Rabu, 23 Mei 2012
Grave of Karangsuci Cilacap City
Silsilah Kanduruwan Ayah
Rabu, 28 Maret 2012
Women in The Independence
From Left to Right : Mrs. Umar Wirahadikusuma, Mrs. Tien Suharto, Mrs. Gatot Subroto, Mrs. Fatimah (wife of The First President Indonesia), Mrs. A.H. Nasution and Mrs. Sudirman.
This photo was taken from book, " FATMAWATI" CATATAN KECIL BERSAMA BUNG KARNO, The First Edition, Penerbit Sinar Harapan, Jakarta, 1978. It is a biography book from Mrs. Fatmawati and there are about 160 photos.
Silsilah Raden Banyumas
Silsilah Raden Banyumas
Family Tree Raden from Banyumas
Prabu Ciung Wanara Padjajaran
Prabu Ciung Wanara Padjajaran
Prabu Lingga Wastu
Prabu Lingga Rea
Prabu Lingga Larang
Prabu Lingga Wasi
Prabu Silih Wangi tercatat 2 putra; Raden Banyak Tjakra ( Lutung Kesarung ) Raden Kamandaka jadi Adipati Pasirluhur mengganti mertuanya dan Retna Pamekas.
Retna Pamekas menikah dengan Raden Baribin ( pergi ke Padjajaran menjadi menantu Prabu Siliwangi bergelar Pandita Putra Padjajaran di Sidakarsa Pasirluhur ), memiliki 3 putra – putri;
1. Raden Katuhu ( Raden Kadu ) Adipati Wirahutama II Wirasaba II menikah dengan Raden Said Wirahuda Adipati Wirasaba I
2. Raden Banyak – Umar Bupati Kalang
3. Raden Banyak Sasra Bupati Pasirluhur
4. Raden Adjeng Ngaisah menikah dengan Wiracandra dari Kejawar Banyumas yang ambil anak nama Raden Semangun (Djaka Kaiman) menikah dengan Raden Adjeng Kartimas putra A. Wargahutama II bergelar Adipati Mrapat pindah dari Kejawar ke Wanangli Banyumas
Raden Katuhu ( Raden Kadu ) Adipati Wirahutama II Wirasaba II menikah dengan Raden Said Wirahuda Adipati Wirasaba I menurunkan;
Raden A. Hurang Wirahutama III Wirasaba III, menikah dengan Rara Pretti anak Buya Buwara menurunkan;
Raden A. Tambangan Surahutama Wirasaba V, menikah dengan Rana Lungge, anak A. Banyak Besi, Bupati Pasir Batuna, Pasirluhur menurunkan 3 puta Tercatat;
1. Raden Warga A. Wargahutama I Wirasaba VI, menikah dengan Rara Srini, anak Panembahan Senapati Mangkubumi III Pasir Astana Pasirluhur
2. Kyai Panjer
3. Kyai Toyareka
Raden Warga A. Wargahutama I Wirasaba VI, menikah dengan Rara Srini, anak Panembahan Senapati Mangkubumi III Pasir Astana Pasirluhur menurunkan 5 putra – putri;
1. Raden Wiranagara Wirasaba
2. Raden Wirakusuma Merden
3. Raden Adjeng Sukartijah, pelara – lara di Kraton Sit Padjang
4. Raden Wirayuda Bandjarnagara
5. Raden Adjeng Katimas, menikah dengan Raden Semangun Djaka Kaiman
Raden Adjeng Katimas, menikah dengan Raden Semangun Djaka Kaiman menurunkan 6 putra – putri;
1. Ngabehi Janah Raden A. Martaputra I Banyumas, menikah dengan Rara Warsiki, anak dari Panembahan Giri Langon (Wirakusuma) Bandjarnagara
2. Kanjeng Sutapradja
3. Kanjeng Mertamenggala
4. Kanjeng Mertawedana
5. Kanjeng Mertayuda
6. Nyai Wiri
Silsilah Panembahan Purwakencana Pasirluhur
Arya Banyak Belanak (Pangeran Senapati I) memiliki 12 putra dan putri
Panembahan Purwakencana Pasirluhur
Panembahan Perlangon Pasirluhur
Pangeran Langkap Pasirluhur ( 3 putra)
Putra pertama, Pangeran Sregangpati Jeruklegi (Kanjeng Ageng Jeruklegi) makam di Pakuncen, Jeruklegi, Cilacap.
Pangeran Sutacandra Jeruklegi makam di Pakuncen, Jeruklegi, Cilacap.
Kanjeng Ngabehi Yudanegara ( Yudasana ) Jeruklegi makam di Karangsuci, kota Cilacap ( 2 putra tercatat ); Kanjeng Ngabehi Wangsengrana dan Kanjeng Demang Pancamanis.
Kanjeng Ngabehi Wangsengrana Jeruklegi, mantu Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara II Banyumas dari bini putra Kanjeng Pangeran Arya Panular, makam di Karangsuci, kota Cilacap.
Kanjeng Demang Pancamanis makam di Jeruklegi dekat Pakuncen.
Kanjeng Ngabehi Wangsengrana Jeruklegi memiliki 7 putra dan putri;
1. Mas Ngabehi Kertayuda Nusakambangan membawahi 48 desa
2. Mas Ajeng Ciptawati, selir Kanjeng Pangeran Sindusena Solo
3. Mas Wangsengrana II
4. Raden Kartapramuwedana di Kalipucang (Jawa Barat)
5. Kanjeng Hadi Ali Mustahari Alim (Ulama hafal Al – Quran)
6. Merdikan Wediliyah Siti 40 Ujung Lurung
7. Mas Mertarana
Silsilah Arya Tole mantu Nyai Ageng Karang – Lo
Arya Banyak Belanak (Pangeran Senapati I) memiliki 12 putra dan putri
Arya Tole mantu Nyai Ageng Karang – Lo
Nyai Centini
Kanjeng Jagasuwara ( Raden Tumenggung Wirareja) memiliki 2 putra – putri tercatat;
Kanjeng Ratu Kencana ( Kanjeng Ratu Beruk ) permaisuri Pakubuwono III dan Kanjeng Raden A. Tjakranagara I Patih Kraton Solo (Pakubuwono IV 1810 – 1812).
Kanjeng Raden A. Tjakranagara I Patih Kraton Solo (Pakubuwono IV 1810 – 1812) memiliki 3 putra Tercatat;
Raden Tumenggung Puspodilaga, Bupati Keparoh Kiwa Kraton Solo, Kanjeng Raden A. Tjakranagara II Patih Kraton Solo dan Raden A. Tjakrawedana I, Bupati Banyumas.
Raden A. Tjakrawedana I, Bupati Banyumas menurunkan Bupati Tjilatjap I, Raden A. Tjakrawedana II.
Raden Mas Adipati Arya Tjakrawerdaya, Bupati Tjilatjap
Raden Mas Adipati Arya Tjakrasiwaya, Bupati Tjilatjap
Silsilah Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara II Banyumas
Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara II Banyumas Tercatat memiliki 13 saudara;
1. Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara II Banyumas Seda Pendapa menikah dengan putri Kanjeng Pangeran Arya Panular, nama Raden Ajeng Kartanagara Sumar Dawuhan; putra – putri Kraton Kartasura putra Kanjeng Raden A. Danureja I Yogyakarta.
2. Nyai Mangunyuda
3. Kanjeng Sumayuda
4. Kyai Wiradrana
5. Kanjeng Martanagara
6. Kanjeng Surayuda
7. Kanjeng Mangunyuda
8. Kanjeng Candrayuda
9. Kanjeng Sumadrana
10. Nyai Patramenggala
11. Nyai Tisnawijaya
12. Nyai Wangsanasara
13. Kanjeng Mertayuda
14. Kanjeng Suradimangsa
Silsilah 13 Putra – Putri Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara II Banyumas
1. Raden Gandakusuma ( Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara III Banyumas ) pada saat berdirinya Kraton Solo – Yogya, Patih Yogya I 1755 – 1799 bernama Kanjeng Raden A. Danureja I ( ibu putri Kraton Kartasura )
2. Kanjeng Wangsanagara
3. Bagus Demang
4. Nyai Mertamenggala Selamerta
5. Kanjeng Kenduruwang Roma ( Mas Mertawijaya )
6. Nyai Wiramantri Wirasaba
7. Raden Ajeng Reksapraja
8. Raden Ajeng Nyai Ngabehi Wangsengrana Jeruklegi, Cilacap, ibu putra Kanjeng Pangeran Arya Panular
9. Nyai Patih Arsayuda ( Raden Tumenggung Dipayuda IV Purbalingga
10. Nyai Ageng Andangkara Leksana
11. Kanjeng Tumenggung Dipayuda I Purbalingga, meninggal di Jenar
12. Raden Tumenggung Dipayuda Purbalingga
13. Raden Ajeng Tumenggung Kartanagara III
Silsilah 12 Putra – Putri Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara III Banyumas
1. Mas Mertawijaya Kedungrandu Purwokerto ( Ngabehi Singasari )
2. Raden Tumenggung Yudanegara IV Banyumas
3. Mas Ranudiwirya
4. Kanjeng Raden A. Danureja
5. Raden Tumenggung Danungara
6. Mas Ajeng Srib
7. Mas Kertawijaya
8. Mas Dipayuda
9. Arya Mandureja
10. Arya Jayasuparta
11. Raden Tumenggung Danukusuma
12. Nimas Amad
Silsilah Kanjeng Pangeran Mertadiredja Bupati Banyumas
Makam di Kalibogor Purwokerto
Kanjeng Pangeran Mertadiredja Bupati Banyumas memiliki 21 putra – putri;
1. Raden Ngabehi Patih Brataatmaja Purbalingga
2. Raden Ajeng Patih Wiryasudigda Banyumas
3. Raden Atmasubrata
4. Raden Ajeng Ramusaputra
5. Raden Wedana Ajibarang
6. Kanjeng Pangeran Gandasoebrata, Bupati Banyumas
7. Raden Danusubrata
8. Raden Atmadibrata
9. Raden Bratadimedja
10. Raden Dirdyasubrata
11. Raden Ajeng A. Jayanagara II Banjarnegara
12. Raden Merdiman
13. Raden Mardyana
14. Raden Ajeng Jayasubrata
15. Raden Ajeng Nyoman Mas
16. Raden Ajeng Sutigna
17. Raden Ajeng Su…..
18. Raden Ajeng………
19. Raden Bratamidjaya
20. Raden Ajeng Tumenggung Sukadis Kartanagara II Bupati Karanganyar
21. Raden Ajeng Pengulu Redja Purwokerto
Raden Ngabehi Patih Brataatmaja Purbalingga menurunkan Raden Prawata Patih Pens Karanganyar.
Kanjeng Pangeran Gandasoebrata, Bupati Banyumas menurunkan Raden Adipati Arya Soedjiman Mertadiredja Gandasoebrata, Bupati Banyumas pindah ke Purwokerto 1937.
Raden Ajeng A. Jayanagara II Banjarnegara menurunkan R. A. A. Sumitro Kalapaking Purbanagara, Bupati Banjarnegara.
Silsilah Raden A. Bratadiningrat
Raden A. Bratadiningrat menurunkan 12 putra – putri;
1. Raden A. Mertadiredja makam di Kalibogor Purwokerto
2. Mas Ajeng Tirtasura
3. Raden Kertadireja
4. Mas Ajeng Mertadikara
5. Raden Mlayasari
6. Raden Ajeng Wangsabrata
7. Raden Mertawijaya
8. Raden Patih Sasraredja
9. Raden Ajeng Surawijaya
10. Raden Patih Krama
11. Mas Sasradimeja
Silsilah Raden Panji Prawiradikara
Kapten Prajurit Kraton Solo
Raden Panji Prawiradikara menurunkan 3 putra – putri;
1. Raden Hardjoproewita, Jatinom, Klaten, Solo
2. Raden Aboe Ashir Tjitrawidjaja, Mantri Onderdistrict Jeruklegi, Cilacap
3. Raden Penganten Samemi, Jatinom, Klaten, Solo
Raden Aboe Ashir Tjitrawidjaja, Mantri Onderdistrict Jeruklegi, Cilacap menurunkan 6 putra – putri;
1. Raden Tjadiwija
2. Raden Ngabehi O..krama
3. Raden Salam Atmawidjaja
4. Raden Djang Djajadimedja
5. Raden Djarotirtadiwirja
6. Raden Kadi Sadiwirja
Raden Penganten Samemi, Jatinom, Klaten, Solo menurunkan 5 putra – putri;
1. Raden Ngabehi Harjasoeda
2. Raden Aboe Supirngadi, Wignjasewarta
3. Raden Aboe Hirdjan, Samahardja
4. Raden Sajidimasoehardja
5. Raden Ngt Saparin
Silsilah Kanjeng Dipamenggala
Mantu cucu Kanjeng Raden A. Danureja I
Kanjeng Dipamenggala mantu cucu Kanjeng Raden A. Danureja I menurunkan 7 putra-putri;
1. Mas Kertawidjaja
2. Mas Adjeng Wangsawidjaja
3. Mas Surawidjaja
4. Mas Dipawiredja
5. Mas Adjeng Pengulon
6. Mas Patih Dipadiwirja
7. Raden Tumenggung Dipayuda, Patih Banjarnagara
Raden Tumenggung Dipayuda, Patih Bandjarnagara menurunkan 8 putra-putri;
1. Raden Ajeng Yudakusuma
2. Raden Ajeng Purwadirdja
3. Raden Ajeng Yudaatmadja
4. Raden Soemadirdja
5. Raden Ajeng Yudawiredja
6. Raden Ajeng Joedasoedira
7. Raden Ngt Ketapradja I
8. Raden A Dipadiningrat, Bupati Bandjarnagara
Silsilah Raden Banyumas belum semua dimengerti. Jika ada pembaca yang masih keturunan Raden Banyumas, apabila masih ada catatan sejarah mereka, mohon bantuan untuk melengkapi sejarah di Banyumas. Matur Agunging Panuwun
Selasa, 10 Januari 2012
Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia is a unitary republic based upon the state philosophy of Pancasila. Bhineka Tunggal ika (Unity in Diversity) is the motto of Pancasila, meaning that despite differences of ethnicity, religion, language and customs, the people of Indonesia are one. However since the multidimensional crisis struck Indonesia, it would appear that the principle of Bhineka Tunggal Ika is beginning to fade.
Indonesia in 1994
I was so happy to meet international tourists on the ferry from Cilacap Transit Port to Ujung Alang Village, Central Java. I studied English with them at the side of the ferry and it was difficult to imagine the intensity of the sun on those afternoons. The air was fresh and the waters similarly calm. All of this seemed so beautiful before the multidimensional crisis struck this country. I can only wish for one word from my beloved country HAPPY even though nowadays this is no longer possible. I wish everything could take the course of 1994, a time when international tourists visited Segara Anakan. At that time I could almost forget that I had so many problems with my family because many English tourists offered their help. I know that right now my wishes are only dreams, simple fantasies, because when I wake from my sleep, what I hear of is destruction, murder for murder, refuges fleeing, massacre for massacre, power struggle, tsunami, earth quake, big flood, and the like. I never desired any of this.
Economic Crisis
Ever since the economic crisis of mid - 1997, the Indonesian people's way of life has been changed. When the crisis struck the results were mass lay-offs, the forced merger of shaky banks, price rises for basic commodities, and continually spiralling unemployment levels with 100 million Indonesia's listed as falling into poverty.
Political Crisis
As a consequence of the continuing economic crisis arose another problem that was marked by the fall of Soeharto : Political Crisis. As his replacement, Habibie ascended to the presidential chair and forwarded a new policy towards East Timor. Eventually, via the August 30th 1999 referendum, East Timor was successful in separating itself from the Republic of Indonesia.
An Islamic Culture
As an Indonesian myself, I am indeed confused as to the political system of my own country. Since the start of the reformation period, exactly 48 political parties emerged, and it is precisely this Multy-party system which was so confusing. I was even more confused when Gus Dur on the 1999 election from his position within the centre axis or Poros Tengah. The manner in which excessively, not to mention the continual power struggle for the presidential seat in the midst of an economic crisis. The scale and degree of destruction in this republic has made me realise that we are a nation which has never valued what we struggled for during the independent period. Strangely, ever since Gus Dur became the president of Indonesia, every problems seems connected to the issue of Islamic law, when in truth we are not an Islamic State. An Islamic culture and consciousness has since developed rapidly like mushrooms sprouting in the wet season. The issue of sweeping against foreigners has also coloured Indonesian politics of late. I thought our political affairs had nothing to do with those of Afghanistan or the US. But Islamic hardliners opposed the US attacks on Afghanistan using various extreme methods. We should have realised from the start that our concern for the people of Afghanistan can be channelled in the form of prayer or necessary humanitarian aid such as food and medicine, not publicized with the yelling of anti US slogans or the sending of troops. I think that there are so many problems here at our home (Our lovely country, Indonesia) that need to solve first.
Uncontrolled Reform Action
All groups and associations base the struggle for their aspirations in the name of the people, but it truth it is the people who suffer the most from their actions. They do not care about or consider the consequences of their uncontrolled calls for reform, such as rises in the price of essentials that is not balanced by rises in income.
Collusion, Corruption and Nepotism
Collusion, corruption and nepotism would appear to have already developed into a culture firmly stuck to the hearts of Indonesian official. It extends to the point that the little people never have the opportunity to occupy positions which are in accordance with their respective skills and abilities.
Cassette and VCD Piracy
The economic crisis that continues to effect has resulted in many crooked business opportunities mushrooming. These include cassette and VCD piracy, along with a trade in women and children that continues to rise. Indeed, we can not blame them so lond as there is no way out of their circumstances.
