Demi Ekonomi Keluarga, Ayah Kandung Jual Anak ke Hidung Belang

Surabaya - Sungguh bejat kelakuan Hendry Amirdwipraja (41) ini. Dengan dalih mencukupi ekonomi keluarga, dia nekat menjual anak kandungnya yang masih berusia 13 tahun kepada pria hidung belang.

Tidak hanya itu, warga Tempel Sukorejo Surabaya ini tega menampar anaknya jika menolak diajak pergi oleh perantaranya yang bernama Suhariyadi (43) warga Petemon Timur. "Saya tahunya dapat uang dari Suhariyadi. Setiap mengajak anak saya. Saya dapat Rp 100 ribu," katanya saat ditanya wartawan di Polsek Tegalsari, Rabu (13/7/2011).

Bapak dua anak ini juga mengaku, selain menjadikan anak pertamanya menjadi PSK, dia juga menjual anak keduanya kepada orang lain. Tapi dia berdalih jika anak keduanya bukan dijual, melainkan diadopsi dan orang yang membeli mengganti biaya persalinan.

"Saya tidak menjual mas. Tapi saya hanya suruh bayar Rp 7.250.000 sebagai pengganti biaya rumah sakit," ujarnya.

Hendry juga mengaku jika uang hasil penjualan anak nomor duanya dan penjualan anaknya ke pria hidung belang untuk mencukupi kebutuhan sehari-hari serta untuk membayar uang kos.

Sedangkan, Suhariyadi mengaku jika dia nekat menjadi perantara penjualan anak di bawah umur untuk menambah penghasilannya sebagai petugas keamanan. Dia juga mengaku jika pernah menawarkan anak Hendry kepada seorang anggota Polres Gresik yang disersi.

"Saya hanya dapat bagian Rp 250 ribu. Saya tidak pernah mengambil untung, buat apa ngambil untung," katanya sambil menutup wajahnya.

Sementara, Kapolrestabes Surabaya Kombes Pol Coki Manurung menyatakan, selain menjual anaknya kepada pria hidung belang, Hendry juga menjual istrinya. "Istrinya juga ikut dikomersilkan. Tapi istrinya dibawa kabur oleh teman tersangka yang membooking," ujarnya. (bdh/bdh)

Darsem Disambut Siraman Air Kembang

Subang, Jabar - Kedatangan Darsem, TKW yang nyaris dihukum pancung di Arab Saudi, disambut dengan antusias oleh warga Subang, Rabu (13/7/2011). Darsem tiba di Patimban Pusakanagar, Subang, menggunakan Toyota Kijang "Kapsul" biru tua bernomor polisi B 1498 RFN. Ia dikawal oleh anggota polisi dan didampingi orangtua, Daud bin Tawar, dan kuasa hukumnya, Elyasa Budianto.

Warga bersama para jurnalis saling berebut untuk menyambut dan mengambil gambar. Pada saat masuk gang rumahnya, Darsem mendapat siraman air kembang sebagai ucapan selamat datang.

Pada kesempatan tersebut, Darsem belum bisa diwawancarai dan tampak kelelahan. Elyasa Budianto menegaskan bahwa Darsem memutuskan untuk usaha kecil-kecilan dengan menggunakan modal hasil aksi solidaritas.

Dukung fatwa haram pengiriman TKW
Secara tegas Elyasa Budianto menyatakan mendukung fatwa haram pengiriman tenaga kerja wanita (TKW) karena dianggap sebagai sumber masalah. "Saya mendukung fatwa haram pengiriman TKW. Hanya tenaga kerja pria saja yang dikirim," kata Elyasa kepada Kompas.com.

Secara khusus, Elyasa menyampaikan terima kasih kepada pers yang telah mendukung pemberitaan sehingga Darsem bisa bebas. Elyasa mengharapkan pemerintah meningkatkan perhatian kepada para TKI. Elyasa menambahkan, kasus Darsem bisa menjadi pelajaran berharga bagi pemerintah dalam memberikan perhatian kepada nasib tenaga kerjanya.

TKW Diperkosa Majikan di Saudi

Bayuwangi - Nasib buruk akhirnya benar-benar menimpa ST, tenaga kerja wanita (TKW) yang bekerja di Arab Saudi. Setelah beberapa minggu yang lalu pernah diberitakan sempat mengalami pelecehan seksual dan percobaan pemerkosaan oleh majikannya, kali ini ST tak kuasa menggagalkan nafsu bejat majikannya sehingga berhasil diperkosa.

Karena takut kebejatan majikannya terulang lagi, pembantu rumah tangga tersebut melarikan diri ke KBRI yang berada di Arab Saudi dan langsung menceritakan kejadian tersebut kepada orangtuanya, Irianto dan Desak Siti Asiah, warga Lingkungan Kampung Baru, Kelurahan Bulusan, Kecamatan Kalipuro, Kabupaten Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur.

Tidak hanya mengalami pelecehan seksual dan perkosaan, ST juga sering diperlakukan tidak layak oleh majikannya, seperti dipukul dan dicekik. Bahkan, sang majikan juga tidak pernah membayar gaji remaja putri kelahiran tahun 1993 ini selama delapan bulan terakhir.

Lantaran tidak kuat menanggung beban tersebut, remaja yang hanya mengenyam bangku pendidikan sampai kelas IX SMU ini kabur dari tempatnya bekerja. Sambil membawa bekal seadanya, ST langsung menuju Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia (KBRI) yang berada di Arab Saudi dan menceritakan nasib yang menimpanya.

Dari kantor itu juga, ST berusaha menghubungi orangtuanya yang berada di Banyuwangi dan menceritakan semuanya. Mengetahui anaknya telah diperkosa oleh majikannya, Irianto mendatangi Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah (DPRD) setempat guna mengadukan nasib yang menimpa buah hatinya tersebut, Rabu (27/7/2011).

Menurut bapak tiga anak ini, usaha yang pernah dilakukan untuk menyelamatkan nasib sang anak tidak mendapat tanggapan serius dari Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi Kabupaten Banyuwangi. Padahal waktu itu, derita yang menimpa ST masih dalam tahap pelecehan seksual dan percobaan perkosaan.

Irianto meminta kepada pemerintah agar anaknya segera dipulangkan dan berharap majikan yang telah memperkosa anaknya mendapat hukuman yang setimpal. Irianto mengaku kedatangannya ke gedung DPRD kali ini adalah meminta keadilan karena selama ini merasa dipermainkan oleh Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi Banyuwangi yang tidak menanggapi aduannya. Padahal, Irianto sudah beberapa kali mendatangi dan memberitahukan masalah yang sedang menimpa putrinya.

"Saya sangat terpukul setelah anak saya telepon dan mengatakan bahwa dia telah diperkosa oleh majikannya. Saya tidak juga menyangka, kekhawatiran yang selama ini ada di pikiran akhirnya benar-benar terjadi. Saya sangat kecewa dengan pemerintah yang lamban dalam menangani kasus ini. Padahal sebelumnya saya sudah meminta kepada dinas terkait dan pemerintah daerah setempat untuk segera memulangkan anak saya," ungkap Irianto.

Sementara itu, Ketua DPRD Banyuwangi Hermanto menyatakan, pihaknya segera menindaklanjuti pengaduan tersebut. Bahkan, Hermanto juga akan memanggil Kepala Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi untuk permasalahan ini. "Secepatnya kami akan menindaklanjuti masalah ini, dan kami akan meminta pemerintah daerah agar dalam waktu dekat bisa memulangkan ST dari Arab Saudi," ujarnya.

Sementara itu, Pengawas Hubungan Industrial Dinas Sosial, Tenaga Kerja, Transmigrasi, Dodik Widodo, mengaku bahwa pihaknya sudah menindaklanjuti kasus tersebut. Bahkan, dinas terkait juga sudah mengirim surat ke Kementerian Tenaga Kerja, BNP2TKI, dan perusahaan yang memberangkatkan ST, yaitu PT Rahmat Jasa Saphira (Rajasa). Bahkan, perusahaan yang memberangkatkan menyatakan tidak terjadi pemerkosaan terhadap ST. Jawaban tersebut sangat berbeda dengan pengaduan yang disampaikan oleh orangtua.

