Indonesia's Tourism Website

Do you a foreigner who want to visit Indonesia or an Indonesian who want to explore your own country?
Visit this website before you plan your tour. The website provides useful information about tourist destination in Indonesia as well as guidance to make sure your trip is memorable.
Here is the link: http://www.my-indonesia.info/

Enjoy..

Nagabonar Jadi 2: a review by Rohayati Paseng

Nagabonar Jadi 2 (2007)

Bumi Prasidi Bi-Epsi & Demi Gisela Citra Sinema
Executive Producer: Giselawati Wiranegara
Producer: Tyas A. Moein
Director: Deddy Mizwar
Writer: Musfar Yasin



A Review
Rohayati Paseng
University of Hawaii at Manoa

Deddy Mizwar reprises his title character in this sequel of the award winning Nagabonar (1987), and after 20 years he plays the character as charmingly as he did in 1987. This time he also directed it. In 1987, Nagabonar was portrayed as a skilled pickpocket, who joined the war against the Dutch who tried to regain control over Indonesia during the end of the Japanese occupation in 1945. He was illiterate and he spoke Indonesian with a very strong Batak accent. He often acted silly and even mischievously, but underneath all that laid a harmless heart. His motivations for joining the war were simply to gain material and social status --to be rich and to be a general. At the end he was a real soldier and managed to call himself a general.

In this sequel, he is an old man. He fathered four sons who died in infancy, and his wife died after giving birth to his fifth and only surviving son, Bonaga, (played by Tora Sudiro). He raised Bonaga alone who now has become a young successful businessman, and very well educated. The film starts with a scene of Bonaga in a car on his way to his father’s village somewhere near Medan in North Sumatra. He is going to take his father to Jakarta for a short visit. The next scenes show that Nagabonar did manage well after the war, because now he owns a palm oil plantation. We also know that his mother, wife, and brother, whom he loves dearly, were buried in the plantation. The rest of the film deals with Bonaga trying to convince his father to turn the plantation into a resort. Nagabonar opposes the idea, and just when it seems like he might change his mind, he finds out that his son’s investors are Japanese. He falls into a deep emotional trap. On the one hand, he loves his son very much and he tries hard to understand the gap between his generation and his son’s. On the other hand, he still has bad feelings toward the Japanese, and he is concerned about the three graves in the plantation.

Nagabonar is the father of every average Indonesian who was born of parents who lived through the end of the Dutch colonial time and during the Japanese occupation in Indonesia. He makes people cry and laugh (sometimes simultaneously) because they could see their own fathers in the Nagabonar character. The relationship between Nagabonar and his son ultimately represents a negotiation between two different sets of values, each shaped by its own time, that try to accommodate each other. Despite their differences and a few very striking similarities, the love between father and son in this film is as solid as a rock. Every child wants to have a loving father like Nagabonar and every father wants to have a sensitive child like Bonaga.

Furthermore, I must say that the representation of Indonesian women in this film is very positive. Bonita (played by Wulan Guritno) is Bonaga’s business partner and love interest. She is beautiful, smart and independent, but not a bitch as is often the case in many Indonesian films. Another thing that feels fresh in this film is the recognition from Bonaga that Bonita is not the stereotypical submissive Indonesian woman, and he is fine with that quality.

Nagabonar jadi 2 is funny, smart, and critical. There are a few poignant scenes that would make audience laugh and cry simultaneously. Tora Sudiro’s on and off Batak accent is not necessarily negative because presumably his character grew up speaking mainly Indonesian like most Indonesians his age. Yudi Datau (Denias: Senandung Diatas Awan, Arisan, Gie, The Last Bissu) once again was behind the camera and produced beautiful cinematography. Apa kata dunia? Holong rohangku di ho!

Where to go in Oahu?

Oahu offers lots of opportunities for fun and relaxation. Here are a few ideas:

Island Overview
Some fun facts, some tips on where to stay, and some advice on how to tackle Oahu's sights and attractions.

Oahu's Top Beaches
We visited them all and we picked the best.

Pearl Harbor / The USS Arizona Memorial
Over 1,000 servicemen are still entombed in this World War II memorial.

Diamond Head
This World War II lookout post offers sweeping views of Waikiki Beach and Oahu.

Dole Pineapple Pavillion
Basically a big gift shop, but it has a few nice touches.

Hanauma Bay: Oahu's Top Snorkeling Spot
This underwater nature preserve has crystal clear water and millions of tropical fish.

