Indonesian Legend

Galunggung

2011-08-05T01:49:00.004+07:00

Lightning strikes during the 1982 eruption of Galunggung

Mount Galunggung (Indonesian: Gunung Galunggung, formerly spelled Galoen-gong) is an active stratovolcano in West Java, Indonesia, around 80 km southeast of the West Java provincial capital, Bandung (or around 25 km to the east of the West Java town of Garut). Mt Galunggung is part of the Sunda Arc extending through Sumatra, Java and Bali, which has resulted from the subduction of the Indian oceanic plate and the Australian plate beneath the Eurasian plate.

Hazardous eruption of 1982

Main article: British Airways Flight 9

Galungung eruption of August 16, 1982

The last major eruption on Galunggung was in 1982, which had a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 4 and killed 68 people. This eruption also brought the dangers of volcanic ash to aviation to worldwide attention, after two Boeing 747 passenger jets flying downwind of the eruption suffered temporary engine failures and damage to exterior surfaces, both planes being forced to make emergency landings at Jakarta.

One, a British Airways aircraft carrying 240 passengers, accidentally entered the ash cloud during night time in June 1982 150 km downwind of the volcano. All four engines failed and the aircraft descended for 16 minutes, losing 7,500 metres of its 11,500-meter altitude, until the crew managed to restart the engines.

The following month a Singapore Airlines aeroplane with 230 passengers aboard also inadvertently entered the cloud at night time, and three of its four engines stopped. The crew succeeded in restarting one of the engines after descending 2,400 metres. Both aircraft suffered serious damage to their engines and exterior surfaces.

Avalanche deposits

A hummocky deposit known as the Ten Thousand Hills of Tasikmalaya attracted the attention of early 20th century geologists. Houses were built on the hummocks since they provided good defence against hostile people, and being above the paddy fields were free of mosquitoes and rats.

Originally, it was thought that either it had been formed by a lahar caused by the release of the waters of the crater lake, or that it was man-made; composed of rocks and boulders dumped there after being cleared from paddy fields.

However, in the light of the Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980 and from examination of the Mount Shasta deposits it has become clear that the hummocks are a debris-avalanche deposit. Like these mountains, Galunggung has a horseshoe-shaped crater indicating a massive landslide, and examination of shattered lava blocks revealed them to be similar to deposits on the other two volcanoes. According to radiocarbon dating of samples taken from a lava flow the landslide happened within the last 23,000 years.

Merapi

2011-08-05T01:43:00.001+07:00

Mount Merapi, Gunung Merapi (literally Fire Mountain in Indonesian/Javanese), is an active stratovolcano located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. It is located approximately 28 kilometres (17 mi) north of Yogyakarta city, and thousands of people live on the flanks of the volcano, with villages as high as 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) above sea level.

The name Merapi could be loosely translated as 'Mountain of Fire'. The etymology of the name came from Meru-Api; from the Javanese combined words; Meru means "mountain" refer to mythical mountain of Gods in Hinduism, and api means "fire". Smoke can be seen emerging from the mountaintop at least 300 days a year, and several eruptions have caused fatalities. Hot gas from a large explosion killed 27 people on 22 November in 1994, mostly in the town of Muntilan, west of the volcano. Another large eruption occurred in 2006, shortly before the Yogyakarta earthquake. In light of the hazards that Merapi poses to populated areas, it has been designated as one of the Decade Volcanoes.

On 25 October 2010 the Indonesian government raised the alert for Mount Merapi to its highest level and warned villagers in threatened areas to move to safer ground. People living within a 20 km (12.5 mile) zone were told to evacuate. Officials said about 500 volcanic earthquakes had been recorded on the mountain over the weekend of 23–24 October, and that the magma had risen to about 1 kilometre (3,300 ft) below the surface due to the seismic activity. On the afternoon of 25 October 2010 Mount Merapi erupted lava from its southern and southeastern slopes.

The mountain was still erupting on 30 November 2010 however due to lowered eruptive activity on 3 December 2010 the official alert status was reduced to level 3.

Koes Plus

2008-09-15T03:06:00.006+07:00

Koes Plus is an Indonesian musical group that enjoyed success in the 1970s. Known as one of Indonesia's classic musical acts, the band peaked in popularity in the days far before the advent of private television companies, delivering stripped-down pop songs at the then-only TV station, TVRI.

Hailing from the Bojonegoro-Tuban area in East Java, the band started out as Koes Brothers (Koes Bersaudara), consisting entirely of the Koeswoyo siblings. Its antics of pioneering Beatles-influenced rock 'n' roll subculture in Indonesia was proven to be controversial, as the brothers were subsequently arrested by the Highest Operation Commando (KOTI) in 1965. They were eventually released just the day preceding the nation's coup d'état, in September 29. This experience resulted in their song Di Dalam Bui.

When drummer Nomo quit in 1969, Murry was then invited to fill the niche, but the decision caused an internal uproar as the band was initially projected as a family act. The feud was then resolved by rebaptizing the band as Koes Plus. It consisted of the Koeswoyos plus an outsider hence the name.

Koes Plus' early days were rugged, as record companies insisted on rejecting them. Murray became frustrated at some point and temporarily quit the band, distributing their records freely as well as joining several other acts. Not until their songs were played on the state radio network did they gain considerable fame.

Koes Plus, infamously, never owned any legal rights pertaining to their works- they were paid only by the time they produced an album. Consequently, the band never enjoyed any form of royalties whenever their works are being reproduced. In recent years, the band members have apparently been having financial problems despite the fact that their musical legacy has obviously left its mark on the local music scene.

The band still performs live, the enthusiastic spirit of these legendary songwriters and musicians belying their age. Oldies but goldies such as CintaMu Telah Berlalu, Mobil Tua, Angin Laut, Diana, Maria, and Kapan-Kapan have lost nothing of their freshness and appeal; the audience, currently consisting of three generations of Koes Plus fans, tends to know all the lyrics by heart. Their only English song, Why Do You Love Me? also received a lot of airplay in Australia.

