Bukti Nusantara Pusat Peradaban Dunia

15NOV

 Masih melanjutkan perbahasan sebelumnya, yaitu mengenai kejayaan Nusantara, maka berikut ini saya tambahkan informasi Anda sekalian tentang bukti-bukti bahwa Nusantara pernah menjadi pusat peradaban dunia. Saya yakin Anda sekalian akan semakin kagum dengan prestasi yang pernah ditorehkan oleh para leluhur kita. Sehingga harapannya adalah bahwa kita tidak lagi minder atau merasa bahwa kita hanyalah bangsa yang kecil dan terus saja mengekor pada bangsa lain di dunia. Melainkan bangkit dengan semangat yang tinggi dan berusaha untuk kembali meraih kejayaan seperti dahulu kala.

Untuk mempersingkat waktu, mari ikuti penelurusan berikut ini:

A. Misteri arsitektur candi Penataran
Ketika Eropa masih berada di abad kegelapan, ternyata leluhur Nusantara telah berhasil membangun sebuah mahakarya seperti yang bisa dilihat pada Candi Borobudur, Candi Prambanan, dan Candi Penataran. Sebuah karya agung yang sangat rumit dipandang dari keindahan seninya, maupun tingkat kesulitan pembuatannya. Siapa yang bisa menunjukkan ada bangunan di peradaban lain yang lebih indah dengan detail yang rumit di abad itu? Apalagi Nusantara adalah wilayah tersubur di bumi karena ada banyak gunung berapi.

Candi Penataran

Timeline of Indonesian History

The history of Indonesia has been shaped by its geographic position, its natural resources, a series of human migrations and contacts, wars and conquests, as well as by trade, economics and politics. Indonesia is an archipelagic country of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited) stretching along the equator in South East Asia. The country's strategic sea-lane position fostered inter-island and international trade; trade has since fundamentally shaped Indonesian history. The area of Indonesia is populated by peoples of various migrations, creating a diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and languages. The archipelago's landforms and climate significantly influenced agriculture and trade, and the formation of states. The boundaries of the state of Indonesia represent the twentieth century borders of the Dutch East Indies.

Bubat Tragedy, Gajah Mada’s Machiavellian Ambition

Venue: Bubat Square, time: some days in 1357 CE.  The visitor party led by Linggabuana, the King of the Sunda (Kawali) Kingdom in person, just arrived in Bubat Square. They accompanied Princess Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi, the King’s daughter and the royal bride of Hayam Wuruk, the king of Majapahit. Before arriving at the wedding ceremony in the capital city of Majapahit they rested on Bubat Square and welcomed by Vice Emperor Gajah Mada.

Hayam Wuruk adored Princess Dyah Pitaloka very much and wanted to marry her after he saw by chance her beautiful picture displayed before the public while making an inspection around the capital city. The picture was made by a famous painter named Prabangkara who brought it from Kawali to Majapahit.

Indonesia's History and Background

Sukarno, Indonesia's founding president

ANCIENT TIMES

Indonesia did not exist as yet during the Palaeocene period (70 million years BC), the Eocene period (30 million years BC), the Oligacene period (25 million years BC) and the Miocene period (12 million years BC). It is believed that Indonesia must have existed during the Pleistocene period (4 million years BC) when it was linked with the present Asian mainland. It was during this period that the Homonids made their first appearance and Java Man inhabited the part of the world now called Indonesia. Java Man, named Pithecanthropus Erectus by Eugence Dubois who found the fossils on the island of Java, must have been the first inhabitant of Indonesia.

When the sea level rose as the result of melting ice north of Europe and the American continent, many islands emerged, including the Indonesian archipelago. It was also during this period (3000-500 BC) that Indonesia was inhabited by Sub-Mongoloid migrants from Asia who later inter-married with the indigenous people. Later still (1000 BC) inter-marriage occurred with Indo-Arian migrants from the south-Asian sub-continent of India.

The first Indian migrants came primarily from Gujarat in Southeast India during the first Christian era.

The Caka period in Indonesia witnessed the introduction of the Sanskrit language and the Pallawa script by the Indian Prince Aji Caka (78 AD). The Devanagari script of the Sanskrit language was also used, as shown in ancient stone and copper inscriptions (paracasthies) which have been unearthed. The language and script were adapted and called the Kawi language and included words and phrases derived from Javanese.

Early trade relations were established between South India and Indonesia. Sumatra was then named Swarna Dwipa of "the island of gold," Java was called Java Dwipa or "the rice island," and a Hindu kingdom of Crivijaya in Sumatra and Nalanda in South India were not confined to religious and cultural exchanges. They later developed diplomatic relations, and even covered a wide range of trade.

The influx of Indian settlers continued during the period from the first to the seventh century AD. Peacefully and gradually the Hindu religion spread throughout the archipelago. It was adopted by all layers of the people of Java, but limited to the upper classes on the other islands.

History of Ciamis

According to historian WJ van der Meulen, Original Regional Center (royal) Galuh, namely around KAWALI (Ciamis district now). Next WJ van der Meulen argued that the word "galuh", derived from the word "sakaloh" means "the river of origin", and in the tongue Banyumas become "Segaluh".

In Sanskrit, the word "galu" indicates a kind of jewel, and is also commonly used to refer to the king's daughter (who was ruled) and not married. As a history of other towns and districts in West Java, the sources told the origins of an area is generally classified as traditional historiography which contain elements of myth, fairy tales or legends in addition to the historical elements.
These manuscripts include Carios Wiwitan Kings in Java Island, Wawacan Galuh History, and also with my manuscript Galunggung Galuh History, Ciung Vanara, Carita Waruga Teacher, Historical Bogor. These texts are generally written in the 18th century until the 19th century. There is also the manuscripts of his contemporaries or near the time of the Kingdom of Galuh.

These manuscripts, including Trance Siksakanda 'Karesian Ng, written in 1518, when the Kingdom of Sunda was still there and Carita Parahyangan, written in 1580. Galuh establishment as a kingdom, according to the manuscripts first group can not be separated from the figures as Queen Queen Galuh First.

In a report written Galuh History Research Team (1972), there are many royal names as follows: Kingdom Galuh Sindula (according to other sources, the Kingdom of Bojong Galuh) located in its capital Medang LAKBOK and Gili (year 78 AD?); Kingdom located Rahyang Galuh in Brebes with capital Medang Pangramesan; Kalangon Galuh located in its capital Roban Medang Pangramesan; Galuh Lalean Cilacap is located in the capital is Medang Kamulan; Galuh Banjarsari PATARUMAN capital located in Banjar PATARUMAN; Galuh Kalinga is located in its capital Bojong Karangkamulyan; Tanduran Galuh located in its capital Pananjung Bagolo ; Galuh Kumara located in Tegal capital is Medangkamulyan; Galuh Pakuan capital is KAWALI; Pajajaran capital located in Bogor Pakuan; Galuh banners are located in its capital Nanggalacah banners; District Central Nagara Galuh Cineam located in its capital Bojonglopang then Gunungtanjung; District located in Imbanagara Galuh Barunay ( Pabuaran) Imbanagara and the capital is located in District Cibatu Galuh capital is Ciamis (since 1812).

For historical research, when the Kingdom Galuh established, can be traced from contemporary sources in the form of tablets. There is an inscription that includes the name "Galuh", although the name without the explanation of the location and time. In inscription dated 910, King Balitung referred to as "Rakai Galuh". In Siman inscription dated 943, stated that "I kadatwan rahyangta Bhumi mdang I ingwatu galuh mataram".

Then in a Calcutta Charter stated that the enemy attackers fled into Galuh Airlangga and the West, they were destroyed in the year 1031 AD. In some inscriptions in East Java and in the Book Pararaton (estimated to be written in the 15th century), mentioned a place called "Hujung Galuh" located on the banks of the river Brantas. Galuh name as the capital is called multiple times in the text of a stele dated 732, found in the pages of Mount Wukir enshrinement in Hamlet Canggal (near Muntilan now).

In the Parahyangan carita, mentioned that King Maharaja based in KAWALI. After becoming king for seven years, went to Java, there was war in Majapahit. From other sources note that the King Hayam Wuruk, the newly ascended the throne in 1350, daughter of King Maharaja asked to become his wife. Only, it is said, Gajah Mada's daughter wants a tribute.