The Bishop Museum
A one-of-a-kind museum focused on Hawaiian culture and history.

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Learn about life on a submarine while touring this fully restored U.S. Navy sub.

Hidden Treasure: Hawaii's Fabulous Zoos
Go to the zoo in Hawaii? You bet!

Hawaii's Best Golf Courses
Some of Hawaii's best golf courses are right here on Oahu.

Sources: http://www.theinsider.com/Aloha/Oahu/oahu.htm

Speaking Hawaiian

People in Hawaii really do say "Aloha" and other Hawaiian terms on a regular basis (this isn’t a gimmick done just for the tourists). Here is some basic Hawaiian and not-so-Hawaiian vocabulary you will need to know in order to get by in Hawaii. Aloha!

Must Haves
Some key words you must know before you get to Hawaii:

Aloha (pronounced: uh-LOW-hah) – used in place of hello and goodbye. Also the dominant philosophy of the islands, roughly translating to love -- of self, of others, of celebration, and of the natural wonders that Hawaii offers.

Kane (KAHNN-ee) – a man

Lanai (luh-NIE-ee) -- name of one of the Hawaiian islands. Also is the Hawaiian term for what main-landers would call a balcony. Most hotel rooms in Hawaii have lanais.

Lei (LAY) -- A necklace made of fragrant flowers strung together. Traditionally used to say hello, goodbye, thanks, or to celebrate nearly anything.

Luau (lew-OW) A Hawaiian feast. Typically held on the beach. Not to be confused with a lua (a toilet).

Mahalo – (muh-HAH-low) Thank you.

The Big Island – Nickname given to the Island of Hawaii in order to distinguish it from the rest of the Hawaiian chain.

Wahine (Wah HEE Nee) – a woman.

Windward Side– The side of each island that bears the full brunt of the southwesterly trade winds that bring in rain and other stormy weather. The windward sides are generally the eastern and northern portions of each island. These sides get considerably more rain than the leeward sides, which are sheltered from the rain by the mountains on each island.

Leeward Side – The side of each island that is sheltered from the southwesterly trade winds. The leeward part of each island receives much less rain than the windward side of the island. Most of the major resorts are on the leeward sides of their respective islands.

Good To Know
Some bonus words that may come in handy:

Alii (ah-LEE-EE) - Hawaiian royalty

Hang Loose – A surfing term encouraging surfers to be relaxed, and not nervous or stiff. In much the same way that hanging loose will allow for a better surfing ride, Hawaiians believe that hanging loose in life in general will allow for a more enjoyable ride through life. Take note of the universal hand signal that means "hang loose."

Haole (HOW- lee) – white foreigner or outsider. Not necessarily a derogatory term; originated when white sailors first began to visit the Hawaiian islands (synonym: Caucasian).

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (too difficult to pronounce)– the state fish and the topic of several popular Hawaiian songs

Kahuna (kuh-HOO-nah) – A Hawaiian priest and wise man knowledgeable about many things. Today, the term is often used to refer to an individual equally skilled in the fine arts of heavy partying (i.e. "The Big Kahuna").

Makai (mah-KIE) – toward the ocean

Mauka (MOW-kuh) -- toward the mountains (i.e drive Mauka, make a left, etc.).

Poi (POY) – a purple-ish paste made from the taro root. A staple of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Definitely an acquired taste.

Source: http://www.theinsider.com/Aloha/TipsandIdeas/glossary.htm

Keong Mas -The Golden Snail (1) by Ken Kendro

Dibawah cerita jaman dulu abad 13, yang eyang K tulis untuk teman2 di international gamelan list. Bahasa Inggrisnya model Tarzan. Terutama untuk temen2 Jawa asal Jawa Timur.

Sayang kalau cerita ini hilang dari permukaan bumi.

Keong Mas -The Golden Snail

King Kertamerta of Daha was at work in his royal office in the palace.

He just accepted Raden Inu Kertaparti son of the Governor of Jenggala Kahuripan,

his marriage proposal, to marry his daughter Candra Kirana.

He was excited because Daha will be politically stronger. Their alliance will deter Blambangan,

Tumapel, Tuban, Gresik, and other areas to revolt against him.

So he called his messenger. He wrote a short message in beautiful Javanese script that look like beansprouts.

King Kertamerta said to his messenger: "Bring this message to the queen, and do not let anyone see this message.

ASAP or I chopped your head off."

Quick like lightning the messenger run to the "gedong kuning" (Yellow pavilion), the residential area in the

palace compound. He gave the note to the queen. The note said, dinner tonight. only the two of us, send the girls out.

