harsono ini tidak garang tapi lebih sebagai pasemon (sindiran halus). Namun sebenarnay pasemon itu dalam budaya Jawa tidak selalu identik dengan kegembiraan tapi juga cermin kegetiran.

Dari lukisan Tjap Toegoe Monas ini, dikaitkan dengan tema pameran “Pesan Cint” Harsono Sapuan, bisa ditarik pemahaman bahwa lukisan-lukisan harsono memang berangkat dari rasa cinta yang lentur sehingga luapan emosi nya dikristalkan secara reflektif yang dicairkan sebagai pengalaman estetik yang tidak meledak-ledak. (Jogjanews.com/joe)

Retno Maruti persembahkan Savitri

Solo, Jateng - Penari klasik Jawa, Retno Maruti, siap mempersembahkan pergelaran tarinya yang berjudul Savitri di Teater Besar Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Solo, Jumat (25/11/2011) malam.

Pentas yang diusung Kelompok Tari Padnecwara Jakarta ini akan menyuguhkan keindahan tari klasik khas Surakarta.

Penanggung jawab produksi, Rury Nostalgia, dalam rilisnya kepada Espos, Kamis (24/11/2011), mengatakan pergelaran diilhami oleh kesetiaan Savitri kepada Pangeran Satyawan. Meski hidup di tengah hutan dan berkekurangan, imbuhnya, Savitri tetap kukuh pada pilihannya.

“Savitri sendiri merupakan karya lama. Dalam pentas nanti, kami akan menggabungkan keterampilan menari dengan menembang dari para seniman,” terangnya. (m99/*)

Perpaduan Gaya Yogya dan Surakarta; ‘Savitri’, Relevan dengan Kondisi Sekarang

Kekuatan tari Gaya Yogyakarta dan Surakarta menjadi perpaduan yang sangat apik dalam pergelaran Tari Jawa Klasik karya Retno Maruti berjudul Savitri di Concert Hall Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, Rabu (23/11). Pergelaran tari ini dipersembahkan Sanggar Tari Jawa Padnecwara pimpinan Retno Maruti bersama Kantor Utusan Khusus Presiden Republik Indonesia untuk MDGs. Selain itu, juga ditampilkan di Teater Besar ISI Surakarta, Jumat (25/11).

Melalui pergelaran tari Savitri, Retno Maruti berhasil mempertemukan kekuatan dua gaya tari ini. Hingga keduanya tidak saling bertentangan, tapi menguatkan. Retno juga mengaku bahwa dalam setiap karya yang ia buat, bisa dipentaskan dengan bentuk sama atau berbeda dengan berbagai perubahan di dalamnya.

“Tari ini pernah dipentaskan pada tahun 70-an, tapi dengan konsep berbeda. Dulu, ditampilkan dengan 9 penari bedaya. Sedangkan pada pementasan kali ini ada 18 penari, dengan 9 penari putri yang mengambil bentuk tari bedaya Gaya Surakarta. Sedangkan 9 penari kakung mengambil bentuk tari Gaya Yogya, khususnya dari tari Lawung Guntur Segara dan Lawung Ageng. Gending dan tembangnya juga dibuat baru. Tembang lebih pada ungkapan kalimat yang ditembangkan,” jelas Retno.

Cerita dalam pergelaran tari ini, lanjutnya, akan selalu relevan dengan kondisi sekarang karena menceritakan ketangguhan dan kekuatan tekad dan cinta dari Savitri kepada suaminya, Satyawan. Namun, cinta itu tidak hanya terpaku pada cinta terhadap suami tapi mengarah pada kecintaan terhadap negara.

“Savitri memiliki makna dalam kelembutan perempuan, ada kecerdikan dan kemampuan bernegosiasi untuk mempertahankan cintanya. Menarikan karya ini membuat saya seperti ikut ujian, karena tidak boleh salah dalam pengucapan saat nembang. Selain itu, semoga tari ini juga bisa lebih diapresiasi anak muda dan memicu perkembangan tari yang lainnya,” jelas salah satu penari Nungki Kusumastuti.

Di usianya yang ke-35, Padnecwara merasa terpanggil untuk mempersembahkan proses dan hasil karyanya di berbagai kota. (M-2)-m

Gara-gara Obama, Turis AS Makin Ramai ke Bali

Denpasar, Bali - Warga Amerika Serikat ramai-ramai berlibur ke Bali setelah Presiden AS Barack Obama hadir dalam KTT Ke-19 ASEAN di Nusa Dua pada 17-19 November 2011.