Terrorist Nest
With the emergence of mass Islamic liberation movements, Indonesia has been labelled a nest for terrorists. In truth however, supporters of radical Islam are only one group who frequently raise the concerns of the moderate Muslim majority themselves.
Illegal Workers
For the duration of 2002 we have seen the mass return of Indonesia illegal workers from Malaysia. This occurrence caused more problems to arise in Indonesia.
The Bali Tragedy
The twelfth of October 2002 was a day that greatly worried us as Indonesians. A tragedy that was very saddening occurred in Legian Bali, with 200 people listed as victims of a bomb explosion. This tragedy did not only injure non-Muslim foreigners, but the Muslims of Indonesia also. We are so full of harted for what has been done to Bali.
Hopes and Appeals
Our people and nations have already suffered enough. Let us forget understanding, different points of view, and differences of opinion on this country of ours for a future full of hope. We, the little people have already suffered so much so don't increase our burden anymore. We truly, truly are suffering.
Thank You Very Much for
Jay Alan Bauer from US (Purwokerto, October 28th 1992)
Yvonne Jansen from Holland (Cilacap, December 28th 1992)
Ian Carrau from England (Cilacap, March 18th 1993)
Patricia Herkeens from Holland (Purwokerto, May 17th 1993)
Michael from Holland (Cilacap, June 17th 1993)
Stefan from Switzerland (Purwokerto, August 3rd 1993)
Benny from Sweden (Cilacap, February 12th 1994)
Kolumela from Germany (Cilacap, April 5th 1994)
Tony from England (Cilacap, May 3rd 1994)
Rajawali from Holland (Cilacap, June 24th 1994)
Paul from Holland (Cilacap, June 24th 1994)
Herve from French (Cilacap, July 16th 1994)
Julia Escher from Germany (Cilacap, July 16th 1994)
Judith and Tom from Germany (Cilacap, July 1994)
Sara Bailey and Steve from England (Cilacap, July 1994)
David and Philip from England (Cilacap, July 1994)
Hubert Lauener from Switzerland (Cilacap, July 1994)
Hilda Paulusma from Holland (Purwokerto, July 1995)
Michael from Australia (Purwokerto, October 4th 1994)
Richard Raynor from England (Cilacap, November 1994),
Dos Santos Romeo from Switzerland (Cilacap, March 25th 1995)
Naomi Frank from Switzerland (Cilacap, June 26th 1995)
Arjen Poortman from Holland (Cilacap, June 27th 1995)
Simone Hugo from England (Cilacap, June 28th 1995)
Sharon Baker from England (Cilacap, June 29th 1995)
Delyth Burn from Wales (Cilacap, July 20th 1995)
Wiebke Fabinski from Germany (Cilacap, July 21st 1995)
Alexander R.C. Cox from England (Cilacap, July 24th 1995)
Nicole Gallant from Canada (Yogya, July 29th 1995)
Sophie Pragnell from Scotland (Yogya, February 3rd 1996)
Marcel Brounne from Holland (Cilacap, March 3rd 1996)
Michelle and her friends from England (Cilacap, May 9th 1996)
Peter Courts from England (Cilacap, June 30th 1996)
James Smith from England (Cilacap, July 30th 1996)
Crude from Denmark (Cilacap, November 30th 1997)
Jose E.Nierop from Holland (Cilacap Transit Port)
Mandy Wevelkate from Holland (Cilacap Transit Port)
Jan Baker from England (Cilacap Transit Port)
Erik Doves from Holland (Cilacap Transit Port)
Christina Prochilo from USA (Cilacap, February 10th 1998)
Steve from US (Cilacap, January 17th 1998)
James Pritchett from England (Cilacap, March 1st 1998)
Adam from Australia (Cilacap, November 18th 1998)
Paul Moquin from Canada (Yogya, February 7th 1999)
Philip King from Australia (Yogya, February 28th 1999)
Lisa Wamslay from England, (Cilacap Transit Port)
Laura Schmale from Germany (Cilacap, August 30th 1999)
Sebastian Fricke from Germany (Cilacap, October 3rd 1999)
Simon Witt from Germany (Cilacap, September 29th 1999)
Sandie from England (Yogya, April 2nd 2000)
Brian Mc. Bride from Canada (Purwokerto, November 24th 2000)
Rob Wall from New Zealand (Cilacap, January 21st 2001)
Linda from England (Yogya, January 24th 2001)
Nicholas from French (Yogya, May 3rd 2001)
Judith from Germany (Cilacap, May 31st 2001)
Bill Murphy from England (Cilacap, September 30th 2001)
Derk Fraquin from Holland (Purwokerto, February 27th 2004)
Sarah Wastiaux from Holland (Cilacap Transit Port)
Thorbojrn R. Johansen from Norway (Cilacap-Purwokerto)
Han Jung Seung from South Korea (Cilacap Transit Port)
Charlotte Peeters from Holland (Seleko in Cilacap)
Christian Weber from Germany (Purwokerto, May 18th 2006),
Martin Lukas from Germany (Purwokerto, May 20th 2008)
Thank you so much for all people from all the corner of the globe that helped my life better in Indonesia.
Pancasila
PANCASILA
The endogenous philosophy of most Indonesians regarding nationhood and life is found in the five philosophical principles, or PANCASILA, of the Indonesian state. They area Belief in God, Humanity which is fair and a civilized society, Indonesian unity, Democracy led by wisdom in consensus representation, and Social justice for all citizens.
Belief in God, the practical expression of which must be to maintain peaceful relationships among and between the various groups of religious believers, and to keep and practice basic spiritual, moral, ethical disciplines in order to sustain national development. Each religion provides guiding principles for achieving compatible and harmonious relationships with the environment.
Humanity which is fair and a civilized society, which includes the participation of Indonesian individual in combating poverty, developing solidarity and eliminating injustice. In every aspect of these, the subject of human interaction with, and interdependence on, the environment and natural resources are implicitly and inseparably related. Indeed, issues such as poverty and injustice are basic concerns of environmentally sounds and sustainable development at both the national and global levels.
Indonesian unity enhances the development of Indonesian people just responsible individual citizens but also into living communities, a nation, and a state where by solidarity in creed and action is strengthened. In this context, concern for, and sharing with, others in the culturally and biologically diverse archipelago is the ultimate goal.
Democracy led by wisdom in consensus representation, sometimes known as the Pancasila Democracy, covers ideas for initiating and developing a democratic political system with dynamic national stability. The ultimate objective is to let every citizen develop active political awareness and responsibility in order to fully participate in the country’s decision – making process. Political awareness and responsibility and harmony must be generated not only through people’s socio – economic and socio-cultural background, but also through an awareness of their compatibility and harmony with the environment.
Social justice for all citizens, covers the development of economic growth at the highest, but environmentally constrained, level with equitable welfare distribution. To achieve this participation in deciding which ecological and economic considerations should be integrate. This part of the Pancasila urges fairness in welfare distribution which, in its broad sense, includes the quality of the environment and the sustainability of its natural resources.
Based on these five pillars of Pancasila, the spirit and ultimate goal of national development is to develop an Indonesian individual in his totality, meaning a person who is in harmony with his God the creator, with his fellow citizens, and with his environment. The pillars of Pancasila provide every Indonesian, both as an individual and as a member of her or his community or nation, with all the guidance necessary for living in harmony with this environment. This is in line with the national commitment to pursue environmentally sound and sustainable development as it stated in the objectives and target of the second long – term development plan (1993-2018).
Source : White, et all. 1996. The Ecology of Indonesian Series Volume I: The Ecology of Java and Bali. Dalhousie University. Hongkong : Periplus Edition
Banyumas Residency
This photo is taken in 1925 in Pendopo (hall) of Banyumas city, Banyumas Residency. Regent of Banyumas XVI (1913-1933), Kangjeng Pangeran Adipati Arya Gandasoebrata is taken photo together with his staffs and Dutch officials in old Banyumas city. This book is taken from book’ ‘Banjoemas Riwajatmoe Doeloe’ oleh Bapak Soegeng Wijono dan Bapak Soenardi, Daya Cipta Mandiri, Purwokerto, page 14.
Based on interview with local people in 2010, ex office of Banyumas Residency is senior high school in Banyumas City, SMK Negeri 1 Banyumas on Jalan Pramuka. Many old men and women called it 'Karesidenan' in Banyumasan (Javanese in Banyumas). If you want to go there, you could go by bus, it takes 20 minutes from Purwokerto bus terminal or you only pay Rp 4.000,00 per person.
Pesarean Dawuhan
Pesarean Dawuhan is a complex grave for Regents of Banyumas and their generations. It is about 5 km in the west of old Banyumas city with total area 5 hectares. Regents who their graves in Pesarean Dawuhan area 12 Regents of Banyumas (1) included father founder of Banyumas Regency (Adipati Mrapat), former Regent of Banyumas 1743-1749 (Tumenggung Yudanegara II, Adipati Danureja I), then 3 Regents of Purwokerto and 2 Regents of Purbalingga.
Source 1 : Khoderi, M. Banyumas Wisata dan Budaya, Purwokerto. 1991, page 35-36.
Ancient Inscription with marble in old Banyumas city 2010
1. The Development of Infrastructure Street Banyumas - Buntu between 11 August 1844 - 24 August 1845. You will find this sign 50 meter in the south of the gate 'Rubber Plantation Krumput Banyumas'. This sign in Dutch and Javanese under commanded by Resident of Banyumas (Mr. B.J. Overhand) and Regent of Banyumas (Adipati Tjakranegara).
2. A big flood old Banyumas city 21-23 February 1861. You can read this sign with the height 3,5 meters on the wall from room in Pondok Pesantren Pendidikan Islam “Miftah Hussalam Banyumas” on Raya Kejawar Street 072. It was a complex in the office of Banyumas Residency. The height of sign from information big flood was remembered by Resident of Banjoemas, Mr. S. van Deventer. It sound that big flood had brought a lot of victim in Banjoemas because big flood with the height 3 – 3,5 meters. You can read this info from book, “Sejarah Banyumas dari Masa ke Massa”. It was written by Mr. M. Warwin R. Sudarmo and Bambang S. Purwoko Page 189-190.
Banyumas Residency 1830 – 1942
Banyumas Residency is located in the south of Central Java namely Banyumas Regency, Purbalingga Regency, Banjarnegara Regency and Tjilatjap Regency. The Dutch occupied Banyumas Residency after War of Diponegoro on 22nd June 1830 from The Surakarta Kingdom1). Dutch suffer losses f 20.000.000 (f means florens) and thousands of soldier2).
Based on Besluit van der Governeur Generaal Johannes van den Bosch 18 December 1830 no. 1, P.H. van Lawick van Pabst, commissioner of Lands The Kingdom in Semarang on 20th April 1830 arranged3): boundaries of Banyumas Residency and other regencies, European staff of Afdeeling Ajibarang and local staff of Dayu-Luhur Regency.
Banyumas Regency was built on 6th April 1582 by Adipati Mrapat with the capital of Banyumas city4). Old Banyumas city was center of government Dutch East Indies in the south of Central Java (1830-1937) and it is moved to Purwokerto city on 7th January 19375).
The first regent of Banyumas in the era of Dutch East Indies was Raden Adipati Tjakranegara I on 22nd August 1831. He was well-known as Kanjeng Ridder after he got a star ‘Ridder Orde Eiken Kroon’ from Gubernemen. He saved all of Dutch official in Banyumas city from big flood ‘Serayu River’ 3-4 meters6). There were 5 regencies in Banyumas Residency. They were Banyumas, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, Ajibarang and Purwokerto7).
Dutch East Indies built hall of Residency in Banyumas city in 1843 and the development street 1844-18458) and Clinic Juliana in 19299). Clinic Juliana was the beginning of Public Hospital in Banyumas city now.
Purbalingga Regency was built based on Besluit Commissariaat Generaal of Dutch East Indies on 22nd January 1829 no 39 about appointing Regent of Purbalingga and the form of Purbalingga Regency, from a district in Magelang Regency, Residency Kedu10). Banjarnegara Regency was built based on Council of Resolution from Dutch East Indies on 22nd August 1831 no 111).
1). Soedarmadji. Hari Jadi Kabupaten Tjilatjap. 1990. Government
of Cilacap, page 87
2). Purwoko, B.S. and Sudarmo,M.W.R. Sejarah Banyumas dari Masa ke Masa. Unknown Publisher. 2009. Jakarta.
3). Bijlagen van het Resolutie, Bundel Resolutie den 22 Agustus
1831 no. 1, ANRIJ
4). Khoderi, M. Banyumas Wisata dan Budaya. CV Metro Jaya. Purwokerto. 1991. Page 4.
5). Wijono, S and Sunardi. Banjoemas Riwajatmoe Doeloe. Daya Mandiri Production. Purwokerto. 2006, page 23
6). Khoderi, op. cit., page 108.
7). Purwoko, B.S. and Sudarmo, M.W.R. op.cit. page cover and page 142
8). Wijono, S and Sunardi. op.cit, page 20.
9). Ibid, page 21
10). Government of Purbalingga. Buku Sejarah Purbalingga. Pemerintah Kabupaten Daerah Tingkat II Purbalingga. 1988. Page 8-9.
11). Bundel Resolutie 22 Agustus 1831 no.1. The Form of Regency / Regentschap / Afdeling, dividing district and staff in Banyumas Residency.
Tjilatjap Regency is established in the ninth Resident Banyumas, Mr. van der Moore, based on the proposal with the signed Governor General A.J. Duymaer van Twist to the Ministry of Colony, The Netherlands Kingdom, got agreement from The King of the Netherlands in Kabinetsrescript van 29 December 1855 no 86 and letter of secret to Ministry of Colony on 5 January 1856 LaA no 7/A to the Governor General12).
Banyumas had the widest plantation of sugar cane in Dutch East Indies. In report of Amuttetz from Pekalongan on 14th April 1831, Governor General Johannes van den Bosch agreed with opinion of Amuttetz. By letter to council of Dutch East Indies on 31st August 1831 no. 1310, Governor General gave opinion if Banyumas had fertile land for plantation of sugar cane and tomato, whatever if it was supported by building warehouses in Nusakambangan East and Serayu River13).
The first Governor General who visited Banyumas Residency was Governor General Johannes van den Bosch 3-9 October 1832. He visited Ajibarang on 3rd October 1832, it is about 30 km in the west of Banyumas city. He visited Banyumas city on 5th October 1832 and 7th October 1832, Purbalingga on 6th October 1832, Tjilatjap and Bantengmati, Nusakambangan East on 9th October 1832. He then continued his trip to Bagelen, Kedu, Pekalongan and Batavia14).
Tjilatjap is well-known as Donan Forest, Based on Schilder, map from the expedition Coops 1698 mentioned ‘Rivier de Donau’. It reminded a river in Europe15). From the map, Donau River is after the Wolga River the second longest river in Europe. It is entire length is more than 2800 km, 687 km of that in Germany16).
The word of Tjilatjap is used in 1831 when Lieutenant II Marinir de Perez made map of water ‘Noesa Cambangang’ from Commander and Director Navy as his position, a member ‘Komissie te Noesa Cambangang’ in his report in Batavia on 11st March 1831, he used word Tjilatjap17). The word of Tjilatjap was changed to be Cilacap in 1973 in the era of The President Soeharto.
Dutch East Indies built factories of sugar in Banyumas Residency in Purwokerto, Kalibagor, Klampok, Kalirejo, Majenang, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, and Wonosobo (Residentie Kedoe). The first factory was built in Kalibagor, near Banyumas city in 1839 owned by Mr. Rinia van Nauta18). It is about 10 km from Purwokerto city.
12). Bundel Besluit van den Governeur Generaal den 2 October 1855 LaA geheim en den 21 Maart 1856 no.2. Ms. ANRIJ
13). Mangkoewinata, R.M. , Sadjarah Tjakrawerdana, Banjoemas, without year, 6 Volume. Collection of Mr. Soedarmadji
14). Mangkoewinata, VI, op.cit., page 1301-1302.
15) Schilder, Gunter, “The Charting of the South Coast of Java”. Archipel, 22, 1981, page 87-104.
16). Lukas, M. PhD Candidate from ZMT Bremen. Center for Tropical Marine Ecology. 2009. Germany.
17). De Perez, P., Rapport van den Luitenant ter zee, der 2de Klasse, van de Nederl, Marine, P.de Perez: aan der Heer Kommandant en directeur van Z.M. zeemant in N.O.J; betrekkelijk de aan hem opgedragene Komissie te Noesa Cambangan, Batavia, den 11 Maart 1831.
18). Seodarmadji. op.cit. page 109.
Dutch East Indies built infrastructure to support plantation of sugar cane such as bridge, irrigation, street, railway, factory, warehouse and harbor. Dutch East Indies built also houses for worker and school for education such as HIS (Hollandsch Inlandsch School), Europeesche School and MULO (Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs).
Serayu River was the most important river for water transportation in Banyumas Residency to connect Tjilatjap, Banyumas, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara and Wonosobo. It is about 200 km from Tjilatjap to Wonosobo. It is used the first time to transport commodity from Banyumas to port of Tjilatjap before transported to the Netherlands. Dutch East Indies built 5 canals in Tjilatjap during 1830 – 1837 and the longest canal was Kali Yasa ( 21 km ) to connect Serayu River and port of Tjilatjap19).
The first Governor General who sailed Kali Yasa by cannoe ‘Sasak’ from Banyumas to port of Tjilatjap was Governor General D. J. de Eerens in 1837 with his staff, General Secretary Hoogeveen, Arjun Secretary Schaap, adjudant Governor General, Sarte and de Sturler20). Prince Frederik ( a grandson of The King of The Netherlands) sailed via Serayu River from Adireja, Tjilatjap to Banyumas on 24th July 183721). Prince Frederik then visited Banjarnegara and Batur, Wonosobo via Serayu River.
