Discovering a Hidden Jewel--Sempu Island

I woke up at 3 am in the morning, got dressed in my bikini, then packed an extra pair of clothes, a towel, lots of food and water, mosquito lotion, and some sunscreen. I was about to head to Heaven on Earth in Indonesia—Sempu Island. It was going to be a 3-hour drive to the coast, a 15-min boat ride to the island, and a 2-hour walk to get the lagoon next to the Indian Ocean. The car and boat ride was less than extraordinary, but the 2-hour walk was an adventure of a lifetime—especially given the jewel that I was to discover at the end of the journey.

We got off the boat and crossed some shallow water. On the other side was a muddy jungle that seemed to hold all the secret wonders of the world. Our guide, Hendra, told us that the island was divided into two areas—area A is mostly uninhabited by dangerous animals, while area B is where the jaguars dwell. As much as I wanted to see a jaguar, I was happy to hear we were about to venture into area A. J

Crossing the muddy paths, I can see that there were many visitors in the past. The footprints in the mud were our guides, and their presence gave us just enough knowledge to reach the lagoon. Step by step and slip after slip, we got our muddy selves through the jungle without serious injuries. Along the way, I kept on wondering: perhaps the animals are all spying on us. Their voices were so vivid yet we could never see them—I heard monkeys and birds; even some unidentified croaking sounds that perplexed us all. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were laughing at us clumsy human beings.

As sudden and unexpected as the sun seems to creep up at dawn, we spotted clear, CLEAR, blue water. “We’re here,” said Henra. Each of us were so concentrated on that one step in front of us, that time disappeared, our hungers and thirst vanished. Yet as soon as we saw that water, even that slippery mud in front of us became solid ground. We raced to the lagoon, forgetting all our aches and pains.

There it was—paradise. I have never seen clearer water and whiter sand in my life. How can I have lived for 20 years on Earth and have never even seen this hidden wonder? I kicked off my half-broken muddy shoes, and to my surprise, the sand was one of the most solid kinds I’ve ever set foot upon. My feet didn’t sink in, and the heat of the sun was not trapped in the sand. It was comfortable and cool. I stood there, just for another second, to absorb all that was around me. I looked over at a large opening between the rocks that separated the ocean from this land, and I listened carefully to the Indian Ocean beating ruthlessly against these rocks. The opening allowed the clear sea water to gush into the lagoon. With each oceanic wave, the lagoon came to life with a soft sound of the sea. I wanted to be a part of this all! So I took off my clothes and ran into the lagoon in my bikini. I let the cool, salty water absorb me in. I let the sun shine its rays onto my skin. The girls and I floated, swam, laughed, took pictures, and enjoyed all that was around us. I felt true serenity.

On the way back, we began hearing a distant but familiar sound—the Muslim prayer broadcasted by loudspeaker throughout Indonesia. Together with all praying Muslims, I thanked God (whomever it/He may be) for creating this Earth with all its wonders. I knew that even though my internship about tourism and environmental protection was about to end, I will always be a part of this project for the rest of my life. Our Earth, our home, will be protected; its beauty will be shared. J I just wonder, what other jewels are there for me to discover? I can’t wait to find out.

Travelling back in time at Malang Tempo Dura

After much internal debate about the subject of my first blog entry, I've decided to first introduce Malang, Indonesia to all our readers. Hopefully, after reading this, you will have a better picture of what Malang is, and who are the people living in this rich piece of land. What I am about to share was documented on May 22nd, 2011. These are observations that capture my true feelings about the people and culture of Malang.

Travelling back in time has never been easier with the annual festival of Malang Tempo Dura (Malang goes back in time, MTD). It is truly a place where one can taste, smell, touch, and see the rich culture of Indonesia. Moreover, it is a festival for people from all walks of life to gather—young and old, rich and poor. It is a gathering of strangers in Malang, to shop, laugh, and eat. These strangers, with the help of lively music and the aroma of spices, from a community that is so vital to Indonesian

culture, as it is reflected in the festival’s food, clothing, and art.

A community is a family with little or no blood relations—it is choosing to be a part of a larger group of people despite the accident of birth. Indonesians exhibit a strong sense of community, which is reflected very strongly in the food at MTD. Stopping by stand after stand, one can always find rice and dough as part of the main dish or dessert. Rice is always coupled with strong spices, sugary drinks, and oily snacks. This coupling allows the bland to meet the exciting; the flavorless to meet the flavorful. The opposing elements counter-act each other to make a harmonious and delicious serving. The dishes allow difference to create unity—just as a community would. Moreover, the mixture of dough, mixing it, compressing it, steaming it, rolling it, are all part of a process that many families enjoy together. As the sticky rice unites each dough particle, the making of rice cakes unites the family; as well as those who eat it.

A community is also complicated. It is made up of completely different individuals with vastly different personalities. Such complications are what make a community beautiful and strong. These qualities are undoubtedly on full display in the cultural clothing and art of Indonesia. At MTD, one can always spot the traditional Indonesian clothing, Batiks, being used as wall decorations or sold as clothing. The Batik is a large piece of cloth, traditionally painted by hand with natural dye, into floral patterns of great complications. It can

be worn in many ways, depending on one’s personal style. As hundreds of years have passed since its first appearance, thousands of patterns have emerged on the Batik, celebrating the diversity of Indonesian people and culture. The Batik at once unifies a community and differentiates individuals.

At MTD, one may also find a form of traditional Indonesian Art, the Wayang Shadow Puppet. It is a cultural heritage that few can deny its splendor. The puppets themselves are colorful yet structured, displaying patterns of similar complications as the Batik. Yet, when the shadow puppet is used in a performance, one only sees its shadow—a projection of its outline from behind a screen. The two-dimensional puppets come alive through the interplay of light and shadows. Similar to Indonesian food, by contrasting empty spaces and solid material, two opposites, one can see the puppets come alive on the screen. The puppets then play out scenes of the lives of Indonesian people. With exaggeration, it can dramatize and satirize a community, a person, or a type of people. The Wayang Shadow Puppet is a form of art that educates as well as inspires awe. For the practice of controlling the puppet limbs takes years to master, and to give the puppets character, the puppeteer must know the movements of the puppet as if they were his own. Wayang is an art of the mastery of patience and understating, qualities that a community must possess to be open to new ideas, but also form a sense of identity.

Community is one of the most important values in Indonesian culture. As I traveled back in time in MTD, I realized that this quality is hundreds of years old, but as vibrant as ever. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced, Malang shall never lose its patience. Malang will maintain that sense of community, of being in a diverse community made up of different individuals but united by their food, beliefs, culture, and language. The aroma of Malang is rich, waiting for you to discover its intricacies and complications. That is something time shall never erase.