King of Sunda not accept this arrogant Majapahit and choose to fight until killed in action in Bubat. Her son is named Void Wastu Kancana was still small. Therefore kingdom Bunisora Hyang held some time before they handed over to the Void Wastu Kancana as an adult. Information on the Void Wastu Kancana, can be clarified by the evidence of the inscription and the inscription KAWALI Batutulis and Kebantenan.
Mataram to Galuh invasion strengthened during Sultan Agung. Penguasa Galuh, Adipati Panaekan, diangkat menjadi Wedana Mataram dan cacah sebanyak 960 orang. Galuh ruler, Duke Panaekan, was appointed Wedana Mataram and mince as much as 960 people.
When Mataram planning attacks against VOC in Batavia in 1628, the mass of Mataram in Priangan argued. Rangga Gempol I of Sumedang for example, reinforced the defense wanted the former, while the Tatar Dipati Ukur of Measure, wanted the attacks carried out immediately. Conflict occurs also in Galuh between the Duke's sister-in-law Panaekan Dipati Kertabumi, Regent on Bojonglopang, son of King Dimuntur Geusan Ulun descendants of Sumedang.

In the dispute Panaekan Duke was killed in 1625. He later changed his son Mas Dipati Imbanagara based in Garatengah (Cineam now). During Dipati Imbanagara, the capital was moved from District Galuh Garatengah (Cineam) to Calingcing. But shortly later moved to Bendanagara (PANYINGKIRAN). In the year 1693, the Company appointed Regent Sutadinata as Regent Galuh Angganaya replace. In 1706, he was also replaced by Kusumadinata I (1706-1727).

In the mid-19th century, ie during the reign of the Regent Kusumadiningrat RAA Galuh, the colonial government was keen-giatnya implement compulsory. People in Region Galuh, besides being forced to plant indigo plant coffee, too.
To ease the burden to be borne by the people, RAA Kusumadiningrat known as "Kangjeng Prabu" by the people, building canals and dams to irrigate the area pesawahan. Since the year 1853, Kangjeng Prabu lived in the residence of the royal palace named Selagangga. Between 1859-1877, carried out building in the capital district.

Besides, her attention to education is very big. Kangjeng Prabu ruled until 1886, and his post passed to his son, the Duke of Raden Aria Kusumasubrata. In 1915, District Residency included Galuh Priangan, and officially renamed to Ciamis District.

The Storm that Darkened the Entire World

Did a Tsunami Strike Java and Sumatra During Ancient Times?
By Dr. Caesar Voûte and Mark Long

Although the catastrophic tsunami that struck Southern Asia on 27 December 2004 may have seemed to some as if it had been unleashed right out of the blue, historical accounts from around the region suggest it would be dangerous to dismiss last year's natural disaster as a one-time fluke.

The violent eruption of Krakatoa that took place in 1883 had likewise triggered a

Southeast Asia
devastating tsunami. Moreover, the eruption of Sumbawa Island's Mount Tambora in 1815 ranks as the most explosive volcanic event known to have taken place over the course of the past 10,000 years. Ancient Sri Lankan chronicles such as the Mahavamsa and the Rajavaliya also tell us that India's island neighbor had borne the brunt of cataclysmic floods as far back as 2,200 years ago.

But what is not generally appreciated is that an Old Javanese manuscript kept in the royal palace of the Sultan of Surakarta describes yet another natural catastrophe of gargantuan proportions ? one that may very well have played a pivotal role in shaping the development of ancient civilizations across a swath of Southeast Asia extending from Java and Sumatra to the Isthmus of Kra on the Malay Peninsula. It is this last record which so poignantly reminds us of the adage that warns: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Central Java's Book Of Ancient Kings

In Catastrophe: An Investigation into the Origins of the Modern World, David Keys

Sunda Strait
draws our attention to Java's Book of Ancient Kings (Pustaka Raja Purwa), which appears in two distinct versions ? one compiled in 1869 and a second that dates from the mid- to late-1880's. Both documents describe a volcanic eruption on Java that was centered on Mount Batuwara near modern-day Pulosari. The horrendous tsunami that followed in its wake reportedly devastated an area that had ranged from Java's Mount Kamula (Mount Gede) to Mount Rajabasa in southwest Sumatra.

Until recently, many scholars viewed Java's Book of Ancient Kings as nothing more than a veiled attempt on the part of a 19th century Javanese intellectual to remold the island's history in opposition to Dutch colonial rule. Moreover, some early western historians even thought that the writings of Ranggawarsita III ? the complier of both text versions ? had been influenced by the mammoth Krakatoa eruption that took place in 1883. In light of last year's devastating tsunami, however, these purported records from the archipelago's distant past are now demanding a careful reexamination.

"A great glaring fire which reached to the sky came out of the mountain," states one version of the text. "There was a furious shaking of the earth, total darkness, thunder and lightning. Then came forth a furious gale together with torrential rain and a deadly storm darkened the entire world," says the other account. In addition, the younger of the two documents tells us that "not only did this heavy rain not extinguish the eruption of fire, but it made it worse."

The volcanic eruption described in the text appears to have unleashed boiling tidal waves of steam, sulfur, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which subsequently spread outward in all directions. The volcano subsequently collapsed and sank into the earth with a tremendous roar.
Sunda Strait

The explosion was so massive that it also caused large areas of land to sink below sea level. Afterwards, "when the waters subsided it could be seen that the island of Java had been split in two, thus creating the island of Sumatra."

This last report is not as far-fetched as it might seem at first glance. According to the British consul in Batavia Alexander Cameron, the explosive eruption of Krakatoa that occurred in 1883 had triggered the tsunami that submerged Poeloe Teemposa as well as other small islands in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Moreover, a reef subsequently formed in "the channel usually taken by steamers" between Krakatoa and the Sibesie Islands. Cameron also believed that the entire southeast coast of Sumatra "must have suffered severely from the effects of the sudden influx of the sea, and thousands of natives inhabiting the villages on the coast must have almost certainly perished."

A Curious Historical Discontinuity

Malay Peninsula

In The Golden Khersonese, the historian Paul Wheatley presents a list of the known

tribute missions that the Malay Peninsula city-states sent to China during the 6th century of the Common Era (CE). These tiny Malay kingdoms were economically important to China because they stood in the vicinity of the Isthmus of Kra - the shortest route for sending goods across the Malay Peninsula from one coastline to the other. Indeed, China's History of the Liang Dynasty (502-556) reports that over 10,000 men came from both directions to meet in the city-state of Tun-sun on each and every market day.

It is not too difficult to understand why at least one tribute mission from the Malay city-states is known to have arrived at the court of the Chinese emperor during each of the years between 529 and 536 CE. The Chinese emperor always made a point of sending valuable gifts to the rulers of the Malay city-states that rendered him annual tribute. The local Malay kings also obtained official recognition as well as other diplomatic advantages by sending their trade representatives to China.

Isthmus of Kra

Then for no apparent reason, these highly lucrative annual events ground to a complete halt after the departure of the Malay trade mission of 536. The ensuing four-year gap in visits to the Chinese royal court is most curious given the importance of these exchanges to both sides. However, a possible resolution of this mystery is to be found in China's History of the Southern Kingdoms. In the year 535, two roars of thunder emanating from the southwest were heard as far away as Nan-king. Clouds of yellow dust soon followed that "rained down like snow" for an entire year, by which time it had accumulated to such an extent that the Chinese could "scoop it up by the handfuls."

Back in the days of monsoon-regulated sailing, ship-captains departing the Malay Peninsula for China scheduled their voyages so that they would coincide with the rainy season that began in late May or early June ? when the prevailing winds blew out of the southwest. It is therefore entirely possible that the Malay trade mission that arrived at the Chinese emperor's court in 536 had departed prior to the occurrence of the twin explosions that were heard in China during the previous year.

The Chinese accounts cited above compel us to recall the Mount Tambora eruption that devastated Sumbawa Island in 1815. This modern volcanic event was responsible for releasing about 20 cubic miles of ejecta into the earth's atmosphere, cooling temperatures globally over the course of a "year without a summer" violently punctuated by crop failures, famines and plagues. A documentary film which recently aired on National Geographic TV suggests that the effects of the Tambora eruption in Europe had exerted far more dramatic effects on the continent's societies than the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. Scientists calculate that the Tambora eruption was responsible for the loss of 80,000 lives globally.

