Serengan Quarter located on south side of city of Solo, Central Java, might not as popular as other urban settlement such as Kauman or Laweyan. However, the narrow alleys and crowded houses presents an interesting story. The dense region is known as Kampong Blangkon, a nickname for place-based community which many of the resident make a living as blangkon artisan. Blangkon is traditional javanese headdress worn by men and made of batik fabric.
Tag: english
The Down Syndrome Diary (Jalan Panjang Si Istimewa)
The genetic disorder found by Dr. John Langdon Down in 1866 for moms is like a knocked out hit. This thunderstorm in the sunny day happened to an Indonesian Triana Puji Astuti, or Nana, as she gave birth to Naura Elvira Putri in November 2013. The heartbreaking news stroke her just a week later as the doctor said her second daughter carrying Down Syndrome. There are several conditions leads to a high risk of the abnormality one of which is women who in labor at early or later age. Nana had the event by the age of 42. Indonesia alone in 2010 according to Ministry of Social Affairs had around 7 million disabled people and 300,000 of them is living with Down Syndrome.
Bandung Street Fighter (Pejuang Jalanan Bandung)
Bandung, the West Java capital is a communal area and popular destination at a time. It has hectic street just like other big cities. Almost no time for calmness. Hard, dusty and noisy. It is a melting pot which leads to high risk of conflict. Yet it offers living for those who made a try, the strong who dear to face the risk of working on the street. Messy weather and the ruthlessness of street are classic problem that always set to say hello at the most unexpected times. Street is no place for the faint-hearted. Here are some of the Bandung street fighters
Sapu Upcycle, From Trash To Cash (Dari Limbah Menjadi Berkah)
The joglo (javanese traditional house) seems to be nothing special at glance, just an ordinary house. Yet there’s something inside. Looks messy but sightly thanks for an artistic touch. The most interesting is the activity takes place. The house which located on the outskirt of Salatiga City is a workshop place for upcycling waste into products with a environmental, functional and aesthetical value. And above all, economical. Not plastic, bottle, glasses, paper nor some other material which commonly used for recycling, it’s inner tube waste.
Colomadu, The Forgotten Sugar (Colomadu Yang Tak Semanis Madu)
Some say, it will transformed into a modern superblock. Colomadu already found its first doom almost two decades ago. Now the ex-sugar mill which is located at Karanganyar regency, Central Java is waiting for the second one.
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.
A Learning From Toys At Under The Stairs ( Belajar Melalui Mainan di Museum Kolong Tangga )
It’s not easy to find the place despite located in center of the city. Lack of information and phisically attached to the Yogyakarta’s Cultural Center (Taman Budaya Yogyakarta / TBY) building which has longer history cause it less known obviously. Museum Anak Kolong Tangga (‘The Under The Stairs’ museum) as the name implies, it is situated under the stairs of an auditorium. Relatively small, more like a warehouse than a museum. Not a good start. But a turning point in sight. The front face is like a waving hand. It invites anyone to come closer. Colorful paintings distingushes it among the white wall. Like a kid who don’t want to give up easily to attract the attention of the adults around him just to let them know he is there.
Do You Have A Name? So We Do (Kami Juga Punya Nama)
Hello, sir. Welcome to Malioboro. We’re happy to see you. If you dont mind, where do you come from? Ah, that’s not important. We have no business with that after all. Thank you for coming, sir. You make the economic wheel spinning, at least for people along this legendary road. Our wheel too, literally. That if our masters are good at persuading or just get a luck. That’s why we happy if you take a ride on us. Otherwise our quiescent is our master’s gloom.