Nyongkolan, Time To Have Some Fun (Saatnya Bergembira)

Suddenly the bus ran slowly. What’s going on out there? Through the window I saw a parade with pretty loud music. While people lined up at the side of the road watching the parade. Even some riders were willing to step aside to watch. Phone and camera were everywhere. From their faces I’m sure it’s a joyful moment. While the  passengers could only watch it enthusiastically from inside the bus. Shortly the bus stopped. Then the driver let the passengers to come out to join the show. Thank God he knew what we want. “Fifteen minutes, okey”, he shouted when we jump out the bus.

Tedong, When Diginity and Livelihood Work Together (Sebuah Mutualisme Antara Kemuliaan dan Penghidupan)

By truck, that morning Frederik took twenty kilometers away from Makale bring three tedongs. One of them is tedong bonga or albino (striped) buffalo. He expects a fortunes of the ongoing bull market in Bolu Traditional Market, Rantepao, North Toraja. Frederik was not alone. Dozens buffalo sellers gathered in the same place, the biggest buffalo market in Indonesia.

The Corners of The Independence (Sudut-Sudut Kemerdekaan)

One of the icons of the city of Jakarta and the largest mosque in South East Asia both in structure and capacity at the same time. Stands out with its 45 meters diameter dome, supported by 12 huge columns, has 4 levels of balcony, the mosque able to accomodate congregation up to 120.000 people. Designed in 1954 by a christian architect from North Sumatra, Frederich Silaban, and innagurated in 1978. Istiqlal itself is located right across the Cathedral Church. Istiqlal meaning “independence” is a reminder of Indonesia’s struggle for national independence as well as a symbol of religious tolerance.

The Splendid of Lombok (Seronok Lombok)

I did what everybody else did, take around in Lombok island after hiking Mount Rinjani. Bali’s close neighbour but main competitor at the same time, offer to it’s visitors a complete set of wonders. Sea to summit. Although only a day but I am grateful given a chance to visit some of the spot, Senggigi beach, Gunungsari traditional market, Batu Bolong temple, Sade traditional village, Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak beach. Personally I prefer Lombok since its relatively not as busy as the island of God, Bali. It’s cultural acculturation also more pronounced while Bali dominated by Hindu. Hopefully I can go there again someday. What a splendid of Lombok.

Stupefied in Rinjani (Terlena Di Rinjani)

It’s so crowded. Understandably it’s a long holiday. It didn’t take for long to me to feel the effect. It’s a little bit uncomfortable for being unable to fully control my walking speed. Too many people in front. Instead of chasing our porters, Hasan and Udin, I have even more left behind. Their speed is no match for me whereas they only wear flip-flop with a pair of twenty kilos basket in their shoulder for each person. Mean while Sari, Sisil, Fanani, Ferhat had their selfie time behind and Apoy already up in front. Fortunately, I was fascinated by the beautiful scenery along the way. Rinjani is so pretty. An exotic view outspread along the hiking trail from Sembalun. A vast grassland stretched decorated with a few numbers of stand alone tree. I wish they can talk maybe those trees will mourn lonely. The nature also shows it’s carving art in form of fractures, faults, cliffs, water stream, and sort of vertical holes which makes it more astonishing. At the top end there the crown lies with all its glory, the peak of 3726 ASL of Rinjani. Sometimes we spent so much time when taking a break just to realize how majestic it is. We’re mesmerized.

Ijen, A Hardwork Story (Sebuah Kisah Tentang Kerja Keras)

It’s still dark and flickering stars was crystal clear. Meawhile the wind blew the pungent smell occassionally. So many people gathered in the serene night. Their voices sounded boisterous. From up here they’re enjoying the wonders blue fire. Only the brave can see it close in the bottom of the crater thanks to the rocky slippery pathway and dense sulfur smoke. Through it all is an adventure for visitors. Yet it’s a daily routine for these man, the miners who make a living by way of traditional sulfur mining at the crater of Mount Ijen.

Toraja, Life For A Luxurious Death (Hidup Untuk Mewahnya Kematian)

Night was about leaving us. Our car finally took us to final stop for that day. It was very hard for me leaving my seat because I was very exhausted due to our long journey. It was a non-stop trip which spent 4 hours air travel from Jakarta to Makassar, 10 hours Makassar-Rantepao journey via bus, then 45 minutes via car from Rantepao to Nanggala.The last spirit left emerged from lights that was shining from the building of which structures has obsessed my mind all day long. Before long, we officially hopped on in the location where I could enjoy the beauty of Tongkonan, traditional house of Toraja, completed with two sharp and pointed ends. Its beauty was totally successful in spoiling my eyes. My tiredness suddenly disappeared and turned into a blow of spirit which led me to get so excited and curious on things I would get on the next day.