Menurut Dodik, pembuktian kasus itu diserahkan kepada Kementrian Luar Negeri dan BNP2TKI. "Kami hanya memfasilitasi," ujarnya.

Sebelumnya, ST yang bekerja di rumah keluarga Abu Kholid, seorang purnawirawan polisi sejak 23 Maret 2010 ini, sempat menjadi pemberitaan hangat karena berusaha bunuh diri jika tidak segera dipulangkan dari tempatnya bekerja. Ini karena ia tidak kuat menanggung beban lantaran harus mengalami pelecehan seksual dan percobaan pemerkosaan yang dilakukan majikannya setiap hari.

Konser Iwan Fals Diwarnai Pesan-Pesan Islami

Umur boleh bertambah, tapi kharisma Iwan Fals tak pudar. Kharisma itu pula yang bagai menyihir seribuan penonton konser "Xtraligi Perjalanan spiritual Iwan Fals Ki Ageng Ganjur ke Pesantren" di Lapangan Saburai, Senin (18/7) malam.

Para penonton bergoyang dan ikut bernyanyi bait demi bait yang didendangkan sang "Dewa", yang terakhir menyapa penggemarnya di Lampung pada 2002. Kerinduan para penggemar tampak jelas lewat teriakan berulang-ulang menyebut nama sang idola, "Iwan.. Iwan..Iwan."

Berbeda dengan konser-konser sebelumnya, kali ini musikus bernama asli Virgiawan Listanto itu, tampil diiringi Ki Ageng Ganjur. Musik yang diusung pun terasa berbeda dengan nuansa spiritual. Konser diwarnai pesan-pesan islami yang disampaikan budayawan Zastrouw Antawi. "Mari kita mengaji bersama Iwan Fals. Lagu-lagunya merupakan ayat-ayat kauniyah (realitas sosial) yang perlu diresapi," ujar Zastrouw mengawali penampilan Iwan dengan lagu Sore Tugu Pancoran.

Hampir di semua enam lagu yang dibawakan Iwan, dijelaskan maknanya oleh Zastrouw. Selain Sore Tugu Pancoran, tadi malam Iwan membawakan tembang- tembang legendaris, Kota, Sarjana Muda, Tanam Siram Tanam, Kumenanti Seorang Kekasih, dan Cinta.

Penampilan sang legenda mencapai klimaks di lagu pamungkas Cinta. "Lagu ini saya persembahkan untuk orang-orang yang sudah mendahului kita hanya karena berbeda keyakinan," ujar Iwan sebelum memulai lagu. Iwan, Zastrouw, dan para personel Ki Ageng Ganjur bak kesetanan saat memainkan lagu tersebut. Mereka terbawa oleh lirik dan alunan musik.

Sebelum konser dimulai, acara diisi dengan istighosah. Para kiai dari Pondok Pesantren Bustanul Falah, Kaliawi, memimpin pembacaan doa. Sebelumnya, Senin siang, Iwan mengunjungi Ponpes Bustanul Falah. Di sana, dia melakukan penanaman pohon. Ini merupakan ponpes ke-64 yang dikunjungi Iwan bersama KI Ageng Ganjur. Rencananya, dia nakan mengunjungi 99 ponpes di seluruh Indonesia.(wakos)

Bejat! Guru Ini Hipnotis Sambil Remas Payudara 5 Siswanya

Perlakuan ABD (33) seorang oknum guru SD Swasta di Kecamatan Gedungmeneng, Tulangbawang tidak patut ditiru. Pasalnya, oknum guru tersebut telah melakukan pelecehan seksual terhadap lima muridnya, dengan cara melakukan hipnotis.

Berdasarkan informasi yang diperoleh Tribun Lampung, perlakuan bejat ABD terhadap anak didiknya itu terjadi pada 24 Juli lalu.Akibat perbuatannya, ABD akhirnya diberhentikan dengan tidak hormat oleh Dinas Pendidikan Tulangbawang.

ABD yang merupakan guru bahasa inggris tersebut, diduga telah melakukan pencabulan terhadap lima muridnya, dengan iming-iming kelimanya akan diajarkan ilmu hipnotis.

ABD beralasan kepada kelima anak didiknya bahwa ilmu hipnotis itu bertujuan untuk menambah kecerdasan. Setelah dihipnotis, kelima muridnya itu diperintahkan untuk tidur, selanjutnya kelimanya lantas mendapat perlakuan tidak senonoh dengan meremas-remas payudara korban.

Hal itu tentu saja membawa petaka bagi pelaku. Sebab dari kelima siswa yang telah dihipnotis, dua di antaranya ketika itu masih dalam keadaan sadar.Keduanya lantas bergegas kabur meninggalkan Guru cabul tersebut bersama dua rekannya ME (11) dan TA (11) yang masih terkena hipnotis ABD.

Dengan ditemani kedua orangtuanya, dua siswa yang berhasil kabur itu kemudian langsung mendatangi kantor polisi, guna melaporkan perbuatan bejat pelaku kepada pihak kepolisian sektor Gedung meneng. "ABD akhirnya dibekuk polisi ketika tengah menghadiri resepsi dirumah salah satu warga," beber Ristu. (endra zulkarnain)

“Visit Indonesia 2008” campaign sees Garuda Indonesia aircrafts bear new logo

Jakarta - In a report by Antara News, Indonesia`s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, initiated the use of the “Visit Indonesia Year 2008” (VIY 2008) logo by national carrier Garuda Indonesia`s aircrafts last Friday.

Minister Wacik believed the logo was essential in attracting tourists to Indonesia, using Malaysia as an example when its VMY 2007 logo was painted on its aircrafts, attracting 15 million international visitors.

However, Wacik said that while Indonesia drew five million foreign visitors after spending US$10 million towards promoting tourism, Malaysia only managed to attract 15 million tourists despite spending US$80 million.

"I was upset several weeks ago (to see the slugishness of airlines in painting the logo on their aircraft). If they still failed paint the logo on their planes until the President launches the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 on January 1, these companies have no sense of nationalism," said Wacik.
President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar, said the logo had been painted on Garuda aircrafts to demonstrate the carrier`s support and commitment to the VIY 2008 campaign.

In the future, Garuda aircrafts will carry the airline`s silhouette logo which comprises the VIY 2008 logo with the words “Celebrating 100 Years of National Awakening”.

Source: www.etravelblackboard.com (19 Desember 2007)

House Of Heritage

Kuala Lumpur - WHEN the Raja Perempuan of Kelantan Tengku Anis held a week-long cultural festival in New York City earlier this year, she invited Henry Bong to organise a parallel expo of unique Kelantanese textiles on the premises of the United Nations.

Sarawak-born Bong, who has the rare gift of combining traditional Malaysian art with contemporary interior design, gladly obliged.

THE royal invitation illustrates Bong`s tremendous influence in the local arts and design scene.

The 54-year-old is a respected art dealer, art historian, businessman and passionate lover of Malaysia`s cultural heritage and is regularly deferred to by prestigious patrons of the local arts.

But when Bong isn`t busy lending his considerable expertise to various local and foreign projects, he can be found lovingly tending to his highlyesteemed gallery-museum, Pucuk Rebung.

Located on the third level of the Suria KLCC, Pucuk Rebung may not be a household name among Malaysians — which is surprising, considering the fact that it has a prominent mention in international publications, such as Museums of Southeast Asia and the Insight series` Kuala Lumpur City Guide — but it is considered a must-visit by foreign art and culture buffs.

The gallery-museum receives visits from buyers and art lovers from across the globe who describe Pucuk Rebung as “a treasure house of Malaysian heritage”, and which is sometimes graced by the presence of foreign journalists who study Pucuk Rebung`s rare artifacts and feature them in their international art magazines.

Where the past is present Named after the classic bamboo shoot motif prevalent in traditional Malaysian iconography, Pucuk Rebung is home to Bong`s thousands of cultural artworks and artifacts painstakingly collected since the 1960s.

Incorporating all eras, from the Bronze age to the present day, Pucuk Rebung boasts bronze, precious metal, wood, ceramic, textile and glass artifacts; rare and important maps, documents and manuscripts; as well as unique and priceless paintings and sculptures.

