Musikal Laskar Pelangi

Musikal Laskar Pelangi 2 July 2011
Teater Jakarta, TIM, Jakarta.


Following the big success on last year's show, MILES and Riri Riza, collaborated with Edwin Gutawa and Jay Subiakto, present yet another most sought after Musikal Laskar Pelangi.

It started on a bright sunny Saturday arvo. Got the tix ready, then my friend and I head for a 2 hours lunch! :)
Our tix was at Class II, means no allocated seat number. 30mins before the show starts, the good seats are almost all taken. But we got the middle seat, which has pretty decent view to the stage below.

There was a slight glitch at the beginning of show. 15 minutes after the show began, it needed to stop for the next 30minute-ish due to technical difficulties. We heard banging and some loud noises behind the curtain. God knows what.

By 3 O'clock, the show continues.

No doubt this production is full-on. From the music, the props, the concept, the casts, the dances, the ensembles, everything.
One crucial point lacking from where I sat, it's the story.

Perhaps, knowing the story from original book and movie, you may not find the musical... satisfying.

The book and movie were so alive, so vibrant, so child-like colors. So pelangi (rainbow). However, this musical... I can feel the political agenda that some of these artisants may have intended to insert. This, ergo, not fun.

The originality of Laskar Pelangi's story, the kids from a simple Gantong Village, has been mucked around by 'too creative' Jakarta production. The prologue and epilogue of Ikal seems too deep for a Laskar Pelangi story. They seem to define the entire musical. The political sense of golden days PT Timah and the end of it.

The music! Another crucial segment of a musical. I wasn't sure whether it's because Edwin Gutawa on the orchestra, but the music seems quite monotone, and veeery slow. Few times I almost fell asleep due to boredom. I woke up only when my eyes were presented by cheerful music and energetic dances of the Laskar Pelangi kids.

Bu Muslimah, seems to be the lead character in this musical. Dira Sugandi as Bu Mus, someone who is supposed to be very humble, looks very Jakartan (if you know what i mean). Ikal (or the assumed character of Andrea Hirata) is too blah so he stuck in the background. Mahar and Kucai are surprisingly took the stardom on stage! Even Lintang, who had several solo performances, could not outshines Mahar or Kucai's single performance. The vocal performances, on the other hand, I think we all can agree they are splendidly done. Dira Sugandi, despite of her passable act, her voice is without doubt the star of the night.

I'm most amused by the ensemble performances and Mahar's solo performance. That kiddo surely has talent for spotlight!

And! The silhouette screen is very Jay Subiakto don't you think? It's almost as if I'm seeing a music video shoot. I don't say it's bad, I reckon the screens played nicely into this musical. They fit with the music and scenes. They subtly help creating the stage fantasy.

Overall, Musikal Laskar Pelangi is a concept that I think Miles and Riri Riza try to educate audience about Indonesia through Art. I don't complain about this, but it may be not be the piece I'm expecting to see at the moment.

I don't mind more of Musical productions from Miles though. I can see that whatever piece they produce, it will always be maximum effort. You can see it from the end result.

Musikal Laskar Pelangi, I like. But maybe not for a second time. :)

Sangkala 9/10

Sangkala 9/10, Musical Theater presented by Abang-None Jakarta community.

I didn't expect much of this musical, since all casts are not stage performers, theatrical wise.
The script however inspired by Batavia's history. It goes back to 1740, when VOC played Hitler to Chinese immigrants in Batavia. They eliminate Chinese civilians in Batavia, just because they crowd the population at that time.
In this musical, insert a love story between native Indonesian (pribumi betawi) and a Chinese girl.

Script wise, it's very intriguing.
It's very unfortunate that Abang-None were cast for this promising story.

Dancing or Theatrical performance, as said earlier, is not a mere dancing for TV shows or concerts.
The energy is different and at the same time showing the character's emotion.

On top of that, the pronunciation has to be strong and clear.

I can feel the energy of lead casts in Sangkala 9/10. This, however, was not enough.
I was very disturbed by their vocals, then how could I enjoy the performance?