"Kedatangan Obama berpengaruh besar terhadap kunjungan wisatawan AS untuk berlibur ke Bali," kata pengamat pariwisata dan pengusaha akomodasi perhotelan, Made Arta, di Denpasar, Jumat (25/11/2011).

Ia mengakui kehadiran Obama ke Bali beberapa waktu lalu membawa angin segar bagi dunia pariwisata di Indonesia, khususnya Bali, karena secara tidak langsung memberikan jaminan keamanan dan kenyamanan selama berlibur di Pulau Dewata itu.

Kabar kehadiran Obama sejak beberapa bulan sudah memberikan dampak positif terhadap dunia pariwisata di Bali. Meskipun sejumlah negara di Eropa dilanda krisis ekonomi global.

Kehadiran pelancong asal Amerika Serikat meningkat terus setiap bulannya sehingga secara keseluruhan sejak Januari-Oktober 2011 sebanyak 112.144 orang. Hal itu berarti krisis ekonomi tak pengaruhi kunjungan wisatawan AS ke Bali.

Data di Dinas Pariwisata Provinsi Bali menyebutkan bahwa selama tiga bulan terakhir ini, turis AS yang berlibur di Bali menunjukkan peningkatan. Dari angka 10.297 orang pada Agustus 2011 menjadi 10.529 orang pada September dan 11.021 pada Oktober.

Negara itu mampu memberikan kontribusi 4,89 persen dari total wisatawan mancanegara yang berlibur ke Pulau Dewata mencapai 2.293.453 orang selama Januari-Oktober 2011. Hal itu meningkat 10,10 persen dari periode sebelumnya 2.083.102 orang.

Ia menyebutkan, komponen pariwisata Bali sering dibuat getar-getir akibat berbagai peristiwa global sehingga turis luar negeri akan berkurang datang ke Bali, tetapi kenyataannya berbeda, wisatawan mancanegara tetap ramai ke Bali.

Bali sering diterpa isu negatif yang bisa kemungkinan menyebabkan terpuruknya sektor pariwisata, namun masyarakat internasional tetap percaya bahwa budaya Bali yang bersumber dari ajaran agama Hindu mampu memberikan kenyamanan.

"Hal itu dapat dibuktikan bahwa media massa asing pernah mengabarkan Bali sebagai pulau neraka, namun turis tetap saja datang berlibur ke Pulau Dewata, rata-rata 229 ribu orang per bulan selama 2011," Made Arta.

Seni Titi Tali Nelayan Kota Baru

Banjarmasin, Kalsel - Para nelayan Suku Bajo di Kabupaten Kota Baru, Kalimantan Selatan, memiliki seni unik berupa titi tali, yakni meniti sebuah tapi yang ujung-ujungnya diikatkan pada sebuah tiang. Jumat (25/11/2011). Kesenian itu ditampilkan pada Festival Pasar Terapung 2011 yang diadakan di halaman kantor Gubernur Kalsel di Banjarmasin.

Galip (53) salah satu pemain titi tali dari Desa Rampak Baru, Kecamatan Pulau Laut Utara, menuturkan kesenian ini banyak ditampilkan pada even-even rutin, seperti perayaan Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan dan hari besar lainnya.

"Jumlah kelompok yang memainkan juga banyak. Kelompok kami sendiri terdiri atas 6 anggota, yang mana 2 di antaranya mampu meniti. Yang lainnya menjadi pendukung musik," ujar Galip yang mengaku tidak ada persiapan khusus, kecuali sering-sering latihan.

Seni ini sendiri awalnya muncul dari kebiasaan nelayan yang tidak memiliki titian saat berlabuh. Mereka biasa melemparkan tapi ke tonggak untuk mengikat kapal. Melalui tali itulah mereka kemudian meniti ke darat.

Pengenalan Batik Secara Kultural Lebih Efektif

Semarang, Jateng - Pengenalan batik secara kultural lebih efektif di samping melalui bisnis, kata Ketua Peguyuban "Kampoeng Batik" Semarang Tri Utomo.

"Pengenalan secara kultur misalnya batik dipakai oleh para tokoh-tokoh nasional dan internasional pada momentum tertentu," katanya di Semarang, Kamis.

Ia mencontohkan, Presiden Amerika Serikat Barack Obama yang mengenakan batik saat kunjungannya ke Indonesia beberapa waktu lalu, tentunya hal itu memberi kontribusi positif, terutama mengenalkan batik secara luas.

Sosok atau tokoh penting dunia yang tampil mengenakan batik sebagai pilihan busananya, katanya, bisa menjadi sentra mode.