“We use art to depict Malaysia`s history,” said Bong, who founded the gallery-museum in 1997 using private funds.

“Our rare artifacts include letters from the three white Rajahs of Malaysia. We even have ceramics similar the ones from Bujang Valley, dating back to the Sri Vijayan period of the 14th century AD.” Bong likes to describe Pucuk Rebung as a venue of `cultural reaffi rmation`, priding himself on the fact that it is a far cry from the `typical` museum which displays artifacts in impersonal, glass show cases.

“We are a museum, if you like — but without the bureaucratic red tape,” he said. And though most of the exhibits at Pucuk Rebung are of unique beauty and rarity, the gallery-museum`s success is also attributable to Bong`s imaginative, viewer-friendly presentation of said objects, as can be seen by the presence of visiting art lovers who rarely leave without having meticulously viewed the entire gallery.
The collections are presented in a chronological order, starting from the early Hindu Sri Vijayan Buddhist era through to the proto-Islamic phase; the Borneo infl uence to the onset of Islam and the ensuing cultural conversion.

Exhibits include old historic pictures, Buddha statues from the Ayuthia and Rattanakosin era, heavy silver belts and buckles and countless other carefully-catalogued objects.

Another factor that makes the gallery-museum a standout is that while many art venues have simply become commercial vehicles for the art trade, Pucuk Rebung reserves 20 per cent of its exhibits for its `permanent collection`.

This includes many silver items from the 19th century Swettenham collection; Sultan Abu Bakar`s photographs; pictures of Datuk Onn Jaafar, the father of Malayan nationalism; a rare letter from Tun Abdul Razak recommending Tunku Abdul Rahman to the Bar; and a letter from the last White Rajah, Charles Brook, dated March 1, 1933.

Regarding Henry “I get many foreign tourists, including Americans, asking me to ship some of the objects they see at Pucuk Rebung to them,” said Bong, who has a special affi nity for New York`s Metropolitan Museum, where he spends hours whenever he visits the Big Apple.

In a way, the demand goes some way towards realising Bong`s ultimate dream, which is to hold exhibitions of his artifacts in the United States and other countries to depict Malaysia`s art, culture and history.

Bong, whose academic and professional background served him well in dealing with the commercial aspects of art collecting (he was a high-powered banker from 1976 to 1997), has delivered numerous lectures on a range of art and Malaysiana-related topics.

“In fact, I shall give a lecture on Borneo`s history with the title Borneo, Bronze and Brassware in Brunei this month.”

This “walking, talking presenter of Malaysia`s art history” — as one American visitor of the gallery recently described him — has also organised and curated a number of seminars and exhibitions.

Besides the exhibition of Kelantanese textiles at the United Nations in New York, Bong curated the 19th Century Exhibition and Market of Art, Antiquities and Textile Art at the Castello di Sartirana in Pavia, Italy, in 1999; Art and Nationalism: Past and Present at the National Art Gallery in the same year; and a Glimpse of the Glory of the Brunei and Kelantan Sultanates at Istana Batu and Istana Johar in Kota Baru, in conjunction with the visit of the Sultan of Brunei to Kelantan, also in 1999. Kelantan`s Raja Perempuan, one of the many who have been impressed by Bong`s talent and passion, has been a patron of his gallery, and consults him in art and designrelated matters.

In fact, Bong was asked to handle the entire interior designing of the old hall of the Kelantan palace for the wedding of the Royal Crown Prince of Kelantan in 2004.

“I had to study the architecture of the palace hall. I decided to blend Malayan infl uences with colonial patterns while conceptualising the interior design,” he said.

Bong`s latest project sees him interior designing Malaysia`s Royal Salon — the special train carriage that is being created for exclusive use by the Sultans and also the Prime Minister.

To be based in Kuala Lumpur, the Royal Salon is expected to go into operation in March 2008. These and other projects will undoubtedly keep the prolif c culture enthusiast busy for many years to come. Suffi ce it say, Malaysia`s cultural heritage will continue to chug along nicely, with trusty, tireless and enthusiastic Bong at the commands.

Source: www.mmail.com.my (19 Desember 2007)

The rise and rise of Hady Mirza

Singapore - It was a win that brought him to his knees, but if you look at the road to success for Hady Mirza, you can see the signposts that brought him there.

He wasn`t pegged as one of the male favourites but the 27-year-old from Singapore emerged as winner of the Asian Idol competition that pitted six Idol winners from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, The Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia last Sunday.

"Did you think I would win? I didn`t. Not even for a moment," he told TODAY on Monday morning. "This is not for my personal glory, but for Singapore."

Hady`s journey to this "Singapore glory" began as a schoolboy at Beng Wan Primary School. Born Jan 28, 1980, his earliest musical memory is of himself as a seven-year-old singing Toto`s I`ll Be Over You during the 10-minute walk to his Serangoon Road school. And at his grandmother`s house, he`d be "flanked by a guitar-wielding uncle on one side and a Madonna-crazy auntie on the other".

The Siglap Secondary School alumnus got his first taste of performing when he joined hip-hop groups while in National Service, but that experience did not last.

While still in NS, he hooked up with Taufik Batisah and fellow local artiste Adib for a set at Hard Rock Café, which he has described as "one of the most memorable gigs I`ve ever done".

But it was only after his NS stint in 2002 that things started rolling. He auditioned — and got — the singer`s spot with Raw Energy, the resident band at the now-defunct Manchester United-themed Devil`s Bar.

"Taufik also came to audition," recalled Dennis Foo, the man behind Devil`s Bar, and now the CEO of St James Power Station. "Of the two, I had to pick one, so I picked Hady.

"Last year, when Hady won Singapore Idol, he SMSed me, it was still `Thanks, boss`," joked Foo.

"Now it`s just `Thanks, Dennis!` He`s easygoing, you know? When you call someone, `a real cool guy` — that`s Hady. He`s soft-spoken, he won`t talk too much, but he delivers everything vocally onstage."

Hady showcased his stuff at Devil`s Bar six nights a week, wowing the crowds with a diverse range — from sweet soulful sounds, to all-out rockin` tunes — before the opportunity to appear on Singapore Idol 2 came early last year.

His emphatic victory — he garnered about 70 per cent of the votes — led to a debut eponymous album, which achieved platinum status in four days and won him Most Popular Artiste (Singapore) and Most Popular Song (Singapore) at Anugerah Planet Muzik 2007, a yearly Malay music award show that celebrates music from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

"Singapore Idol changed me a little bit, but I try to go through my day as normally as possible," he said.

"Normal" includes spending as much time as possible with his family.

"Most of the time we do normal family stuff, like makan (eat), just be together."

He used to help out with the family stall at Geylang Serai during Ramadan, selling roasted meat.

"We would start roasting the chickens from five in the afternoon until 2am. I can say that for the entire 30 days of fasting, my body reeked of smoke."

But of course, those days are far behind. Where does he go from here?

"I hope that one day, Hady will hold his own concert in the Indoor Stadium," said Foo. "If you see 8,000 or 10,000 people turn up for Hady Mirza then you`ll know he`s really made it."

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (19 Desember 2007)

Local heritage at cultural village

Kuala Lumpur - Ten months from now, Kuala Lumpur will have a cultural centre on par with those around the region. RADIN SRI GHAZALI looks at the plans.

A dream will finally begin taking shape next year of making Kuala Lumpur a hub of cultural activities.

Eight hectares of land in Jalan Davis, Kuala Lumpur, have been ear-marked for a cultural village to be called Kota Warisan. First mooted three years ago, it will take shape next year at a cost of RM32.5 million.

The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and Enfiniti Productions Sdn Bhd recently signed an agreement on executing the project.

Ten months from now, Kota Warisan will let Kuala Lumpur stand side-by-side with cultural centres such as the Esplanade, Singapore; Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok; Cultural Centre of the Philippines; and Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Centre, Jakarta.

“We have countless theatres including Istana Budaya and Panggung DBKL. But we do not have a cultural village that projects the Malaysian identity,” said Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim. “Kuala Lumpur should have such facilities. Besides that, we want to make Kuala Lumpur a cultural centre.”