Trace Remains Of An Ancient Cataclysm

What is particularly noteworthy about Central Java's Book of Ancient Kings is that it incorporates elements which are entirely consistent with what modern-day geologists have been able to deduce scientifically about volcanic eruptions. Although these Old Javanese documents date the catastrophe they describe as having occurred more a century before the year 535, this discrepancy in chronology can plausibly be explained as the result of copying and compilation errors. Palm-leaf manuscripts did not survive for very long in Java's unforgiving tropical environment; for this reason they had to be hand-copied from time to time in order to preserve their original information. Moreover, the Old Javanese Book of Ancient Kings could very well have been based on any number of earlier documents. As one of the leading Javanese writers of his day, Ranggawarsita III most certainly would have had access to earlier chronicles compiled by his illustrious forbearers at the Sultan's royal court.

However, before attempting to arrive at any conclusions we must first turn our attention to the geological evidence at hand. Scientists have discovered the trace remains of a mammoth volcanic eruption in ice core samples taken from both the Arctic and Antarctic regions - samples that in each case contain high levels of sulfuric acid in the very core strata that corresponds with the 535-536 time period. In fact, the sulfuric acid amounts recorded for this specific period were higher than for any other time span within the past 2,000 years, which strongly suggests that the event in question had indeed been of cataclysmic proportions. Furthermore, the gathering of similar samples from both polar ice caps is a very good indication that the release of sulfuric acid must have occurred in the earth's tropical zone, which is located midway between the globe's two polar regions.

The Malaysian geologist Dr. T. T. Khoo has reported several interesting facts that have come to light during his 25 years of geological fieldwork along the western coastline of the Malay Peninsula. His geological inspections in the vicinity of the Malacca Strait turned over coral blocks as large as 1 cubic meter as well as large stones of a similar size that might represent broken beach-rock formations. Those with yellowish, powdery surfaces appeared to him to be 6,000 years old. However, Khoo believes that at least some of the coral blocks may be considerably younger.

The fresher-looking blocks were found at the same places where coral build-ups are currently found offshore, such as Pulau Payar off Kedah as well as Cape Rachado and Pulau Upeh near Malacca. This is just what we would expect to find if huge tidal waves had deposited large chunks of coral along the coastline at some point during the past 2,000 years. However, additional geological and morphological studies in both South Sumatra and West Java will need to be conducted before we can be certain.

Like A Phoenix Arising From The Ashes

The Javanese have traditionally regarded the occurrence of natural catastrophes as a sure sign that the "magic powers" (kasekten) of the ruler had diminished to such an extent that he no longer possessed the inner strength to unite all cosmic forces within his own person. As the sociologist Franz Magnis-Suseno has pointed out, natural calamities were inevitably interpreted as an indication that a change of ruler was immanent. Moreover, such events were believed to herald an ensuing period of unrest, a so-called "crazy time" (jaman edan) that would only come to an end when a "just king" (ratu adil) finally appeared to restore order, peace and prosperity. It would only have been natural for the region's rulers to have recalled tales concerning "the storm that darkened the entire world" and then taken the necessary steps to ensure that the kingdoms they built would not suffer the same tragic consequences.

The archaeologist Daigoro Chihara has distinguished two different phases of Southeast Asia's integration of Hindu-Buddhist culture: an early period in which most buildings were constructed out of wood and bamboo and a later period characterized by remarkable developments with respect to the use of stone. It is entirely possible that the advent of stone structures represent a logical human response for ensuring that religious shrines and other important structures would be able to withstand future catastrophic events. This might help to account for the abrupt change in the history of Central Java, which featured the emergence of royal dynasties that heavily invested in the construction of stone monuments such as the Borobudur as well as a great number of other magnificent Hindu and Buddhist temples.

The earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis that have occurred throughout the entire Indian Ocean zone for millennia have been very unevenly distributed with respect to both time and location, which makes their prediction very difficult. However, governments from around the world are now taking recent events to heart and embracing measures which will ensure that the tragic loss of life that occurred on 27 December 2004 will not be repeated. It is for this reason that UNESCO, acting on behalf of the United Nations, has decided to establish a Tsunami Observation and Early Warning System for the Indian Ocean region, similar to the Tsunami Observation and Early Warning System established a few decades ago for the Pacific Ocean region, which has its international coordination center on the island of Hawaii.

Born in the city of Magelang on Java, Dr. Caesar Voûte is Professor Emeritus of the International Institute for Aerospace Surveys and Earth Sciences (ITC) in The Netherlands. As a specialist in the fields of hydrogeology and engineering geology, Dr. Voûte served as UNESCO's manager in residence during the early stages of the Borobudur Reconstruction Project. Mark Long is the author of a dozen books on science and technology subjects as well as the Webmaster of Borobudur.tv online. Voûte and Long are also the co-authors of Borobudur: Pyramid of the Cosmic Buddha to be published by D.K. Printworld of New Delhi.

Tactics and Strategy for Marine Forces Majapahit

Majapahit Navy or Marine forces in the reign of King Hayam Wuruk (1351-1389) during the life of Mahapatih Gajahmada and Admiral Mpu Nala have the equipment or sea warfare defense equipment that is the most advanced warships equipped with the powerful weapon of its time in the form of "cetbang" cannon creation Gajah Mada, therefore it is also a powerful ruler of the waters of the Southern Hemisphere. Combat maneuver formations (title tactics of war) Majapahit warships advanced course when dealing with the enemy at sea. With the ability to hold a variety of combat formations at sea, among others: "Chakra Manggilingan", "Supit Urang" (shrimp-flops), "horse shoe", "scorpion", "Fast Arrow", "Linear Horse" is not an enemy ship can escape from the pursuing group of Majapahit fleet of warships.

In a naval battle when the two fleet strength a few tens of ships facing each other, then the leadership group that oversees the fleet of warships dozens of his followers first ship to do is ask for a report of the review interpreter who sat on top of the tower flag vessels which served to assess the strength and number of the enemy fleet approaching and is expected to make a direct assault. And more importantly his war strategy is the formation of what was being compiled by the enemy fleet. A large enemy force and the opening title "Linear Horse" whose form is rarely encountered by a wide fleet of Majapahit. In the event of a naval battle and the power of Majapahit was just half of his opponent who held a sea battle formation "Linear Horse" then the usual battle formation selected is "Fast Arrow". Formation composed of two warships and multi-layered, so long as an arrow. Who held a fleet battle formation "Fast Arrow" is aimed at advanced through the enemy warships continue to penetrate the large and redundant power. Movement "Fast Arrow" This should be done with great courage against an enemy which is much larger and intended to go on breaking the opponent's defense, and moving forward through it while firing ammunition and rammed enemy ships must be accompanied with a fast and remain disciplined to maintain the line, and then take the help of other Majapahit fleet.

When the fleet of Majapahit in the position of the enemy as described above, which is being held "Linear Horse" then it usually led the fleet ordered to sign interpreter flag to put the war changed the title to "Supit Urang" (shrimp-flops) that can be viewed and implemented by all Majapahit fleet force members. The title "shrimp-flops" agile movement is attacking and pinning the enemy ship by parts of the weakest of the rear "Linear Horse" warship that is on the left end of the line began to separate right, and forward at high speed, usually in the position it occupied fast attack boats are small.

And when the fleet of Majapahit in the position of the enemy as described above is being held "Fast Arrow" and face "shrimp-flops", then the interpreter will flag fleet commanded by Majapahit led to immediately change the title of the tactics of war to "Scorpions". Scorpions usually has a tail that is very dangerous because it moves swiftly to and fro while plugging in a venomous sting. Other movements in the title of "Scorpion" is two on the left and right hand near the head of the Scorpion is able to move strongly in any direction while firing cetbang, crashed his ship and capable of pinning the enemy.

If the title of "Scorpion" is successfully facing the larger enemy fleet, then as the ultimate enemy to destroy them, then the fleet of Majapahit once again began to change the title so as to form " Chakra Manggilingan" which is usually used by the Army in the war of Majapahit bellows or total facing opponents who are balanced on an open battlefield. Majapahit army troops made ​​up of various divisions, namely the division of infantry or foot soldiers, cavalry divisions or horsemen, and divisional troops Elephant or troops Tank. Forces comprised of army foot sword, spear troops, and troops arrows. Forces with arrows and spears could also come up the stage so it can catapult an elephant and an arrow or spear to be better targeted on the enemy.

