by alfianwidi -

When The Bajingan Raise A Joy (Ketika Bajingan Melecut Kegembiraan)

The road was jammed by the parade. They were in big number and moved slowly. The narrow road became more narrow. Yet somehow many riders were willing to step aside joined with the locals and enjoy the parade especially the kids who looked so excited. “Bajingan..!! Bajingan..!!”, some shouted. Instead anger, the abuse word was in the air in happy mood. Bajingan in Indonesia refers to bastard, jerk, asshole, etc. Even some of the photographers found them self into the ditch for the sake of good angle. What a blessed bajingan.

by alfianwidi -

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.

by alfianwidi -

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.

by alfianwidi -

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.