He said his ministry would “be primarily involved in the physical structure of the venue by providing the infrastructure for Kota Warisan”.

Enfiniti Productions, run by Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, will take care of content enhancement. “They will have a panel of experts to decide the programmes for the cultural city,” Rais said.

Kota Warisan is said to be the first cultural village in the peninsula.

“Visitors would be apart of Kota Warisan. As soon as they step inside, they will be participating in the daily activities carried out by the actors of Kota Warisan,” explained Tiara.

“In fact, Kota Warisan will also benefit our own people. Due to modernisation, we tend to neglect the essence of traditions and culture. There are among us who have never been to a real village. Thus, Kota Warisan will provide a great exposure of the kampung life among the younger generation,” she added.

She said the Culture Ministry, the National Arts, Culture & Heritage Academy and National Film Development Corporation would help with auditions to select the workforce needed by Kota Warisan.

Kota Warisan will consist of a cluster of villages from every ethnic group in Malaysia.

Visitors will be guided by a storyteller who will explain the activities carried out in each village.

Every outing will end with a dinner show where visitors will be entertained by artistes performing acts based on folklore and legends.

“There might even be a showcase of Puteri Gunung Ledang (the musical based on a fabled princess on Mount Ophir, Johor, which she produced),” Tiara said.

Source: www.nst.com.my (19 Desember 2007)

Malioboro Street buzzes as Yogyakarta`s magnificent mile

Yogyakarta - Strolling along the 1,500-metre strip of Yogyakarta`s famed Malioboro Street is as essential as visiting Times Square when in New York City. Tracing an imaginary line from the Sultan Palace on the south toward the peak of the legendary Merapi volcano to the north, the iconic street has been a bustling traditional market since 1758.

Yogyakarta is an ancient royal capital and one of the country`s prime tourist destinations, abounding with cultural history, temples and a vibrant arts` and crafts` scene, and second only to Bali for visits by overseas tourists.

But last year, the city, province and tourism industry were shattered by a pre-dawn earthquake flattened large areas and killed more than 5,800 people

The May 27, 2006, magnitude-6.2 quake in the Central Java region damaged more than 350,000 homes and displaced 1.5 million people. Those figures would be astonishing except for the fact that the earthquake was anything but an isolated event for the country.

But now, the city seems to have bounced to its normal pulse, and Malioboro Street is the city`s magnetic pole.

"I have to go to Malioboro when I visit Yogyakarta. I just have to," Ardian Ghani, 30, a visitor from Jakarta said. "It`s the exquisite atmosphere that you just can`t explain."

About 800 metres from the Sultan Palace, the famous Souvenirs Paradise street is framed by hundreds of shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. It once functioned as a meeting point during the second Dutch military aggression.

Strolling on foot, one may soak in the sights, sounds and smells of vendors and their wares, ranging from local specialties such as batik, rattan ornament, leather puppets, bamboo and silver goods to general handicrafts.

Tourists can also take a ride in a pedicab or a horse-drawn cart for a cheap price.

Along the arcades, visitors may enjoy a leisurely shopping experience, but should follow the lead of the locals and bargain with the vendors for the best prices. The skilful haggler may be able to get the offered price halved and traders appreciate tourists who try to bargain in good faith and with good humour.

Near the end of the street, the famous Beringharjo market offers a full array of traditional products. In addition to local products of Yogyakarta, the market brims with other regional favourites such as Pekalongan batik and Solo batik.

Many choices of handmade batik, printed batik, window curtains with unique motifs and batik bed sheet. Adding to the local atmosphere, this traditional market offers great prices, too.

At one end of the street, tourists can drop in at the colonial Vredeburg Fort opposite Gedung Agung, an official presidential palace in the province. The fort was the Dutch bastion against attacks by Yogyakarta Kingdom troops.

When the sun sets, the arcades transform into sprawling eateries featuring traditional "cross-legged" seating. Enjoy a local specialty of Yogyakarta called Gudeg, a meal of sweetened jackfruit cooked in coconut milk as street troubadours serenade diners for gratuities.

Destination: Malioboro street is located in the heart of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Climate and best time to travel: Tropical country, tourists may visit anytime.

How to get there: Bus, train and plane. If you take the train from Indonesia`s capital city of Jakarta, then you will get to see the beauty of the countryside. Yogyakarta has an international airport, but not all flights connect directly.

Source: www.earthtimes.org (19 Desember 2007)

Youth Urged To Be Competitive

Bandar Seri Begawan - Youth are urged to be competitive and faced up to the challenges of development so that they won`t be left behind. Youth are also urged to preserve their national and cultural identity and never to lose sight of their values.

This was the call made by Dayang Hajah Norlah binti Haji Yaakob, Acting Director of the Youth and Sports Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, who was the guest of honour at the certificate presentation and closing ceremony of the 17th Overseas Youth Programme yesterday.

The 12-day programme saw 63 participants (32 students from Brunei Darussalam and 31 from the Republic of Singapore) aged between 15 and 17 years.

Participants from Brunei Darussalam comprised army cadets, police cadets, fire and rescue cadets, girl guides, scouts and Red Crescent while those from Singapore were from National Cadet Corps and National Police Cadet Corps.

Dayang Hajah Norlah said, "The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through OBBD (Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam) will continue to formulate suitable enriching programmes especially for the youth with emphasis on self-development to make them strong and resilient and could successfully contribute towards nation building."

The Overseas Youth Programme was established in 1999 and was introduced and run by OBBD Centre with the cooperation of Outward Bound Singapore and the Co-curriculum Education Department, Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam.

The programme were held at OBBD Batang Duri Camp, Bukit Patoi Recreational Forest, Serasa, the capital and Youth Development Centre.

The programme was in the form of personal challenge course with three phases namely Challenge and Exploration Phase, Community Work Phase and Cultural Visits Phase.

Source: www.brudirect.com (19 Desember 2007)

`Forever` Wins Top Film Prize in Jakarta

Singapore - The road movie "3 Hari Untuk Selamanya" (3 Days to Forever) by Indonesian director Riri Riza won the best Indonesian film award Sunday at the ninth Jakarta International Film Festival.

The best Indonesian director nod went to Deddy Mizwar for "Nagabonar (Jadi) 2" (Nagabonar [Becomes] 2), a comedy centered on a father and son‘s dispute. The Movies That Matter Human Rights Award went to "Playing Between Elephants" by director Aryo Danusiri, about a chief in the battle-scarred territory of north Sumatra, Indonesia, trying to lead his village through reconstruction and rehabilitation after the 2004 tsunami.

JiFFest screened 180 films from 33 countries from Dec. 7 through Sunday on a budget of 3.8 billion rupiah ($407,000), down 30% from 2006. Guests were 15% fewer year over year with attendance at 54,000.

Yet organizers said JiFFest remains the biggest international film festival in Southeast Asia and said ticket sales were encouraging, with opening film "Persepolis" and closing film "Chants of Lotus" sold out before the festival began.

"Into the Wild," "The U.S. vs. John Lennon" and the Coen brothers‘ action thriller "No Country for Old Men" also proved popular titles. Organizers reported that the free screenings of Indonesian and Southeast Asian cinema also were well attended.

On the opening night, the newly appointed governor of Jakarta, Fauzi Bowo, pledged to support the festival throughout his term. This was good news to the festival known for its constant struggle with funding.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com (18 Desember 2007)

A new era for local music, or just an idle dream

Singapore - Some call it a triumph to silence the sceptics; others, an unexpected and lucky win.

But fluke or not, the crowning of Singapore‘s Hady Mirza as the first Asian Idol on Sunday is stirring the embers of hope among those who yearn nostalgically for the days when home-grown names like Anita Sarawak and Sweet Charity were top draws at the concert box office - locally and in South-east Asia.

Could Hady‘s win herald a revival of those glory days of the 1960s and ‘70s for Singapore‘s music scene?

Singapore Idol judge Florence Lian, for one, believes it has debunked the cynical perception that homegrown singers aren‘t any good.

"It just rubbishes the belief that Singapore only grooms Chinese singers. For me, the biggest hope will be that this win changes the buying patterns and thinking of music fans here," said Ms Lian, a senior vice-president at MediaCorp Enterprises.