The New tactics of war "Chakra Manggilingan" was held after the battle, the title which opened at sea was indeed an advanced degree to move "enemy extermination". The elephants were guarded by troops of the foot, because the heel of the elephant is the weakest part, moving forward to attack enemies quickly. While a small group of horsemen had earlier opened the way for war elephants on his back holding a spear soldiers archers and soldiers. A small group of enemy troops almost surprised by the arrival of horses, made ​​even more surprised to be visited an elephant whose feet destroy anything that stepped on, and bursts rained arrows and spears keep the enemy group.

In the naval war fleet of Majapahit title Chakra Manggilingan then it opened and began to swarm over enemy alone. Combined fast boats, destroyers, and ship supplies (food and ammunition) pursuit of the enemy force is smaller and destroy them. And when the sun began to sink, then the naval battle during the Majapahit that by itself would be terminated. Similarly, in the ground war, so it was dark then each troop that fought each other it will decide to break.

The next day, Fleet Majapahit who take full advantage of the rising sun the day before it went into effect in battle formation the title of "horse shoe" and surrounded the enemy began moving weak. No matter how wide the field of marine positions that are breaking down the enemy will never give up but it should be closed with the strength and number of warships Majapahit available, so the distance between the ships to be rather broad depending on the arena of the battlefield than the ocean that is boiling. That courage Majapahit naval forces ashore persist during the battle on the field of ocean archipelago and in the corners of the other southern parts of the earth.

Secret Sidoarjo Mudflow

Top Hits 100 days to harvest storm SBY government everywhere that lead to the president. Who would let down the wind? In the reign of Gus Dur, SBY, who was then serving as Minister, he wrote his work in a collection entitled 100 Tahun Bung Karno (100 Years of Bung Karno) "SBY and Tri Sakti Bung Karno."

In the Indonesia Bersatu Cabinet Volume one hundred-day program the past five epidemic unsmooth course, one important factor is that JK was on the side of SBY, thus reducing cornering all the turmoil of the Party-led SBY JK itself.

Answers, "Who now raise a storm and hurricanes that," it can be easily predicted: JK no longer control his own party in order not to attack SBY. Moreover, JK has come down from his post as party leader and replaced by AB.

AB which has a natural gas drilling in Sidoarjo, who made a mistake drilled crooked, so the power of the earth's atmosphere, carrying sludge out, causing disasters in the region Porong mud flow, until now, AB or other experts have not managed to tame the mud in the area that Porong bursts.
Return to a forgotten past. Porong area that has built flood control channel or channels to tame the river Brantas by King grants in the 1040s. So that the area is free of flooding and generate new agricultural areas is very fertile and the people prosper during that time. That is one mighty works of grants in the prosperity of its people.

Porong Canal was built around 1000 years ago, and during the same Brantas basin sink to the bottom of Porong area. Mathematically Brantas river flow and sediment were collected during the 1000 year and a large gas reserves in the area (as evidenced by the option of drilling at that location) also took 1000 years to stop the mud flow which is now underway. As a result to stop the mud flow caused by drilling nonsense Porong it right in the location that was built by the King grants it a matter of time.

King Erlangga known as the incarnation Wisnhu, god-building, is a god for the peasantry. Can be imagined how a thousand years ago to build a canal along tens of kilometers without modern tools. How many farmers who gathered force, either voluntarily or not the want to own.

The storm that hit AB in 1000 year is now transferred to the SBY 100 days.

Secrets of the kraton of Sri Aji Joyoboyo

Kraton or the center of the Kediri kingdom with its king's palace is famous for his prediction proved true, Sri Aji Joyoboyo a mystery because of its location has not found anyone.

Kediri downtown on the east side of the river Brantas, there is a traditional market, Setono Bethek, bamboo palace. There are more Setono Gedhong, stone palace. These places are really the royal palace of Kediri in the past? There is a different name on the west bank of the river Brantas interesting: Lor Bandar, Bandar Kidul. Apparently it had in the past an ancient port?

Over the centuries, Sri Aji Joyoboyo interesting figure with predictions-predictions that some people, especially residents on the island of Java, believe and assume that the prediction has proved correct, for example, the figure of the leadership of President Sukarno had predicted him as a son of the mother comes from the island of the Gods; forecast yet another entry of the whole army of Dai Nippon corn was predicted 900 years ago as the dwarf midget abysmal, and so on, so we tried a little help with this small writing.

At approximately 1135 maraklah later became the king of Kediri kings of the Archipelago: Joyoboyo or Jayabhaya. His authority is based in Kediri, East Java, and areas under the influence of power covers the entire island of Java (Java ) plus Jambi, Tidore, and Kalimantan.

Kediri, now that we know as the municipality, once the administrative center of a maritime empire that succeeded in unifying the Java most areas of the archipelago, is always a rush of foreign troops: in 1007 stormed the Sriwijaya kingdom in Kediri Medang Kamulan to overthrow the king Dharmawangsa in retaliation for attacks Medang against Sriwijaya kingdom in 990, Arok Ganter defeat of Kediri in 1221, then in 1292 the Mongol armies of Kublai Khan in 1000 stormed the ship that sailed directly from China to take revenge on Sri Krtanegara. What is immoral? By-law the king of Java (Krtanegara), Raden Wijaya, the Mongol army led to storm the palace Kediri Jayakatwang welcome, until destroyed. And in 1527 the last of the royal UB Daha (Kediri), battered by the forces of Islamic Mataram Trenggono. Last Trunojoyo national fighters defeated by the Dutch in Kediri.

In the court Joyoboyo maritime military forces of Kediri kingdom lies in a strong navy in his time to be able to keep the area across from the island kingdom that is far from the center of power in the interior of the eastern part of Java.

Kediri city we know today is split by the Brantas river, the river is approximately 1000 meters wide. In the past, the ships of war and trade are expected to navigate along the Brantas river began to flow from the sea port in Surabaya keep heading inland to snuggle Kediri city center, now a river port location in Kediri was named Joyoboyo port, its location in the area which is now called Bandar Lor.

One mile to the west from the port of Bandar or port Joyoboyo the road stretched straight toward the hill klotok (literal meaning: thok colonial, colonial many, many diseases).

A giant stone inscription is still a mystery of its origins, believed to be built in the golden era of the Kediri kingdom, the era Joyoboyo. Cave-shaped stele measuring 3 x 10 meters was named Mangleng (ie museums). Building goa Mangleng or Selomangleng, also referred to the museum which was founded around the year Joyoboyo 1150s at the time it lies quite sheltered Joyoboyo lies between the hills.On the front (50 meters) Kumambang Mas is a hill which, according to the local population famous for the legend of magic thief. Maling sakti Ki Boncolono who lived in the Dutch colonial period it was named along with two companions Tumenggung Poncolono and Tumenggung Mojoroto. Graveyard on the hill three Mas Kumambang. Kediri City Government has built a ladder to the top of Mas Kumambang cast.

Why just build a natural stone cave than three hundred years before it has stood the Borobudur Temple yang megah di Jawa Tengah? majestic in Central Java?

It is estimated that Goa is part of the hill Selomangleng Kumambang Mas (gold floating), but then separated by a road around a hill, so the caves can be reached from two directions.

If we climb the hill Klotok it straight right after traveling about two miles to the top of the center, we can find and discover ruins Dewi Kilisuci, right on the side of a small waterfall flowing down into the creek. Dewi Kilisuci is one of the kids or grants King Airlangga, who dwells in Kediri in 1035.

King Jayabaya ruins in the village now known Pamenang or Mamenang, Dist. Pagu. Ceiling is about six miles to the east of the city center located in the region of Kediri Kelud foot.

Kediri kingdom Center is estimated to be around Goa Selomangleng, there is an area that is now a Boto Lengket headquarters Brigif (Infantry Brigade) XVI. In the area near the village of Boto Lengket, Bujel, it has been discovered accidentally bricks large buried in the ground which is probably the former building foundation material. The discovery was never published, because of its personal discovery. It is estimated that XVI Brigif headquarters right in the newly built within the last two years that's where the center of the kingdom of Kediri in the reign of King Sri Aji Joyoboyo.