As expected, the "successful" entertainer from Abang-None are the most interesting characters on this musical. These casts are Indra bekti and Iwet ramadhan. They are entertainer as profession, therefore, it's a given that they showing off talent of attracting audience's attention.

Other than these two, there is a sand artist to illustrate the story on big screen. This dude, Fauzan, is excellent. A one man show and musical instruments would do the trick, rather than Sangkala's entire casts.

All in all, Sangkala 9/10...
is entertaining show, but not theatrical entertaining.

For a musical, it doesn't have strong dance and vocal.
For a theater performance, entertaining would be overrated.

It's another musical snob episode.

Ali Topan the Musical

First of all, I admit I'm a musical snob. I don't know the technicalities to produce a musical, but I am an avid audience of musical theater.

I have watched a number of Musicals - popular and off-broadway/ish. I went mostly those in Melbourne, but I've been to a couple of musicals in Las Vegas.

That above, was not a snob moment.
The next line onwards will be (snob moments).

Ali Topan the Musical is the first musical theater I saw in Jakarta.
It is produced by Artswara, owned (or lead?) by Ari Tulang. Famous Indonesian choreographer.
Ali Topan is not an original script for this musical. It came from an old novel, famous on the late 70s-80s.

Brief of story, please see here http://buku.infogue.com/ali_topan_anak_jalanan
Pardon, it's only in Bahasa Indonesia.

I watched Ali Topan the Musical with my mum. It's said R 18+, strictly adult only. I was not aware of what the scenario would be. Some friends know I will watch it with mum. They went to the show before me and warned me of some explicit scenes that may raise awkwardness. You know, some things that you should not share with your parents. Ali Topan, they thought, is one of them.

I'm told that for a theater in Indonesia, the act is quite wild, vulgar, and explicit. I was a nervous-wreck to watch this with mum. Thinking, how wild could it get for Indonesian theater? Sex? Nudity? My mind goes from Equus, to Chicago, then Rent. I was ready to leave after intermission if it's even close to Equus.

Luckily, it's close to Rent.
So we stayed.

For anything publicly showed in Jakarta, Ali Topan the Musical yes indeed very controversial. For bravery and being original, that I respect, Ari Tulang.
However, I have some bitter comments about the Musical itself, in terms of what me as audience saw - music, vocal, act, props.

The above category, need something more edgy. Sorry, not for music. Music is fantastic!
Music shows the energy and emotion on scene, however, the casts could not intertwined with the music and bring it onto the stage. I couldn't feel the emotion, the gesture.

The most spectacular casts on this musical are not the lead casts, or their friends. But small supporting roles, such as Mbok Yem, Bibi Seksi, Ibu Surya, and one of the genk perek. They outshines the leading casts, though they only have small part, they bring out the character. I can feel their characters.

Ali Topan and Anna Karenina, what to say..
They have good voice, but not enough for Musical. Kikan's vocal is too distinct as Cokelat's lead singer and difficult to see her otherwise. Dendy's vocal for Ali Topan is too flat, I couldnt feel the emotion, the anger, the disappointment, the heartbreak. When I see theater, I want to see emotions through movement, gesture, since I couldn't see very well of your face expression. That's how it differs from TV acting. I couldn't see this stage performance from Dendy.

Face wise, Dendy is too clean-cut as rebel boy Ali Topan. I expect someone rugged, more manly.

The transgenders characters on stage, I know what these characters are there for. However, in Ali Topan the Musical they do not make the performance more artistic or comical.

The script is vulgar. The speech, but it did not make me uneasy or disturbed. Because, they don't express it well. With exception to the Tante Girang and Gula-Gula dancers! They bring the scene oh too well! I can see and feel how hungry these horny cougars are!! Bravo. Only one thing bugs me, the gula-gula dancers are just. too. gay. Whilst, they should be cougar eaters! You boys should be thanking the Tante Girang. They saved your performance and make it believable.
This scene, i was quite awkward towards mum.