"The win is something Singapore should be very proud of," said the first Singapore Idol, Taufik Batisah. "Hopefully, local listeners will open up their eyes and ears."

But some viewers were surprised that the 27-year-old winner of the second season of Singapore Idol could beat out strong singers such as Indonesia‘s Mike Mohede, 24, and Malaysia‘s Jaclyn Victor, 29.

"Truth be told, it wasn‘t Hady‘s best performance; even his rendition of U2‘s Beautiful Day seemed tepid when compared to his routines on Singapore Idol," said a viewer who declined to be named.

Even though he thought Hady redeemed himself with his poignant version of the ballad Berserah (Surrender), which Taufik wrote, another viewer wondered if the win was a case of chance over talent.

"Hady‘s performance wasn‘t as powerful as some of the more technically-gifted singers," said Ms Nurul Huda Ahmad, 27.

Mr Mohd Isa Talib, 32, however, argued that "what Hady lacks in singing ability, he makes up for in performance. He is good looking and has stage presence — that is a formidable combination in a contest like Idol".

But is Hady the man to lead a Singapore musical invasion of South-east Asia?

Consider his first commercial outing. Taufik‘s 2005 debut album, the Blessings, which contained mostly English songs, sold 36,000 copies. Hady‘s self-titled debut album — a mix of English and Malay songs — was released the following November and has sold just 12,000 copies.

Hady fan Mohd Ali, 24, put this down to flawed strategy.

"He was marketed more as a international product to appeal to an English audience, which limited him. He should have been targeted, instead, at the Malay market, both here and in Malaysian and Indonesia," he said.

This is why he thinks Hady should now ride on his Asian Idol success to capture the South-east Asian market — in much the same way that homegrown acts such as Tanya Chua found fame in the Mandarin market in Taiwan, after a disappointing start in the local English music scene.

But Singapore Idol judge Douglas Oliveiro, 50, remains sceptical.

"I think a lot of people will celebrate Hady‘s win but I don‘t it will make an impact on the local music landscape. We‘ve been talking about such plans for 15 to 20 years, yet nothing constructive has come out of this, other than providing a little ray of hope," said Mr Oliveiro.

Hady himself remained typically modest.

"I don‘t think my being named Asian Idol will start a new chapter in the acceptance of Singaporean music," he told TODAY from Jakarta on Monday, minutes before boarding a plane home. "Winning this title is not about personal glory for me — the real honour was the chance to represent my country."

But Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC Baey Yam Keng reckons that Hady‘s win has given Singaporeans‘ sense of national pride a boost, and would be an inspiration for the many other talented artistes out there.

Mr Baey said: "Awards like these give people the confidence or the aspiration and motivation to break out of the domestic market."

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (18 Desember 2007)

Malaysian PM calls for peace

Kepala Batas - In the wake of protest by ethnic Indians demanding rights for their community, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called upon all the races to share the task of ensuring peace and harmony for continued economic development of the country.

Speaking to leaders and members of the Indian community here, Badawi said the responsibility for maintaining peace and harmony in the country did not rest on his shoulders alone but on all races.

“We should respect one another and not make baseless accusations against each other,” The Staronline quoted Badawi, as saying.

“I want us to continue to live peacefully and harmoniously as citizens of this country,” he added.

He went on to say that “I will strive to ensure that no race will lag behind in any field.”
Badawi said the Government balanced its help on the basis of the country`s racial composition, where the Malay community was the largest, followed by the Chinese and Indians.

Sixty per cent of Malaysia`s 27 million people are Malay Muslims, 25 per cent Chinese and 7.8 per cent ethnic Indians, mostly Hindus from Tamil Nadu.

“The Government will help whatever it can but to do my job, the country needs to peaceful and safe. That is why I had to take action recently,” he said, referring to the arrest of five Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Front) leaders under the stringent Internal Security Act, which allows long detention without trial.

During the meeting, 14 Indian associations in Kepala Batas also handed a letter to Badawi highlighting the needs of the community there.

Source: www.thaindian.com (18 Desember 2007)

Overseas Youth Program Participants Study Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan - The participants of the Overseas Youth Program (OYP) visited Brunei Museum, Malay Technology Museum and the Royal Regalia building yesterday to gain more insights on the culture and heritage of the Sultanate.

The Overseas Youth Program is a joint participation between Bruneian and Singaporean students, hosted and conducted by Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, in collaboration with the Co-Curriculum Department, Ministry of Education and Outward Bound Singapore.

The participants comprised of a total of 63 students, 31 Singaporean students and 32 Bruneian students aged between 15 to 17 years.

The students toured the building and viewed the various Royal Regalia that has been inherited from generation to generation and gained more understanding on the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy.

The Overseas Youth Program is a twelve-day event which was divided into three phases: Adventure and Challenge, the main core of the programme, Mini Community Work Project and Cultural and Visit, which was a part of yesterday`s event.

Apart from the museums, the participants also had the opportunity to tour various shopping centres in the nation. The Overseas Youth Program, which began in 1999, is held twice in a year instead of once as it was originally designed. This is due to the positive responses and increase in the number of student participation.

Source: www.brudirect.com (18 Desember 2007)

Malaysia`s Penan in battle for survival

Data Bila - Deep in the Borneo jungle, 70-year-old Ara Potong stiches a rattan mat and wonders how much longer he can continue to survive on the bounty of the fast-disappearing forest.

The grey-haired Penan tribesman, with the stretched earlobes distinctive to his people, deftly slices the thin rattan to fashion a mat that will be traded for basic goods like rice, sugar, salt and oil.

"Logging has damaged the jungles. Now it is difficult to find rattan. We need it to make mats," says Ding Liang, another elderly resident of the Penan settlement, as he watches Ara work.

"Even wild boars and monkeys are becoming rare. We do not have enough to eat. Our river is murky. Please tell the world our plight," he tells AFP.

Data Bila is located 150 kilometres (95 miles) southeast of Miri, an oil-rich coastal town in Malaysia`s Sarawak state which borders Brunei to the north and Indonesia`s Kalimantan to the south.

Data Bila is part of the Ulu Baram region that was famous for its teeming flora and fauna, but where many species are now becoming threatened.

It is also home to an indigenous population comprising the Penans, Kelabit, Kenyah and Kayans -- yet as the logging firms encroach ever further, their way of life is also in jeopardy.

The Penan were traditionally a nomadic people but many have now established settlements along the Baram river. Once it brought them fresh water and fish, but logging operations upstream have now turned it dark and silted.

By the 1980s they had had enough, and began erecting blockades to highlight the damage the timber business caused. Most were demolished -- some violently -- but the protest goes on.

A few weeks ago, Penans in the settlement of Long Benalih erected a new blockade across a proposed logging trail to prevent Malaysia timber giant Samling Global constructing a road into its concession area.

The structure is only flimsy and could easily be swept aside, but it is a potent symbolic gesture, and one which can jeopardise certification needed to prove timber was obtained legally and sustainably.

"We have the blockade to preserve and prevent damage to the land," Long Benalih`s headman Saun Bujang said in a statement posted on the blockade, first set up in 2003 and periodically demolished and rebuilt.

"We oppose logging and construction of the timber road because it destroys our way of life and the forest products we depend on."

Samling insists the allegations of forest destruction are baseless.

"We have tried to negotiate with Long Benalih community but we have not been able to make any progress. This blockade is being put up in our timber concession area and we have not started any harvesting in the disputed area," says spokeswoman Cheryl Yong.

Ajang Kiew, chairman of the Sarawak Penan Association, says most timber players in Sarawak have little regard for the native people and the forests, although Samling stands above the rest by selectively logging mature timber.

"Logging destroyed my ancestral burial grounds in the 1980s and 1990s," the 54-year-old tells AFP.

"If you come to my village you only see red soil. The water is murky," he says. Ajang is also worried about the disappearing sago palm -- a staple diet eaten with meat from wild boar or barking deer.

Ajang has been jailed three times in the past two decades and sacked by the government as village headman for helping build blockades.

"The jungle is like a mother to us. It gives us food and protection. I am sad when the forest is destroyed. Our culture will disappear if the forests disappears. My heart bleeds when they cut the trees," he says.