Why Brigif XVI Kediri was built there by coincidence? In terms of strategy of war, so it was very strategic location for the field of defense from enemy attacks. It lies somewhere between the hills are heavily wooded in the past, suitable for temporary shelter if attacked by the enemy. And to withdraw from large-scale attack could enter the forest at the foot of the hill klotok. Plus in the past, from the top of the hill Mas Kumambang a soldier can watch the harbor and the town of Kediri, once signaled the arrival of the enemy that attacked from the rivers or from the mainland.

It's really a strategic place in the ancient war strategy.

In the vicinity of the hypothesis at the palace north of the region there is a spring that to this day never dry despite drought.

For the effectiveness of the government palace, the location is not very far from the port of Bandar hypothesis.When the royal guest of honor came through the Brantas River, the journey is not so far to get to destinations in the palace of Kediri.

Airlangga Museum on the south side of the hill Mas Kumambang built by the local government of Kediri City Museum is located just across from King Joyoboyo built Goa Selomangleng. Goa Selomangleng for thousands of years as a prototype of the houses in the land of Java. There senthong left, there senthong right. And there are two living room. In the tradition of middle senthong Java should not be inhabited. And are only used for certain ceremonies or putting offerings.

The stone cave inside is filled with decorative wall drawings, and in senthong right (viewed from outside the cave) there was a place of worship the statue of king Airlangga incarnation of Vishnu which still has not been tampered smooth hands of ignorant. At the entrance to the left there is a greeter and eagle statues and the King grants ride damaged by ignorant hands.

One of the predictions Joyoboyo, Ronggowarsito, and uga Siliwangi ie of the appearance of the Ratu Adil or tangible Satrio piningit Satrio bocah angon lived by the river, is not up to now is still a mystery and also the name of the river is also a mystery. But the river is expected is the Brantas river according to the prediction when the queen appeared fair in East Java.

As a hypothesis currently vaguely Ratu Adil with these characteristics are already appears even nominate himself as the number one man in the NKRI, but not successfully blocked legislation candidate presidential elections. Satrio piningit it received strong support directly or indirectly from a giant company G2 located on the banks of the Brantas River town of Kediri, headquartered just across the harbor tour Joyoboyo. Satrio Piningit Ratu Adil candidates are still vague came from areas located right in the middle of symmetrical than the western and the eastern tip of Java island.

Currently leading the Archipelago appearance Satrio Piningit its time has yet arrived, that moment will come when there has been a big goro-goro/chaos happens by the will of god, civil commotion over the new world order will be formed the following roles and positions of the highest in the earth's southern archipelago. Order a new government in the archipelago that later led by Satrio Piningit, Ratu Adil.

Secret grandchildren Joyoboyo, Angling Dharmo

King Angling Dharmo the 1160s reigned in the kingdom Malawapati, Bojonegoro area. He is a granddaughter of Sri Aji Joyoboyo from Kediri or Kadiri. During the Kediri kingdom of glory under the reign of Sri Aji Joyoboyo produce Kakawin Bharatayudha masterpiece by poet and mpu mpu Sedah Panuluh. Mpu Sedah allegedly translating from the language of the book Sansakerta into the ancient Javanese language. Mpu job is not completed by the due Sedah genius poet was sentenced to death by the court because of having an affair with Paramesywari Kediri. Finally the work was continued by mpu Panuluh up to be completed.

One of his daughters princess named Sri Aji Joyoboyo Pramesti been mated with the prince of Bojonegoro area. When the princess contain something that's happening in their households, so that the Princess returned to Kediri. To calm down the princess dwells on Mount Wilis to give birth to a son who is later named Angling Dharmo.

On the slopes of Mount Wilis are Watu Tumpuk area, supposedly there's birthplace Angling Dharmo newborn baby who later ruled in the kingdom Malawapti Bojonegoro area.

In the village of Watu Tumpuk in this twenty-first century Hindu temple there is still a mystery. Whereas all of slopes Willis had embraced Islam today, mosques and prayer room to spread throughout the corner.

Watu Tumpuk that is stacked stone, stone measuring three meters by one meter by two pieces that were piled at the curb the mountains as indicating the existence of a relationship with a Hindu temple right in the valley bottom of that road. Whereas in the surrounding area there are no other stone that big. Nature around Watu mountainous pile-gap and the gap follows the valleys. It is impossible to lift the large stones from the mountain above it or from below. Mysterious village far from the hustle and leaving a Hindu temple next to a modern mosque in the village was suitable as a place of exile Joyoboyo princess of a crowded world.

Divination Ronggowarsito "Satrio Piningit Hamong Tuwuh"

Republican leaders Nusantara fifth "Satrio Piningit Hamong Tuwuh" as predicted by the Javanese poet R. Ng. Ronggowarsito who lived in the early eighteenth century that is a leader who has the charisma of his descendants is the fifth president of Indonesia Hajjah Megawati Sukarnoputri (2001-2004). By itself among seven satrio Piningit who led the archipelago, two of which consisting of father and daughter. Bung Karno was the father of a first Satrio Piningit "Satrio Kinunjoro Murwo Kuncoro". The long journey remarkable trail Megawati occurred on July 27, 1996. Suharto, who is not willing to socio-political forces reduced the slightest attempt to muzzle an animal bearing the Party's tactics make it with twin counter-party. And counter-party supported the New Order was recognized by the Suharto regime and also does not recognize a party that very clear indeed original. So instead of growing public sympathy receding on the party's nationalist-based but rather continue to soar until Megawati actually occupying the seat of power in the Republic of Indonesia number one.

The party bearing the animal is indeed supported by the little people, or the underprivileged, especially in Java. Even in the general election post-Soeharto stepped down, everywhere on the edge of the road began Anyer to Banyuwangi Mega Party was set up shelters. All of that reflects how people want a new change to replace than the power of Suharto's New Order. At that time political experts had predicted, "Megawati sleep she would become President ...!"

In fact the flare to the chair number one is that Gus Dur, while Megawati became vice president. But the history of the later changes and other wills. Mega promoted to replace Gus Dur who was ousted by force by members of the legislature and Gentlemen, previously called by Gus Dur tantrum every time commenting on members of the council, "the House is like a kindergartner only!"

It was said before Mega seat number one in this Republic he met representatives of a superpower somewhere near the border of the Republic of Indonesia and agreed to promise not to mention the name of the Bung Karno if she later became president of Indonesia. Of course in exchange for Mega government will be supported by the West.

In 2001 the U.S. State Department released a confidential document is the work of the CIA during the years 1964-1966, as is the tradition prevailing in there then a document will be stored for twenty-five years since the event occurred and then be published for public consumption. Surprisingly official documents via the official website of the United States government that briefly circulated in cyberspace was later withdrawn. Similarly, the official print and circulate withdrawn. Apparently the United States does not want to happen no interruption of bilateral relations between Indonesia and the U.S., to publish documents in the overthrow of Sukarno's children Sukarno, Megawati, occupying the presidency.

As a result document can be circulated a few months later in Indonesia and the Bahasa Indonesia version. As per his promise during his reign Megawati did not once mention the discipline of rehabilitation Sukarno established by the New Order in the Tap MPRS 1967. It is said that Megawati Soekarno's biological child but Megawati the child rather than ideological Soekarno. Child's true ideological Sukarno found on one of the other children Bung Karno, he had several children from different wives. Child Bung Karno ideological spread across the country and abroad countless. The Sukarnoist Soekarno defended it better with their own way. Those who strive to uphold Soekarnoism Sukarno's ideological children. From the outside of their country, the Soekarnois it never stopped pounding the New Order and is the main hotbed of Suharto. Soeharto who make those overseas to be Stateless, loss of Indonesian citizenship, because they do not want to support New Order, and remained loyal to the Bung Karno who send them abroad to school, becomes ambassador, became a world-class organizer, or simply study appeal. The many talented young Indonesian sent by the party or government to the Soviet Union to study free full college degree.

Since the fall of Soeharto, Megawati also held an open house sort of, and anybody could come to his house on the road Kebagusan, if lucky will see first hand the leader of "little people", while enjoying a glass of cold drinks are served.