Chrisye

2008-09-15T02:58:00.004+07:00

Chrisye (born Chrismansyah Rahadi) was a popular Indonesian pop singer, of mixed Chinese-Indonesian descent. He was born in Jakarta on September 16, 1949, and died there on March 30, 2007 following a long battle with lung cancer. He recorded 28 albums in his lifetime. He married in 1982 to G.F. Damayanti Noor; they had four children.

Chrisye started recording in the band Gipsy in 1969. The band covered music including Procol Harum, King Crimson, ELP, Genesis and Blood, Sweat & Tears, and ventured to the USA to play in New York. The band in 1977 collaborated with Guruh Soekarno Putra, one of the sons of former Indonesian President Soekarno, and brother of Megawati Soekarnoputri, subsequnet Indonesian President, on Guruh Gipsy, a prog rock album that combined prog rack with Balinese gamelan.

His raise to fame came with the release of the movie soundtrack “Badai Pasti Berlalu” in 1975. The album was done in collaboration with Eros Jarot (currently a member of Indonesian parliament).

His first, and most popular solo single was in 1976 with Lilin Lilin Kecil (Little Candles), composed by James F. Sundah.

In 1981 he starred in the film Seindah Rembulan (As Beautiful As the Moon).

In 2005, Chrisye made an album titled "Senyawa". In this album, Chrisye did collaborations with other Indonesian popstars, such as Project Pop, Ungu, Peterpan, etc.

Krakatoa

2008-09-14T06:32:00.006+07:00

Krakatoa (Indonesian: Krakatau), also spelled Krakatao or Krakatowa, is a volcanic island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. The name is used for the island group, the main island (also called Rakata), and the volcano as a whole. It has erupted repeatedly, massively, and with disastrous consequences throughout recorded history.

The best known eruption culminated in a series of massive explosions on August 26 - 27, 1883, which was among the most violent volcanic events in modern times. With a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 6, it was equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT — about 13,000 times the yield of the Little Boy bomb (13 to 16 KT) that devastated Hiroshima, Japan.

The 1883 eruption ejected more than 25 cubic kilometres of rock, ash, and pumice, and generated the loudest sound historically reported: the cataclysmic explosion was distinctly heard as far away as Perth in Australia approx. 1,930 miles (3,110 km), and the island of Rodrigues near Mauritius approx. 3,000 miles (5,000 km). Near Krakatoa, according to official records, 165 villages and towns were destroyed and 132 seriously damaged, at least 36,417 (official toll) people died, and many thousands were injured by the eruption, mostly from the tsunamis that followed the explosion.

The eruption destroyed two-thirds of the island of Krakatoa. Eruptions at the volcano since 1927 have built a new island in the same location, called Anak Krakatau (child of Krakatoa). This island has a radius of roughly 2 kilometers and a high point around 200 meters above sea level. The original island of Krakatoa had a high point at an estimated 2000 meters above sea level and had a radius of 9 kilometers.

Anoa

2008-09-14T02:32:00.002+07:00

Anoa are a subgenus of buffalo comprising two species native to Indonesia: the Mountain Anoa (Bubalus quarlesi) and the Lowland Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis). Both live in undisturbed forest, and are essentially miniature water buffalo, are similar in appearance to a deer, weighing 150–300 kg (330–660 lb). They live in deep rainforests.

Both are found on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia; the Mountain Anoa is also found on the nearby island of Butung. They apparently live singly or in pairs, rather than herds, except when the cows are about to give birth. One young is born per year.

Both species of anoa have been classified as endangered since the 1960s and the population continues to decrease. It is believed unlikely that there are more than 5000 animals of each species remaining. Reasons for the decline of the anoa include hunting for hide, horns and meat by the local peoples (though they were rarely hunted in their native range before the introduction of modern firearms); and loss of habitat due to the advancement of settlement. Currently, hunting is the more serious factor in most areas.

Mountain Anoa are also known as Anoa de Montana, Anoa de Quarle, Anoa des Montagnes, Anoa Pegunungan, and Quarle's Anoa. Lowland Anoa are also known as Anoa de Ilanura or Anoa des Plaines. They are also called sapiutan (or sapi utan).

Lowland Anoa stand but little over a yard at the shoulder, and is the most diminutive of all wild cattle. It is most closely allied to the larger Asiatic buffaloes, showing the same reversal of the direction of the hair on the back. The horns are peculiar for their upright direction and comparative straightness, although they have the same triangular section as in other buffaloes. White spots are sometimes present below the eyes, and there may be white markings on the legs and back; and the absence or presence of these white markings may be indicative of distinct races. The horns of the cows are very small. The nearest allies of the anoa appear to be certain extinct buffaloes, of which the remains are found in the Siwalik Hills of northern India. In habits the animal appears to resemble the Indian buffalo.

Komodo Dragon

2008-09-14T02:20:00.003+07:00

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a species of lizard that inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami, in central Indonesia. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2–3 meters (approximately 6.5–10 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (154 lb).

Their unusual size is attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live, and also to the Komodo dragon's low metabolic rate. As a result of their size, these lizards are apex predators, dominating the ecosystems in which they live. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Mating begins between May and August, and the eggs are laid in September. About twenty eggs are deposited in abandoned megapode nests and incubated for seven to eight months, hatching in April, when insects are most plentiful. Young Komodo dragons are vulnerable and therefore dwell in trees, safe from predators and cannibalistic adults. They take around three to five years to mature, and may live as long as fifty years. They are capable of parthenogenesis, in which viable eggs are laid without fertilization by a male.

Komodo dragons were discovered by Western scientists in 1910. Their large size and fearsome reputation makes them popular zoo exhibits. In the wild their range has contracted due to human activities and they are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They are protected under Indonesian law, and a national park, Komodo National Park, was founded to aid protection efforts.