The plight of the Penan was made famous in the 1990s by environmental activist Bruno Manser, who waged a crusade to protect their way of life and fend off the loggers.

He vanished in 2000 -- many suspect foul play.

Malaysia bitterly resented his efforts and banned him from the country, but Ajang says opposition to logging runs much deeper than the campaign of any one man.

"We are not influenced by Bruno Manser or any other outsiders. Our problems are real. Come to my village and see for yourselve. We are not liars."

Samling`s vice-president of forest division James Ho, who is based in Miri, insists the sago plants and rattan vines so critical to the Penan way of life are not damaged in its concession areas.

"Sago plants do not have commercial value. We don`t touch such plants. We practice sustainable forest management. Only trees with commercial value of certain size are cut. We follow the laws," he says.

"We do not destroy the forest. We only harvest mature trees. We are a listed company in Hong Kong and we want to be transparent."

"Unfortunately by being transparent, we are subjected to more scrutiny," he tells a group of international media which the company brought to Sarawak to witness its activities.

Ho says the Penan of Long Benalih are being influenced by outsiders, and that many others actually welcome the roads, piped water and other benefits of development that the logging brings.

Raymond Abin, of the Borneo Research Institue in Miri, said there are at least 15,000 Penans in Sarawak, including about 300 who still live a nomadic existence in the jungle.

"Many Penans have been forced out of the forest to settle in settlement camps. Their social and economic activities depend on hunting and sale of handicraft. Rattan is already depleted due to logging."

Despite the "benefits" of development, malnutrition remains a big problem, the social activist says.

"And if you look at the state development plan, it is very scary. The lowlands are for oil palm cultivation and the highlands for forest plantations. Hence, the indigenous people will be pushed further into the interior."

Source: news.yahoo.com (17 Desember 2007)

Praise And Reward For Athletes

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Darussalam contingent to the 24th SEA Games returned home to the beating of Hadrah and cheers from the awaiting crowds at the Brunei International Airport, yesterday evening.

Brunei Darussalam brought home one gold, one silver and four bronze medals from Korat, Thailand compared with one gold and four silvers from the previous SEA Games in the Philippines.

The country`s lone gold came from Haji Naim Brahim in the men`s singles in lawn bowling, while Norleyermah binti Haji Raya grabbed the Sultanate`s only silver in the women`s Tunggal in Pencak Silat. As for the bronze medals, Brunei came third in the men`s team sabre in fencing, Mohammad Yazid-Yatimi took bronze in the men`s discus, Masdiana binti Hj Tengah took third place in the women`s under 48kg in karate and Brunei`s team took the bronze in men`s pair in lawn bowling.

On hand to welcome the contingent were Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Awang Mohammad bin Haji Daud, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haj i Matassim bin Haji Jibah, the Director of Youth and Sports and other officials.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, in his welcoming remarks, congratulated the athletes on their achievements. He also highlighted, "The ministry will be doing a full analysis of the reason behind athletes who still seemed to be less focused and short of skills, namely, in technique and tactics, to make sure that the country and get more medals in future SEA Games".

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presented cash rewards to athletes, who won medals at the SEA Games in Thailand, under the sports excellence incentive scheme.

On the athletes` performances, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat bin Haji Ampal, the Chef de Mission for Brunei`s SEA Games contingent, in an interview said, "The standard of other countries` athletes has risen so much that the bronze medal benchmark of the last SEA Games in Philippines was way below the bronze medal (mark) this year. An example is shot putt where our athlete threw 14.28 metres, which compared with two years ago was less than 13 metres. This year, the bronze medal winner threw more than 16 metres. So there is a huge jump in the performance.

On the claims of biased refereeing in the Games, he commented, "We were not happy with many of the judgements made by the referees in the competitions. We know what we witnessed and as commented by other countries, many were unhappy, including ourselves, in the judgements made in competitions. We could have won more medals."

He also said, "I am happy with the achievements we have-trade, but I would like to have more. We wanted more and we could have. We will plan for the next two years, and now that I have seen the achievements, we need to raise ourselves, and we will be better prepared in the next two years,"

Touching on future plans, he said, "We are going to sit down with the various sporting associations and work out the strategies whereby there are many things, including clear structure programmes, where all qualified athletes who want to compete in the SEA Games, could go through in training. And have specific achievements in a couple of years.

"With the cooperation of athletes, associations and the Ministry, we continue to give the support and we will improve further through the right programmes which are implemented at the moment. I am confident that we will do much better in the next few years."

Source: www.brudirect.com (17 Desember 2007)

Government provides equal chances for all

Kepala Batas - All races in the country can rest assured the government will provide equal opportunities in education, the prime minister said.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said his administration would be fair to all races.

He said the government understood that it was only through education that citizens could contribute to the country`s well-being.

"It is also through education that all races will enjoy quality of life. Education will ensure that people make a decent living and get good jobs," he said, adding that the government had always given extra attention to ensure the poor obtained a decent education to help them climb out of poverty.

He noted that rural students were getting better results and attributed this to government efforts to provide better facilities in schools.

Abdullah, who is Kepala Batas member of parliament, said this when presenting awards to high achievers in the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah examination in the constituency.

Later, he met a group of 150 members of the Indian community and spoke at length on the need for everyone to maintain peaceful and harmonious relations between the races.

Abdullah said the government had not failed any community in the country and would continue to respond to and fulfil the people`s wishes.

He, however, admitted that what the government has done might not be enough.

"Different communities have different needs. It is impossible for the government to fulfil everyone`s needs 100 per cent.

"However, I can assure you that we will continue to do more in the future," he said.

Abdullah said co-operation from each and every community was vital for the government to carry out its responsibilities to the people.

"We can only do it if our country is peaceful and harmonious.

"As such, we need the people -- Malays, Chinese and Indians -- to work hand-in-hand to ensure public safety and improve the situation in the country."

Abdullah said although there were bound to be problems, these could be overcome if everyone remained united.

Abdullah said that as the prime minister, his responsibility was to all Malaysians regardless of race and not only to the Malay community.

He also said he would continue to act against disruptions of the country`s peace and stability.

Abdullah said there had never been a clash between the Malays and Indians which was caused by religion. "I will continue to respect all races, I will not treat the Indians as my enemy."

Source: www.nst.com.my (17 Desember 2007)

Preserving The Nation`s Identity

Bandar Seri Begawan - More than 70 people joined a cleaning campaign, organised by Kampong Jerudong Consultative Council, at Jerudong Beach yesterday.

Kampong Jerudong chief Haji Mohd Rais Haji Ishak, who headed the campaign, said a clean environment is a source of pride for residents of Kampong Jerudong.

He also said while there have been many cleaning campaigns in the past, yesterday`s initiative was joined by various agencies such as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, Outward Bound Singapore, and residents of Kampong Jerudong.

Meanwhile, Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam training officer Hjh Sofinaz Haji Abdul Maj id said the objectives of the campaign were to preserve the national identity as a clean country, to instil a sense of responsibility among the people, and to encourage cultural exchanges between Brunei and Singaporean students.

For students of Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, the activity was part of their 12-day programme, which runs from December 7-18.

In the first i.tease of the programme, students took part in activities such as kayaking at Serasa Beach and camping.

Yesterday`s cleaning campaign was part of the second phase of their programme, while the next phase will see them pay a visit to various museums in the country, including the Royal Regalia.

According to Afendi of Outward Bound Singapore, the programme "allows them an opportunity for self-discovery through various activities".

"The biggest benefit comes from the community programme," he said. "We are happy to work with the Bruneians to conserve the nature`s gift - the beach. I hope the students can share their experiences when they return to Singapore."

Source: www.brudirect.com (17 Desember 2007)

Indonesia Hopes For More Interaction With Malaysians

Kuala Lumpur - Indonesia hopes for more interaction between its people from all levels and Malaysians, including journalists, culture proponents, undergraduates and youths.

Acting Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Tatang B. Razak said the leaders of both countries had agreed to strengthen relations between their citizens following the action of certain groups which to a little extent had affected Malaysia-Indonesia relations.

"The demonstrations against Malaysia in Indonesia recently involved only a small group.

"It was only a problem of perception which needs to be corrected and not allowed to fester," he said after attending the Angkasapuri Declamation 2007 show here tonight.