Sebab, kata dia, tidak menutup kemungkinan akan menjadi tren mode dunia dengan memilih batik sebagai busana resmi pada berbagai pertemuan pemimpin dunia. Apalagi, katanya, UNESCO sudah menerapkan batik sebagai warisan budaya Indonesia.

Citra batik yang terangkat, katanya, secara tidak langsung dapat memotivasi masyarakat untuk menghargai kebudayaan lokal, kemudian tumbuh kecintaan untuk melestarikannya.

Menurut dia, masyarakat saat ini sudah sedemikian cerdas dalam memilih batik, sebab tak lagi mementingkan harga, melainkan lebih menghargai kualitas produk batik yang dipasarkan.

"Meski harganya (batik, red.) mahal, masyarakat tetap saja mencari, asal kualitasnya bagus," katanya.

Ia menjelaskan, kecenderungan masyarakat memang memiliki gengsi tinggi sehingga memilih batik yang punya ciri khas tersendiri, tidak mau model dan motifnya sama dengan batik yang dipakai orang lain.

Ia mengakui bahwa masyarakat memang masih mempersepsikan batik sebagai busana pada acara resmi sehingga mereka hanya mengenakan batik pada acara-acara bersifat formal.

"Padahal, batik sebenarnya fleksibel. Apalagi sekarang sudah banyak ragam model batik, mulai batik sebagai pakaian santai sehari-hari sampai baju tidur bermotif batik," kata Tri.

Tari Saman Resmi Diakui UNESCO

Jakarta - Tari Saman dari Gayo Lues dan sekitarnya di Provinsi Aceh resmi diakui dan masuk dalam daftar warisan budaya takbenda yang memerlukan perlindungan mendesak UNESCO, kata pejabat Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif.

Kepala Pusat Informasi dan Komunikasi Publik Kemparekraf I Gusti Ngurah Putra dalam keterangan pers di Jakarta, Kamis, mengatakan, pengakuan UNESCO atas seni budaya tari Melayu Saman itu dilakukan dan ditandai dengan diketoknya palu Sidang ke-6 Komite Antar-Pemerintah untuk Pelindungan Warisan Budaya Takbenda UNESCO.

"Melalui sidang itu, seni budaya tari Saman dari Gayo Lues dan sekitarnya di Provinsi Aceh resmi masuk ke dalam Daftar Warisan Budaya Takbenda yang Memerlukan Pelindungan Mendesak UNESCO," katanya.

Sidang akbar tahunan yang dihadiri lebih dari 500 anggota delegasi dari 69 negara, LSM internasional, pakar budaya dan media itu berlangsung di Bali International Convention Centre mulai 22 sampai 29 November 2011.

Indonesia dipercaya oleh 137 negara konvensi 2003 UNESCO untuk Pelindungan Warisan Budaya Takbenda untuk menjadi tuan rumah dan memimpin Sidang yang bergengsi tersebut.

Sidang UNESCO itu dibuka pada 22 November 2011 malam oleh Menteri Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat Agung Laksono didampingi Direktur Jenderal UNESCO Madame Irina Bokova, Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Mohammad Nuh, Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Mari Elka Pangestu, Perwakilan Pemerintah Provinsi Bali, dan Wakil Direktur-Jenderal Bidang Kebudayaan UNESCO, Franceso Bandarin.

Sebelumnya, berkas nominasi Saman disusun dengan teliti dan diajukan kepada UNESCO pada Maret 2010 oleh Menko Kesra, dengan dukungan penuh dari Pemerintah Pusat, pemerintah Provinsi Aceh, Bupati Gayo Lues, Ibnu Hasim, serta pemeritah Kabupaten Gayo Lues, dan masyarakat.

"Setelah berkas diperiksa oleh Sekretariat UNESCO kemudian oleh NGO dan pakar internasional, diajukan dalam sidang di Bali pagi ini, dan alhamdulillah, dinyatakan memenuhi persyaratan dan dengan ketok palu pukul 09:47 WITA, Saman dinyatakan masuk dalam Daftar Warisan Budaya Takbenda yang Memerlukan Pelindungan Mendesak UNESCO," katanya.

Menko Kesra, Agung Laksono, menyatakan bersyukur atas keberhasilan tersebut dan menyampaikan terima kasih kepada semua pihak yang telah berjuang untuk meneliti di lapangan, kemudian menyusun berkas, serta mendukung dan memperjuangkan nominasi Saman sampai disidangkan di Bali.