The Komodo dragon is also known as the Komodo Monitor or the Komodo Island Monitor in scientific literature, although this is not very common. To the natives of Komodo Island, it is referred to as ora, buaya darat (land crocodile) or biawak raksasa (giant monitor).

Indonesia, The World's Largest Archipelago

2008-09-13T03:05:00.002+07:00

Indonesia Flag

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, boasts of having one of the best biodiversity levels. It ranks second next to Brazil. This means that there is an intense mixture of floral and fauna, usually bearing Australasian and Asian ancestry. The country is used to be connected to the mainland of Asia. There are a lot of islands that comprise the country, and majority of them are filled with sun-kissed beaches, beautiful and majestic coral reefs, and plenty of different species of fish and other marine creatures. That's why besides immersing yourself into the history and culture of its people, sailing in Indonesia is a popular activity that you can look forward to.

A holiday vacation in Bali will never be complete if you don't try swimming, canoeing, or even diving in any of the 10 best dive spots in the area. Good choices will include USAT Liberty. It's basically a U.S. cargo steamship filled with ammunition by the time it was torpedoed in 1942 by the Japanese. Today, it's considered to be one of the most interesting artificial reefs in Indonesia. You can then proceed to Amed, which is located on the eastern coastline. It has a lot of fishing villages, such as Gili Selang and Lipah. The island is valued for the privacy it gives to visitors.

Another interesting place to visit is the Maumere in Flores Island. It's already a very famous tourist destination, so there are now plenty of tours that you can choose from. You can also select a yacht charter from Bali and then sail through the Maumere. You can also go to the area by flying from Central Flores Island. Formerly a volcanic island, Flores has attractive places to offer to foreigners. You can try shopping at their local market, dine in Wuring (a small fishing village), or experience traditional Indonesian culture at Sikka. Of course, your stay will not be complete without diving or swimming, especially in Pemana.

Sailing in Indonesia may also mean exploring Irian Jaya. This is the largest Indonesian province, with a span of more than 400,000 square kilometers. Besides the beach, you can make a stop and follow several hiking trails leading to Puncak Jayawijaya, a very large mountain range that is 5,800 meters above sea level. You can also camp at other mountains such as Gunung Yamin and Gunung Trikora. There are also several lakes where you can go fishing or canoeing, the largest of which is Panai.

People go to Indonesia for food, clothing, and a sense of culture. They may have forgotten that it's also blessed with an impressive ecosystem, made up of seas, lakes, mountains, and animal creatures. Sailing in Indonesia will allow you to enjoy its natural resources.

Tempe

2008-02-03T18:09:00.001+07:00

Tempe is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form. It originated from Indonesia, invented by the Javanese, where it is most popular, although it is common in other parts of Southeast Asia as well, introduced by migrated Javanese. It is especially popular on the island of Java, where it is a staple source of protein.

Like tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans, but tempeh is a whole soybean product with different nutritional characteristics and textural qualities. Tempeh's fermentation process and its retention of the whole bean give it a higher content of protein, dietary fiber and vitamins compared to tofu, as well as firmer texture and stronger flavor. Tofu, however, has a higher concentration of protein per carbohydrates, and is thought to be more versatile in dishes.

Because of its nutritional value, tempeh is used worldwide in vegetarian cuisine; some consider it to be a meat analogue. Even long ago before people found and realized the rich nutrition fact of tempeh, tempeh was referred to as “Javanese meat.”

Gamelan

2008-02-03T18:03:00.001+07:00

A Gamelan is a kind of musical ensemble of Indonesia typically featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings, and vocalists may also be included.

The term refers more to the set of instruments than the players of those instruments. A gamelan as a set of instruments is a distinct entity, built and tuned to stay together — instruments from different gamelan are not interchangeable.

The word "gamelan" comes from the Javanese word "gamel", meaning to strike or hammer, and the suffix "an", which makes the root a collective noun.

Angklung

2008-02-03T17:33:00.001+07:00

Angklung is a musical instrument made out of two bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are carved so that they have a resonant pitch when struck. The two tubes are tuned to octaves. The base of the frame is held with one hand while the other hand shakes the instrument rapidly from side to side.

This causes a rapidly repeating note to sound. Thus each of three or more angklung performers in an ensemble will play just one note and together complete melodies are produced.

Angklung is popular throughout Southeast Asia, but originated from Indonesia (used and played by the Sundanese since the ancient times).

Wayang

2007-06-22T01:16:00.001+07:00

Wayang is an Indonesian/Malay word for theater. When the term is used to refer to kinds of puppet theater, sometimes the puppet itself is referred to as wayang. "Bayang", the Javanese word for shadow or imagination, also connotes "spirit." Performances of shadow puppet theater are accompanied by gamelan in Java, and by "gender wayang" in Bali.

UNESCO designated Wayang Kulit, a shadow puppet theater and the best known of the Indonesian wayang, as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on 7 November 2003.

Batik

2007-06-22T00:37:00.001+07:00

Batik (Javanese-Indonesian-Malay pronunciation: ['ba.te'], but often, in English, is [bætik] or [ba'ti'k]) is an Indonesian word and refers to a generic wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile. The word originates from Javanese word "amba", meaning ”to write” and the Javanese word for dot or point, "titik."

It is known to be more than a millennium old, probably in ancient Egypt or Sumeria. There are evidences that cloth decorated through some form of resist technique was in use in the early centuries AD. It is found in several countries later in West Africa such as Nigeria, Cameroon and Mali, or in Asia, such as India, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Thailand, and Malaysia, but the most popular are in Indonesia.

The art of Batik reach its highest achievement in technique, intricate design, and refined aesthetic in Java, Indonesia. The island of Java itself is famous and well known for its exquisite batik for centuries, particularly in places such as Yogyakarta, Solo, Cirebon, and Pekalongan.