However, the most anticipated scene. Intercourse Ali Topan and Anna Karenina. Yeah, they did it on a motorbike. Honestly, by all warnings I gotten from friends, I was expecting a lot more than just dry hump. Even for dry hump, Kikan and Dendy are not believable. By the end of it, I was, what? THAT'S IT?!
This was, not at all awkward wif mum.

One thing I always anticipate when going to theater is that the stage props. I'm always amazed by how they put effort not just on performance, but also things that audience many not considered. That is, stage decor.

For a stage theater, Ali Topan the Musical sat in bottom three (stealing Idol words). They have very minimal props! They also count on projectors and screens to create the fantasy. That's not stage performance!!! If i thought this what Indonesia can present for its theater, I would be very tolerable. But I've been to Teater Koma and they have spectacular stage decor! They built every detail they need to create the imagination. I don't want you producers to built the image for me, let me create those on my own, by your decor, by your casts, by your music, by your lighting, by your performance.

I have to say, though, Ali Topan the Musical is good effort to raise public knowledge of Theater Musical. But to me, Ali Topan the Musical is just like watching SCTV Award on TV with better vocals.

I am a musical snob.
and I don't love Ali Topan the Musical.

Wake me up when SEPTEMBER comes...

I came. I surrender. I dwell. and I'm outta here!

Smell ya layta Jakarta.

I'll be outta yer way soon.

The due date is near, and I can see it clear!

Ciao, very very soon.

Radja Ketjil

So..

A friend and I had a sudden lunch date this Sunday. I've always wanted to try on this restaurant called 'Radja Ketjil' (lit. means little king). They have a branch near our homes. In Tebet, to be exact.

The concept is peranakan. I'm not sure the english for it.
Basically, the food is a mixed of malay, indo and chinese.

Around 12-ish we arrived. The decor outdoor is convincing and the inside is homey, with a distinct chinese decor. The place was very quiet by the time we were there. I don't mind quiet.

It wasn't too difficult to decide what we wanted to eat. I ordered hainan chicken rice, my friend had porridge with kung pao chicken. We both were curious by Vietnamese coffee with milk, so had those too. The menu is filled with funny names. One remember most is 'Nasi goreng pengen kawen' (lit. fried rice wants to be wed).

The verdict.
My hainan chicken rice was so-so, but very much edible. I wouldn't mind a second taste.
I tried the porridge and kung pao, they tasted more divine than my food. Although I'd say the herbs aren't rich enough for Asian dish. Given the place and the food, the price is spot-on. It wasn't too pricey. The range would be around 20rb-40rb for main dishes. They have dim sum hours too! 8-11 am with only 10rb. Really cheap, I reckon. Must try for breaky there sometime.

I love the place, the food, and what's more..
it gives FREE WI-FI !!



Definitely must do a second round soon. :)



Jl. Tebet Barat Dalam Raya No. 19,
Jakarta Selatan
Tel. 021-83703227, 83703236

Kerenina Sunny Halim

The newly elected Miss Indonesia 2009

Yes, I'm blogging pageant.

Miss. Kerenina Halim, is chosen to represent Indonesia this year to be the next Miss World 2009. Beauty-wise, she has very distinct Indonesian face, although genetically she's half American by her mother side.

Upon watching the final Miss Indonesia 2009 on TV, which happened few months ago, Ms. Kerenina was proven to show a calm, good presentation, spot-on answers and very native english. At this point, she's almost flawless as a finalist and believed will win without a doubt.

And she did.
However, her latter quality backfired.

Kerenina Sunny Halim, a 22 year old Indonesian delegated to represent the country Indonesia as Miss Indonesia in Miss World pageant, speaks broken Bahasa Indonesia and uses English as her native language.

She made news overseas bigger than the Miss World pageant itself.

Miss Indonesia pledges to master Indonesian

Wed, Jun 10 04:10 AM EDT

JAKARTA (Reuters Life!) - The winner of the Miss Indonesia beauty contest has pledged to brush up on her Indonesian language skills after raising eyebrows for answering the pageant judges' questions in English.
.....