He said problems in relations between both countries involved only small issues but the media blew them up.

Tatang said the good relations must be preserved as Malaysia was the No. 1 investor in Indonesia.

He praised RTM`s effort to organise the poetry declamation which he believed could strengthen relations between both countries.

"We should have invited the Indonesian media to watch this," he said.

The show featured poetry reading, singing of poetic songs and acting on Malaysia-Indonesia relations and in honour of the contributions of Malaysia`s second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussin.

Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin was at the show which was broadcast live over RTM1.

Source: www.bernama.com.my (17 Desember 2007)

Firm hands over rebuilt Indonesian houses

Aceh - Indonesia has held a ceremony to hand over the 100,000th rebuilt house in Aceh and Nias, which were devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

A spokesman of the agency overseeing reconstruction in the wake of the tsunami, says 138 houses were symbolically handed over to residents of one of the villages worst hit by the tsunami.

The catastrophe claimed 168,000 Indonesian lives.

Reconstruction of a targeted 120,000 houses is expected to be complete by April.

However official say some of the rebuilt houses have remained unoccupied or are of poor quality, while others still lack essentials such as drainage or electricity.

Source: www.radioaustralia.net.au (15 Desember 2007)

Ship Programme Enriching Experience, Say Participants

Bandar Seri Begawan - The participants of the ship for Southeast Asia Youth Programme (SSEAYP) Brunei have returned enriched with insights into other Asian cultures.

Natasha Halim, the assistant youth leader for the participants of Brunei Darussalam, who had the opportunity to go on the ship for a period of 52 days alongside 28 other Bruneians, described the experience as overwhelming, as well a lifetime opportunity to know about other Asian cultures. The 2007 SSYEAP participants arrived home three nights` ago, after almost two months of journey from Japan to 10 of the Asean countries.

Natasha shared her experience of the journey and expressed her gratitude to have been a part of this team.

"We began with Japan, where we participated in the Youth Leader Summit. We were divided into several groups and were required to participate in various activities like discussion groups on cultural standings, the environment and such," she said.

The discussions allowed the 10 Asean countries to share all kinds of information, be it in the form of culture or tradition with each other as well as the Japanese participants.

"Most of the activities were centred on team building where everyone was given the opportunity to know one another and form some kind of friendship and exchange culture," She added: "The highlight of the journey was one particular cultural event where participants performed for an hour telling others about their country`s origin and culture. We did in the medium of dance," she said enthusiastically.

Natasha said that although it may not sound as fun on paper, it was actually interesting as all 11 countries got involved in the performance and that in turn took a lot of time on the ship.

"At the end of the day, the programme allowed us to gain a (deeper) understanding of our own culture, as on board the ship, you gain new experiences and meet new people and you just can`t help but share your culture," she said.

Natasha reminisced the last night prior to returning home when almost everyone didn`t wanted to go to sleep for fear of not spending enough time with the other participants.

She added that a sense of loss was felt at the end of the journey.

"Ultimately, a sense of sadness was inevitable but at the same time it was overwhelming and with the intention to keep in touch is always a problem but we all feel blessed for being given the opportunity, she said. Another Bruneian participant, Dk Noorakramen Khairin Pg Alimin, 22, who works in the government sector, said that the two-month trip was worth it, even though she suffered from sea sickness.

One benefit "was the opportunity to know about other cultures," she said.

She suggested that there has always been a misconception of some sort about the other Asean countries but with this trip, the stereotypes drifted away as we gained a better understanding through an exchange of culture on board the ship.

Understanding of one another`s culture was another benefit, she said.

"I find it difficult to describe my experience as one needs to experience it in order to have a better understanding of what the programme is all about," she said.

However, at the end of the day, she said that the participants all became one big family and a fusion of cultures was achieved.

Mohamad Mahadzir Iskandar Zakaria, 24, one of representatives of traditional culture during the programme for Brunei gained a lot from the programme.

Apart from the cultural exchange between the Asean countries besides Japan, he said: "We also made new friends and at the same time learned some new languages.

"The discussions and other activities that were conducted were a great opportunity for everyone to contribute something and in some way it also allowed us the opportunity to promote our own country to other people less aware of Bruneian culture," he said. The activities included kitemaking, folding of the dastar, which is a traditional and ceremonial headdress for men as well as the traditional adukaduk dance, he added.

The programme is based on the respective joint statement issued in 1974 between Japan and six Asean countries, but by 1999, had extended to all 10 Asean countries with more than 8,500 Asean and Japanese participants.

Source: www.brudirect.com (15 Desember 2007)

Bengkulu to hold Raffles beach festival

Bengkulu - Bengkulu province - rocked by a major earthquake several months ago - planned to hold a "Raffles Beach Festival" in May 2008 which will involve neigboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia, a spokesman said.

Edy Nevian, head of Bengkulu provincial tourist office said here Friday, the festival which will take place on the "Pantai Panjang" and "Pantai Tapak Padri" beaches in Bengkulu city, is aimed at showing foreign tourists that Bengkulu beahces are safe from tsunamis.

The festival`s organizing committee will organize several events such as an international kite flying competition, beach competitions like volley ball, soccer, beach bike race and ski to highlight the international events, he said.

According to him, other events include a five-kilometer marathon which will take place in May 2008 and wild boar hunting because Bengkulu still has a lot of wild boars.

Local tourists also need to watch such a big event to eliminate the tsunami rumours launched by a Brazilian and had caused Bengkulu province to suffer losses.

The tectonic quake measurng 7.9 on the Richter Scale rocked Bengkulu and neigboring West Sumatra province on September 12, kiling several people and leaving thousands homeless.

Source: www.antara.co.id (15 Desember 2007)

Penans Slowly Abandoning Their Nomadic Way of Life

Kuala Lumpur - The Penans of Sarawak are a misunderstood tribe. Whilst their nomadic way of life is regarded uncivilised by the outside world, the Penans are only too contented to call the remote interiors of Sarawak their home.

Their hunting prowess and the abundance of food in the jungle further strengthened their resolve to remain deep in the belly of the jungle. Money is the least of their worry. The day-to-day survival and being able to bring food back to their families are what matter most.

The Penans are one of the world`s last nomadic people still inhabiting the primeval forest. These last hunter-gathers of Borneo are slowly abandoning their nomadic way of life due the shrinking forests of Sarawak and the enticing modern lifestyle.

FOREST PART OF THE PENAN`S WAY OF LIFE
In Sarawak there are about 9,000 Penans but only some 300 of them lead a nomadic life in the jungle. The nomadic Penans consist of a dozen or so different groups with each informally led by a headman or chief.

Today too it is estimated that less than 10 percent of Sarawak`s original primeval forests are intact. To the Penans, it is not the development per se that worries them but the consequences of such development.

A former nomadic Penan, Ayat Linong, in his 80s, said that Penans were not against activities like logging but feared that such activities damaged the intrinsic value of a forest.

"The forest has been my home for over 50 years. I know every tree there is, and I have always relied on them to heal my physical wounds. My worry is that logging activities will destroy these trees so rich in medicinal value.

"Also, the nomadic Penans depend on the forest for their survival. Hunting helps us find food. If development creeps in, where will they go in search of food? Some of the Penans are happy in the forest, doing what they like best, hunting," he said, his remarks interpreted by his son Pulut Ayat.

REALITY
Ayat perhaps is among the few Penans who take pride in wearing the loincloth. These days he covers his bare body with a shirt. And his typical Penan-look never fails to steal attention among foreigners.

When Bernama met Ayat and his son Pulut in a remote village called Long Kevok in the interiors of Ulu Baram recently, it was surprising to note the difference between Ayat and Pulut, the former who still wanted to retain his Penan heritage and the other who felt compelled to move with the changing times.

Ayat said while it saddened him to see the younger generation of Penan opting for a `modern` look, he knew that was a bitter reality he had to accept.

"Yes, it saddens me to see the young Penans looking so different. The typical Penan hairstyle is gone and so are the long dangling earlobes and the black rattan bangles the older Penans wear.