Prambanan

2007-04-04T04:46:00.001+07:00

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia, located in central Java, approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta (7°45′8″S, 110°29′30″E).

It was built around 850 CE by either Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty or Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Sanjaya dynasty. Not long after its construction, the temple was abandoned and began to deteriorate. Reconstruction of the compound began in 1918.

The main building was completed in around 1953, since it is next to impossible to find the original stonework, which has often been stolen and reused at remote construction sites. A temple will only be rebuilt if at least 75% of the original stones are available. Therefore only their foundation walls of most of the smaller shrines are visible and they will not be rebuilt.

Surabaya

2007-04-04T04:42:00.001+07:00

Surabaya (formerly Soerabaja) is Indonesia's second-largest city, and the capital of the province of East Java.

It is located on the northern shore of eastern Java at the mouth of the Mas River and at the side of the Madura Strait.

The city is one of the busiest ports in the country. Its principal exports include sugar, tobacco and coffee. It has a large shipyard, and numerous specialized naval schools.

Jakarta

2007-04-04T04:39:00.001+07:00

Jakarta (also Djakarta or DKI Jakarta), formerly known as Sunda Kelapa, Jayakarta and Batavia is the capital and largest city of Indonesia.

Located on the northwest coast of the island of Java, it has an area of 661.52 km² and a population of 8,792,000 (2004). Jakarta has been developed for more than 490 years and currently is the eleventh largest city and metropolitan area and ninth most densely populated city in the world with 44,283 people per sq mile. Its metropolitan area is called Jabotabek and contains more than 23 million people, and it is part of an even larger Jakarta-Bandung megalopolis.

Jakarta is served by the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Since 2004, Jakarta, under the governance of Sutiyoso, has developed its new transportation system, which is known as "TransJakarta" or "Busway" and in 2007, Jakarta will establish its newest transportation system, the Jakarta Monorail. Jakarta also is the location of the Jakarta Stock Exchange and the National Monument.

Monumen Nasional

2007-04-04T04:33:00.001+07:00

The Monumen Nasional (or Tugu Monas, the National Monument tower) is a 450 ft (137 m) tall tower in Central Jakarta, symbolizing the fight for Indonesia's Independence.

Its construction began in 1961 under Sukarno and was not finished until 1975 under Suharto. It is topped by a 14.5 tonnes flame-shaped bronze plated in 35 kg (1,125 troy ounces) of gold.

Visitors can take a lift up to a platform with a good view of Medan Merdeka Park, Istiqlal Mosque and the city, if it is not too foggy.

Inside the base of the monument is an exhibition on the country's Declaration of Independence and several dioramas showing the history of Indonesia.

Java

2007-04-04T04:23:00.001+07:00

Java (Indonesian, Javanese, and Sundanese: Jawa) is an island of Indonesia and the site of its capital city, Jakarta.

Once the centre of powerful Hindu kingdoms and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies, Java now plays a dominant role in the economic and political life of Indonesia.

With a population of 124 million, it is the most populous island in the world; it is also one of the most densely populated regions on Earth.

Bali

2007-04-04T04:18:00.001+07:00

Bali is an Indonesian island located at 8°25′23″S, 115°14′55″E, the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east.

It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority.

It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music.

Borobudur

2007-04-04T04:13:00.001+07:00

Borobudur is a ninth century Buddhist Mahayana monument in Central Java, Indonesia.

The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

A main dome is located at the center of the top platform. It is surrounded by seventy-two perforated stupas, each containing one sitting Buddha statue.

Kho Ping Hoo

2007-04-01T23:31:00.001+07:00

Kho Ping Hoo or Asmaraman Sukowati Kho Ping Hoo (born in Sragen, August 17, 1926 - died in Solo, 22 July 1994) was an Indonesian author from Chinese descent.

He is very famous for his martial art stories with the background of China or Java. During his 30 years career, he had published at least 120 stories (according to Leo Suryadinata).

However, Forum magazine claimed at least Kho Ping Hoo had 400 stories with the background of China and 50 stories with the background of Java.

Yayuk Basuki

2007-04-01T23:27:00.001+07:00

Yayuk Basuki (born November 30, 1970, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia) is a former professional tennis player from Indonesia.

She is the highest-ever ranked tennis player from Indonesia at #19 in the Women's Tennis Association.

Ruslan Abdulgani

2007-04-01T23:17:00.001+07:00

Ruslan Abdulgani (November 24, 1914, Surabaya — June 29, 2005, Jakarta) his first name is also spelled Roeslan) was an Indonesian government official and diplomat known for his role as a leader during the Indonesian National Revolution in the late 1940s, and as a key minister and United Nations ambassador in the Sukarno government during the 1950s and 1960s.

Anggun Cipta Sasmi

2007-04-01T17:37:00.001+07:00

Anggun Cipta Sasmi (born April 29, 1974, in Jakarta) is an Indonesian singer/songwriter. Her name means "Grace born out of a dream" in Indonesian.

Anggun is also the highest-selling Asian artist outside Asia and made a history for being the first Asian artist to break into international music scene.

She is best known in Europe, particularly in France and Italy, as well as in several parts of Asia.

Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie

2007-04-01T17:28:00.001+07:00

Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie (born June 25, 1936), more commonly known simply as Rudy Habibie or B J Habibie, was the third President of Indonesia, holding office from 1998 to 1999.

By May 1998, the increasing poverty caused by the Financial Crisis and political discontent had reached boiling point. On 13th May, the shooting of six students at Trisakti University in Jakarta, caused extreme anger which in turn caused widespread riots and lootings. There were now explicit calls for Suharto to step down as President of Indonesia. Suharto responded by saying that if he stepped down, the Vice President would become President and in a not too subtle jab to Habibie, said that he was not sure whether the Vice President could solve the problems facing the country .