Satrio Piningit Hamong Tuwuh it does have charisma derived Bung Karno, either directly or indirectly. Little people support him because he is the biological child of Sukarno, not because of anything else. Deep in the period before the ascent to the peak power Soekarnois supposedly concerned with the absolute position of Megawati as a figure synonymous with the party's main strength bearing animals was also preparing for her successor, what if he suddenly something happens, it is reasonable Soekarnois concerns, they say, " Megawati was felt she could live another thousand years ....!"

The situation changed since the Mega actually become president, he has now set his crown princess.

In contrast to the replacement Mega, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on various occasions occasionally still called Bung Karno and his teachings, especially regarding the Trisakti Bung Karno. For SBY teachings of Bung Karno's not a fossilized are outdated. Precisely Bung Karno's teachings will remain current throughout the period during the Republic was still standing upright. Bung Karno all thinking exactly perfect, but some or most Soekarnois say so, "Teachings of the Bung Karno Nasakom (Nationalist, Religious, Communist) ... very awesome ... unfortunately, yes, there really was Kom ... . "

It is said that to assess the weight of a politician in the archipelago in the quality or any other measure it with a "probe": "What about the political views of those concerned in assessing the Bung Karno," and he would then put in one of Nas, A, or Kom.

As a stone wedge for Megawati for the presidency comes from the religious pretext, "A woman should not be the caliph, or leader of the country and lead men and women, if one of the men were still able to advance as leaders."

And the other is a wedge that was once the president Megawati was not possible in one day in the future will become a vice president. Bung Karno's charisma that radiates in Satrio Piningit Hamong Tuwuh this is really a figure who can unite the party which is expected to change the fate of small people who have been unable to participate and enjoy the nectar of a country.

In the year 2020 predicted Indonesia would become the super power countries in the world

In the year 2020 predicted Indonesia would become the super power countries in the world, when the Indonesian people are able to eliminate the disease in the soul of Indonesia pessimistic and replaced with optimistic spirit in looking at the future of the nation and state, so that did not rule the nation of Indonesia will become a respected nation across nations in the world.

Progress Indonesian nation has seen since the days of the bitter history of the magazine was able to unite the archipelago nation, so it does not close the possibility of history will be repeated in the year 2020 AD, the Indonesian people will leave the Asian country and to countries in the world super power.

This prediction would not necessarily just come and go, but have seen since in the past that our nation has a great history, so do not be pessimistic if there is a feeling that only suction prediction myth, if the Indonesian people are able to do much in developing natural resources wealthy, and able to promote human resources more intelligently in looking to the future, of that prediction would become a reality.

The Resurrection of Indonesia through prophecy, of course we happily welcome the long decline of our own nation's internal problems, so that with cooperation and healthy in the political field, then success will come soon just waiting for the day, and the Indonesian people will be super power in the country world.

News forecast the Indonesian nation state will become super power in the world, would make us smile in the midst of a crisis that made vulgar chaos of life of nation and state. So in the hope that these predictions could become reality and Indonesia became the world's number one strength.

It may not be soon, but we can become an Asian superpower

It is a fact that we live in a world surrounded by superpowers. In the Far East, we have China, the third-largest economy and whose economic growth is expected to surpass 10 percent in the fourth quarter of this year.

A little bit further west is the nuclear-armed India, one of the world's largest military forces and among the world's fastest-growing economies. Over to the south, we are the immediate neighbor of Asia's middle power, Australia, considered an advanced economy by the IMF, and whose major cities rank highly on quality-of-life surveys. Above all, we are a world citizen with the US and EU as the only superpowers.

Now, let's reflect internally on our capacity as a world citizen. With what we have, is there a reason for the optimism to see Indonesia as a world superpower?

In his 1996 book Indonesia's Foreign Policy Under Soeharto, Suryadinata argues on several factors that underpin Indonesia's international credibility. Writing at the time of the New Order regime, he makes the following points:

First, Indonesia is geographically the largest country in ASEAN. Demographically, Indonesia earns a nod as the world's fourth most populous country, after China, India and the United States.

Second, Indonesia is considered an emerging Asian economy, hence the epithet "Asian tiger". Indonesia's economy grew sustainably at an average 7 percent annually in the 1990s. If not for the Asian financial crisis in 1997/1998, our economic growth, let alone political development, would have been a different story.

Third, Indonesia's military is arguably the strongest in Southeast Asia.

It is for all these reasons that Michael Leifer labeled the republic "regional entitlement".

The Soeharto regime is now part of Indonesian history. We are now in a new league, one that demands economic prosperity on one hand and political freedom on the other; a league that demands leadership as opposed to land mass; and a league that demands coexistence of values in society.

Indonesia's size remains unchanged from what it was during Soeharto's period. It is still the biggest in Southeast Asia and still the world's fourth most populous country. More than 230 million of the 570 million people in ASEAN live in this country. Economically, Indonesia's resistance to the current global economic crisis has made it the only member of the G20 from Southeast Asia.

On the political front, Indonesia is a strong proponent of ASEAN's political development. As we all know, ASEAN's cooperation largely emphasizes the promotion of economic growth, while political integration remains a peripheral agenda. This is not surprising, considering that ASEAN, unlike the EU, consists of different political systems ranging from a military junta to full-fledged democracies. It is of course not an easy effort to promote political freedom in the region, but Indonesia has taken a significant role in raising the issue.

And despite the challenges faced by the government both at home and from the region itself, Indonesia's advocacy of ASEAN political integration remains strong. In this light, it is worth recalling Indonesia's stance from being an opponent of Western democratic values by arguing that they went against Asian values, to being the champion of democracy in the region. A transformation in need is a transformation indeed.

Additionally, Indonesia is the third-largest democracy in the world after India and the United States, and the world's largest Muslim-majority country. It is widely recognized as a place where Islam, modernity and democracy coexist peacefully in society.

Indeed, there are still some challenges that need to be overcome. These include partially horizontal tensions within society and other issues such as terrorism and radicalism.

Corruption also remains a problem in the country. The country's Corruption Perception Index as published by Transparency International puts us on the same level as Libya, Ethiopia and Uganda. Yet with the country's persistent efforts in eradicating corruption, the index has improved by 37 percent since 2002.

Other than that, according to Reporters Without Borders, freedom of expression in Indonesia has actually worsened since 2002, placing it on the same level as Guinea and Mauritania.

However, Indonesia's overall ranking has improved significantly over the past year, from 111th spot to 100th, showing greater guarantees of freedom of expression.

While the poverty and unemployment rates remain high, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration has gradually brought them down over the past five years, to around 14 percent and 9 percent respectively.

In conclusion, referring to all these features, it is certainly not an exaggerated hope to argue that Indonesia has all the potential needed to be recognized as a world superpower.

We believe we have the right ingredients to be considered a super power. It may not be soon, but if we can nurture all the potentials that we embrace, Indonesia can become an Asian superpower, while to add the word "world" before "superpower" to Indonesia's international stature may still need an extra effort by all Indonesians.

Because a challenge remains: How do we translate these potentials into real power that can compete with China, India, Russia and, most of all, the United States? Indeed, this is a question for all Indonesians who share our optimism that Indonesia can and will be a world superpower.

Hadianto Wirajuda is a PhD candidate at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK; Diaz Hendropriyono is a PhD candidate at Virginia Tech, US; Both are founders of the Youth Initiative for Indonesia's Democracy and Development (YIDD).

Malin Kundang – An Indonesian Myth

A long time ago, in a small village near the beach in West Sumatera, lived a woman and her son, Malin Kundang. Malin Kundang’s father had passed away when he was a baby, and he had to live hard with his mother.

Malin Kundang was a healthy, diligent, and strong child. He usually went to the sea to catch fish, and brought it to his mother, or sold it in the town.

One day, when Malin Kundang was sailing as usual, he saw a merchant’s ship which was being raided by a small band of pirates. With his brave and power, Malin Kundang defeated the pirates. The merchant was so happy and asked Malin Kundang to sail with him. Malin Kundang agreed.

Many years later, Malin Kundang became a wealthy merchant, with a huge ship, loads of trading goods, many ship crews, and a beautiful wife. In his journey, his ship landed on a beach. The villagers reconigzed him, and the news ran fast in the town: Malin Kundang became a rich man and now he is here. His mother, in deep-felt sadness after years of loneliness, ran to the beach to meet her beloved son again.