Port of Tjilatjap
Governor General J.J. Rochussen opened Port of Tjilatjap on 29th November 184722). The first ship ‘Zeemanskop’ led by Captain Witze arrived in Tjilatjap on 25th October 1835 to transport commodity from Banyumas Residency to The Netherlands and it is regulated by Resident Banyumas, G. de Seriere23).
Nusakambangan Island
Dutch occupied Nusakambangan Island since 5th October 170524). Nusakambangan as a place of exile for the first time in 1609 in the era of The King Mataram II, Panembahan Seda Krapyak (1601-1613). He had done rebellion but he had not success, so he was exiled to Mosque Stone (Masigit Sela), Nusakambangan West25).
Based on report from Hallewijn 1830, there were 14 villages in Nusakambangan with 168 household and 1.284 populations26).
19). Ibid. page 109.
20). Mangkoewinta, VI. op.cit. page 1330-1331; Seriere, G.de, Mijn Loopbaan in Indie, Zwolle, R. van Wijck Anths. Zoon, 1849, page 47; 46-47.
21). Ibid ; A.W.P.Holwerda (ed.) “Memories van Pangeran Harijo Natahamipradja, Regent van Kendal”, Djawa, XI, 1931, 4, page 90-99
22). Bundel Besluit van den Governeur Generaal 29 November 1847 no. 1.
23). Mangkoewinata, VI, op.cit., page 1331; de Seriere, op.cit., page 48, bijlagen 165
24). De Haan, Dr. F, Priangan : De Preanger regentschappen onder het Nederlandsch Bestuur tot 1811, Batavia, 1910-1912. Deel 3, page 337, cf, K.F. Holle, “Snippers van den Regent van Galoeh, Raden Adipati Arie Koesoema Di Ningrat, met vertaling en toelichting,” TBG, XXVII, 1882, 99-117. Soesoehoenan Pakoeboewana: “Nu heb ik echter det land gegeven aan de kompagnie, naar het Noorden tot aan de zee van Losari, naar het Zuiden tot aan de monding der Donan”.
25). De Graaf, Dr. H.J., Puncak Kekuasaan Mataram ; Politik Ekspansi Sultan Agung. Jakarta, Grafiti Pers, Cetakan Pertama, 1986, page 9-11. Translation from Dutch into Indonesian.
26). Hallewijn, Resident Pekalongan, Dag Registers, 23-26 September 1830.
Execution Amrozi cs from Bomb Bali on 12th October 2002 in Nirbaya valley. It is 2 km in the south of Batu Prison. Execution Amrozi cs after 100 years Nusakambangan selected as The Prison Island (bijzonderestraf gevangenis) from Governor General Johannes Benedictus van Heutsz. Since this, Nusakambangan was under the authority of Department of Justice (Raad van Justitie). All of population in Nusakambagan was moved to Kampung Laut and Cilacap when it was selected as The Prison Island. Dutch East Indies built 8 prisons in Nusakambangan in the area of Permisan (1910), Karang Anyar and Gladagan (1912), Batu (1925), Karang Tengah and Gliger (1928), Besi (1929) and Limus Buntu (1935)27).
The Railway in Banyumas Residency
The railway was operated for the first time from Cilacap to Yogya by state company, Staats Spoorwegen (SS) on 20th July 188428). The railway was operated in Ex Banyumas Residency via Serayu River by private company, Serajoe Dal Stoomtram Maatschappij (SDS) on February 186129) via Maos – Gambarsari – Patikraja – Purwokerto – Sokaraja – Purbalingga -Banjarnegara – Wonosobo. Dutch East Indies built railway to transport commodity from plantation to the factory up to Cilacap harbor.
Population
There were 4 districts in Banyumas Regency. They were Banyumas, Sokaraja, Purworejo and Kalireja. In 1905 total area of Banyumas Regency was 669 km2 with population 310.000, included 250 European and 1800 Chinese. Total area of Banyumas District in 1905 was 133 km2 with population 5800, included 180 European and 560 Chinese 30).
There were 5 districts in Tjilatjap Regency. They were Sidakaya, Adireja, Majenang, Pegadingan and Dayeuhluhur. In 1905 total area of Tjilatjap Regency was 2413 km2 with population 16.000, included 300 European and 900 Chinese. Total population increased in 1917, with population 397.500, included 800 European and 2.150 Chinese31).
27). Suara Merdeka, Tuesday, 4 July 1995. Jika Nusakambangan Jadi Obyek Wisata (Report from Government of Cilacap by Barqi Wahyu and Agus Sukaryanto).
28). Khoderi, M. op.cit. Page 4.
29). Nijhoff, Dr. M, Encyclopaedie van Nederlands – Indië.
Eerste Deel. A-G. Page 144. ‘S – Gravenhage. 1918,
Archive National Jakarta.
30). Nijhoff, Dr. M. op.cit. page 44.
31). Ibid. page 144
The World War II in Asia Pacific was started when Japan bombarded Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on 7th December 1941. After this, The Japanese Imperial Army occupied many important places in South East Asia. After Japan occupied Manado (South Sulawesi), Tarakan and Balikpapan (East Kalimantan), Banjarmasin (South Kalimantan) and Palembang (South Sumatera), Japan occupied 3 areas in the north coast of Java:
- Banten (80 km, west of Jakarta)
- Eretan Wetan (25 km, west of Indramayu, West Java)
- Kragan (27 km, east of Rembang, Central Java)
After Japan occupied Kragan by forty-eighth division, Brigade Sakaguci, this division divided into two, to attack Surabaya then Malang and Tjilatjap. Japanese air strategist attack to Tjilatjap on 4th – 6th March 194232) by using 200 fighters33).
Tjilatjap was the last defense system for Dutch East Indies on Saturday, 7th March 1942 before Japan took over Dutch East Indies on Sunday, 8th March 1942 in Kalijati, Subang, West Java.
Japan bombarded Tjilatjap on Thursday (Kamis Wage), 5th March 1942. The forty-eighth division from The Japanese Imperial Army moved to Tjilatjap harbor via Sampang sub district, in the north of Tjilatjap city (now). Japanese Imperial Army faced with the Soldier of The Netherlands in Serayu River.
Japan bombarded Tjilatjap was begun at around 9 a.m. with direction targets:
- Tankers of ‘Bataafsche Petrolium Maatschappij’
- Company of coconut oil ‘Mexolic Olvado’
- Ships ;SS Barentz, SS Pasir, SS Sipora, Floating dock’ and - - Facilities of harbor
- Fort in the peninsula of Tjilatjap
- Bunkers in Tjilatjap city (now)
- 3 houses for labor in Tambakreja which each of house for
50 people
- Facilities of military in Tjilatjap34)
After Japan bombarded Tjilatjap, Tjilatjap become the greatest mass grave in the south coast of Java and Japan occupied Tjilatjap on 7th March 1942. Council of mobilization country (Raad van Staatsmobilisatie) was unsuccessful for preparing evacuation 7.000s labor in Port of Tjilatjap. It was also unsuccessful for preparing war for all of soldier of The Netherlands and preparing evacuation European to Australia35).
32). Rupert Lockwood, Black Armada : Australia & the struggle for Indonesia Independence, 1942-1949. Sydney, Hale & Iremonger, 1982 page 892
33). Soedarmadji. Cilacap Bergejolak 1945-1950. Purwokerto
34). Soedarto, dkk. Buku Sejarah Cilacap. 1978. Government of Cilacap
35). “Aanteekeningen….”. Archive KPM 20 October 1945. no 168. ARA – DH. Information is not detail.
Japan took over Dutch East Indies on Sunday, 8th March 1942 led by General Histosyi Imamura and led by Lieutenant Ter Poorten as commander of soldier of The Netherlands and Governor General Tjarda van Starkenborg Stackhouwer.
In Tjilatjap, General P.A. Cox and Colonel P. Scholten received news about surrender Dutch East Indies to Japan in Kalijati, Subang, West Java. It means capitulation Dutch East Indies to Japan. General P.A. Cox as a commander of Dutch East Indies in Tjilatjap gave authority to Japan in Pendopo (hall) assistance Wedana in Wangon36). It is about 25 km in the north of Cilacap city because the situation was very terrible.
36). Dr. L. de Jong, Het Koninkrijk, page 1040-1
I would love to work together with you all to complete History of Banyumas. Thank you so much for it.
My Memory in Cilacap
I took a photo of my stepsister, Kopriyani in Cilacap Transit Port. We always took photos with foreign tourists before and after to study foreign languages here. Foreign Tourists Transited in Cilacap Transit Port (Lomanis) from Kalipucang or Majingklak (West Java) to Yogyakarta through Segara Anakan (Cilacap) before Bomb Bali. After Bomb Bali, foreign tourist transited from Majingklak (West Java) via Seleko Tourist Harbour, it is about 5 km in the south of Cilacap Transit Port. Today, there is no more foreign tourists transited in Cilacap.
Jay Alan Bauer
Purwokerto, 28th October 1992
Jay was a rotary exchange student from Michigan City in the United State of America. Jay studied at the same senior high school as me at SMA Negeri 2 Purwokerto. I believe it is the best senior high school in Purwokerto.
Jay came to my classroom with Wawan and invited me to climb Mount Slamet. It is the second highest mountain in Java and is located about 10 km to the north of Purwokerto and has a height of 3428 m above sea level.
The following day I saw Jay playing some Javanese musical instruments. He was quite skillful with them and often practiced gamelan with our teacher at school. Gamelan is a Javanese form of music and it is usually used to accompany shadow puppet performance. I felt very proud of Jay as he was very enthusiastic to learn about Javanese culture.
Jay Alan Bauer
Mount Slamet, November 1st 1992
I saw another friend of mine, Joni was walking at the bus terminal in Purwokerto. Joni encouraged me to study at SMA Negeri 2 Purwokerto. I had thought that he was going home to Wangon City. He walked past pretending that he didn’t know me.
After a long time, Jay and his classmate Agus, who I had not met before arrived at the bus terminal. Agus was joining us to climb Mount Slamet. While we were waiting for the bus I asked Jay what his religion was. He looked at me and said, “Catholic”. I had asked this question because my neighbor often prayed at the same church as Jay. A few minutes later, we boarded the bus and I sat with my classmate, Edi and talked about our homework from school. Jay sat next to Tefi who was studying physics at my school. They talked happily to each other during the bus journey.
About one hour, we arrived in Serayu village. We waited for a minibus which would take at Bambangan village and joked with one another to fill in the time. Jay sat on a stone and he then offered me his seat, saying, “Silahkan duduk” which means please sit down.
I sat down on the stone and one of my friends said to me jokingly, “You look like a sculpture”. My entire friend laughed, but Jay smiled at me and responded, “She looks tired”. After this I got up and stood near Jay. I asked if he usually prayed at Santo Yosep Church and he nodded.
After a long time, the open box minibus stopped in front of us. We climbed aboard and continued the trip to Bambangan village. Tefi and another female student sat near the driver. All of my male friends and I stood at the rear of the minibus.
The air was very cold. I stood near Jay and we started talking. Jay was the first American boy who I had ever met. He looked very handsome with his blue jeans and grey t-shirt. We talked about the beauty of Mount Slamet from far away. I said, “Mount Slamet offers some magnificent scenery because of the rich flora which can be found”. Jay responded, “Yes, it’s beautiful panorama, I can see from here”.
About half an hour later, we arrived at Bangbangan village in Karangreja subdistrict. This was the first stop when climbing Mount Slamet and is in a very rural area. It had started to drizzle. Jay went to a food stall and Tefi followed him while I stayed and talked with my classmate about the Biology class program. From the food stall Jay smile at me whilst he was eating his snack. I smiled back at him. Agus, Jay and Tefi were all together at the food stall. A few minutes later, we continued on our trip to the house head of the village ‘ Pak Bau’.
On the whole trip we were always talking about the beauty of the mountain. We imagined the night would be a beautiful time for climbing. All of the students practiced their English with Jay as he was a very friendly person.
After we arrived at our destination, Pak Bau’s house, we rested. Jay often joked with us and he became the centre of attention in our group. Many people were surprised that there was a young foreigner in the village.A lot of them called out to Jay. He addressed them back by smiling and saying, “hi…..hello…..”.
When night came, Jay sat beside me and asked why I didn’t sit with our friends. He then invited me to practice my English with him. I asked Jay to tell me about his family. “My mother is a nurse, my father is a teacher. I have a younger sister named Christie and a younger brother named Paul”. I then told him a little about my life, “ I don’t have a mother. She’s dead”. Jay quickly responded, “Sorry….”.His tears glistened when I told him about my problems with my stepmother. After he heard this, he took his tissue and gave me it. He then took some cakes and offered me them.
A few minutes later, Wawan took off his t-shirt in front of Jay. His body was smaller than Jay’s although Wawan was much older than him. He pretended to challenge Jay. He stood in front of Wawan and then Jay also took off his t-shirt. They both pretended to challenge each another. All of us laughed. At the end, Jay smiled at me, put his t-shirt back on and then sat beside me.
After a long time, we prepared to start for the climb. It was the first time I had climbed with an American boy. We assembled in front of the Pak Bau’s house and prayed for our safety. Jay stood near me and I noticed that Jay put lipstick on his lips which made him look even sexier. He was a very handsome seventeen years old.
Wawan as our leader walked at the front of the group. He was a funny boy and he liked joking to everybody. We started our climb and the night was very dark. We only brought a small light and a pack for our food. The air was also very cold. I felt very tired at our first stop.
We continued on to our destination through the many big trees. Wild animals might attack us, but we still continued on our journey. It was a fantastic night for me. I saw stars scattered all around the sky. The temperature was only 4 degrees Celsius and it was very cold for me. My thighs were very painful, but I enjoyed it.
I remembered when we rested on an open place. I slept near Jay and Agus. Jay told me something about life. He suggested me that I should enjoy my life even without a mother. The night was very beautiful.
We continued our journey and we separated into two groups. Agus, Jay and I were in one group. Then another of my friends was in Wawan’s group. During the entire trip to the peak of Mount Slamet, Jay and I talked about the mountain. I didn’t feel tired because Jay often encouraged me. At about 4 in the morning, we rested and slept for a while.
After Jay woke up, I addressed him, “Selamat Pagi” and he smiled. I again noticed that he looked very handsome.
We continued our trip with tropical rain forest all around us. We arrived at Plawangan, the last post in our climbing. It is 3.240 m above sea level. The surroundings were green and beautiful. I heard the sound of a stream flowing far away. The birds were twittering and chirping. There were many species of flowers with all kinds of colors and it was like a flower garden.
There was a small bird that acted as a road sign for our climb. This species of bird always pointed us forward the peak of the mountain. Everything looked very beautiful and green.
At about five in the morning, I saw impressed by the beauty of the sunrise from this place. In the east horizon, the vaguest sunrise with the color of orange adorned the sky. Jay said, “The Sun is rising”. I saw it was indeed a very beautiful morning.
We continued walking to the peak of Mount Slamet. The trip to the mountain’s summit was indeed challenging. Sedimentary rocks, lava and magma all make for quite and adventure.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the peak of Mount Slamet. The peak was covered by fog and wasn’t clearly visible. From the top of the mountain, I could view a blanket of lava left over from the last explosion on July 13th 1998.
We rested for breakfast and I saw many other climbers enjoying the atmosphere. It was a beautiful day with Jay and Agus. Jay and I often joked together, although he couldn’t speak Indonesian well and I couldn’t speak English well. Jay often encouraged me to study English harder. I felt very cold like many other climbers.
After a long time, Agus and Jay invited me to go down the mountain.
We continued walking down the mountain and I was becoming very tired. At a beautiful place, Agus and Jay asked me to take a photo of them. They embraced and smiled at one another. After the photo we continued on our journey. It was still a long way to go down.
At noon we arrived at an agricultural area. Agus left us so that I could study my English with Jay. Surrounding us were fields for rice cultivation. There were also other agriculture products such as cassava, cabbage, legume, corn, etc. Jay explained how they farm in the United States, “The farmers usually use modern agriculture equipment. Not like Indonesian farmers who are so traditional”. We then talked about the agricultural exports between the United States and Indonesia.
After a while we arrived at the village. I remembered from a story I had heard that someone had hurt (Bamboo bridge) themselves when crossing the bamboo bridge. Jay suggested me, “Be careful!”.
We arrived at Pak Bau’s house and I was looking for my bag. Jay surprised me by asking what I was looking for and I said, “My bag, I have lost my bag”. Jay stood near me while we rested at a food stall.
Jay gave me some drinking water and I drank it, handed it him back. Many people were looking at Jay. He smiled back at them, but looked so tired. Agus called us and invited us to go home. Shortly after, we left Bambangan village. We were so tired after climbing Mount Slamet.
We arrived at a food stall and we went into it. We used the toilet and then went to get some food. We then asked for some chicken and Jay poured a glass of tea for me. We ate and rested. It wad the first time I had eaten with an American boy.
After eating we continued home by minibus. It was pouring rain. Jay sat at the rear of the minibus, sometimes smiling at me. He acted like a little boy, enjoying the rain.
We arrived at Purbalingga Regency and changed busses for Purwokerto. After the night came, we arrived at our destination and I said in my heart, it had been a very beautiful day.