Suharto

2007-04-01T17:22:00.001+07:00

Suharto (born June 8, 1921) is a former Indonesian military and political leader. He served as a military officer in the Indonesian National Revolution, but is better known as the long-reigning second President of Indonesia, holding the office from 1967 to 1998.

Suharto stood for reelection for the seventh time in March 1998, justifying it on the grounds of the necessity of his leadership during the crisis. As in past years, he was unopposed for reelection. This sparked protests and riots throughout the country, now termed the Indonesian Revolution of 1998. Dissension within the ranks of his own Golkar party and military finally weakened Suharto, and on May 21 he stood down from power. He was replaced by his deputy Jusuf Habibie.

Ateng

2007-04-01T13:49:00.001+07:00

Ateng (also Andreas Leo Ateng Suripto) (8 August 1942 - 6 May 2003), better known as Ateng, was a popular Indonesian comedian actor.

Famous for his shortness and Charlie Chaplin mustache.

Suzzanna

2007-04-01T13:45:00.001+07:00

Suzzanna (born 19 October 1942 in Bogor, Indonesia) is an Indonesian actress.

She started out as a child actress and later became one of the biggest stars of Indonesian horror cinema.

Affandi

2007-04-01T13:33:00.001+07:00

Affandi was born in Cirebon, West Java, in 1907, as the son of R. Koesoema, who was a surveyor at a local sugar factory. Affandi finished his upper secondary school in Jakarta, but he forsook his study for the desire to become an artist. Affandi taught himself how to paint since 1934.

In the 1950s, Affandi began to create expressionistic paintings. Carrying the First Grandchild (1953) was the piece that marked his newfound style: “squeezing the tube.” Affandi paints by directly squeezing the paint out of its tube. He came across this technique by accident, when he intended to draw a line one day. As he lost his patience when he sought for the missing pencil, he applied the paint directly from its tube.

The resulting effect, as he found out, was that the painting object appeared more alive. He also felt more freedom to express his feelings when he used his own hands, instead of a painting brush. In certain respects, he has acknowledged similarities with Vincent van Gogh.

As a renowned artist, Affandi participated in various exhibitions abroad. Besides India, he has also displayed his works in the biennale in Brazil (1952), Venice (1954), and won an award therein), and Sao Paolo (1956). In 1957, he received a scholarship from the United States government to study the methods of arts education. He was appointed as Honorary Professor in Painting by Ohio State University in Columbus in the United States. In 1974, he received an honorary doctorate from University of Singapore, the Peace Award from the Dag Hammarskjoeld Foundation in 1977, and the title of Grand Maestro in Florence, Italy.

Raden Saleh

2007-04-01T13:27:00.001+07:00

Raden Saleh Sjarif Bestaman (1807 - April 23, 1880) is one of the best known painters from Indonesia. Raden Saleh, that was born into the noble Javanese family in 1807, was a pioneer of modern Indonesian art.

Although he was the first Indonesian artist to depict in the West style, the fact that he expressed the identity and the inventiveness in his work (seditentang to the traditional approach that stressed spread-culture the form and the established style) showed the method for the artist's Indonesian candidate to express their idea of being personally freer.

Imam Bonjol

2007-04-01T13:15:00.001+07:00

Tuanku Imam Bonjol (also Muhammad Shahab) (1772 – November 6, 1864), was a hero in the Indonesian struggle against Dutch rule. He was born in the village of Tanjung Bunga in the Pasaman regency of West Sumatra. His father's name was Buya Nudin. He was immersed in Islamic studies as he grew up, studying first from his father and later under various other Muslim theologians.

After founding the state of Bonjol, Syarif became involved in the Adat/Paderi controversy as a Paderi leader. The Paderi movement, which has been compared to the Wahhabi school of Islam in Saudi Arabia, was an effort to return the Islam of the area to the purity of its roots by removing local distortions like gambling, cockfighting, the use of opium and strong drink, tobacco, and so forth. It also opposed the powerful role of women in the matrilineal Minangkabau culture. The Adat, or traditionalist, position was that local custom that pre-dated the arrival of Islam should also be respected and followed.

Feeling their leadership position threatened, the traditionalists appealed to the Dutch for help in their struggle against the Paderis. At first, the Dutch were not able to win militarily against the Paderis because their resources were stretched thin by the Diponegoro resistance in Java. In 1824, the Dutch signed the Masang Agreement ending hostilities with the state of Bonjol.

Subsequently, however, once the Diponegoro resistance was suppressed, the Dutch attacked the state of Pandai Sikat in a renewed effort to gain control of West Sumatra. Despite valiant fighting by the Indonesians (by this time the traditionalists had realized they didn't want to be ruled by the Dutch either and had joined forces with the Paderis in their resistance), the overwhelming power of the Dutch military eventually prevailed. Syarif was captured in 1832 but escaped after three months to continue the struggle from his tiny fortress in Bonjol.

After three years of siege, the Dutch finally managed to sack Bonjol on August 16, 1837. Through a negotiation ruse, the Dutch again captured Syarif and exiled him, first to Cianjur in West Java, then to Ambon, and later to Manado in Sulawesi. He died on November 6, 1864, at the age of 92 and is buried in Sulawesi. The site of his grave is marked by a Minangkabau (West Sumatran) house.

Prince Diponegoro

2007-04-01T13:08:00.001+07:00

Prince Diponegoro (Pangeran Diponegoro) (born Yogyakarta 1785 - died Makassar 1855) was a Javanese prince who opposed the Dutch colonial rule. He played an important role in the Java War (1825-1830). In 1830, the Dutch exiled him to Manado.