"It's been hard for me to speak Indonesian, because I use English every day," she was quoted by the Jakarta Post newspaper as saying. "But I will learn."

One of her best trait has raised eyebrows amongst locals and people overseas. At a time when some other Indonesians are at their best effort to embrace and roaring Nationalism (re: #indonesiaunite), Memen Suprietmen justify Ms. Kerenina lack of Bahasa Indonesia on representing the country overseas as 'enough to get by'.

He (memen is a he, right?) said,

"For Bahasa Indonesia you need enough to get by. But these days, you need to be fluent in a foreign language, English at least," Memen Suprietmen said on a posting on Kompas.com.

Ms. Kerenina's best traits and Memen Surprietmen's comment made me wonder,
if they're few of the people who have the chance to make Indonesia known overseas for its true Identity, then what Identity Indonesia is to be seen by the world?

I was once embarrased and was slightly mocked by a Singaporean for not knowing anything about my country, even as simple as "whats the population in Jakarta?" I said 2 Million. (last I check, that was population for Melbourne). This gives you rough idea that a common civilian like I am know very little about our own country and apparently, our reps overseas also bearing the same knowledge.

I am ashamed to have been cornered by foreigner and that's still in Jakarta. Ms. Kerenina will represent us as a Nation to the world on foreign terrain, how would she then feel?

From what I know, beauty pageant is not just about looks and physique. It's also not about politics. Mostly what to represent is a country's social culture, is it not? Then Ms. Kerenina should at least know the answer to: how many population in Indonesia? without googling or phone a friend.

Although not to judge her further, I see a potential in her for being the next Miss World, or at least Top 5 finalists. Maybe that was the judges' consideration to crowned her Miss Indonesia, since we've never gotten the chance to actually win the world's biggest pageant. Maybe hey, Nina could actually got the crown for us this year.

If she does, don't matter if she know not of Bahasa Indonesia.
We got the crown, Indonesia is proud.

Will it be that easy?
Covering identity with pride.

Heck, how could I know the answer.
I even write this in english and don't even ask me to translate in proper Bahasa Indonesia, 'cause then I would not dare to have a blog.



Article: Reuters


Update:
What's the difference between Miss Universe and Miss World? Which one has to do with the Trump?

Mika in Sydney

*sobs sobs

The concert I've been waiting since, what, 2 years ago?
when he just went on Rove for a quickie chat/gig and not make the big go.
This year he had that concert, but only in Sydney!

Just watch how awesome Mika is in Sydney! Me envy :((
Although on the upside, lucky that he didnt have anything to do with Melbourne this year.
COS I'M NOT THERE! I'd be crying a bucket if he did.

tough chance he'd go for Indo, wouldn't he? *sigh
I guess YouTube is the best view I could get for Mika now.

youtube

Youtube is racist.

I kept getting "This video is not available in your country"

WTF with thaf?!?!

My video viewing is being limited by the provider, or government censorship?
either way, I'm pissed.

Credit Cards

When did it start?

Credit Cards are at war!















Claiming for slashed prices on retails.
Although some are very dodgy.
and not enough information..

We see 50%, but watch out for * in tiny font almost resemblance a dot.
That's where the trick hides. Your shopping experience may not really come out 50% as advertised.

False advertisement is not uncommon here. Customers are blinded with the numbers and disregard trivial things that matters most. To our knowledge, if such is criticized, customers are the fools and SPGs would only say " did you know, 50% only applies for ice cream only" or "not on weekends, miss" (whilst on our exit there were in big white-chalk writing that says " All day breakfast 50% discount on saturday and sunday". Yet, We don't get our 50% cos (supposedly) we ordered the wrong breakfast. Tricky. Tricky, Our banking sales strategy is.

Better watch out for discounts out there.
Like I always said, there's no such thing as freebies in Jakarta.
Unless you're very very lucky.

Want candy?

Just something random in mind.