Yvonne Jansen and Will Huyer
Cilacap, 27th December 1992
I saw two tourists in a ferry from Seleko tourist harbor. I approached the ferry and was standing near to them when the ferry departed to Kalipucang. I tried to talk to the male tourist beside me, asking where he came from. He replied, “Holland”. I asked with whom he was traveling through Indonesia and he pointed towards the woman beside him, “She is my wife”. I asked if he liked Indonesia and he answered that Indonesia was a very beautiful country. I heard his wife say that she was tired after they had climbed mount Bromo in East Java. I asked her if she like mountain climbing and she answered, “Of course, it’s very nice”. I then asked her if there were many mountains in Holland and she said, “Noooo”. She said that there was a big flood some years ago, which caused the coastal provinces to go underwater. I asked what her occupation was and she replied, “Journalist”. I told him that I didn’t understand, so she explained pretending to be reading a newspaper and said, “Wa…wa…wa…”. I said, “Journalist is wartawan”. She nodded and she told me that her husband was a computer businessman. I asked what her name was and she replied, “Yvonne Jansen”. She introduced her husband, “He is Will Huyer” and she asked me to tell her my name. I replied, “Karsiyah” and I heard Yvonne said it.
I asked what the name of their city was and she told me that Apeldoorn, it was a small city in Holland. She asked where I came from and I replied, “Purwokerto, it’s about 60 km in the north of Cilacap” and continued, “Did you visit Purwokerto?”. Yvonne told me that they didn’t visit my city. I asked if they were coming from Yogya and she nodded. I told them that I was a student at Senior High School and there was a rotary exchange student from The United States. Yvonne praised, “That’s a good school!” and I responded, “oh…thank you’. I asked again if they ever visited The United States and Yvonne replied that it was nearly the same as Europe.
Yvonne told me that in wintertime, the ground was covered in snow, they wore several layers of clothing. She said, “It’s very cold, there is a lot of snow”. The meaning of snow in Indonesian confused me, so I asked her, “Snow? I’m sorry, I don’t understand”. I saw her husband take a dictionary from his bag and open it, “Snow is Salju”. Yvonne said, “Salju” and she looked for the word journalist and said, “Wartawan”.
Will tell me about some game in the snow and how people had it, which is very beautiful but very cold in December. However all of the children enjoy playing in it.
A young woman sat beside Yvonne, she was cuddling her baby. Yvonne asked for the baby. She extended her hands to the woman and she in turn gave her baby to Yvonne. I asked Will if they have kids and she replied, “No, maybe one day’. Yvonne said that she was so busy, that she could only cuddle a baby once a year. Whilst cuddling the baby, the baby dribbled down Yvonne’s skirt and wet her dress. His mother said, “Maaf…”means sorry in Indonesian. Yvonne replied, “It’s ok no problems” and then his mother took the baby back.
Yvonne told me about her family in Holland and said, “Mama…Papa…”. I told her that I didn’t have a mother and she has been dead for 15 years. Yvonne said, “sorry”. I then asked her if she had a brother or a sister and she replied, “one brother in Holland”.
I told them about my sadness concerning my stepmother at home. I saw her husband’s eyes glistening wit tears and Yvonne tried to calm him. Will say, “you must study hard!”. Yvonne asked where I was going and I said, “No friend”. Will asked if there was family there and I replied, “No family”. When I asked what the time it was, they showed me their watch.
After one hour, I asked their advice and they were thinking about something else. I asked them if they could give me their address in Holland and Will then wrote it, their whole names are Yvonne Jansen and Will Huyer.
Yvonne promised that they would send a postcard from Holland and wrote their advice behind the address:
Finish your study
Respect your self and others
Be independent
Yvonne gave me the paper and asked if I understood their advice. I shook my head and said, “I don’t understand”. Yvonne suggested, “you can look it up in a dictionary at the library” and I responded, “thank you”.
I didn’t notice when the ferry docked in Ujung Alang. I said that I would stay in that area. I shook their hands and I felt better than before. I left them in the ferry and when the ferry departed to Klaces, they waved at me and I waved back to them. They were the first Europeans who gave me advice on my difficult problems.
Three months later, they sent me two beautiful postcards from Holland and they were my first postcards from Europe.
Ian Carrau
Cilacap, March 18th 1993
I sat near a young male tourist who was writing about his travels in his dairy travel when a ferry stopped in Seleko tourist harbor. Meanwhile the ferry continued the trip to Kalipucang and passed this harbor. I approached the male tourist in front of me by asking where he comes from and he replied, “Canada”. I asked if he liked Indonesian and he only said, “Yeah” whilst his gaze shifted towards to the Cilacap area in which he was quite absorbed.
I saw he had many sores on his face and body, so I thought that he suffered from HIV AIDS. From his eyes I knew that he was an egotistical man, and I should move away from him because there were two male tourists in front of us.
Without thinking for long, I jumped over a gunnysack that was filled with long pepper. I then stood near them and asked one of them where he came from, and he said, “England”. I asked what the name of his city was and he replied, “Croydon”. I asked then if I could study English with him and he nodded. I opened my English lessons from school with the subject of computer systems and asked him to read this.
He asked the male tourist beside him to answer the questions in my book and he said, “He is my younger brother”. I immediately asked what his name was and he said, “Ian”. I introduced myself and wrote down it, “Karsiyah”. I heard him trying to say and Ian looked very friendly. He asked me what I wanted to study with him and I pointed towards an English reading and asked him to give answer for choices a, b, c, d, and e. He gave the answers and explained all of the computer system. He told me about the function of the screen, keyboard, software, hardware, etc. I didn’t know for sure what he explained about computer system because my English was very poor and also I didn’t know about them. He told me that he graduated from college in Computer Programming. At the end he said, “I hope one day you will use computers in your job”.
After this I let Ian talk to the Indonesian male beside him. I heard hey were talking about the beauty of Cilacap area. Then I shifted to his older brother and asked him to read some English lessons from school. He taught me slowly anf I repeated all his words. He was methodical in his instruction for me, “a, b, c, d, and e”. It is so hard to pronounce them in Indonesian. He looked into my eyes and I reciprocated.
At the time, I heard I ask asked the male beside him the name of the forest surrounding us, and he answered, “Jungle”. Ian shook his head and said, “Not jungle!”. I tried to interrupt their conversation and said, “Mangrove”. Ian looked into my eyes and said, “Yes…mangrove”. Ian smiled at me and I smiled back at him.
A few minutes later, the male beside Ian took out a parcel and showed it to Ian, he quested the name of it and Ian explained that it would explode if there were fire. He said, “Mercon in Indonesian”, and Ian responded, “Firework” whilst smiled at me.
I asked Ian if he could speak Indonesian and he replied, “Sedikit-sedikit” means a little bit in English. He told me that he studied Indonesian when he was traveling in Indonesia. I asked him if he liked mountain climbing and he nodded. I asked him if there were any volcanoes in England, he shook his head and then told me about the Alps, a jagged mountain range in Europe.
We then discussed the differences in flora and fauna between Indonesia and England. He admired the beauty of Cilacap such as its mangrove swamps and Nusakambangan Island. Ian said, “Everything looks very beautiful a verdant, Cilacap is indeed very beautiful and the weather was very clear”.
I asked Ian how old he was and he replied, “Twenty three”. He returned the question and I said, “Sixteen years old”. I asked again, “Have you ever seen Queen Margareth?”, he replied, “Not Margareth, but Elizabeth”, and continued, “Only from the news such as Television, Newspaper, Magazine, etc”.
Ian asked me to tell the name all of the lessons from school and I said, “Indonesian, Math, Physics, English, Religion, Social Science”. I then stuttered, “and Chemist….Chemist…Chemist…” and he surprised me by saying, “Chemistry…”. I repeated over, “Yes, Chemistry” and he praised my pronunciation.
After one hour, I asked his older brother if they had a mother and he said, “Yeah”. Asked him if she loved them and he replied, “Of course, She is our mother”. I shifted towards Ian and asked what his religion was. He said, “Protestant”. He showed his older brother’s passport and showed me his photo. Ian said, “He looks like a……..” whilst he showed his brother’s……However he didn’t continue to say what his older brother looked like because he noticed Ian’s reaction. After this he put it back into his bag.
I asked Ian how much one Poundsterling was worth in Rupiah and he said, “It’s about three thousand five hundred rupiah”. Ian then told me that everything was very expensive in England and suggested that I should bring a calculator to calculate the travel costs when I go to England. I then asked Ian to write his address in England and he did. His name was Ian Carrau and he came from Croydon.
After the ferry docked at Ujung Alang’s quay, I shook their hands and said, “Thank you very much for your time”. Ian till joked, “Sama-sama” which means you are welcome with his natural English accent.
When I arrived at Ujung Alang, I saw his older brother notice from far away and they encouraged me to study English with foreign tourists on the ferry.
Patricia Herkeens
Purwokerto, May 17th 1993
This day was a very special day because I met many friendly people. I went to school in the early morning to put a letter on the desk of Joni’s table. At the ceremony I felt that Joni noticed me far away and I say Jay, a foreign student from the United States, at the east of yield school. He looked very handsome and became the idol of students at our school.
At noon after I went home from school, Syam, my classmate said, “Hi Karsiyah, Thomas like you he..he..he..”, whilst he was joking in front of my friends and all of them laughed at me. I was very handsome because of his behavior and exclaimed to Syam, “A naughty boy!”. I was fed up with him. After this I left school by a minibus, a few minutes later, I saw Jay in front of his boarding house as he was walking to it, “Wouuu…he is really handsome” I said it in my heart. The minibus continued the trip to the town square of this city. There were four tourists walking through the street and then I hurried to stop there.
I approached a female tourist who was looking into many shops. I thought that she was interested to visit Holland’s Restaurant across the street. I asked where she came from, she replied slowly, “Belanda” whilst means Holland in Indonesian. Her face was very calm and friendly although she was silent. I followed along behind and tried to ask with whom she was traveling through Indonesia. She then pointed towards them one by one, “He is my Papa, he is my husband and she is my Mama”. I followed them across Jenderal Soedirman street. It is the main street in my city and every day this street is very busy. There were many cars and motorcycles passing back and fort.
They headed for a restaurant and went inside except the old male tourist. He stood in front of the door and we then introduced each other. He mentioned his name, but I couldn’t remember it because his name was in Dutch. He then told me that there were many Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam which serve Indonesian food such as Nasi Putih, Nasi Goreng, Tempe, etc. “I like Indonesian food because my wife is from Yogya”, and continued, “We will visit my wife’s family in Yogya”. Towards the end of our conversation he said that Indonesian specialty cuisine is very expensive in Amsterdam’s restaurants.
A few minutes later, they came out from the restaurant and I invited them to visit my boarding house. I said, “It’s only 150 meters from here” and one of them responded, “Why not?”. We then walked along Soedirman street, whilst we were talking about the differences between Holland and Indonesia. I walked along behind a young female and she introduced herself, “My name is Patricia, Patricia Herkeens” and I reciprocated, “My name is Karsiyah”. Her husband thought it over, “It is the same as similar pronunciation between Patricia and Karsiyah” and he then introduced himself, but I couldn’t remember it in Dutch. Patricia said, “My father came from Holland and my mother came from Indonesia” whilst she pointed towards them.
I noticed Patricia’s family had different hair color. “Her mother’s hair color is black, her father hair color is blond, and Patricia looked like a European”. I said, “Your hair is blond, you are Dutch woman”. She smiled at me when she heard this. Her husband was very friendly and responded by saying, “Your hair is black, you are an Indonesian” whilst smiling at me. It was a nice day and we often just fooled around although the street was very busy.
To the right and left of us, there were many shops which sold restaurants. Patricia’s husband was interested to visit a shop which sold antique glassware. He said to us, “I want to visit this shop”, and the headed there. He only looked around the shop while we waited for him in front of the shop. After he visited the shop, he said, “It’s very beautiful”. Then he invited his father in law to go to a shop which sold film and cassettes for his handy cam. He crossed the street and Patricia said, “He will buy a film for the handy cam”.
A few minutes later, they went back and joined us to continue our destination, my boarding house. We talked about the differences climate both Holland and Indonesia.
Patricia told me that there were no volcanoes in Holland, “Nothing like the fantastic volcanoes in your country!” she pointed towards a volcano, “What’s the name of that mountain?”. I replied, “Mount Slamet”. From this place the peak of Mount Slamet could clearly be seen towering over the city of Purwokerto. She then told me that there were many areas in Holland were underwater.
We arrived at my boarding house. Patricia asked her family to follow me, “She is our guide” whilst she smiled at me.
A few minutes later, many people who were washing their dress at the side of the river addressed them, “Hello Mister…Hello Misis”. They addressed them back whilst smiling and said, “Hello also”.
Patricia looked very friendly and all along the irrigation canal of Kranji muntang river, Patricia greeted everyone in a friendly manner.
We arrived at my boarding house and I invited them to come into the room. Patricia’s husband had objections to entering my room because he was reluctant to remove his shoes. I responded, “Its ok no problem, come on”. They then agreed to go to the living room and there was nobody at home. When I offered them a drink, Patricia’s husband replied, “There is no need to fuss, we’re already happy to be able to visit your boarding house”. He was very friendly and the atmosphere felt very family-like.
One of my neighbors looked for my landlady. A few minutes later she arrived and was surprised because never before had there been foreign guests in her house since it had become a boarding house.
I introduced my landlady to Patricia’s family and they greeted here in a very friendly manner. I lied that I came from Cilacap as my house was actually in Purwokerto. I was sorry Patricia, I have many problems with my stepmother at home. I didn’t tell it to them.
Patricia’s husband then took a picture of us and said, “Smile…smile…smile…”whilst we were all smiling together.
My landlady couldn’t speak English and I tried to be her translator. She looked very nervous. However she was very happy because it was the first time there were guests from Europe. She couldn’t understand what we were talking about.
About twenty minutes later, her mother told me that they should leave my boarding house because they should continue their journey to Yogya. I couldn’t restrain them and let them to go, “Up to you”. Then I told my landlady that they would leave here. They shook their hands to us and said, “Good bye” to my landlady.
Patricia, her mother and father, and her husband immediately walked to the front of my boarding house. The latter three departed first, while Patricia and my self hung behind them. Patricia gave me money Ten Thousand Rupiah and at first I refused, but she continually convinced me that I wanted to take it. Finally I accepted the money with a joyous heart. She smiled at me and If I didn’t hear incorrectly, she worked at one of the television stations in Holland, but I couldn’t understand exactly in English.
Folk alongside the Kranji river irrigation canal were still greeting them, and these four tourists reciprocated to every person. We then joined with her family and her husband jokes to Patricia, “If I’m already old, then I’ll be using a walking stick” while he walked with a crooked body and coughed and spluttered along, “Huk…Huk…Huk…”.
We all laughed at his behavior and Patricia responded, “This is embarrassing for Karsiyah to hear” whilst she smiled at me, and her husband smiled back at her. I said, “You’re a very nice husband” and he responded by saying, “Really?” whilst he smiled at me.
We arrived at the narrow street exit, Patricia’s mother called me while waving her hand to call me, she would give me money, I refused because Patricia had indeed already given me money, then Patricia’s husband said, “Come on”. I received it and said, “Thank you’.
Patricia said not to forget to write a letter to Amsterdam and I promised hr, “Ok, I will write a letter for you”. Her last sentences was, “Good luck with your studies” whilst she smiled at me.
Michael from Holland
Cilacap, June 17th 1993
After docking in Ujung Alang quay at about nine in the morning, I sat near a young female tourist at the side of the ferry. When the ferry left Ujung Alang, I asked her where she came from and she replied, “Denmark”. I saw that she was a very beautiful. I asked if she was a student at university and she nodded, “I hope so”. She smiled at me and I smiled back. I saw in front of us two male tourists were talking about the mangrove trees in Ujung Alang, they were very serious.
I heard from the bow of the ferry, a female tourist ask the tourist beside me to move beside her. The tourist beside me then left me alone on a bench. I moved aside to sit near the two male tourists. I asked one of them where he came from and he replied, “Belanda” which means Holland, though he didn’t care much for my question. I felt that they were very arrogant.
After this I took out my photocopies about mangrove trees and then I opened them. One of them was attentive and asked me for permission to read them. I replied, “Of course” whilst giving the photocopies. I heard them talking about the mangroves in Dutch. I didn’t understand what they were talking about exactly. I asked him if he studied at university and he nodded. He told me that he studied Biology in Utrecht. He returned the question, “Will you study in Utrecht?” and I shook my head. Whilst he opened the material on the photocopies, he asked me if I was a student at Senior High School and I replied, “Yes “. I then told him that I studied in Biology program. He praised, “Good” and continued, “So we have the same subject in Biology”. I nodded and asked what his name was, he replied, “Michael”. He returned the question and I replied, “Karsiyah”. I heard him trying it, “Karsiyah” clearly.
He explained the real function of the mangrove. His friend talked about many species of mangrove and the function of air roots. Michael said, “Air roots which protrude above the water surface function to extract oxygen from the air or atmosphere”.
When the ferry changed course, Michael pointed towards the shore, “Hiiii, look a monkey!” I saw that there was a monkey in the upper branches of the mangrove tree. At the same time, a group of birds, “Kuntul” were flying over the ferry. Michael admired, “It’s a very beautiful place”. He asked me if there were many monkeys in that region and I replied, “Yes, of course”. I told him that there were many animals there.
I asked Michael if there were many monkeys in Holland and he told me that he didn’t know about this. He said that there were many monkeys in iron cages at his university, whilst he imitated the monkeys behavior, “Khaou…khaou…khaou..”.
I saw that there were very impressed the beauty of the Cilacap area. Michael said, “You live in a very beautiful country……” and I responded, “Thank you very much”.
One hour from ujung Alang, Michael asked me the name of the island which could be seen from our ferry and I replied, “Nusa Kambangan Island”. I told him that it was the southern most islands in Indonesia and Michael remarked, “That Island is very beautiful”.