"For me, while I am now resettled, I still miss not going into the jungle to hunt. I miss not being inside the forest, not seeing the trees. Hunting for us was a matter of life and death. I would sometimes spend a week in the forest hunting for food and would only return to my family when I managed to hunt down a wild boar or other animal," he added.

In spite of his longing for the jungle, Ayat is happy to see his granddaughter attend school.

"I did not have the opportunity to send my son Pulut to school, as there were none back then. I am happy to see our children today being able to attend school," he said.

MATTER OF SURVIVAL
Ayat`s son Pulut, 55, a farmer, said it was not that the Penans refused to come out of the jungle. It was just that food was easy to find in the jungle. And the fact that they are not educated made it difficult to obtain a job.

"We can only rely on hunting because that is all we know. I am illiterate and can only manage the basics of reading and writing through the help of a friend," he said.

But Pulut made sure his children attended school.

"I realise that education is useful in helping my children earn better and a good life. I am not afraid of modernisation because I know it helps. It is not fair to blame the Government for not helping us. It does but we need more help like proper houses and jobs.

"What we do not want to see happening is the indiscriminate logging because that spoils the jungle. It is in the jungle that the Penan make their own medicine, with the help of the many trees that have medicinal value," he said.

Ayat said health-wise the Penans in the jungle suffered from stomach-ache, headache, chest pains and joint aches, not to mention being exposed to inherent dangers like falls from hills and being bitten by poisonous snakes.

Both Ayat and Pulut have their respective identity cards which they had applied some years ago.

"We know the identity card is important, so we applied for it," said Pulut.

A DRASTIC CHANGE
Fellow Penan Yakup Pun, 35, a farmer, said the lack of education prevented the Penans from venturing out of the jungle.

"We cannot find any job outside. And living in the jungle is easier for us plus the food is free there. We do not have to worry about money to buy food," he said speaking in Malay.

Still, Yakup, like Ayat, realises the need for education to shape a better life.

"Our parents were not exposed to all this and they in turn could not educate us on the need for education. Likewise we know that cleanliness is important but our jungle life never exposed us to this important aspect," he said.

CHANGE INEVITABLE
The natives` community leader known as Pemancar, Laing Jok, 50, said the Penans took a long time to embrace development.

"We need more help in building schools, roads, and providing us with electricity and telephone facilities. I believe the Penans must develop themselves and can start by changing the way they look at development," he told Bernama.

He said divorce was high among the `modern` Penans and most Penan girls were married off at a tender young age of 10.
"These girls are married off to men 10 or 20 years older than they are. Some of these girls end up marrying loggers who come in to log the trees. Some of these loggers are already married but hide this fact from the Penan girls. However, in the case of a divorce, the women do not despair. They persevere and get on with life," he said.

Laing Jok said more efforts had to be made to get the Penan children interested in attending school.

"Because of their way of life, these children feel happier inside the jungle than in the classroom," he said.

Source: www.bernama.com (15 Desember 2007)

Dureza cites Libya`s continuing role in Mindanao peace efforts

Davao City - Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Jesus Dureza cited Libya`s continuing role in peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

During the courtesy call of Saif Al-Islam Muammar Al-Qaddafi, President of the Qaddafi Foundation for Charity Associations and Development on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last Dec. 13 at the Malacañang Palace. Dureza said that the visit underscored Libya`s important role in the ongoing efforts to establish a permanent peace in Mindanao.

Qaddafi is the eldest son of Libyan President Moammar Al-Qaddafi. In 1976 Pres. Qaddafi brokered a peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in their capital of Tripoli. The agreement became known as the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and ended the raging secessionist war waged by the MNLF against the Government under then President Ferdinand Marcos.

"Libya will continue helping us in the peace and development efforts, especially in southern Philippines. It is a continuation of what has been started in 1976." Dureza said.

For her part President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo cited and thanked Libya`s continuing support to peace initiatives in Mindanao during Qaddafi`s courtesy call which was attended by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Libyan Ambassador to the Philippines Salem Adam, and Libyan Embassy Charge d`Affaires Sadek Osman.

Source: www.pia.gov.ph (15 Desember 2007)

Malay students falling behind in O Level English

Kuala Lumpur - MALAY students have fallen behind other races in academic performances, especially in O Level English, according to the Education Ministry`s latest 10-year examinations report card released on Friday.

In 2006, 80.6 per cent of students passed the subject, down almost five per cent from 85.1 per cent in 2005.

The decline put a brake to almost 10 years of steady improvement in O level English by Malay students, since 1998 when just 58.2 per cent of them passed the subject.

But there have been steady improvements in the overall pass rate for English language, which exceeded 85 per cent.

The pass rates in Mother Tongue language and Mathematics for O level students have also risen to above 95 per cent and 85 per cent respectively.

The data on the performance of the major races in the three national exams - the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and the O and A levels - is released every year to provide feedback to the communities on how their children have fared.

At the A level, the overall percentage of students who obtained at least 2 A and 2 AO level passes, including General Paper, remained above 90 per cent.

For the PSLE, the overall proportion of students who passed remained above 95 per cent.

Source: www.straitstimes.com (15 Desember 2007)

Cara Kilat Raih Orgasme 1 Menit

Kedahsyatan orgasme menjadi klimaks terpenting dalam agenda seksual. Sayangnya, tak semua pasangan mudah meraih titik ini karena berbagai alasan. Apakah Anda ingin mewujudkannya bersama pasangan?

Dalam urusan bercinta, orgasme adalah kunci dari kedahsyatan yang bisa menggiring keintiman tersebut menjadi sebuah pengalaman sensasional. Tak heran ketika klimaks tersebut tidak teraih, maka agenda seks pun akan terasa hambar. Guna mewujudkan orgasme yang maksimal, maka kedua pasangan harus saling mengerti satu sama lain, terutama dalam memberikan stimulasi dan rangsangan di titik yang tepat. Apalagi, wanita pada umumnya memerlukan waktu lebih lama dalam menyalakan gairahnya. Dengan rangsangan tepat yang Anda lakukan tersebut, maka orgasme dalam 1 menit pun bukan lagi impian. Berikut ini cara kilat raih orgasme, seperti diulas Askdanandjennifer.

Cari tahu hal uang disukainya
Mencari tahu apa yang dia suka menjadi kunci terpenting dalam mewujudkan impian orgasme yang dahsyat. Jika Anda tahu di sudut mana rangsangan akan bekerja maksimal, maka orgasme dengan mudah akan digapai. Misalnya, cari tahu bagaimana dia suka disentuh dan di titik mana menyukai sentuhan itu Anda daratkan. Yang perlu Anda lakukan, adalah bertanya dan amati dirinya. Kedengarannya mungkin hal ini cukup mudah, namun sayangnya pria kerap gagal dalam melakukannya.

Cermati kebutuhan seksualnya
Belajarlah di mana titik panas yang bisa membuatnya bergairah dan rangsanglah daerah tersebut dengan sentuhan lembut, seperti dirinya ketika merangsang dirinya sendiri saat melakukan solo seks. Percayalah, hal ini akan membuatnya mencapai orgasme berkali-kali dengan sangat intens.

Manjakan fantasinya
Setiap orang dapat memenuhi keinginan seksual seorang wanita. Jadi ketika Anda sudah mengetahui fantasi favoritnya, segera wujudkan hal tersebut. Kebanyakan wanita berfantasi tentang pria yang memiliki posisi lebih kuat. Jika Anda selalu ragu dalam ranjang, sekaranglah waktunya untuk bertindak kuat dan tegas. Tak hanya itu, beberapa wanita memiliki fantasi seks tentang koboi, bajak laut di mana secara umum bersifat sama, yakni orang yang memegang kendali.

Rangsang klitorisnya
Sudah bukan rahasia lagi bahwa klitoris seorang wanita adalah pusat orgasme. Itulah sebabnya banyak pria langsung menuju ke area ini sebagai upaya mereka dalam memberikan orgasme terhadap pasangan. Namun untuk membuat efek orgasme ganda, berikan rangsangan lebih di titik ini dengan sentuhan, belaian sambil menggoda dirinya. Dijamin, dia pun geli tak tertahankan dan mengantarkannya pada puncak orgasme lebih cepat. (Dwi Indah Nurcahyani - Okezone)

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