Remember not long ago when in supermarkets, customers never get the small change in coins instead the checkout staff will give us candies in return? Ever thought why?
If you think because there's not enough change to give since we only have even amount for Rupiahs available, think again.

What about countries using "cent". They round them up so they get to the nearest smallest currency available in their country. Why don't we round up every sum to the nearest smallest amount we have in Rupiah.

Although I do realized the logic behind it. Since sadly enough, Indonesia doesn't have singles in Rupiah. Hence for every tenths Rupiah, we get candies. The accumulated tenths shall be the 'tip' we voluntarily give to retailers.

I don't mind the extra tip for few tenths Rupiah.
But I do wonder though, Why Candy?
When did it start? Candy in replacement for small change.
Are there any other countries that giveaway candy for change like we do?


edit:
Supermarkets have round up the amount and don't give us candy in return.
but I yet to get the answer to why they did what they did.

Jason Mraz and Java Jazz

My 2nd Java Jazz after Jamie Cullum's Java Jazz in 2007.
This time round, my target is Jason Mraz. Luckily I don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get to see him! Unlike the previous encounter with Jamie where I had to fly back home from Melbourne just to see him live, and boy that was worth every dime!

My first impression of Java Jazz back then does not change for this year as well.

Java JAZZ, the event should already speaks for itself. The biggest JAZZ event ever held in Indonesia! (can i say, entire asia?)
However, as time goes by, it becomes a mix of pop-ish tune mesh with contemporary jazz. This, to attract more and more crowd from the youngest to mature audience. What do we get?

The real Jazz aficionados are only glimpse to the eyes can see. Some of the chic and clueless figures are there to celebrate the biggest event, whom target the mid to higher society. This is the place to see and be seen! not necessarily for the Jazz itself.

This year's most awaited special show is Jason Mraz.
He took almost half the exhibition hall just to himself and his crowd (which were crazy massive!!!). Java Jazz 2009 was his first performance in Indonesia.

As I have observed from few concerts I went in Jakarta and Melbourne, the differences are too obvious. Firstly, here in Indonesia we tend to take our cameras out for the entire show and record every bit of the concert into our tiny cam for documentation instead of dance and enjoy the live music. Then, we tend to sing! ALL and LOUD.
Musicians would be so pleased if the crowd are too enthusiastic to their music and leave all the singing to the crowd. Well, they may be pleased, but I'm not!!!! I went to concerts to hear them sing live! not to hear all those high pitch crowd noises sing!

To that extent, you should've seen the cheeky smile of Mr. Mraz the entire night. He must've been too shocked to realize how big he is in Indonesia. When crowd started to sing the entire song, he just showed his cheeky smile. I wish I captured that moment on my small pocket cam. How unfortunate from where I stood I could only see him on stage with his head only as big as green peas!

Jason Mraz at Java Jazz is as spectacular as you can get for a music festival. The inconvenience was top-notch. He cured it a bit. Live high wasn't on the song list, but butterfly was saved for the last. The show took about 1.5 hours at most. Getting in the concert hall was a tremendous effort, getting out was more effort! the crowd, like I said, was beyond imaginable!

After Jason, we get to watch Joeniar Arief, a local RnB boy with the hit number "rapuh". Listening to slightly Pop-ish RnB made me uncomfortable. I felt like a hypocrite to Jazz. So next we went to Humania, slightly jazzy, but they were good for local. The crowd I can't cope. Too much in such small room. The finale for the night for me was Matt Bianco!! Awesome.
Again, too much crowd the inconvenience was overbearing. My foot couldn't take it no longer and only enjoyed a couple songs. Then on the out stage, a friend took the final glimpse of Vidi, an uprising young local RnB. He was good and I would listen to him intently if he wasnt in Java Jazz. Afterward, off we farewell Java Jazz.

Next year Java Musikindo should expand the location. JACC couldn't hold such massive crowd any longer.

It doesn't represent Jazz enthusiast entirely, since...
Java Jazz is the Party for All.

Javanese traditions

I have realized a few traditions from my ancestral root.