Michael asked me if there was a tourist resort there and I replied, “Of course not! But there is a lot of cave on that island”. He asked, “Caves?” and I nodded. He asked me to explain it, but I only said, “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to say this in English”. He understood and after this we talked about something special for which I couldn’t forget him.
I asked Michael what color his eyes were and I replied, “Blue” whilst he opened his glasses. I looked into his eyes and he smiled at me. I asked him how old he was and he replied, “Dua puluh delapan” by his natural Dutch accent. I said, “Twenty eight” and reciprocated, “Enam belas”. Michael said, “Sixteen”.
I asked if he could speak Indonesian and he replied, “Sedikit” which means a little bit in Indonesian. He returned the question and asked if I could speak Dutch, I shook my head. He asked if I wanted to study Dutch with him and I replied, “Ok”.
Michael taught me short conversations in Ducth such as ‘Goede Morgen, Hoe gaat het, Wat is uw naam,….’ Which means ‘Good morning, How are you, What is your name…..”. He told that pronunciation in Dutch is located at the base of the throat, whilst he held his index finger at the base of his throat. Finally, he suggested that I should study English as international language, he said, “Your English is very good” and I replied, “Thank you very much”.
Michael asked me to say the letter r and I replied, “r”. He said, “You mentioned r clearly!”. He told me that English people can not mention r clearly. Eventually, our ferry neared Tanjung Intan Harbor, Michael told me about the biggest harbor in Holland, “Rotterdam is very busy every day”.
When our ferry docked in Seleko Tourist Harbor, Michael asked, “Is it Cikilap?”. I smiled when I heard this and said, “Not Cikilap, but Cilacap!”. Michael smiled back at me and I heard him trying, “Ci la cap” with his natural Dutch accent.
Our ferry continued the trip to Cilacap Transit Harbor. Michael told me about exports from Holland like animal products. He mentioned, “Milk…meat…cheese…”, and then asked me if I ever drunk coconut milk and I shook my head, “Never”.
We talked about industries in Holland when Michael saw the oil refinery at the Cilacap Industrial Estate. He told me about technological products like tanker, plane, camera, and car whilst showing his camera, “its Japan’s product”.
Michael told me about his traveling in Indonesia, after he visited Bali Island, he would go to Sumatera whilst opening his travel guide map. He pointed towards, “Toba lake, Lampung……”. He asked me if there were many monkeys in Sumatera and I replied, “Yes, in the forest”.
The ferry docked at Cilacap Transit Harbor, I saw him take an umbrella. I asked him why he brought it, he replied, “I’m afraid it will rain”. Then I said, “Michael, thank you very much for your time”, he replied, “Sama-sama” which means ‘You are welcome’. After this I left him on the ferry whilst hearing, “It is nice to meet you Karsiyah”.
Kolumela
Cilacap, 5th April 1994
I sat down beside a female tourist with long brown hair and asked where she came from and she replied, “New York”. I asked what her occupation was and she answered, “A Teacher”. I heard a young male tourist from London asking her to accompany a camera for his girlfriend in Pangandaran while he pointed towards a map where the hotel was located.
I asked if I could study English with her and she exclaimed, “I’m a tourist!”. The tourist boarded the ferry and I approached her at the quay. She asked me how long I had studying English at school. I told her, “Three years at Junior High School and three years at Senior High School”.
I saw tourists stow their backpacks in the ferry and I sat near a young male tourist. I heard one of them saying he was impressed by the beauty of Mount Bromo in East Java.
I asked her if she had ever visited Michigan City, she answered, “Yeah”.I then told her that there was a Rotary Exchange Student at my school from Michigan. I heard the tourist beside me saying something about it, but I didn’t understand what they were talking about.
He opened a parcel of chocolate waffles and offered it to us. I tried to ask him where he came from and he replied, “Germany”. I asked him in German, “Wie Ist Ihre Name? It means what your name was. He didn’t answer my question and mocked, “We aren’t in Germany”. I was disappointed by him, but I still asked him if he was a student at university and he replied, “Yeah”. He was very egotistical and he wasn’t like the tourists I had met before.
I saw an American tourist take off his shirt. When the ferry left Cilacap Transit Harbor, all of the tourists moved to the front of the ferry, except one beside me. I showed him some sentences in German and asked him to read them. He was methodical in his instruction for me as I repeated his words. He praised me for my ability in German and I responded, “Vielen Dank” which means thank you very much in English.
I asked what he was studying at university and he wrote on a piece of paper, “Architecture”. I then asked if he liked technology and he replied, “No, I like nature”. I asked where the best university in Germany was, he wrote, “Munchen”, but he didn’t study there. He gave me a little information about his country and German’s product’s like planes, ships, etc. I felt embarrassed when his shoulder accidentally brushed mine.
I saw him paying a good deal of attention to the baby beside us. I asked him if he liked the baby and he answered, “That baby is very funny”. He continued to notice the baby’s behaviors with its mother. After this I felt that we knew each other better. He took the time to talk with me and told about his studied at university.
The ferry stopped for a few minutes in the western area of the oil refinery. I told him that the ferry had broken down. He said, “May be” whilst watching at the technician.
After the ferry was fixed we continued our trip to Seleko Tourist Harbor. He suggested to me to move up to the front of the ferry with the other tourists. I then sat beside him. I saw his friend lift his hands up to his ears and wiggle his fingers, and then he stuck out his tongue. I found him funny and also very handsome. He said to every tourist, “We are a big family……” and continued, “Daddy …. Mummy…..” whilst pointing towards two old tourists in front of him. He also yelled, “Ice cream…ice cream…” as if he was selling it to the other tourists in the ferry and all of the tourists laughed at his behavior.
The tourists tried to eat some Indonesian food. The one beside me peeled half a Salak. He chewed the salak, “Mcaaaa….for fish” whilst he was throwing it in the water. I laughed at him and he asked me to say the name of the fruit, I answered, “Salak”. He told me that he didn’t like Salak very much. I then asked him to tell me about German fruits and he said, “Apple…cherry…strawberry…etc”.
I saw him open his bag and he was looking for something. He took out his dairy, cassettes, and his guidebook. After he had put a film into his handycam, he stood right in front of me, he took a picture of me and asked, “Smile for me….” I saw he was very handsome and I was very happy. He sat beside me and put everything back in his bag, except his guidebook.
I opened it and asked him if he could read about Bogor in German. He read slowly and carefully. I tried really hard to read it aloud in front of him. I then asked him to translate something of what I had said into German. He wrote down his translation, this was the first time I tried to learn German.
Ich studiere Biologie in SMA Zwei Purwokerto,. Ich wurde am Zweiundswanzigstem August Neunzehnhundedsechs und siebzig. Ich habe einen Bruder und eine Schwester.
I asked him what his name was and he replied, “Kolumela” that right if I didn’t hear wrong and continued, “….and you?”. I wrote down on my paper, “Karsiyah”. I heard him saying it. I then asked him how to say I love you in German and he gazed into my eyes, “Ich Liebe Dich”. I asked him to write it down on my paper as he said again, “Ich Liebe Dich”. He then asked me to write it down in Indonesian, “Aku Cinta Kamu” whilst writing it on his guidebook. He repeated it over whilst smiling at me. I felt like a highly emotional moment.
When the ferry neared Ujung Alang quay, I saw my aunt Soeharti and Soekarni in different ferry and one of them took a picture of us. I told him that the two women were my aunts, as I pointed towards them.
The ferry docked in Ujung Alang and I informed them that I would be stopping here. His friends asked me if I lived in this village and I replied, “Of course not!” and continued, “There isn’t supermarket here!”. He laughed when he heard my answer.
I left the ferry and I saw from the quay, he smiled at me and I smiled back at him. He was very handsome from far away.
Tony, London, England
Cilacap, May 3rd 1994
I always hoped that I might meet foreign tourists when I traveled on the ferry in Cilacap’s estuary, so I might practice my English and made new friends.
As I arrived at the Cilacap Transit Harbor, I noticed a beautiful blonde girl buying something at a food stall. I approached her and asked where she was from. She replied, “Belgium” whilst smiling at me. “Are there any English tourists in your group?” I enquired. She then pointed to three tourists on the boarding platform, “They come from England”. As we walked toward them I told her that I want to study English.
The Belgium tourist introduced me to the group and I sat beside one of the young English man. We spoke and I asked him if he knew the answers to my English’s homework. The questions were on the subject of Penicillin, the substance discovered by Sir Alexander Flemming. He knew about this and gave the answer. I asked him if Sir Alexander Flemming was English and one of the tourists answered that he was Scottish.
After we discussed the English’s homework I asked what his name. I didn’t hear him properly so I asked him to write it down. He wrote, “Tony” and said that he came from London, the biggest city in England. I asked if he had studied at university and he replied that he had studied economics for four years. He showed me a photo of Tony with his father and her sister. He explained that his mother had died. I said, “So has mine, she died 15 years ago” and Tony replied, “Oh sorry”.
I saw Tony’s friend suddenly sat over on a chair and an official from the harbor told him to sit more respectfully. He did and smiled to us. We then prepared to move to the ferry and Tony still told me about his relationship with his stepmother, “I don’t like her so much” and continued, “………no brother for her son”.
We then went into the ferry and I followed to sit near Tony. His friend joked to Tony because I always followed his seat. Tony didn’t reason with his joking. After few minutes, the ferry left Cilacap Transit Harbor.
On the whole trip from Cilacap Transit Harbor to Seleko Tourist Harbor, Tony and a local guide talked about the differences about economic system in England and Indonesia. Tony was very proud with economic system in his country, “England’s economic were not dominated by any power, just English people”. Then the guide explained, “Indonesia’s economic are dominated by Chinese”.
Half an hour later, the ferry docked at the Seleko Tourist Harbor and the guide left the tourists on the ferry. He would continue his job at the Seleko Tourist Harbor. Many passengers went into the ferry from this quay and after this departed to Kalipucang Transit Harbor. There was only me as an Indonesian on the bow of the ferry with foreign tourists.
Tony then moved his seat to the side of the ferry and I followed him. Tony’s friend who was lying on the bow of the ferry, he joked at Tony that he was like a magnet for me. Tony didn’t respond it and he was only quiet. Tony’s friend smiled at me and I smiled back at him.
The ferry continued the trip to Ujung Alang passed by Segara Anakan and Nusakambangan Island. I told Tony that I was a student at Senior High School in Purwokerto. Tony responded it by asking what subject I was studying and I replied, “Biology”. He then told me that his friend from London who studied Biology could travel around the world because he wrote a book about biological matters. Tony hoped one day that I could write about mangrove ecosystem in English around us. Tony said, “It had much good potentials”. After this Tony took his glasses and I noticed his hair style was like an Indian man. I asked Tony if there was no problem with his hair style when he worked in London. Tony replied, “Everything is ok” and told me that English people often changed their hair style.
Once in a while, Tony’s friend smiled at me and he looked friendly person. He was very handsome and has straight brown hair. He was dying in the Sun while listen music with his headsets.
Tony suddenly asked his friend something but he heard incorrectly because he was listening music. He asked Tony repeat his question whilst taking his headsets off. He then answered the question, unfortunately I couldn’t understand what they were talking about. After this, Tony’s friend asked an English female tourist to rub his chest with sun block.
The Belgium tourist was still reading her novel for the whole trip. I didn’t understand what she was reading in Dutch. She sat at the side of the ferry and she looked very friendly. She was very beautiful under the sunlight.
Tony then took a book from his bag and read it. Once in a while I asked him to read many sentences from his book. He did but I didn’t understand the meaning of those sentences.
Tony continued to read his book and I moved to sit at the side of the ferry. I saw Tony take a brooch from his bag. I asked him if it was from England and he replied, “no, it’s from the Netherlands”. Tony explained that it was a symbol flight of the Netherlands.
After two hours from the Cilacap Transit Harbor, the ferry docked at Ujung Alang’s quay. I shook Tony’s hand and he responded, “Good luck with your English” whilst looking at my eyes. I then left Tony on the ferry and headed to the quay.
Tony, London, England
Cilacap, May 3rd 1994
I always hoped that I might meet foreign tourists when I traveled on the ferry in Cilacap’s estuary, so I might practice my English and made new friends.
As I arrived at the Cilacap Transit Harbor, I noticed a beautiful blonde girl buying something at a food stall. I approached her and asked where she was from. She replied, “Belgium” whilst smiling at me. “Are there any English tourists in your group?” I enquired. She then pointed to three tourists on the boarding platform, “They come from England”. As we walked toward them I told her that I want to study English.
The Belgium tourist introduced me to the group and I sat beside one of the young English man. We spoke and I asked him if he knew the answers to my English’s homework. The questions were on the subject of Penicillin, the substance discovered by Sir Alexander Flemming. He knew about this and gave the answer. I asked him if Sir Alexander Flemming was English and one of the tourists answered that he was Scottish.
After we discussed the English’s homework I asked what his name. I didn’t hear him properly so I asked him to write it down. He wrote, “Tony” and said that he came from London, the biggest city in England. I asked if he had studied at university and he replied that he had studied economics for four years. He showed me a photo of Tony with his father and her sister. He explained that his mother had died. I said, “So has mine, she died 15 years ago” and Tony replied, “Oh sorry”.
I saw Tony’s friend suddenly sat over on a chair and an official from the harbor told him to sit more respectfully. He did and smiled to us. We then prepared to move to the ferry and Tony still told me about his relationship with his stepmother, “I don’t like her so much” and continued, “………no brother for her son”.
We then went into the ferry and I followed to sit near Tony. His friend joked to Tony because I always followed his seat. Tony didn’t reason with his joking. After few minutes, the ferry left Cilacap Transit Harbor.
On the whole trip from Cilacap Transit Harbor to Seleko Tourist Harbor, Tony and a local guide talked about the differences about economic system in England and Indonesia. Tony was very proud with economic system in his country, “England’s economic were not dominated by any power, just English people”. Then the guide explained, “Indonesia’s economic are dominated by Chinese”.
Half an hour later, the ferry docked at the Seleko Tourist Harbor and the guide left the tourists on the ferry. He would continue his job at the Seleko Tourist Harbor. Many passengers went into the ferry from this quay and after this departed to Kalipucang Transit Harbor. There was only me as an Indonesian on the bow of the ferry with foreign tourists.
Tony then moved his seat to the side of the ferry and I followed him. Tony’s friend who was lying on the bow of the ferry, he joked at Tony that he was like a magnet for me. Tony didn’t respond it and he was only quiet. Tony’s friend smiled at me and I smiled back at him.
The ferry continued the trip to Ujung Alang passed by Segara Anakan and Nusakambangan Island. I told Tony that I was a student at Senior High School in Purwokerto. Tony responded it by asking what subject I was studying and I replied, “Biology”. He then told me that his friend from London who studied Biology could travel around the world because he wrote a book about biological matters. Tony hoped one day that I could write about mangrove ecosystem in English around us. Tony said, “It had much good potentials”. After this Tony took his glasses and I noticed his hair style was like an Indian man. I asked Tony if there was no problem with his hair style when he worked in London. Tony replied, “Everything is ok” and told me that English people often changed their hair style.
Once in a while, Tony’s friend smiled at me and he looked friendly person. He was very handsome and has straight brown hair. He was dying in the Sun while listen music with his headsets.
Tony suddenly asked his friend something but he heard incorrectly because he was listening music. He asked Tony repeat his question whilst taking his headsets off. He then answered the question, unfortunately I couldn’t understand what they were talking about. After this, Tony’s friend asked an English female tourist to rub his chest with sun block.
The Belgium tourist was still reading her novel for the whole trip. I didn’t understand what she was reading in Dutch. She sat at the side of the ferry and she looked very friendly. She was very beautiful under the sunlight.
Tony then took a book from his bag and read it. Once in a while I asked him to read many sentences from his book. He did but I didn’t understand the meaning of those sentences.
Tony continued to read his book and I moved to sit at the side of the ferry. I saw Tony take a brooch from his bag. I asked him if it was from England and he replied, “no, it’s from the Netherlands”. Tony explained that it was a symbol flight of the Netherlands.
After two hours from the Cilacap Transit Harbor, the ferry docked at Ujung Alang’s quay. I shook Tony’s hand and he responded, “Good luck with your English” whilst looking at my eyes. I then left Tony on the ferry and headed to the quay.
Rajawali, Amsterdam, Holland
Cilacap, June 24th 1994
Dwi, my cousin and I went to the ferry when it docked at 10.30 a.m. at the Seleko Tourist Harbor. We wanted to study foreign languages with foreign tourists. I sat at the side of a female tourist and asked where she came from, she replied, “Germany”. Then I addressed her in German, “Guten Tag” means good afternoon. She responded by smiling at me, “Guten Morgen” and she explained at the time better to say ‘Good Morning’. A male tourist beside her inquired about what my question was. She answered it but I didn’t understand what they were talking about in German.
The ferry left Seleko Tourist Harbor to continue the trip to Cilacap Transit Harbor. The day was clear in Cilacap area and tourist crowded each other on the bow of the ferry.
I moved to the side of a male tourist who sat alone and asked where he came from. He said, “Holland” whilst smiling at me. I showed him some conversations in Dutch and asked him to teach me to which he agreed. He taught me how to say ‘Aangenaam kennis te maken means I am pleased to meet you, Mijn naam is Karsiyah means my name is Karsiyah, Ik kom uit Indonesië means I come from Indonesia, Ik ben een student means I am a student, Ik ben zeventien means I am 17 years old and Ik ben in Cilacap geboren means I was born in Cilacap’. It was very difficult to study Dutch but it was so fantastic to study it with Dutch man.