Menko Kesra mengingatkan upaya pelestarian Saman tidak berakhir dengan penerimaan piagam yang ditandatangani Direktur Jenderal UNESCO, melainkan ini merupakan awal pelaksanaan Rencana Tindakan untuk melindungi dan mengembangkan warisan budaya Saman oleh semua pemangku kepentingan.

Sesuai Konvensi 2003 UNESCO, Pasal 2, Ayat 1 disebutkan bahwa warisan budaya takbenda meliputi segala praktek, representasi, ekspresi, pengetahuan, keterampilan serta alat-alat, benda (alamiah), artefak dan ruang-ruang budaya terkait dengannya yang diakui oleh berbagai komuniti, kelompok, dan dalam hal tertentu perseorangan sebagai bagian warisan budaya mereka.

Warisan Budaya Takbenda dikenal lebih akrab sebagai "warisan budaya hidup". Bandingannya adalah situs alam dan situs budaya, yang dikenal sebagai warisan benda.

Organisasi Perserikatan Bangsa-bangsa untuk Pendidikan, Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Kebudayaan (UNESCO) telah mengadopsi Konvensi tentang Pelindungan Warisan Budaya Takbenda pada Sesi ke-32 Konperensi Umum-nya di Paris, pada 17 Oktober 2003.

Konvensi 2003 mulai beroperasi sejak April 2006 yang bertujuan meningkatkan visibilitas atau kesadaran umum, mendorong penghormatan dan pelindungan beraneka ragam warisan budaya takbenda atau budaya hidup melalui kerja sama antara pemerintah dan komunitas pada tingkat nasional, sub-regional, regional maupun internasional. Sampai saat ini, Konvensi telah diratifikasi oleh 137 negara pihak.

Indonesia menjadi Negara Pihak ke-83 Konvensi 2003 pada 15 Januari 2008, melalui Peraturan Presiden No. 78 bulan Juli 2007.

Sejak itu, Indonesia berpartisipasi secara aktif bahkan Indonesia dijadikan anggota Komite Antar-Pemerintah beranggota 24 Negara, dengan masa bakti 4 tahun, pada Sidang Umum para Negara Pihak di Paris, Juni 2010.

Bali akan tercatat dalam sejarah sebagai tuan rumah terbaru dalam serangkaian sidang biasa dan luar biasa Komite Antar-Pemerintah Konvensi 2003, mulai dari Algiers (2006), Chengdu (2007), Tokyo (2007), Sofia (2008), UNESCO Paris (2008), Istanbul (2008), Abu Dhabi (2009) dan Nairobi (2010).

Pertemuan tahun ini akan berlangsung dengan sesi-sesi penuh selama 7 hari, dan merupakan yang terpanjang dalam sejarah Konvensi, dengan 27 mata agenda untuk diperdebatkan dan diputuskan.

Asli Gayo

Sementara Saman sendiri adalah tarian warisan budaya asli suku Gayo sejak abad ke-13, di daerah Gayo Lues dan sekitarnya di Provinsi Aceh yang kemudian dikembangkan oleh Syeh Saman untuk penyampaian pesan keagamaan.

Pemain Saman adalah laki-laki, umumnya muda, dan jumlahnya selalu ganjil duduk bersimpuh atau berlutut dalam baris rapat.

Pemain memakai pakaian adat yang dibordir dengan motif tradisional Gayo yang penuh simbolisme alam dan nilai luhur.

Pelatih atau penangkat di tengah memimpin pemain menyanyikan syair berisi pesan pembangunan, keagamaan, nasihat, adat, sindiran, humor, bahkan romantis.

Pemain bertepuk tangan, dada, paha dan tanah/lantai, jentikkan jari, menggoyangkan badan kiri kanan, depan belakang, menggoyangkan dan memutarkan kepala atas bawah kiri kanan, menggerakkan tangan, menunduk secara sinkron sesuai ritme, kadang lambat, kadang cepat dan energik, kadang serentak, kadang selang seling antara pemain dengan posisi ganjil dan posisi genap dalam baris. Gerak Saman menggambarkan alam, lingkungan, dan kehidupan sehari-hari masyarakat Gayo.

Saman dipertandingkan bila satu desa mengundang desa lain guna menjalin hubungan silaturahmi antardesa.

Saman dipakai untuk menjamu tamu dan untuk memeriahkan hari besar nasional dan keagamaan. Saman juga permainan anak-anak suku Gayo di desa. Saman umumnya ditransmisikan secara informal kepada anak kecil di desa.

Frekuensi pementasan Saman dan transmisinya kepada generasi penerus menurun saat ini, walaupun masyarakat dan Pemerintah sudah berusaha melestarikannya, sehingga diperlukan upaya pelestarian mendesak.

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