1. Javanese likes sweet culinary, that's common news. However, did you know... serving tea also has its customary. Tea with a lot of sugar is considered honoring the guest, without or less of it would means being disrespectful and sorry to say, gives indication of being less fortunate. Therefore, if you ever visit surrounding mid-java (jawa tengah) for a long period of time, you'd come back with massive sugar rush. *Lol

2. After yesterday's funeral, I came about a tradition of part mid-java that is too interesting to be missed.
Did you know... when men died, women can't attend the burial (not sure if family included in this customary or not). However, when women died, men are allowed to attend and assist the process. I can't understand the logic in this.

3. I had conversation with a colleague one time, she said from her tradition root, it's unordinary to have soon-to-be mother-in-law to shop everything for seserahan (groom giveaway items). Whilst, for javanese, the mother-in-law-to-be is in control of everything to be given to the bride (some may without any prior agreement with the bride or her wants). Mothers are selfish that way sometimes, when giving away their kids.



Update later after further observations.. :)

Kota Toea Batavia

I had an opportunity to join Sahabat Museum for a walking trip around Kota Tua Jakarta. Started really early morning to avoid the scorching heat of Jakarta at noon, we started the journey at 9 AM. After 7 Am ticketing and 8 Am briefing - a lot of beuracracy happened in the early morning.

To our surprise, the six of us were gathered with other thousands of Kota Tua aficionados. The town is surprisingly famous to have successfully gathered more than a thousand people. Young and old, friends and families. Like, literally there are few groups of parents and their kids came along!

The one trip that was supposed to be photography session with a pinch of historical exploration has become, a mere walking trip. We learn very few of what had happened in that city centuries ago. As in why the old dutch orphanage has become bricks of business houses (ruko) or another historical building has entirely vanished into trucks parking lot, etc.

It's actually a fun method to learn history without being covered up by some political agenda on the whatnot happened during years of foreign invasions and revolutions.

History is exciting! we just need to find the loop-holes in learning it.

such as, do you know that the Museum Bank Mandiri was long ago used as hospital? although tragically, people who went in 90% won't come out alive. some scary shit, eh? It's still that creepy inside it, even at day light!

Another tragic historical entity of Kota tua is Jembatan Intan (Diamond Bridge?). The bridge is unique, but sadly it serves no purpose by standing brightly red over a ghastly looking 'black' river. If anyone or cultural department of local government would have their hands dirty to fix and dolled-up this town, i'm sure Melbourne would be nothing compare to Kota Toea.

It's a wishful thinking.
To clear the trash flowing on river could take ages, let alone to fix the rundown dutch buildings along the roads... there's just not enough financial support for these abandoned legacy that we have scattered around the city to be restored to its previous glory.

such a great loss that even us don't have any clue on how to preserve these abandoned beauties.

Obama inaugural party

Come and be a part of Obama’s American presidential victory at Asia’s largest celebration. Show our Indonesian support for Obama. Enjoy special Obama videos and musical acts from the likes of Ireng Maulana, Oppie Andaresta, Rama Satria, DJ Kate, and others. Confirmed live event coverage from CNN, NHK, MetroTV, TVOne, AP, CBS, VOA, and others. This is a free event. Open to all Obama supporters. taken from here

For expats, it's one place for them to gather.
but for us, are we overreacting?

it's celebration for united states.
i dont see anything of it too special in regards toIndonesia.

do you?

Museum Taman Prasasti

What:

Dulunya Museum Prasasti adalah lahan bekas pemakaman orang Belanda, dikenal dengan nama Kebon Jahe Kober yang dibangun pada tahun 1795 dan ditutup tahun 1975 karena sudah penuh. Melihat potensi taman pemakaman ini dapat dikembangkan sebagai museum terbuka, maka pemerintah Propinsi DKI Jakarta, melakukan pemugaran serta menata kembali prasasti-prasasti batu nisan terpilih.