The Dutch tourist then asked me to say this, “Waar woont U ?” means where do I live. I tried to say this sentence in wrong way. He mentioned ‘U’ means ‘you’ whilst he said longer, “Uuuuuuuu” and his mouth looked very funny, he was like want to kiss someone. I smiled at him and he smiled back at me. I replied his question, “Ik woon op Perintis Kemerdekaan straat” means I live on Perintis Kemerdekaan street. Finally, he asked me if I wanted to become a guide and I responded, “I don’t know” and he only smiled at me. I then told him that I was actually wanted to study English with tourist from English speaking nation.
I told to the Dutch tourist that I had holidays for a month, and he responded, “So do I, I am on holiday now”. When I asked with whom he was going Indonesia, he pointed towards a woman who took a picture of us with her handy cam, “She is my wife”. His answer was surprised me. All of his friends laughed when he explained my question and I responded, “Oh, sorry”. I thought he was too young to marry, then his wife said, “Everything is ok, go ahead!”. He then introduced me to a Dutch tourist who always spoke English on the bow of the ferry, “He speaks English better than me, study English with him”.
I moved shyly to the bow of the ferry and sat at the side a young male tourist. I asked what his name was and he said, “Rajawali” whilst showing his bracelet with a picture of an eagle. Rajawali means ‘Eagle’ in Indonesian and I thought that one of his parents was Indonesian. I then asked what his job in Holland and he replied that he worked as a chef in Amsterdam.
Rajawali taught me English related his job about name of food and drink. He taught me how to say ‘breakfast, lunch, dinner, meat, fish, rice, porridge, cake, boiled rice, butter, park, cheese, wheat, honey, maize, corn, bread, flour, cream, jam, beef, mutton, lobster, potato, and oyster’. Rajawali taught me also how to say ‘tea, coffee, milk, beer, wine, whisky, ice, ice cream, alcohol, lemonade, cocoa, black coffee, coffee with milk, champagne and juice’. Finally he praised my efforts saying my English is very good. Rajawali then told me about many dishes in Amsterdam. He said that many Indonesian foods which were served in many restaurants in Amsterdam, but they were very expensive.
I told Rajawali that I was on the ferry with my cousin, Dwi. We were studying English with foreign tourist. From far away, Dwi smiled at us and Rajawali waved his hand to Dwi. Rajawali encouraged me to study English harder. I saw all of his friends were enjoying the beauty of Cilacap industrial estate.
The day was a very beautiful for me and I always remembered it later in my life. After half an hour later, the ferry neared Cilacap Transit Harbor. I said to Rajawali, “Dank U Zeer” means ‘Thank You’ whilst shaking his hand and he responded, “Sama-sama” means ‘You are welcome’. When the ferry docked at the quay, I said to all tourists, “Thank You” and the responded by smiling at me.
Hubert Lauener
Cilacap, Holiday July 1994
I sat on the floor at the boarding platform in Ujung Alang waiting for a ferry from Kalipucang. After a few minutes, the ferry docked at the quay and I went into it with other passengers heading to Cilacap.
I saw there were many foreign tourists at the bow of the ferry and I approached several groups of European tourists at the side. I sat near a young male tourist who had brown hair and wore glasses. He looked very friendly and a man from Ujung Alang followed on behind me.
When the ferry departed Ujung Alang, I approached the tourist beside me by asking where he came from and he said, “Switzerland”. I asked if he liked Indonesia and he answered, “Of course, it’s a very beautiful country”. Then I asked what his occupation was and he replied, “A teacher”. He was attentive to my question and he was really very friendly. I asked again if he studied at university and he nodded. He then asked if I was a student and I replied, “Yes, I am a student at senior high school”.
The female tourist directly in front of me asked him something, but they were talking in German and I didn’t understand what they were talking about. After this he smiled at me, and I responded by asking with whom he talked. He answered, “She is my friend from Switzerland”. He pointed towards all his friends from Switzerland. One of them addressed me, “Hello” and I addressed her back, “Hello” whilst waving my hand.
I asked the male tourist beside me what his name was and he wrote down on paper, “Hubert Lauener” whilst pronouncing it and continued that he said, “Hubi, my friends calls me hubi”. I repeated him, “Hubert Lauener is Hubi”. He returned the question and I said, “Karsiyah” whilst writing it down. Hubi admired it, “Karsiyah is a beautiful name” and I replied, “Oh thank you, it’s only Javanese name”. Hubi smiled at me and I reciprocated.
Hubi asked me if the man beside me was my boyfriend and I responded by saying, “Of course not” and asked, ”Why do think that?”. Hubi smiled at me and answered that the man together with me. He then apologized for it. I heard them introducing themselves. I heard Hubi asked what his name was and he replied, “Paul”. Hubi straight away said, “Ahhhh, many Pauls in Switzerland” whilst laughing. Hubi told me that there were many young people who had the name Paul. I knew the man told a lie to us because it was impossible that someone from Ujung Alang had a western name such as Paul.
I asked Hubi what his national language was and he said, “German”. I asked if he could teach it to me, and he nodded. I then took out my conversational German book and asked him to read some passages. Hubi taught me whilst he prompted me as though I was his student and I repeated all his sentences. He praised that I spoke German well, and said that there were many similarities in pronunciation between German and Indonesian. I told Hubi that English was a difficult language and he agreed saying, “..but your English is better than mine” whilst he smiled at me. Hubi then explained that there were many special letters in German such as ß, ä, ë and ü. He told me if I encounter letter ß, I should to say ‘double s’, when I encounter ch, I should to say ‘kh’. He explained it all whilst mentioning all of them. He was the best German teacher for me.
Unintentional Hubi asked me to translate the sentence ‘What’s the name?’ into Indonesian and I said, “Apa namanya” whilst writing it down. He repeated it over, “Apa namanja, apa namanja”, as he could not say correctly with letter y ‘apa namanja’. He was very funny and he looked much fed up. I smiled and laughed at him to see his behavior. I said, “not apa namanja, but apa namanya!”. He tried again, “apa namanja!” whilst shaking his head.
Hubi then asked me to say the letter ß and he said, “sssssss…..” whilst repeated it shorter than him, “sss..”. He straight away mocked me, “You can’t say long s Karsiyah” and continued to say, “ssssssssssss”. I smiled at him when I saw his lips as it was very funny and I repeated him over, “sssssssssssss………..” and Hubi said, “Stop! Too long Karsiyah”. After this, Hubi laughed at my behavior.
After a few minutes, Hubi showed me some postcards and a photograph of his family in Switzerland. He pointed towards his family, “She is my mother, he is my father and the other one is my brother”.
From the postcards I could see the beauty of snowy mountains and the flora surrounding them. Hubi then talked about the tourist resorts on the postcards and said that everything was very expensive in comparison to Indonesia. Hubi said, “Switzerland is the most beautiful place to play snow in the world” and continued, “It’s very cold Karsiyah”. He then told me of many interesting places to visit there, and told how expensive it was.
After this I asked Hubi to give the postcards, but he said, “They aren’t my postcards”. He then asked his friend to gave me a postcard and Hubi said, “For you”.
At the time there was a football competition in Europe and I asked Hubi if he liked football and he nodded. He asked me if I watched the football last night on TV and I nodded. We then discussed about the football competition. Hubi asked me if I liked football players from Switzerland and I shook my head. He asked me which football team I liked and I said, “Team from England” and he asked why I liked the team. I answered, “All of them are handsome” to which Hubi only replied, “Oh…nooooooo”.
After the ferry neared Seleko Tourist Port, I told Hubi that I would stop my journey in the port. Hubi then showed me his camera and asked me to take a picture of me. I shook my head as I was embarrassed to have my picture taken by him. Hubi smiled at me and said, “why?” and I didn’t answer his question, only smiled at him.
When the ferry docked at Seleko Tourist Port, I shook his hand and said, “Have a good trip in Indonesia”. I told him that he would stop at the early of the other port, Cilacap Transit Port. He nodded and said, “It is nice to meet you Karsiyah” and I responded, “Thank you very much for taking the time to teach me German”. I left Hubi in the ferry.
Richard Raynor
Cilacap, November 1994
I went down along the stairs of Cilacap Transit Harbor and asked a female tourist in front of me where she came from, she replied, “England”. I asked if I could study English with her in the ferry and she nodded as she boarded the ferry. I accompanied her to look for a place to sit. A male tourist sat on a chair before us, we were all sitting in a row and I saw the man embraced the female tourist beside me.
I opened my English book and asked her if she could read a passage for me, whilst I pointed towards an English reading. She read it but not seriously, so I stop trying. I then asked her what the best university in England was, her boyfriend thought it over and replied, “Liverpool is the best”. He then qualified this statement and said, “No, Oxford or Cambridge are the best….”. I heard him ask his girlfriend to change seats. He sat beside me and inquired, “Would you like me to read this for you?”. I nodded and said, “Of course”. He read my English readings carefully and seriously. I repeated his words and he said, “You read English slowly!”. He then suggested that I must learn to read faster.
After finishing that, I asked his name was and he said, “Richard, Rich…”. He returned the question back and I wrote my name on a piece of paper, “Karsiyah”. I heard him say it and introduced the woman beside him, “She is Jill” while pointing towards his girlfriend.
I asked if Richard studied at university and he said, “I studied Mathematics at Liverpool University”. He asked if I was a student and I answered, “Yes, I am a student at high school”. Richard offered me to read my English lessons, “Do you want me to read any more?”. I nodded and responded, “Thank you” while showing the paper to him. He then read my English better than Jill.
After Richard read English reading, he repaired his sandal and told me that he bought his sandals in Indonesia. Richard said, “Indonesian products are not good quality in comparison to Australian products” whilst holding a clasp.
Two more tourists came and sat in front of us. I heard they were talking about the beauty of Indonesia with Jill. I asked Richard where they came from and he said, “England”, and continued, “Do you understand what they are saying?”. I shook my head and said that I didn’t understand, “They speak English very quickly”.
Our ferry left Cilacap Transit Port at noon and Richard continued to teach me English for the entire trip in Cilacap’s estuary. He taught me many scientific terms like protein, carbon dioxide, carbohydrate, nitrogen, which I had never read before at school. He also mentioned many difficult words like Oxford and Unorthodox.
Richard wrote down, “Ox ocks” and said, “Oxford”, he wrote down again, “Un / orth / o / dox” and said, “Unorthodox”. I repeated his words, “ox ocks” and continued, “un orth o dox”. He asked me to say it once and I said, “ox ocks…..un orth o dox”. Richard then praised me, “Very good”. He also mentioned many chemistry terms like ion, electron, quark, sub atomic particle, met chore, machines, catch and I repeated all his words. He wrote, “Fainalee” and said, “Finally”. Richard smiled at me and I smiled back at him.
I wrote the number of 1,8 and asked Richard to say it. He corrected it, “1.8” whilst saying, “One point eight in English”. I then repeated his word, “One point eight” and he said, “Good”.
I wrote 1903 and Richard him to say it in English. He clarified that it was difficult for a number and for a year. He said, “It is one thousand nine hundred and three for a number, and it is nineteen oh three for a year”, whilst writing it down. I then repeated, “One thousand nine hundred and three…nineteen oh three”, he praised me once again.
Richard took out his wallet and showed me a small amount of money from a foreign country. He showed me his identify card when he studied at university, “Wouuu..you are very handsome”. I was very impressed and then showed my residence identification card to him. He asked if he could see my identify card, but I didn’t show it. I only didn’t want him to make fun of my photo.
At the time I was very hungry, so I took a parcel of chocolate and offered it to Richard. He took some chocolates and ate together with me. After a few minutes, I saw him cover his thigh with his shorts. His thigh was immaculate. I then looked at his face and asked what color his eyes were, Richard said, “Green” whilst looking into my eyes and continued, “…..and you are brown”. His green eyes were very beautiful and I saw his eyeball with soft lenses. I asked, “Do you have contact lenses?”. Richard said, “Yes” whilst smiling at me. I asked him how much contact lenses cost and he replied, “It’s about four hundred thousand rupiah”.
I showed Richard my exam book and told him that I would follow the final exam at Senior high school. He then opened it step by step and tried hard to solve one of chain electricity questions. He asked Jill to give an answer to this question. He then looked it up in the key of answers and Richard said, “I’m better than you Jill” while showing the answer to his girlfriend.
Richard opened up different subjects from that book. He showed me a picture of the process of nail corrosion in test tube, and he said, “It’s the same as when I studied at Senior high school”. He told me about his studies when he was at school and university. Richard said, “I’m an engineer” and continued, “Insinyur in Indonesian” while looking into my eyes.
Richard gave me a question of exponent Mathematics and asked me to calculate. I calculated it and gave him the answer. He then calculated his question and said, “You’re a smart student”.
Richard took out a small book which he bought in Australia. He then told me about his travels in this country and New Zealand. He said, “It’s very nice….” Whilst smiling at me. He invited me to read his book and I opened it. I found various chemistry terms like NaCl and H2O. I then asked him to read them. He wrote and said, “Sodium Chloride and Heyth two oh”, he clarified the process of H2O and said, “Hydrogen plus oxygen is heyth two oh…..”. He taught me something else about chemistry.
Richard asked how much my exams book cost. I told him the price of it, “Twelve thousand rupiah”. He said, “….ooh, it’s too cheap!” and continued, “It’s about forty rupiah in England”. He then returned my book and said, “Everything is very expensive in England”. After this I gave back his book also.
One hour later I asked Richard to tell me about his family, he said, “I have a younger sister and brother”, and continued, “His name is Matthew and her name is….”, I couldn’t hear it clearly in English.
Richard then took out his guidebook and asked me to read shorts conversations in Indonesian. He tried hard to pronounce various Indonesian phrases although his pronunciation was hindered by his natural English accent. I heard him try to pronounce the word, “Mengerti” which means is “To understand” in Indonesian, but he couldn’t say it correctly, as he always pronounced it as though it had a double ‘g’ “menggerti”, finally he smiled at me and said, “I’m sorry, I can’t”.
After this Richard asked me where I was going and I answered that I was looking for further information about mangroves trees in Ujung Alang and continued, “I am writing mangroves for my last studies”. I then opened my article about mangroves and showed it to him.
When Richard saw air roots in mangrove trees from the article, he said, “There are many crabs in around air roots of mangroves” while moving his fingers to one side as if crabs were walking near them. I nodded and responded, “Yeah…” whilst smiling at him.
After a few minutes, I asked Richard if he like diving and he nodded. He told me about his experience when he was diving in Indonesian territorial waters. He exclaimed, “It’s indeed very beautiful underwater”.
I took out a name card unintentionally. I asked him to write his address in England and he agreed. He then wrote down it and said, “I will go home in March 1995”. His name was Richard Raynor and he came from Chester in Cheshire, I promised that I would send a letter to him.
Two hour later in Ujung Alang area, we saw that there were many children who were swimming near the mangrove trees. I asked Richard if he liked swimming and he responded, “Not in the river like those children because I am afraid of crocodiles”. I smiled at him when I heard his words and asked, “Are you afraid of a crocodile?”. He nodded and then I let him know that there were no crocodiles in that region.
After the ferry docked in Ujung Alang quay, I said to Richard, “I will stop here….” And he asked, “Is it your destination?”. I nodded and replied, “Thank you very much for your time” whilst I shook his hand and then left him on the ferry. I went for a walk to the quay and I saw him smiling at me, it was the most beautiful smile from English man.
Simone Michelle Hugo
Cilacap, June 28th 1995
I sat on a bench at The Cilacap Transit Harbor whilst looking for the many foreign tourists who would leave this harbor. I approached a female tourist and asked where she came from and she replied, “Holland”. She looked very quiet with the male beside her. I noticed one of her fingers was shorter than her other fingers. It seemed as if she invited the man beside her to go to the ferry, whilst she took her backpack. I figured that he was her husband, and I said in my heart, “The man reminded me of The Dutch colonial era. His body was very big and he resembled a soldier of The Dutch Kompeni….It was as though he was in uniform, holding a rifle…”.
I approached two female tourists who would leave the harbor, by asking one of them if she came from Holland. I though that they were in a group of Dutch tourists but she responded, “No, England” whilst smoking. She surprised me, so I straight away asked her if I could study English on the ferry and she replied, “Ok” whilst headed for the ferry.
I followed along behind them, and after they put their backpacks in the ferry, we looked for a place to sit at the side of the ferry. We then sat in a row and after this, I asked one of them to read my English. She read it seriously, but she was very quiet, and I saw that her friend was more quiet than the one beside me.
I asked if she studied at university, she replied, “yes, in the faculty of law”. If I didn’t hear incorrectly she had just graduated from university. She then told me that her friend had just graduated in psychology.
I asked one of them to read a poem ‘Message to My Mother’. She read it and remarking that poem was very beautiful and then showed it to her. She nodded, “Yes, It’s a beautiful poem”. After this she left the ferry and walked to the boarding platform. I didn’t know what she did there. Then I asked the female tourist beside me what her name was, She replied, “Simone”. I asked her to read English reading and she taught me some sentences but she was very quiet.
A few minutes later the engine of the ferry could be heard, and this was assign that the ferry would shortly depart. However, Simone’s friend had yet to return. Simone looked very worried, perhaps because she was afraid her friend would be left behind at the pier. I heard Simone say something but I couldn’t understand exactly. From her face Simone call out, “….Oh my friend”. I couldn’t hear anymore. I then told a member of the ferry’s crew that there was a foreign tourist on the boarding platform and he looked for her.
A few minutes, she came down the stairs and join with us. I saw Simone felt better when her friend arrived on the ferry. A man came walking towards the rear of the ferry rolling up a length of rope and the ferry moved away from the harbor. The ferry left Cilacap Transit Harbor.
Simone took a book and read it. Occasionally I requested that she read me two paragraphs from the book which she was reading. She read it, even though she was only reading the bits of writing that I was pointing to with my finger. When I stopped asking her, she didn’t even ask who I was. She was very quiet. For the length of the trip to Seleko Tourist Harbor, there was no good communication between myself and these female tourists.