When the mother came, Malin Kundang, in front of his well dressed wife, his crews and his own gloriness, denied to meet that old, poor and dirty woman. For three times she begged Malin Kundang and for three times yelled at him. At last Malin Kundang said to her "Enough, old woman! I have never had a mother like you, a dirty and ugly peasant!" Then he ordered his crews to set sail.

Enraged, she cursed Malin Kundang that he would turn into a stone if he didn’t apologize. Malin Kundang just laughed and set sail. In the quiet sea, suddenly a thunderstorm came. His huge ship was wrecked and it was too late for Malin Kundang to apologized. He was thrown by the wave out of his ship, fell on a small island, and suddenly turned into stone.

Another Version

The legendary story is said to be originated here in Padang where the remains of "Batu Malin Kundang" is located.

Malin Kundang who hails from a poor family. Just like any other Minang men, Malin Kundang decided to travel elsewhere to seek good fortune, leaving behind his old mother. His life changed when he married the daughter of a rich man in Siam. Soon after achieving success and gaining great fortune he sailed back homeward on his own ship to Padang together with his wife and crews.

Upon hearing of Malin Kundang’s return, his mother rushed to the beach to meet her long lost son. Unfortunately, Malin Kundang felt ashamed upon looking at his old and poor mother – he was a rich man with fine clothing and a beautiful wife while his mother was looking ragged and poor as she was. In his undisguised disgust he ignored his mother, refused to greet her and returned to his ship.

Humiliated and heartbroken by her arrogant son’s behavior, his mother fell to her knees in desperation and prayed to God asking that her son be punished for what he did. Soon a terrible storm rose up and Malin Kundang’s ship was wrecked upon the rocks. Realising his mistake and sin for ignoring his mother, the badly injured Malin Kundang tried to get ashore to seek forgiveness from his mother but as he crawled on his hands and knees he was suddenly turned into stone.

Until today, a stone that from a certain angle resembles the figure of a man on his hands and knees with his head seemingly buried in the rock can still be found here in Pantai Air Manis. It is said that Malin Kundang has been forced to stay on the beach forever, begging for forgiveness from his mother. Around this rocky figure barrels and ropes have been carved into the stone to represent the shipwreck washed up on the shore. The tale of an ungrateful son makes the tranquil Pantai Air Manis a legendary location to visit that may offer some lesson in life.

The Story of Damar Wulan

Historical Fiction from Indonesia

The Story of Damar Wulan

Damar Wulan was born in the village of Paluh Amba, not far from the capital city of Majapahit. He was the son of Udara, the former prime minister of Majapahit. Since his father had retired his family live in a quiet and prosperous village outside the capital. Damar was a smart boy so he could easily learned the lessons his father taught him. He learned martial art, religion, politics, and literature. He was very good at all those subjects. When his father thought that he is mature enough, he asked Damar to find job in Majapahit. He told Damar to apply for a job at the Prime Minister's office. He hoped that his close relation with the new prime minister would help him get the prime minister's attention. Furthermore Damar was a smart boy so his father was sure Damar was capable to do any job.
Damar was very confident he would get a good position at the prime minister's office. Early morning he left his village. At midday he got to Majapahit and he directly went to the prime minister's house. Prime Minister Logender was his name. The guards sarcastically questioned him when he told them he would see the prime minister.
'Who do you think you are?'
'I am Damar Wulan. I am the son of the former prime minister Udara. My father told me to see the prime minister here'
'If you think you can impress us by telling us about your father, you are completely wrong poor boy. The son of a prime minister would never go anywhere on foot'
'But, that's true. My father told me to find job here'
'Listen poor boy, the prime minister is a very busy person. He does not have time for job seeker like you. But if you need a job, there is a vacant position here. Let me report my chief'
Then the soldier reported to his superior. After that someone called Damar to get into the commander's chamber. He told Damar that the prime minister's office needed several boys to take care of the horses. Damar was surprised because he expected clerical job but then he accepted the offer. Since that day he lived in a simple hut behind the prime minister's house.
Damar did a good job so his superior was satisfied with him. He was also very sociable. Soon he had a good relationship with the prime minister and his family. The prime minister had two sons - Layang Seto and Layang Kumitir and a daughter - Anjasmoro. His sons were very arrogant and lazy. They treated Damar cruelly. They wanted Damar to do whatever they want. Every body hated them but nobody dare to express their feeling. Anjasmoro, on the other hand, liked Damar very much. Gradually she fell in love to Damar. So did Damar. They had a secret love. When Layang Seto and Layang Kumitir knew what happened to Damar and Anjasmoro, they were very angry. They treated Damar more and more cruelly.
At the time the kingdom of Majapahit faced a very serious problem because of the rebellion of Menak Jinggo. He was a half brother of the Queen Kecono Wungu. He was a prince of Majapahit and a highly respected general of the Majapahit army. For his great achievement for his country his father appointed him as the ruler for the kingdom of Blambangan, a vassal state under Majapahit. When his father passed away he was sure that he would become the successor. But he was very disappointed when his father appointed his sister instead. He thought that he was more capable than Kencono Wungu so he rebelled.
Menak Jinggo proved to be a good general. Under his leadership the Blambangan army could win several battles with Majapahit army. The territory of Majapahit one by one fell to Blambangan. At the time the morale of the Majapahit army was already down. They were not sure that they could win the war. So the queen and the prime minister met everyday to discuss the worsening situation. Some weeks went by but still they did not have any ideas to solve the problem. Every report they received about the war was only about the defeat of the Majapahit army.
Prime Minister Logender was shocked when his wife reported to him about the affair of Anjasmoro and Damar Wulan. For a highly respected person like him, it was a very serious blow to his ego. He was a very respectable person while his daughter dated with a poor boy. It was a serious humiliation. He could not accept it. This fact made him very angry. He thought very hard to find a solution. Suddenly an idea struck his sharp mind when he was meditating at midnight.
Early in the morning he went to the palace and asked the queen for an audience. Then he explained his plan.
'Your Majesty, last night I had an idea'
'Tell me about it'
'Our army could not win because we apply a wrong strategy. The Blambangan army is very good at a frontal open warfare like that. Furthermore our army's morale is now down. So we have to avoid open warfare. Since now on we have to launch a new tactics of secret operation. We must send a small army unit to kill Menak Jinggo secretly'
'Who will do that?'
'I have a body guard. His skill in martial art is excellent. He is very capable at individual fight. So he is ready for this duty. I am sure he is the right person'
'OK, I think you are right. Send him as soon as possible to Blambangan. If he can do his job well I will give him great reward'
When Logender got home he called Damar Wulan immediately. He asked him about his martial art skill. Damar said he had mastered some fighting skill. His father had trained him Pencak Silat, the Indonesian martial art. As a result, he was very skillful at using sword, lance, as well as empty hand fighting technique. Then Logender asked him to fight both Layang Seto and Layang Kumitir. Both of them fought emotionally since they hated Damar very much. But Damar was smart, skillful, strong and tough. In just several minutes he could beat both of them without difficulty. Logender was angry but also satisfied since he found a way to get rid of both problems - his home and his country.
'Damar, you are a great fighter. I am very proud of you. And that's why you will receive a great honor to fight for your country. Now there is a rebellion in Majapahit. The king of Blambangan has done a crime. His name is Menak Jinggo. Find him in his palace and Blambangan and kill him. Are you ready?'
'I am ready any time Sir'
'Good. Today you have to prepare everything and tomorrow you must leave for Blambangan secretly. Do not tell any one about this duty. Not even Anjasmoro. Don't be afraid because the Majapahit army will fully support you. They will back you and provide all your needs. When you can kill Menak Jinggo behead him and bring his head here. If you can do this job well you will be promoted to a high position as the commander of Majapahit army'
'Yes, Sir. I am very glad to receive this order. I will do my best'
The next day, very early in the morning Damar Wulan left Majapahit alone. Meanwhile Prime Minister Logender had implemented his own plan. He prepared a small army unit under the leadership of his two sons. They went behind Damar in a distant so that Damar did not notice them. They went secretly so no one knew it. Their task was not to protect Damar but to kill him and seize the head of Menak Jinggo if he could kill Menak Jinggo. But if Damar was killed then they had nothing to do.
Several days later Damar Wulan arrived in Blambangan. The Majapahit army kept on spying on him. They were surprised to see Damar did not directly attack the palace. He applied for a job instead. Once again he was accepted to work in the palace to take care of the horses. Everybody including the king Menak Jinggo liked him because he was very polite and he did his job well. He was also very handsome that two of the king's wife fell in love with him. Waito and Puyengan were the wives of King Menak Jinggo.
As everybody trusted him, it was easy for Damar to search the palace. He knew where Menak Jinggo lived. One night he secretly jumped the palace wall to kill the king. Finally he was inside the king's bedroom. But unfortunately the king was ready to welcome him. A small army unit was there to arrest him. He was no match for Menak Jinggo. But Menak Jinggo was a smart person. He did not kill Damar instantly. He wanted to gather information from him. So he ordered his guards.
'Don't kill him. Let him alive, treat him well. I will question him tomorrow'.
'Yes, Your Majesty'
He ordered his men to treat him well. He even let Waito and Puyengan to see Damar. By doing so he hoped that Damar would give him valuable information. But Damar was also a smart person. He dated Waito and Puyengan and he asked them the way to kill Menak Jinggo. Since the two women loved Damar they revealed a secret.
'Nobody can hurt him. He is a tough guy and he is protected by god. God gave him a secret weapon called Wesi Kuning'
'What is that?'
'That's a golden amulet. It is just a small amulet, as small as a thumb but it is very powerful. Its shape is like a stick. It is stored in his bedroom'
'He is a dangerous man. We have to stop him. Could you help me find his amulet?
'I will help you if you marry me'
'Sure I will marry both of you as soon as I can arrest him'
When their turn to amuse the king arrived Waito and Puyengan could get into the kings chamber. They used that opportunity to steal the amulet. Then they gave it to Damar Wulan. Menak Jinggo did not realize their conspiracy. When the night was very quiet they opened the door for Damar Wulan. There was a fight but it was too late for Menak Jinggo. The sudden attack did not give him much chance to survive. Consequently Damar could beat his enemy and Menak Jinggo was beheaded.
Damar Wulan immediately left Blambangan palace that night while promising Waito and Puyengan to be back after he received the rewa.