Koleksi yang tersimpan di dalam Museum Prasasti sebanyak 1.409, terdiri dari jenis prasasti bentuk nisan, bentuk tugu, monumen, piala, kijing, lempengan batu persegi, replika, dan miniatur.

More....

I had planned this Saturday to Museum Taman Prasasti for a amateur photo session with two other gals. After all the trouble getting to Museum Prasasti, we decided to cancel our photo session on the spot!

WHY

They charge us Rp. 150.000 for a day (split 3 of course makes Rp. 50.000 each). The amount that 3 of us didn't expect! We had no clue whatsoever. Then I called a friend, is it common for a ticket price that high to enter a museum?
he said: NOOOOOOOO!

We should've been more sneaky at the entrance and not tell the ticket man that we're there for photo session. Instead, only visiting that would cost us a mere Rp. 2000 each. (see the difference?). IF ONLY WE KNEW!!!! :(

we then decided to take off some place else.
ended up wandering around jakarta pusat.

What frustrates me was, taking photos inside a museum should be allowed freely! unless the flash lights or other camera-effect could damage the artefacts in the museums and the fotos are not for event or profit-oriented purposes (e.g. pre-wedding photos). For the latter purpose, this is agreeable to have high entry ticket, because it's not personal intention anymore but already counted as business purpose.

People nowadays have already culture-alert, meaning they are willing to appreciate more of our own culture. Visiting museums like taman prasasti and fatahillah, kota tua, etc for whatever reasons (mostly is for photography) are some of the examples. IF local governments took this awareness as more income and (pardon to say) more corruption to take, why would we then want to appreciate more of our own culture?

Although, I do understand that these high ticket entry is (maybe) for maintanence and human resource purposes. But do understand that first you have to draw patrons to your place before taking "extra" advantage from ticketing. High ticketing should be supported with reasonable means, too.

People visit tourists attractions to take some memories back with them. Hence why cameras exist. If having to take personal fotos are not allowed, why bother coming there at all? not all people are that interested to history and artefacts, you know. ART EXISTS ON HISTORIC PLACES TOO!

That's one thing to consider for the local government, push the patrons in but don't discourage us with high ticketing for unreasonable reasons.

You'd loose our interest in a flip of a hand.

or anyone can explain otherwise?


*photo taken from foolsbanquet

What you do when you're on a Taxi?

on a fine Saturday, I decided to stay at home... doing nothing and browse the net.
and I found Indrani.net

Read her "chat with taxi drivers", I then remembered a topic once discussed on the local radio (either Gen-FM or JakFM morning shows).
Topic was "what you do when you're on a Taxi".

To my surprise, the Radio hosts (or they call it DJs?) was shocked when someone said "I talked to the taxi drivers.
they laughed at that person and started to joke about it.

I find that, irritating.


Back in melbourne, Taxi drivers are sometimes make the first convo. A simple weather talk can lead to various others. I took that culture with me.

Here in Jakarta, what's interesting was, some taxi drivers are prolly not that enthusiastic to talk with their passengers too! To our typical lazy convos, a question is answered just basically YES or NO. a word, nothing more.

Maybe it's not in our culture to communicate to strangers. Even just a simple weather talk.
It could most probably be that we keep it deep in our roots the "mind our own business" and "don't talk to strangers" beliefs.

Weather talk means only respecting others. However, some people who we depicted as labor workers, they sometimes prolly wouldn't find it amusing as well to have a chit-chat. Although, some others, I know for fact, are delighted to chat and be treated nice.

It's not about the taxi drivers.
It's about they who find it weird to talk to taxi drivers.
What's their problem??!

Pungli?

On my way to puncak, we had to drive pass villagers' road (jalan kampung?) 'cause traffic on main road is overload you can barely budge your car even 100 meters. Hence, village people near the main road made a business out of our longing to get away from Jakarta and get some nature in Puncak.

During this time of year, these villagers are making a fortune.
Jakartans are so impatient when it comes to heavy traffic. We chose alternatives even though they cost.

