Indonesian Legend

Indonesia, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is the world's largest island country, consisting of more than 17,000 islands. These islands vary greatly in size, from massive landmasses like Sumatra and Borneo to tiny islets scattered across the oceans. Here's a detailed look at the largest islands in Indonesia, ranked from the largest to the smallest. 1. New Guinea (Papua) Area : Approximately 785,753 square kilometers (Indonesian portion: 421,981 square kilometers) Description : New Guinea, known as Papua in Indonesia, is the second-largest island in the world after Greenland. It is shared between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Indonesian part comprises the provinces of Papua, West Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua. The island is famous for its diverse cultures and rich biodiversity, with dense rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, and a significant number of endemic species. 2. Borneo (Kalimantan) Area : Approximately 748,168 square kilometers (Indonesi

The Persatuan Islam (Persis) is an Indonesian Islamic organization founded in 1923. Here’s a brief history of Persis: Founding and Early Years 1923 : Persis was established by a group of Indonesian Islamic reformists led by Haji Zamzam and Ahmad Hassan, among others. It emerged from a desire to reform and purify Islam in Indonesia, emphasizing a return to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah while rejecting what they saw as bid'ah (innovations) and cultural practices that deviated from orthodox Islam. 1924 : The organization held its first congress in Bandung, which was pivotal in setting its agenda and consolidating its ideals. Expansion and Influence 1930s-1940s : Persis became influential in Indonesian Islamic circles, promoting educational and social reforms based on its principles. During this period, it established numerous schools and social institutions. 1945 : Indonesia declared its independence, and Persis played a role in the nation’s early years, advocating for Islamic

Founding and Early Years Muhammadiyah is one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, founded by Ahmad Dahlan in Yogyakarta in 1912. The organization was established in a period marked by increasing national consciousness and a desire for reform in the Muslim community. Ahmad Dahlan, the founder, was a scholar deeply influenced by the teachings of Islamic reformist movements, particularly those coming from the Middle East. He was inspired by the ideas of modernizing and purifying Islam, which led him to seek a more effective way of practicing and teaching Islam, focusing on education and social reform. Growth and Development In its early years, Muhammadiyah focused on educational reform, establishing schools that provided both religious and secular education. This was a response to the colonial educational system that was seen as inadequate for the needs of Indonesian Muslims. Muhammadiyah's approach was to provide education that was modern yet grounded in Islamic princip

 The Tugu Pahlawan, or Heroes Monument, in Surabaya, Indonesia, is a significant historical landmark commemorating the heroism of Indonesian fighters during the Battle of Surabaya. This battle, which took place in November 1945, was a pivotal moment in Indonesia's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. Historical Background: After Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, the Dutch attempted to reassert control over their former colony. The British, who were in Indonesia to oversee the surrender of Japanese forces following World War II, found themselves in conflict with Indonesian nationalists who were determined to defend their newly proclaimed independence. The Battle of Surabaya began on November 10, 1945, when British forces, supporting Dutch interests, launched an attack on the city of Surabaya. The battle was triggered by a confrontation between the British forces and Indonesian fighters, including militias, students, and ordinary citizens, who res

Yellow Rice (Nasi Kuning) Recipe Nasi Kuning, or Yellow Rice, is a traditional Indonesian dish with deep cultural significance. Its vibrant yellow color comes from turmeric, which not only gives the dish its distinctive hue but also adds a warm, earthy flavor. Nasi Kuning is often served during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and religious ceremonies, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It is typically presented in a cone-shaped arrangement, known as tumpeng , and is surrounded by various side dishes that complement its flavor. The tradition of Nasi Kuning dates back to ancient Javanese culture, where rice was considered a sacred and important food. The practice of serving yellow rice in a ceremonial manner reflects the high value placed on rice in Indonesian society and its role in both daily life and spiritual practices. Recipe: Ingredients: 2 cups jasmine rice 2 cups coconut milk 1 cup water 1 tablespoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 lemongrass stalks, bruise

  The Historical Evolution of Old Town Surabaya Early Beginnings Surabaya, located on the northern coast of East Java, Indonesia, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The city’s name is believed to originate from the Javanese words "sura" (shark) and "baya" (crocodile), symbolizing a legendary fight between the two creatures that is depicted in the city’s emblem. 13th to 16th Century: Early Settlement and Trade During the 13th century, Surabaya was part of the powerful Majapahit Kingdom. It served as a significant port and trade center, connecting Java with other parts of Southeast Asia and beyond. The city's strategic location attracted merchants from China, India, Arabia, and Europe, facilitating cultural and economic exchanges. 17th Century: Colonial Era In the early 17th century, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in Java, aiming to dominate the spice trade. Surabaya became a focal point of Dutch colonial ambitions due to its strategic