Diponegoro was a prince in the Javanese court of Yogyakarta. In the early 19th century the Javanese nobles were deprived of their right to lease land, which right was taken over by the Dutch colonial authority in order to improve their finances. Infuriated by the loss of prestige, and also by not having been chosen for promotion, Diponegoro believed that he had been chosen by divine powers to lead a rebellion against the secular colonials and started a holy war against them. Dipenogoro was widely believed to be the Ratu Adil, the Just Ruler predicted in the Pralembang Joyoboyo.

The beginning of the war saw large losses on the side of the Dutch, due to their lack of coherent strategy and commitment in fighting Diponegoro's guerrilla warfare. Ambushes were set up, and food supplies were denied to the Dutch troops. Diponegoro also enjoyed popular support among the population of Central Java.

The Dutch finally committed themselves to controlling the spreading rebellion by increasing the number of troops and sending General De Kock to stop the insurgencies. De Kock developed a fortress wherein he established a series of heavily-fortified and well-defended soldiers to limit the movement of Diponegoro's troops. Then Diponegoro was invited to negotiate. He accepted but later it was known that it was only Dutch trick to abduct him. He was placed under arrest while meeting under the auspices of negotiation in 1830. The Dutch exiled him to Makassar.

Today Diponegoro is a National Hero in Indonesia, and an Army division is named after him.

Gesang

2007-04-01T12:56:00.001+07:00

Gesang Martohartono (born 1917) is a renowned Indonesian singer-songwriter from central Java, and composer of the song Bengawan Solo, a tune which has become famous throughout Indonesia, Japan and much of Asia, and which is almost synonymous with the kroncong style of Javanese music.

He is most commonly known simply as Gesang.

Amrozi

2007-04-01T12:50:00.001+07:00

Ali Amrozi bin Haji Nurhasyim (also known as Amrozi) (born July 5, 1962) is an Indonesian terrorist who was convicted for his part in the 2002 Bali bombing.

He is a native of East Java and the fifth of 13 children. His two brothers Ali Ghufron, aka Mukhlas and Ali Imron were also both involved in the Bali bombing in October 2002.

Mukhlas is suspected of converting Amrozi to militantism when the two reunited in Malaysia in the late 1980s. Both his brothers are currently in police custody.

Imam Samudra

2007-04-01T12:46:00.001+07:00

Imam Samudra aka Abdul Aziz aka Qudama (born January 14, 1970 in Serang, Banten) is an Indonesian terrorist who was convicted for his part in the 2002 Bali bombing.

On September 5, 2006 he was condemned to eight years in jail for sheltering Noordin Mohammed Top, the alleged mastermind of the plot.

Hidayat Nur Wahid

2007-04-01T12:37:00.001+07:00

DR. Hidayat Nur Wahid, MA., Lc. (born in Klaten, Central Java on April 8, 1960) was elected as the leader of Indonesia's Constitutional Assembly (MPR) on 6 October 2004.

He resigned as the leader of Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) on 11 October 2004.

Tukul Arwana

2007-03-31T21:07:00.001+07:00

Tukul Arwana (also Tukul Riyanto) born October 16, 1963. He is one of the famous comedian from Indonesia. Tukul Riyanto (16 October 1963) is an Indonesian comedian who presents the Bukan Empat Mata chatshow on Trans 7.

Tukul was born in Semarang, Central Java. When he was young, he often appeared on stage during celebrations of Indonesia's Independence Day. He also worked as driver. A friend, Joko Dewo, persuaded him to move to Jakarta, and initially supported him financially.

Tukul then married a Padangese woman named Susi Similikiti Weleh Weleh, with whom he had a daughter, Vita. Tukul began working on the radio, where he met other Indonesian comedians. The turning point in his career was when he starred with child star Joshua in a music video. He then moved to television and hosted programs for TPI and Indosiar. He is now best known for the chatshow Empat Mata.

At the beginning of November 2008, Empat Mata was banned by the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) following a fourth breach of the commission's guidelines. The show subsequently resumed under the name Bukan Empat Mata, "bukan" being the Indonesian word for "not".

Jojon

2007-03-31T20:50:00.002+07:00

Jojon (also Djuhri Masdjan), is a veteran Indonesian comedian. He was born on June 5, 1947, and is a former member of Jayakarta group, along with Cahyoo and Uuk.

He can be easily recognized by his Adolf Hitler/Charlie Chaplin lookalike mustache. Currently, Jojon is a single comedian, and plays a significant supporting role on many TV shows such as SBY and Kerajaan Sahur.

Jojon is so famous that there is even an Indonesian folksong "Hujan Rintik-Rintik, Jojon Minta Uang", which usually accompanies a children's drawing game.

Elvy Sukaesih

2007-03-31T20:31:00.001+07:00

Elvy Sukaesih (born June 25, 1951) is one of the most popular singers in Java, Indonesia, and has been dubbed the Queen of Dangdut.

Sukaesih has a significant fanbase in other Asian countries such as Japan. She has been a prolific recording artist since the late 1960s.

Elvy Sukaesih's male counterpart is the King of Dangdut, Rhoma Irama.

Liem Swie King

2007-03-31T20:07:00.001+07:00

Liem Swie King (born February 28, 1956) was an Indonesian badminton player in the late 1970s and 1980s who competed in singles and some doubles events. Along with Morten Frost Hansen (Denmark), Han Jian (China), and Prakash Padukone (India), he was one of the world's dominant players in that era.

Liem, whose given name "Swie King" means "a person of intellectual brilliance", was best known for his aggressive play and the ferocity of his smash. He won the All-England Men Singles Championships in 1978, 1979 and 1981. He was a member of the Thomas Cup winning Indonesian team in 1976, 1979 and 1984. He eventually retired from badminton in 1988, and makes a good living operating a health spa in Jakarta.

Liem was inducted into the International Badminton Federation Hall of Fame in 2002.