Villagers set a fixed rate for us to drive pass their road (or so to their claim). It's cheap, only Rp.1000. Of course, for Jakartans better to pay up rather to wait numbingly on the main road. However, you have to be aware of these random villagers who'll stop you in the middle of the road just to ask compensation for driving on their road. They're called 'pungli' (pemungut liar if i'm not mistaken). Some will use force or nasty words if you don't give them away at least a thousand rupiahs.

Even little children will stood-by every corner of the roads for these illegal 'toll charges'. My grand-uncle said to me "It's charity, dear". I still couldn't grasp the idea of kids getting easy money as such.

and these people are everywhere...
as if, we're trespassing their road and had to pay road toll.

Am I being too petty over small amount of rupiahs?
or Culture has buggin' me?

Caldera

Went rafting.
citarik... near sukabumi.
2 boats, a dozen people. old friends, and new.

it was fun.
i'm pretty sure it can be addictive...
oh no!

goodbye artsy pantsy, welcome adrenalin.
*halah

Jakarta tidak bermoral!

AWAL CERITANYA BEGINI....
Tolong ya untuk mobil toyota kijang dengan plat nomer B 8455 KF moralnya dijaga sedikit.
Hari rabu kemarin tgl 22 Oktober skitar jam 7 pagi di depan mobil gue ada si mobil 8455 ini. Dengan stiker PT ASURANSI BHAKTI BHAYANGKARA, si supir yang entah perempuan entah laki di lampu merah penjara cipinang dengan tidak berdosa melempar sampah dari jendela mobil ke pelataran taman pembatas jalan disebelahnya.

OKE!
buang sampah sembarangan udah mendarah daging di culture seorang Indonesia. TAPI ditaro mana moral humanitarian respect Indonesia jaman sekarang ini?

MASALAHNYA GINI...
si bapak supir PT ASURANSI ini, MEMBUANG SAMPAH pas di DEPAN kakek tua pembersih jalanan! Punya moral dikit dong, PAK! si kakek udah bantuin elo bersihin jalan, tangan elo itu gak usah kluar2 dan membuang sampah sembarangan dengan tanpa dosa gitu dong!

KITA SEMUA MANUSIA YANG SAMA PAK!

Bapak gajinya berapa sih sebulan dari PT Asuransi bapak itu?
Gak usah sombong Pak. Harta gak digendong ampe mati kok, PAK!

HEY! Indonesian Apartment Developers

Yeah you. You there.

Watching the news gave me the itch.
Worsen economy and man-slaughters are the daily feed. imagine that.

A news update struck me.
Irritates me.

A toddler fell out of the bedroom window of a high-rise apartment in Jakarta's most busy street.
Fell.
Just like that.
One second he's playing with a sister in their cozy bedroom, the next second, poof. out the window and landed on a neighbor's balcony.
creeps.

My head spins and kept on thinking "How?!".

Later I found out the reason.
Those lazy stupid morons who graded themselves as "top-notch" developers in Indonesia couldn't careless to include safety precautions for high-rise buildings!

Windows on high-rise apartments are exactly the same as windows built on 2-level houses. Open 'em wide! the only safety you could get is if tenants put 'safety grill' (teralis) on their windows. This wouldn't be necessary if these developers could even care about tenants' safety at first!

Next time you pass by apartment buildings anywhere around Jakarta, tilt your head up and check their windows. I'm sure they're all the wide-open windows and some have safety grill. imagine the ones who don't have?

If this tragedy weren't in Indonesia, family could easily take the developers out for compensations. Even if they could put a lawsuit now, unfortunately, I don't think the law would even permit individuals to win on the big guns.

This is stupid though.
A tod died because carelessness of adults.
yes, parents at fault too.
but this doesn't mean all faults are on them. Developers should've thought this through instead of only piling up on investment return. Ka Ching!

Gah! This irritates me much.

Why pay up almost a billion rupiahs just to have less safety at our own home.
ridiculous.

I'd rather build up a mansion somewhere in the suburb, thank you very much.

You contractors, get that cash register out of your brain for once will ya!
a kid died.
partly on your hands.

Think about it.