After passing Nusa Kambangan Island, I felt the gusts of a strong wind against the ferry. Dark overcast clouds were moving quickly, and then heavy rain poured down. The strong wind quite possible originated from The Indian Ocean. We all moved places because of the rain and chose some dry places to sit in the middle of the ferry.
One of the crew closed up the sides of the ferry with a canvas awning. Once in a while I asked her to read English sentences in her book. She read them, but she was quiet. I felt the cold wind piercing my chest and a little water was entering the ferry. I was worried about falling sick after this, particularly my physical condition is very weak. But thankfully this only persisted for a moment, and then one of the crewmen opened up the awning and leaned the wet seats.
A few minutes later we sat back at the side of the ferry but all this had not changed the conceited the attitude of the two tourists. She was quiet and only read her book.
The two hours trip from Cilacap to Ujung Alang falt very boring because I didn’t get anything from it. Indeed, the English which I managed to pick up was much at all.
After we neared Ujung Alang, I asked her to write her address in England. It was stupid of me to ask her address of such an arrogant tourist, whilst what was left in my heart regretted ever buying the passenger ticket to Ujung Alang.
When the ferry docked in Ujung Alang, I simply got off but it seemed that she continually gazed at me. I truly regretted this whole episode because the day after I got influenza.
After she come back to England, she helped me to correct my stories in English. Thank you so much for Simone.
Sharon Baker
Cilacap, 29th June 1995
The passenger ferry from Kalipucang bumped up against the pier in Ujung Alang and a man leaped off with a length of rope. When the ferry docked at Ujung Alang quay, I saw many foreign tourists on the bow of the ferry. One of them was a female tourist who was smiling at the children on the quay.
The ferry continued to travel to Cilacap after all of the passengers boarded. I wanted to sit near the foreign tourists and there was a free seat near two young female tourists. I walked towards them and jumped over a chair. A male tourist surprised me by giving me a towel, I wasn’t aware that the chair which I wanted to sit on was wet. The woman beside him said something, then she smiled at me, and I smiled back to her. I received it and then cleaned my seat. After this I gave back the towel to the tourist saying, “Thank you”. He smiled at me and he replied, “You’re welcome”. I thought he came from Scandinavia because his hair looked very different from other tourists I had seen.
I sat near a young female tourist and asked where she came from. She replied, “England” slowly. I asked what her name was, she said, “Sharon”. She returned the question back, I replied, “Karsiyah”. I then asked her if I could study English, whilst showing an English reading about agriculture. She helped me learn English step by step.
After a few minutes, I noticed two young male tourists on the bow of the ferry. One of them was very handsome. He wore a red t-shirt and a pair of shorts, so his thighs looked very white. His lips were sexy and his eyes were brown. I looked into his eyes and he looked back at me, “Wouuu if only he was my boyfriend..akkh it isn’t possible”. The other one just kept reading his book and he looked very calm.
A male Indonesian in front of me asked me where the tourist beside me came from and I said, “England”. He was a strange man because he pretended to know English. In fact he pointed towards the female and addressed tourists from Switzerland. Sharon didn’t acknowledge anything and didn’t care about him.
A few minutes later, Sharon asked me to translate and read many conversations in English into Indonesian, I did them with pleasure. She was a very friendly English woman. She told me about herself, she was a vegetarian. She said, “I don’t eat meat, fish, eggs,…etc” but there are various ways in which she ate fruit and vegetables. She graduated from psychology and planned to continue her studies in Computer Programming in master degree. If I didn’t hear incorrectly, her father was a professor and her mother was a nurse. Sharon then introduced the young woman beside her, “This is Claudia” and continued, “She is…..”, I said, “Karsiyah”. I asked Claudia if she came from England and she nodded, whilst smoking. Claudia smiled at me and I smiled back at her. She addressed me, “Hello” and I looked into her green eyes. She looked a very friendly person.
Sharon asked me something about tourism in Yogya, but I couldn’t tell her how to say it in English, whilst she pointed towards many tourist destinations in Yogya. She then told me that she visited Medan in Sumatera, and her trip was most enjoyable
I asked Sharon if the male tourist in front of us was from England, she shook her head, “I don’t know”. I then asked where he came from and he said, “Switzerland”. I saw that the Indonesian man chatted with him.
The Indonesian man asked Sharon how old she was. Sharon replied, “Twenty three”. He didn’t understand what she said, so the tourist from Switzerland responded, “Dua puluh dua”. I then asked him if he could speak Indonesian, he replied, “Just a little bit”. He told me that he spoke German and explained that both German and Indonesian have a similar pronunciation. At the same moment, I saw the handsome tourist sitting with his legs crossed, “Wouuu…you’re really handsome”.
The journey from Ujung Alang felt very long, the ferry slow, and I began to feel a chill as the weather around the mangrove forest closed in. I complained to Sharon that it was very cold, but she surprised me by saying that it was merely a bit fresh. She was already used to the cold English weather. I felt a strong jolt rock the ferry, as though it had struck an object in the water. I was a little concerned because the weather was getting worse, indeed even the mangrove forest felt more threatening due to its darkening appearance. Dark clouds moved over the ferry, but most of the tourists remained calm. Indeed, amongst them were those who laughed raucously and the British tourists beside us were no different. I kept on hoping that nothing disastrous would come of the ferry on which I was riding. Besides not being able to swim in the deep water, the weather was atrocious. Although I was fidgety and nervous, Sharon looked very calm, whilst pointing to the dark cloud over the ferry, she said, “It’s like London”.
A few times large waves rocked the ferry to the point that water entered the ferry. Although the amount of water that splashed into the ferry was not very much, rain was also bucketing down. An Indonesian man was clutching the rope close the awnings for the ferry, but I saw that his hands weren’t strong enough to counter the strength of the howling wind.
I saw Sharon’s glasses were full of water droplets and I cleaned my face with my handkerchief. Meanwhile all of the tourists who sat on the bow of the ferry moved to the middle of the ferry.
I was very afraid, so I asked the tourist in front of me to help the man to try to pull the canvas awning. Without having to be hold, the handsome tourist put his storybook in front of me seat and helped him. The tree of them helped each other to tighten the rope for the ferry’s awning. Their fingers were strong and I felt safe when the awning was opened up and tied down. On the other hand, I saw a young female tourist put her chain to her boyfriend’s shoulder. I felt the atmosphere heat up although the torrential rain continued to fall. Then the handsome tourist joined with other tourists to stand in the middle of the ferry. I still noticed him because he was very special, although there were many pimples on his face. I asked Sharon if the boy was from England. She replied, “May be because he speaks English”.
I felt more panics when my body felt cold. Sharon said, “You look like you are very cold” and pointed this out to Claudia. I responded, “I can’t feel it”. I then closed my face with my handkerchief for a few minutes. Although the atmosphere was far from pleasant, we still talked about the differences between England and Indonesia.
In England, those who smoked were young women, whilst in Indonesia this is the habit of an older man. Sharon asked me why this was but I didn’t answer her because I honestly didn’t know.
Sharon asked why many Indonesians say hello to tourist whilst she said herself that, “We never say hello to newcomers like Vietnamese….”. I said only, “Indonesian people are friendly” and she nodded.
We continued on discussing various matters related to traditional Indonesian customs, until I didn’t notice that the ferry had already neared Cilacap. Slowly the rain began to relent. One of the crew rolled up the awning and some of the tourists resumed their earlier positions. I was still paying attention to the handsome tourist. He indeed had personality, and I dreamed that I could get to know him. Unfortunately however, my seat was too far away from him. Before arriving Cilacap Transit Harbor, I told Sharon about my city in Purwokerto.
Alexander R.C. Cox
Cilacap, 24th July 24 1995
I sat in front of two tourists at Cilacap Transit Port. I asked a female tourist where she came from and she replied, “Czechoslovakia”. I heard a male tourist say, “Sewu Patangatus” in his natural German accent means four hundred rupiah in Javanese. I saw him buy a snack in the canteen.
I approached a male tourist who sat on a bench. I asked him where he came from and he replied, “Switzerland”. I then asked what his national language was and he said, “I speak French”. He then told me that there were four national languages in his country. I asked if he could translate an English poem into French and he did.
I asked him if he had studied at university and he replied, “Yes, I studied Chemistry”. He asked me if I liked Chemistry lesson and I said, “Sometimes”. I heard him say that there were many Indonesian students who did not like Chemistry lesson. I asked him how old he was, and he said, “Twenty nine”. He then asked me if I understood his handwriting and I nodded. I saw a tourist bus stop in front of the Cilacap Transit Port. I asked him if it was his travel agency and he replied, “May be”. He then gave me his translations. I said, “Thank you very much” and he replied, “You’re welcome”. He joined with his friends from Switzerland to the bus.
I saw a young male tourist get out from the bus tourist with other tourists. His bag was inscribed with the words ‘British Airways’. I immediately asked him if he came from England and he replied, “Yes”. I asked him with whom he was going to Pangandaran and he replied, “Sendirian” means alone in Indonesian. I then asked him if I could study English with him and he replied, “How?...”, he did not answer my question.
I heard the English tourist invite a young female tourist to sit near him. He went to a stall and ate something while standing in front of stall to see the beauty of Cilacap’s estuary. After this he took his backpack and I asked again if I could study English in the ferry. He replied, “Yeah ok”. I asked what his name and he said ‘Alexander’, we introduced each other. I asked Alexander if he studied at university and he said, “Yeah”. Alexander told me that he would continue his studied for Master Degree in low. I followed on behind as he boarded to the ferry. Alexander looked for free seat and chose it at the side of the ferry. I exclaimed, “hot…” and he responded it, “I like the heat”. He then showed his backpack was very heavy and we sat down in the ferry. I asked him if the University of Cambridge is the best university in England and he said, “Yeah”.
After a few minutes, Alexander told me of his travels to many tourist resorts in Indonesia. He admired the beauty of Maduranese batik and said that it was the most beautiful batik in Java. Alexander also met two tourists who were looking for the batik in Madura Island. I asked him if he wanted to know how to say ‘I love you’ in Javanese, he then asked me how to say it. “Kulo tresno panjenengan”. I heard him trying to say this sentence. I asked him how old he was and he responded, “How old do you think I am?”. I shook my head and said that I couldn’t estimate his age. He then mentioned, “Dua puluh dua”, thus his age was twenty two. Alexander told me that he has dual nationality because his mother is from Canada and his father is from England. I then asked him to read my English lesson from school and he attentively read them.
When the ferry left Cilacap, Alexander told me that there was too much air pollution in Jakarta and there were many illicit timber industries in Indonesia. He said that smoke from cars and factories polluted the air, which has a heavy impact on the environment. Alexander told me that there were many illicit timber industries two hundred years ago in England and it had caused many problems.
After a few minutes, I asked Alexander to read a poem that I had written for my mother and he was very impressed by it its contents. Alexander read it and I repeated his words. I saw him take out from his bag a poetry book and four post cards from England. Alexander then showed them to me. I asked him for his postcards and he gave me all of them, he wrote his address in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Alexander pointed towards his house and his school in one of his postcard. If I didn’t hear incorrectly, Shrewsbury is the biggest school in England. I then asked him where he studied at university and his answered surprised me, “The University of Cambridge”.
I asked Alexander if he had married and I then asked him if he was angry with my question. He said, “I’m alright with the question” and he answered, “Bujang” means single in Javanese.
Alexander told me that he had one younger sister and she was seventeen years old. He asked me how many total populations in Indonesia and I replied that it was about one hundred and eighty million. He asked me how many people live in Central Java and I shook my head, “Sorry, I don’t know”. Alexander continued to ask me about the total population in my city and I said, “I don’t know”.
One hour later, Alexander told me that his mother had just gotten over an illness. If I didn’t hear incorrectly, his father was a teacher and his mother was a real estate agent. Alexander then told me about real estate business in England.
Alexander asked when I would like to get marry and I replied, “I would like to marry one day”. I asked him if there were many vampires in England and his answered surprised me, “of course not, only in the film”. Alexander then asked me if I had a vampire film starring Tom Cruise, while pointing towards his canine teeth. I nodded, but he replied that he had not seen that film. I asked him what the color of his eyes was and he replied, “Green” while pointing towards his eyes. Alexander then continued on to say that after having lived in Bandung for nine months, his eyes were now rather brown.
Alexander called out to a vendor in his English accent, “Bu…Ibu…” but she didn’t hear it. I asked him if he would like to buy snacks and he nodded. I called her over and she then approached us. She didn’t notice if Alexander had called her also. Alexander then bought two lontongs and ate them for lunch. Alexander told me that he ate bread for breakfast, potato for lunch and rice for dinner.
I heard him sing a Nike Ardila’s song. Nike Ardila was a popular singer at the time, “Cinta Tak Selamanya Indah, Cinta Tak Selamanya Mesra” in his natural English accent. He sang that love is not forever beautiful and love is not forever intimate. I asked Alexander if he liked that song and he replied, “Yes”. He told me that he met Nike in Kintamawi’s discotheque the night before she died. Alexander was surprised with her death when he saw it on TV the next morning. Alexander explained to me how the accident had occurred, while he pretended to drive a car. He said that Nike died at nineteen years old and she was very young.
Alexander told me that he liked ice mixed with fruits and syrup, “Saya suka es campur”. He asked me if there was es campur in Pangandaran and I replied, “Yes, of course”. When Alexander saw two fishermen in the lagoon, he asked me what they were doing and I replied, “They are fishing”. He was unclear as to how they were fishing. I told Alexander that they were using a casting net to catch fish and he nodded.
Alexander asked me if there was ‘Wartel’ in Pangandaran but I didn’t hear it clearly, “Water?” means air in Indonesian? He said “Not water but wartel, telecommunication service in Indonesia”. I replied that there were many wartels in Pangandaran. Alexander wanted to phone his mother and he often wrote letters to his mother in England.
I asked Alexander how many times English people like to take a bath in a day. He replied, “Once a day, the weather is very cold”. He then added that after he played sport, he usually took a bath again.
I heard an Indonesian male beside me ask something in Indonesian to a female Dutch tourist in front of us. She didn’t understand what he said. He then said to Alexander that he should speak in Dutch. Alexander suggested that he should speak in English, “English is an international language”.
Alexander told me that he would leave Jakarta on the twenty ninth of July 1995. I saw him move up to the bow of the ferry with a soft drink. Alexander offered it to me and I replied, “No, thank you”. I heard him say something to young male tourist beside him.
Two hours later, our ferry docked in Ujung Alang and I shook his hands, “Thank you very much for taking the time to teach me English”. He replied by saying, “Good luck with your English”. I then left him on the ferry and walked to the quay. As the ferry departed for Kalipucang, I saw him wave at me and I said, “Have a good trip in Pangandaran”.
Paul Moquin
Kaliurang in Yogya, 7th February 1999
Twelve students from my faculty, Animal Husbandry, University of General Soedirman Purwokerto, we lived in Kaliurang for work experience from 1st-13th February 1999. The work experience related to animal products and was conducted at The Koperasi UPP Kaliurang. We stayed together at a boarding house in Kaliurang for two weeks. It is approximately 27 km in the north of Yogya, located on the slope of Mount Merapi with the average temperature ranges from 170C to 280C.
On 7th February 1999, we visited Gardu Pandang. We went out from this place at about 5:30 in the evening. I told my friends I wanted to look for a tourist to correct my biography in English and they gave permission. I separated from them and headed for Kaliurang Recreation Park.
I saw in the distance a young male tourist leaving Vogel’s Hostel. He was alone and wore a gray t-shirt and a dark colored Sarung, a traditional male custom. I followed him, across the street as he headed to the ticket window. As I neared him I asked where he came from and he replied, “Canada”. I asked if I could go with him to the park and he said, “Yeah”. We bought a ticket each. At the same time, my friends walked through the park. One of them called me, “Hi Kar” and I pointed towards the tourist beside me, “They are my friends”.
We went into the park, there were many children playing on the playground equipment. Their parents were eating on the ground and watching. I then asked the tourist beside me what his occupation was and he replied, “An English teacher in Japan”. I asked him about the English teaching system in Japan and he explained it. I didn’t understand exactly what he was saying ad he talked very quickly. He seemed to me to be overly confident man.
We looked around the park and it bored me, so I invited him to go to Gardu Pandang. It is one of the viewing posts to see the beautiful panorama of Mount Merapi. He responded, “How long will it take to go there?” and I replied, “It takes about twenty minutes”. He asked me if I knew the place was located and I said, “Yeah”. He agreed to go there with me.
We then looked for the exit from the park and he addressed a boy who was playing at the narrow trail. We came out of the park and I tried to ask what his name was, he said, Paul”. He returned the question and I introduced myself, ”My name is Karsiyah”. I heard him trying to say it.
Paul asked what I was doing in this place. I told him that I was doing work experience for my studies at The Koperasi UPP Kaliurang. I travelled from Purwokerto city which is about 200 km to the west of Yogya. Paul just responded, “Oh…It’s too far!”.
I asked how old he was and he said, “Twenty five”. He reciprocated and I replied, “Twenty two”. Paul commented that we were both at a similar age. I asked if he had a brother and a sister, he replied, “One older sister in Canada and she is married”. I asked him if there was any opportunity to get a scholarship from the Canadian Government, he was not sure. He suggested I look it up on the internet or to information from the Canadian Embassy.
We approached a hill, the street was lined with trees to the left and right. They were healthy, lush and the foliage very green. After about ten minutes we passed an old couple who were cutting grasses at the side of the street. Paul stopped, as I stood near him, he asked what they were doing. I informed him that they are looking for grass to food their cows.