Anton Medan

2007-03-31T19:57:00.001+07:00

Anton Medan (born Tan Hok Liang on October 10, 1957) is a former robber and gambling tycoon who converted to Islam and became a preacher in 1992. Prior his conversion to Islam, he grew up amid the dark politics of Indonesia. It was during the Suharto's New Order rule when gangsters were used in politics, bussiness and government agencies.

In 1998, Anton Medan was put as a scapegoat being the orchestrator of the Jakarta Riots after which the allegation was then quietly dropped. The riot, which was initially a student demonstration to protest against the Indonesian president Suharto, turned into an anti-Chinese demonstration in the capital Jakarta.

Anton Medan is of Chinese descent, but he took the street joining the riot to prove himself that he was loyal to the people or himself became a target. In the political turmoil of 1998, it was also reported that Prabowo Subianto, Suharto's son-in-law and the commander of Kopassus, had recruited and manipulated Anton Medan to gain millitant supporters.

During the investigation of the 1998 riot, Anton Medan denied the accusation that he was actively in role behind the scene, although he admitted that he was in the middle of the mob. However, he refused to testify unless the National Human Rights Commission rehabilitated his name first.

Susi Susanti

2007-03-31T19:52:00.001+07:00

Susi Susanti (also Lucia Francisca Susi Susanti), born in Tasikmalaya, West Java on February 11, 1971, was an Indonesian badminton player. Sometimes her name is also spelled Susy Susanti.

She won the Olympic Gold medal for woman's singles in the 1992 Olympic in Barcelona and the bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games. She is married to Alan Budikusuma, who also won a gold medal winner in 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Often considered the finest female badminton player Indonesia produced, Susanti dominated the women's singles event in the early 1990s, winning the All-England in 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994, the World Grand Prix from 1990-1994, and the World Championships in 1993. She also led the Indonesian team to win the Uber Cup in 1994 and 1996.

She was running a badminton racket company with her husband called Alan Susy Technology (Astec) after her retirement.

Chris John

2007-03-31T19:47:00.000+07:00

Chris John (also Yohannes Christian John) (born September 14, 1979 in Jakarta, Indonesia) is the WBA featherweight boxing champion (2003-). His record is 38-0-1 (20 KOs).

John started boxing in his early childhood and was trained by his father Johan Tjahjadi (aka Thjia Foek Sem), a former amateur boxer. John is the third Indonesian to win a boxing world title, following Ellyas Pical and Nico Thomas. John turned professional in 1997 and is known as "Thin Man".

In 2005 John splitted with trainer Sutan Rambing then joined Harry's Gym in Perth, Australia, where he is currently trained and managed by Craig Christian.

Ellyas Pical

2007-03-31T19:42:00.000+07:00

Ellyas Pical (born 24 March 1960 in Saparua) was the first world boxing champion from Indonesia, and was three times IBF Super flyweight champion (1985 – 1989). In his childhood, Pical was a pearl diver, diving without equipment.

Pical's nickname "The Exocet" was given by the press referring to his left-hand punch. The name comes from the French-made missiles used to against the Royal Navy by the Argentine Air Force during the Falklands War, which happened in 1982 during Pical's era. He got his title with this left-hand punch, knocking out defending champion Judo Chun. Pical was only the second man from Indonesia to fight for a world title, following Thomas Americo (defeated by Saoul Mamby for the WBC Super lightweight title in Jakarta in 1981).

Today, Pical lives with his wife Rina Siahaya Pical, a dentist, and his sons Lorinly and Matthew. Pical was allegedly caught in the act of selling drugs to some undercover policemen in a discotheque in Jakarta during September 2005. This was shocking news to many Indonesians, as Pical had a reputation as a clean living and religious man. He was sentenced to seven months in prison, and released on 7 February 2006. Pical currently works on the staff of KONI - Indonesian Olympic Committee.

Amien Rais

2007-03-31T19:34:00.000+07:00

Amien Rais (born Surakarta, Central Java 26 April 1944) is a prominent Indonesian politician who led and inspired the reform movement that forced the resignation of the authoritarian ruler, President Suharto, in 1998.

Amien Rais was the leader of Muhammadiyah, one of the two biggest Muslim organizations in Indonesia, in 1995 - 2000. Amien Rais was the chairman of Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in 1999 - 2004.

Mohammad Hatta

2007-03-31T19:30:00.000+07:00

Mohammad Hatta (August 12, 1902 - March 14, 1980) was born in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). He was Indonesia's first vice president, after being the country's Prime Minister.

Known as "The Proclamator", he and a number of Indonesians, including the first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, fought for the independence of Indonesia from the Dutch East Indies.

Despite his effort to gain Indonesian independence, he had studied in the Netherlands since 1921 until 1932. Moreover, since his early education, he studied in Netherlands-based school in Indonesia.

Mohammad Hatta's name often remembered as Bung Hatta ('Bung' is an affectionate title used to address colleagues, popular in early 1900s) and is still used by Indonesians.

Munir Said Thalib

2007-03-31T19:24:00.000+07:00

Munir Said Thalib (December 8, 1965 - September 7, 2004), affectionally known simply as 'Munir', was Indonesia's most famous Human Rights and anti-corruption activist.

The founder of the Kontras human rights organisation and laureate of the Right Livelihood Award, Munir was assassinated in 2004 while travelling to Utrecht University to pursue a Master's degree in international law and human rights.

Ebiet G. Ade

2007-03-31T19:12:00.001+07:00

Ebiet G. Ade (born April 21, 1955) is an Indonesian singer and songwriter close to the suppressed society. His musical touch has influenced Indonesian pop music. His lyrics are made by himself, he never collaborates with other musicians to arrange the lyrics, but he can collaborate with them to arrange his musical arrangement.

Born as Abdul Gafar Abdullah in Wonodadi, Banjarnegara, he is the youngest son of Aboe Ja'far. He had many desires: engineer, doctor, and painter. But as it turned out, eventually he became a famous singer, although he only wants to be called a poet.