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ABOUT THE STORY

The story of Damar Wulan was written by Yosodipuro in the 17th century in Javanese language. He was an official at the court of King Pakubuwono in Surakarta, central Java. He wrote a fiction story based on history of Majapahit which is the most powerful kingdom in Indonesian history. Its territory includes most of west Indonesia today. The kingdom flourished for about two hundred years since 13th to 15th century.

Yosodipuro wrote about an episode when there were internal conflicts among the royal family. At that time there was a rebellion of Bhre Wirabumi, the ruler of Blambangan, the easternmost part of Java. It was Wirabumi who is depicted as Menak Jinggo.

When I was a kid my father used to tell me stories from Java and also Indian stories of Mahabarata (the story of the Barata family) and Ramayana (the story of king Rama). I heard this story from him who told me orally. He told me that Yosodipuro might not the original writer. He estimated that Yosodipuro just wrote a story that had been handed down from his ancestors. My father also believed that the story is told from Majapahit perspectives as Menak Jinggo is depicted as someone whose face is like a dog. I just realize that in Banyuwangi (Blambangan) Menak Jinggo is depicted differently. He is a handsome man and many women admire him. He was also a kind and wise ruler. He rebelled because of injustices in Majapahit.

The Story of Damar Wulan is so popular in Indonesia that many people do not realize that it is fiction. They do not know that Damar Wulan is just a fictional character. Today it is still played in Javanese traditional theater called Ketoprak. It is also for wayang klitik performance but this kind of wayang is not popular.

Mount Bromo and its legend

MOUNT BROMO AND ITS LEGEND

Mount Bromo is a well known tourist destination in Indonesia. For those who wants to know about mount Bromo, read on. This is an active volcano with stunning view in east Java, Indonesia.

Mount Bromo is located in east Java, Indonesia. It is not far from Surabaya, the second biggest city in Indonesia and the capital city of the province of east Java. It is easily accessible from Surabaya and Malang. Tourists can stay in good hotels in Surabaya and Malang, or in many small hotels in surrounding areas like Sukapura, Pasuruan or Probolinggo. It takes about three hours by car from Surabaya to the peak of Mount Bromo. From Surabaya visitors can enjoy good streets to the town of Probolinggo. But as we turn right just before entering Probolinggo, we will pass narrow street. Therefore it is best to go there by minibus or car or jeep. Big bus must stop at Sukapura, where we can find good hotel and restaurant, and then we change with smaller vehicle.

As we enter the small roads, we will climb the mountain. The roads become winding and ascending. The view is different from the city. At first we will pass dry villages. But as we climb higher, the environment will be greener. From Sukapura, we will see valleys and mountains. The weather is often cloudy. At the day time we can see farmers cultivate potatoes and vegetables in valleys and hills. Finally we will get to Cemoro Lawang, the last village which is located in the rim of the Tengger caldera.

Our vehicles stop in Cemoro Lawang, right in the rim of the Tengger caldera. The distance between Cemoro Lawang and the crater is only about three kilometers but the terrain is hard. So from here we will cross the caldera by horse. You may try to walk if you have excellent physical condition.

The view is really stunning. In the summit of mount Bromo there is a caldera, a sea of sand. Inside it there are two peaks - mount Bromo and mount Batok. Mount Bromo is an active crater. Although it is not as dangerous as Merapi, it erupts from time to time.

The best time to visit mount Bromo is very early in the morning so you can enjoy sunrise from its summit. So if you stay in Surabaya you'd better start at 2 PM. Then you will get to Cemoro Lawang at about 5PM. Then at about 6 PM you will get to the peak. If you stay in Sukapura then you can start at 4. PM. And if you stay in Cemoro Lawang you can start at 5 PM. But some people prefer to visit it at the day time because it is easier for them.

The weather in mount Bromo is very cold, so don't forget to bring sweater and jacket. The coldest place is inside the caldera. When we start from Cemoro Lawang we will descend to the caldera. There is the coldest place. I was told that the lowest temperature is about 4 degree Celsius. For me it is very hard since I am used to the heat.

We can easily find any horses there in Cemoro Lawang. The local people known as the Tengger provide many small horses. They will guide us from Cemoro Lawang to the crater and then back to Cemoro Lawang. They will hold the horse. And when we are on top of mount Bromo they will guard the horses.

The local people are called the Tengger. Actually they belong to the Javanese ethnic group but they have their unique identity which makes them slightly different from the rest of the Javanese. They speak an archaic dialect of Javanese language. The main difference is in the pronunciation. Perhaps it is a result of a long isolation. For hundreds of years they have been isolated from other Javanese since the fall of Majapahit Empire in 13th century. Their religion is also different. They worship Hindu gods, guardian of certain places and their ancestors.
There is a legend behind the name Tengger. Some people said that it derived from the name of their ancestor -Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. The end of their name was taken and became Tengger. This legend is handed down for hundreds of years from generation to generation so sometimes the details vary but the main points remain the same. Here is the story in brief.

Long long time ago there lived a couple in the village near the top of mount Bromo. Joko Seger is his name. He lived peacefully with his wife Roro Anteng. But they were not happy because after some time they did not have any children. Then Joko Seger meditated in mount Bromo asking for god to give them children.
Some times later Joko Seger had a dream. In his dream he was told that he would have descendants but on one condition. The god asked him to sacrifice his children to the crater of mount Bromo. If he refused to sacrifice, then the god will be angry. Without thinking twice Joko Seger agreed to the condition.
After that every year Roro Anteng gave birth to twenty five children. They were very happy and they loved their children so much that they were reluctant to sacrifice them to the crater. They did not give anything to the crater. Then something happened.

One day there was a big eruption of mount Bromo. Smoke, fire, hot cloud of ash came out of its crater. The earth was trembling. The sky was dark. Animals ran away from the mountain. People were very scared since some of them became victims of the hot cloud.

Joko Seger and Roro Anteng remembered their promise to god. He realized that god was very angry. So he decided to sacrifice one of his sons. Then he went to the crater with his youngest son Kusuma and threw him to the crater. Since then on Joko Seger and Roro Anteng gave offerings to the crater. Every year on the 14th day of the month of Kesada the people of Tengger held a ceremony to give offerings.