Paul surprised me, “Not food, but feed!”. He explained using this words, ”Food for humans and feed for animals!”. I then repeated him, “Feed” and Paul said again, ”Feed”.
We continued our trip to Gardu Pandang. I felt my body very cold and commented, “It’s very cold”. Paul just responded, “Cold for you?” and continued, “It’s too fresh for jogging”. I replied, “Oh…crazy”. Paul told me at the same temperature at the moment, many people in Canada were jogging and he said, “It isn’t cold for me”. He told me that I lived in a tropical climate and everyday I could feel the Sunlight.
About fifteen minutes passed. To the left side of the street, there were many hotels and to the right of us there were many casuarinas trees covered in lush green growth. I asked Paul if casuarinas trees also grew in Canada, Paul explained, “In areas where there is a similar climate and temperature, there is a possibility that we have the flora is similar. I think there may be casuarinas in Canada”. Paul continued, “The trees looked very cold, we can see from the height of them”. Then we talked about the different species of flora and fauna both in Indonesia and Canada.
The street was quiet and secluded. I felt a special with Paul, it was the first time I had been on a walk with a Canadian man.
Twenty minutes later, we arrived to the front of Gardu Pandang. We walked to the west side for about twenty five minutes. Paul was impressed with this place, “Woouw…It’s a very beautiful place”.
To the north of us Mount Merapi was enclosed by gray and thick white clouds of smoke at the peak. From here, we could see the beauty of Plawangan Hill which guards Kaliurang from the lava of Mount Merapi during eruption. There were many big rocks on the bottom of Boyong ravine. The panoramic of Mount Merapi on the horizon was beautiful. I found several species of plants native to the Mount Merapi area of which took pictures.
Paul asked me if we could see the lava from this place, I told him that it could be seen on a clear day if there was an eruption. I commented that I had never seen it before. He then asked if he could take a picture of me and I replied, “Ok”.
I climbed off the Gardu Pandang fence, and about 1 meter behind me was Boyong ravine. Paul said, “Be careful!” while smiling at me. I said, “I’m ready!” and he said, “Smile…” whilst adjusting his camera’s position. He only said, “Smile…smile…”. I smiled at him and he smiled back at me. He still didn’t take a picture, but continued to say, “Smile…smile…”, so I asked him, “For whom?”. Paul said, “For me…..” whilst smiling at me again. Paul asked, “…Ready? One…two…three…Ok!” then he took a picture of me. After this I jumped the one meter high fence and Paul responded, “Oh God..” and I smiled at him.
I approached Paul and he asked, “Are you feel more cold?”. I replied, “I felt more warm inside of you….”. Paul smiled at me and I smiled at him. We then approached two young couples who were enjoying the beauty of the Sunset.
I stood near Paul and we enjoyed the beauty of the sunset. Paul announced, “It’s a very beautiful Sunset” and I responded, “Yeah…very beautiful”. I told Paul that it was the first and last Sunset we could see together in this place. Paul looked into my eyes, “The first and the last …We won’t see the Sunset together again”. He was very handsome.
A young female to the west of us tried to ask something to Paul. I heard she ask about his travels in Indonesia. They were talking about many tourist resorts in Yogya and Paul praised her, “Your English is good”. Then I asked Paul to correct my poem. I reached into my bag and handed Paul my poem.
Message to My Mother
Dear Mama
You are among the dearest treasure I have in my life.
You put a gleam in my eyes, a joy in my heart.
I know you tried your best to weave the loom of life perfectly,
So I have a life.
Many times the threads do not seem to fall into place,
They seem to be tangled, but my heart is assured.
You are trying to work out the best design you can for me.
Not all designs in life are great and famous.
Some are weak, some meek, some bold and some are strong.
But I know in my heart,
Mother if you could weave the loom of life perfectly.
And be the greatest designer of all,
This you would do for me.
I love you Mama…by Karsiyah.
We leaned on the fence of Gardu Pandang. He was smiling while he corrected it, saying “It’s a very beautiful poem”. I asked him if he could read the poem for me. He replied, “Of course” and read it like he was engaged in a formal poetry recitation and I repeated his sentences. He smiled at me and I smiled back. After this Paul asked, “anything else?”, so I returned the question, “Would you like to correct my biography?”. Paul responded, “Of course” and I explained, “But it’s in my boarding house”.
Paul returned my poem and praised me, “Your English is very good”. I said, “thank you”. We then enjoyed the sunset and after a few minutes the day became dark. Paul looked into my eyes and I asked him, “We go home now?”. Paul just responded, “If you want too”. I offered him if he could introduce himself to my friends and he said, “Up to your friends”. We then left Gardu Pandang when the Sunset lower and lower. The two young couple still enjoyed their time at the place.
On the trip, we talked of many interesting things about ourselves. He told me that he studied music programs at university in Canada. He was so lucky to study at university when the pay of his studies was cheap than he finished university. He told me that he worked as an English teacher for children in Japan.
The day was already dark and there were very few people crossing the street. The atmosphere was very quiet and we certainly did enjoy the Kaliurang tourist resort. I then asked Paul to tell me about many popular Canadian artists and he said in a sequence of singers, “Celine Dion, Shania Twain…” but surprised me when I asked him to mention Canadian actors, he said, “I am very sorry, I don’t know about this”.
Time passed, the trees looked dark and I could only see the lamp from the hotel. On the whole trip we talked about the general topic of discussion over the differences about Canada and Indonesia.
After a long time, we neared Vogel’s hostel. Paul told me that he wanted to stop in Vogel’s hostel for a moment. He said, “I want to take my sweater and socks because I feel cold”. The atmosphere became quieter when the day finished. We neared Kaliurang Recreation Park, Paul pointed, “Hi, we met at that place!” and I responded, “…but you looked an arrogant man”. Then Paul said, “Sorry, I don’t know who you are”.
From far away, Vogel looked more near and Paul asked me to visit his hostel. Paul told me that he spent the night for 25.000rp per night and he responded, “It’s too cheap for me”. Paul said in comparison to Canada and Japan, everything in Indonesia was very cheap.
After we walked on foot for about one kilometer, I felt my thigh was fed up and I told Paul. He responded, “The Street is going up and down”. When we arrived in Vogel’s hostel, I followed Paul to go to the hostel. Paul introduced me to the waitress, “She is my guest”. She smiled at me and I smiled back at her. Paul asked for the key and said, “thank you “. After this Paul invited me to his room saying, “You’re the one my guest” whilst leaving the waitress.
I followed Paul to his room, into the darkness. He was my old friend, but actually he just knew me. Paul still joked at me although the surrounds were very dark. Many leafy trees surrounded us. Paul’s room and Vogel’s hostel was especially just for foreign tourist.
When we approached Paul’s room, he pointed towards, “that’s my room” whilst showing it. Upon arrived there, Paul straight away for the place to turn the lights on. Paul’s room was very dark and after he switched on the lights his face was very handsome. The room was very guest the spending of place much of souvenirs handicraft as mask from Asmat ethnic group in Irian Jaya.
I asked Paul if the beside of his room was also for a foreign tourist, Paul said, “I don’t know about that”, and continued, “May be”. Then Paul invited me to come in his room and I followed him.
It was strange for me, felt that I was like a stupid person. When I was in Paul’s room, he offered me to sit, “Please sit down!”. After this I saw his room was very basic, but orderly only 2 beds and we joked to one another.
Paul said the price of his room was very cheap, “It’s only twenty five thousand rupiah”. Paul continued, “…but there are 2 beds and toilet facilities”.
When I sat near Paul, I noticed his face was very handsome. After this Paul went to the toilet. Oh, when he was on toilet, I moved for my seat and saw the contents of his bag. I saw it was too small and the contents of his bag only personality his document, guidebook for tourism in Indonesia and many clothes only. It was strange for me as well as Paul’s trip was apparently only for a few days.
I heard the lock of the toilet door as it opened, I straightened up and hurried to sit back in my seat. Paul approached me and looked in the mirror, whilst grooming his hair. Oh my God, I was nervous near Paul.
After this Paul wore his shock. He said, “ Do you know the name of this in English?”. I shook my head and said, “I don’t know”. Paul only said, “Blue shock”.
After wearing his blue shock, Paul then put hi sweater over his shoulder. Akhh, he didn’t look like a Canadian tourist, but he looked like my old friend.
Paul then invited insisted we go to my boarding house, “Let’s go” and I followed him to go out from his room. He locked his room and turned off the lamp. We then left the room, and headed to the reception.
After leaving Vogel’s hostel, we walked along Astomulyo street in Kaliurang towards to a stall and told me that he wanted to buy something. He didn’t know the name of what he wanted to buy in Indonesian.
Paul said something but unfortunately I didn’t understand what the meaning of this word in Indonesian. Then Paul pinched my skin and said, “mosquito…mosquito”. He was adding the completely of mosquito, “smoke…smoke..”. I though Paul wanted to smoke, so I asked Paul, “Do you want to buy cigarettes for smoking?”. Paul straight responded, “No, no,no, I don’t smoke!” and I said, “sorry”. Paul then explained if I knew something which caused Malaria, “Remember something which caused Malaria”. I responded, “I am very sorry I don’t know!”. Paul asked again, “Do you know Malaria?”. I nodded, “Of course, I know Malaria”. Paul remembered, “Ok, what causes Malaria now?”. I surprised, “Oh Nyamuk!”. After thinking a long time, I laughed with the meaning of mosquito in Indonesian. I just understood something which caused Malaria, “Yeah Nyamuk!”. Then Paul remainded, “Do you know something for preventive Malaria?”. I suddenly remembered, “Obat Nyamuk!”. I surprised if Paul only wanted to buy ‘obat nyamuk’. Paul said, “obat nyamuk”. Paul tried over, ‘Obat Nyamuk’ change letter y to letter j and he couldn’t say ‘obat nyamuk’ perfectly.
The street was very quiet and no one was around. He told me about his good relationship with his parents, particularly for all members of his family in Canada. I felt that night was very romantic for me.
After we neared the narrow street to my boarding house in Kaliurang, the street seemed slippery and I felt cold. A lot of local people noticed Paul as he was a foreign tourist. They didn’t address Paul, but only noticed him.
The situation was slippery, but I heard much of cricket sounded them at the night. Their soundings resemble the sounds of printer computer. The night indeed was very romantic for me.
Philip King
Yogya, 28th February 1999
I woke up at about 3 a.m. and then prepared myself to go to Yogya by train. After putting the water into the bottle, I left my house at about 4 a.m. I walked on foot for about 3 km and headed to the railway station Purwokerto. It was the first time I went to Yogya by train to correct my English stories since the political crisis struck my country. Somewhere on the street I hoped that I could find a kind tourist who would correct my story. On the town square, I bought three Srabi, a traditional snack from my city and ate them along the street.
Half an hour later, I arrived at the railway station. The walking had made me very tired and my feet very weary. I then bought a ticket for three thousand rupiah and it was very cheap. The train left Purwokerto at six o’clock and the passengers crowded each other. It turned out it was holiday time, and Yogya is a popular tourist destination for the people from Purwokerto.
The train stopped at every station on the way from Purwokerto to Yogya which made me very dizzy. However I hoped that I could find a kind tourist who would correct my stories. This would make me happy, although I didn’t know how I could find a tourist in Yogya. Yogya is very busy in comparison to my city.
The train arrived at Lempunyangan Railway Station at about ten a.m. and I was unsure how to find tourist in Yogya. I decided to follow several groups of people who would probably to go to the shopping centre.
The day was very hot and there was a campaign by the Indonesian Democratic Party. There were many motorcyclists wearing red shirt and waving red flags with the symbol of the bull, which is the symbol of that party. Police stood guard on the sidewalk for the length of the street, and I was very worried on my own safety, because I had never seen a campaign like this.
Fifty minutes later, I arrived on Malioboro street and headed to Malioboro Mall. There were a great many people and I didn’t know how I could negotiate with foreign tourist there. I looked out from the third floor and saw there were many tourists on every floor. They were eating at the café and it wasn’t possible for me to ask them to correct my English. I then descendent to the second floor and approached several groups of tourist, asking one of the tourists where he comes from, he replied, “Germany”.
I approached various centers in the Mall, but it seemed that however many foreign tourist I met, not a single one was from an English speaking nation. Finally, I approached a young female tourist and asked where she came from, she replied, “South Africa”. I left straight away her without thinking if she spoke English. Then I remembered that South Africa is an English colony and that she looked likes European but I didn’t find her again. I said to my self, “You are very stupid!”.
After this I looked around Malioboro Mall then went down to the ground floor. There was a young male tourist who looking at Yogya’s souvenir products. I approached him and asked where he came from. He replied slowly, “Holland”. I responded by saying, “Thank you”, then left him and left the Mall. I was surprised to find that it was raining as I didn’t bring an umbrella. I waited at the front of the Mall with the other visitors, waiting for the rain abates.
After a few minutes, I crossed the street and headed to Ramayana Mall, but I felt cold because I had been caught in the rain. I left Ramayana and saw a group of Indonesian Democratic Party campaigners making noise that my ears hurt. They were all sounding their motorcycle horns in concert whilst waving the symbol of the bulls head.
I headed a couple of young tourist as they spoke English. I was surprised when I asked where they came, they were from discover Germany and Holland. It made me very sad and I regret going to Yogya.
From the direction of the royal Palace, I saw two young male tourists walking along Malioboro street, they were very chummy and very assorted in conversation. One of them wore sandals which were better than mine. In my heart I cursed, “Akhhh…why is a foreigner wearing sandals, sandals as ordinary as that!”. I followed along behind them and I was very happy as one of them spoke English clearly. They walked very quickly and it made me tired, my feet felt very weary.
They headed to Malioboro Mall and one of them mocked the number of Indonesian was unbelievable, whilst pointed towards the visitor crowded into the Mall. I convinced my self that they came from England.
I followed them, descending to the ground floor, since that there is a book store on that floor GRAMEDIA. They headed to this counter and the security guard surprised me, “Eh Mbak, your bag must be left here!”. It turned out only foreigners were allowed to take their bags into that counter. I then entrusted my bag to the attended and approached foreigners. They were opening books on politics and I tried to ask one of them where he came from, “Germany” he replied slowly. He disappointed me by answering this. I felt very weak and I was truly about to give up. I then continued, “Is he from Germany?”. He replied, “No, he comes from Australia”. I noticed him opening on politics and I said in my heart, “I hate you Aussie” thinking that he was one of Howard’s people.
I spoke a little to the German. He asked where I came from and I said, “Purwokerto, it’s about 200 km in the west of Yogya”. Then the Aussie man said, “It is to the west of Yogya, isn’t it? I have gone to Kalipucang by ferry?”. In my heart of hearts I responded, “Who asked you?”. After this they looked at other books. I asked my self, “Why do I hate him?” and tried to be near him and pretended to be interested in a political biography. I asked him if he was a tourist and he told that he was a student at UGM. I asked how long have he had been in Indonesia, and he replied, “Six months”. I asked what did he study, he replied, “Politic, Fisip, Fisip, ….” He couldn’t say anymore and I continued, “Fisipol”, he tried it, “Yeah…Fisipol” which means Faculty of Social and Political Science. He asked me what I studied and replied, “Animal Husbandry, University of General Soedirman Purwokerto”. He thought about the meaning of my faculty and I said,. “Peternakan”. I asked him how many foreign students were at UGM. He replied, “One hundred student, they are from South Africa, Sweden, Australia and many other countries….”. I told him, “Eh, di Yogya hujan yah…” he then pointed towards that his bag was wet.
I pointed towards to the German and asked him, “Is he a student at UGM?” he exclaimed, “No, he is a tourist”. I saw the German tear a seal on a book. The Aussie student suggested that he should do it. He might be wanted to read this, but actually that book was for kindergarten children, “Itu kan untuk anak TK”.
After this the Aussie student in front of me suggested to the German tourist that they leave the shop. He addressed me; “Duluan Yuk…yuk…” and I felt that he was very friendly. I saw him pay at the cashier. I asked my self, “Why do I throw out all hope?” but then I took my bag and left the shop. I had thrown away all hope.
Later, in front of the counter of Gramedia counter, my hearth in its purity asked, “Why you don’t ask him to correct your story?” whilst looking at him. Meanwhile my heart in its purity asked, “Don’t ask him to correct your story! He comes from Australia, so he wouldn’t correct it”.
I noticed him again and all of my feelings were mixed and confused. In my heart I said, “I left home at 4 a.m. I walked on foot one and a half hours to the railway station, I arrived in Yogya after 4 hours, now I am very tired, why didn’t I ask him to correct my story?”.
I returned to the counter, entrusted my bag again and full of trepidation approached him and asked if he could help me. He replied, “What’s help?”. Whilst trembling I asked if he could correct my story in English, and I gave him my writing. He accepted it and I then asked if he could write his address on the back of the envelope. I asked what his name was, he said, “Phil”. I continued, “Later, write your address ok?” and said, “Thank you”.
After this I took again my bag and left GRAMEDIA counter. I then walked to Lempuyangan Railway Station and waited the arrival of the train up to 3 pm. I was very tired on the whole trip from Yogya to Purwokerto and I only thought about my corrections. I arrived in Purwokerto at about 7 pm. and continued to walk on foot to my house up to 9 pm. Before I went to sleep, I only dreamed that the Aussie student.
I was sick the day after and my friend asked what happened to me. I told her that my trip in Yogya and how surprised me she said, “You are not crazy, aren’t you?”. I only felt silent and said nothing.
One week later, Phil sent me his correction and offered me to correct my other English stories. He gave me a lot of stamps to send correction again. Phil didn’t only correct my story, but also made my life better than before. He was like an angle in my life as he helped me for 2 years from Australia. I was very happy since this.
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