In 1970s, Ebiet was close to Jogjakarta young artist society. It formed his musical style. Close to a prolific artist Emha Ainun Nadjib, he often sang his friend’s poems with his guitar. But, when entering recording studio, he did not sing any of Emha’s songs. Although Ebiet felt sorry to leave Yogyakarta, he concentrated to try his luck and natural talent in Jakarta. The recording of his songs were successful. He recorded in the Philipines to get the better recording. But he refused to record his songs in Japanese, when he had a chance to have a concert there.

Married with Yayuk Sugianto (Iis Sugianto’s old sister), in 1982, he has 4 sons: Abietyasakti Ksatria Kinasih, Adaprabu Hantip Trengginas, Byatuasa Pakarti Hinuwih, and Segara Banyu Bening. They lived in Ciganjur, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. In his house Ebiet raises about 20 birds.

Later, he recorded in Colombia Records, the United States. Ebiet also involved Adie MS and Jimmy Manoppo to assist his music.

Ebiet was chosen as the favorite singer of ABRI Radio Broadcasting (1989-1992), BASF Awards winner 1984 until 1988, and the best singer in 1997 Indonesian Musical Awards.

Abu Bakar Ba'asyir

2007-03-31T18:44:00.001+07:00

Abu Bakar Ba'asyir (also Abu Bakar Bashir) was born in Jombang, East Java in August 17, 1938. He was a student of Gontor Islamic boarding school in Ponorogo, graduating in 1959, before entering Al-Irsyad University, in Solo, Central Java and graduating in 1963.

After time as an activist for the Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (Indonesian: "Islamic Student Association") in Solo, he was elected secretary of Al-Irsyad Youth Organization, and then president of Indonesian Islamic Youth Movement (GPII) (1961), and Indonesian Student Da'wah Organization (LDMI).

In 1972, Bashir founded Al-Mukmin boarding school with friends Abdullah Sungkar, Yoyo Roswadi, Abdul Qohar H. Daeng Matase and Abdllah Baraja. Al-Mukmin is located in Ngruki, near Solo, Central Java. Initially, Al-Mukmin's activities were limited to religious discussion after only short Islamic forum after dhuhr (mid-day prayer). Following increasing interest, the founders expanded Al-Mukmin into madrasah (Islamic school) and then to pesantren (Islamic boarding school).

In 1983, during president of Indonesia Suharto's new order, Bashir and Sungkar were arrested allegedly for urging sharia, non-recognition of the Indonesian national ideology pancasila which in part promotes religious pluralism, and their school refusal to salute the Indonesian Flag which they considered to be shrik (Islamic defined polytheism).

Furthermore, they were accused of supporting separatist organizations. He appealed. He was also linked to the bomb attack on the Buddhist monument Borobudur in 1985 but fled to Malaysia. In Malaysia, and also Singapore he was involved in religious teaching. USA alleged that during this period he became involved with jamaah Islamiyah (not prooved) an alleged militant Islamist group.

Following the 1998 reformation and resignation of Suharto, Bashir returned to Indonesia (in 1999), joined the Indonesian Mujahedeen Council, and renewed his call for sharia.

Sukarno

2007-03-31T18:32:00.000+07:00

Sukarno ( June 6, 1901 – June 20, 1970) was the first president of Indonesia. He helped the country win its independence from the Netherland and was President from 1945 to 1967, presiding with mixed success over the country's turbulent transition to independence. Sukarno was forced from power by one of his generals, Suharto, who formally became President in March 1967.

The spelling "Sukarno" has been official in Indonesia since 1947 but the older spelling Soekarno is still frequently used. Indonesians also remember him as Bung Karno (Bung is an affectionate title used to address colleagues, popular in the early 1900s). Like many Javanese people, he had just one name.

Rhoma Irama

2007-03-31T18:15:00.001+07:00

Rhoma Irama (born December 11, 1946, in Tasikmalaya, West Java) is an Indonesian dangdut singer. During the height of his stardom in th 1970s, he became the self-proclaimed Raja Dangdut (King of Dangdut) with the group Soneta.

He was known as his stage name Oma Irama before he made a pilgrimage to Mecca and became a haji. He later took the name Rhoma Irama, which is an abbreviation of "Raden Haji Oma Irama" (Raden is an aristocracy title for Javanese and Sundanese cultures, but it is still unknown whether Rhoma Irama is a member of aristocrat class of Sundanese, which is known as his ethnic background).

Rhoma Irama is also well-known as an imam and is the chairman of the Muslim Forum (FUI), a nonpartisan religious organization. In 1992 he taught Cahyono, one of the Indonesian comedians according to his conversion to Islam. Once, Cahyono stated that Rhoma knew all of the Catholic principles as well as its mistakes.

Rhoma Irama was in the news in 2003 for his criticism of the suggestive dancing of fellow dangdut singer Inul Daratista. Recently, he was ineligible to receive the PhD award from the American University of Hawaii in February 2005 after being busted for plagiarizing his title.

In a comprehensive research about dangdut, a local journalist cited an allegation that Rhoma Irama may have stolen some of the tune of his songs from Indian movie theme songs. He also one of the artists on the only CD containing dangdut music in the United States, which was released on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings as part of its Indonesian music series.

Iwan Fals

2007-03-31T18:00:00.001+07:00

Iwan Fals (born September 3, 1961 in Jakarta) is an Indonesian singer and songwriter. He has released several dozen albums of mostly solo guitar-based material in a style said to be influenced by Bob Dylan. He is considered a popular and charismatic singer in the country. He is known as a social observer and protest singer, although he has sung many songs about love and romance.

He has two children, Annisa Cikal Rambu Basae and Rayya Rambu Robbani. His eldest son, Galang Rambu Anarki, died in April 1997 of asthma, with speculation of a morphine overdose. Iwan Fals wrote an eponymously titled song for him following his death.