Immediately her majesty queen Kertamerta, name unknown,

(a bunch of male chauvinist pigs that time, women got married their names were erased from the face of the earth)

called their two princesses. Princess Galuh Ajeng, about 20, regular, not too pretty, and not too ugly.

The other Princess Candra Kirana, about 18, very beautiful. Miss Universe class.

The king and queen used to tease each other.

The King: "Are you sure Galuh Ajeng is MY daughter." The queen: "I am not sure, YOU are Candra Kirana daddy."

When the two princesses appeared in front of the queen, the queen said: " Here is some money twenty reyals for each of you.

Papa and mama have some kingdom business to discuss at dinner time. You two go out, with chaperones, please,

go to the mall, eat at Royal Hawaiian Hotel dining hall, see a movie or something. Be home by 11:00 pm.

Galuh Ajeng and Candra Kirana yelled of joy:" yahoo, arigatoo mama san."

Dinner was served. The two princesses were out.

King Kertamerta: " mBok Ratu (mama the Queen). I have good news for you.

I accepted Raden Inu Kertapati marriage proposal, he will be our son in law.

The Kingdom of Daha will be super strong with backing from Jengala Kahuripan.

Tax collections from Blambangan, Tumapel, Tuban, Gresik will be smooth like a new BMW on an autobahn.

Daha will be rich, rich, rich"

Queen : " Sinuwun (His highness), that is just great. Let's drink to that, Viva Daha."

King Kertamerta: " I am glad you agree mBok Ratu."

Queen :" And when is the wedding? Galuh Ajeng will be very happy. She will be the next queen of Daha, and Raden Inu Kertapati

will be her prince. Let us drink to that, viva Galuh Ajeng."

King Kertamerta surprised: " Stop stop stop, no, no, no. I accepted his marriage proposal with Candra Kirana, not Galuh Ajeng,"

Queen Kertamerta felt like a truck-full of ice cubes fall on her head. She gasped several times, Then say.

Queen:" Oh noo Sinuwun, please no. Not Candra Kirana, it has to be Gaul Ajeng. If you go ahead with this plan,

we all be dead ducks."

King Kertamerta, confused: " What is wrong with Candra Kirana and Raden Inu Kertapati?"

Queen: " Sinuwun, please drink your cup of kopi tubruk (instant), no cream no sugar, plain black. Wake up, and listen to me

good, with both ears. When our two girls were small, we made a big "ruwatan (ritual performance)

to prevent Lord Kale to eat those girls. There are two girls in a household, the Javanese call it "Kembang

Sepasang" (a pair of flowers), that is a no no according to the Kala law.

Lord Kala is permitted to eat those girls according to Lord Guru.

Because our ritual performance was extra ordinary, Lord Kala forgave us, the two girls are save.

And we promise him not to break any of his law again, The next one, there will be no forgiveness.

Now look at you, you will let the younger girl marry first, and the older one later?

That is "Kidang mlumpat" (jumping deer) . Another Kala law that we can not break. We will be eaten by Lord Kala.

I realy dont want to be stir fried with mushroom, onion, asparages, and soyu sauce, in a great wok, by Lord Kala.

Have mercy on me, please please cancell your plan.

Please please save us Sinuwun."

Part 2 will follow

Keong Mas -The Golden Snail (2) by Ken Kendro

To answer some questions from readers:

Law of Lord Kala. re: number of child (ren) in a family.

The following will be eaten by Lord Kala, if ruwatan is not performed.

One only - Ontang anting - dangling ornament. (boy or girl)

Two only or twins = Gedana gedini - no English word for it - boy and girl

Kembang sepasang - a pair of flowers - two girls

Uger uger lawang - door posts - two boys

Three only - Sendang apit2 pancuran - a pond between two fountains = boy, girl, boy

in that order

Pancuran apit2 sendang - a fountain between two ponds = girl, boy, girl

in that order

Five only - Pandhawa - the five brothers as in the Mahabarata legend = all boys

Serimpi - Palace court dancers - all girls

Six or more: you will be eaten by md's, hospitals, medication, and educational expenses.

============ ========= ========= ========

The next day, at breakfast.

King Kertamerta: "mBok Ratu, don't worry. I will discuss the situation with my advisors. "

Queen:" Sinuwun, please find a way. I will explain gently to Galuh Ajeng and Candra Kirana."

King Kertamerta: " I am off to the office, take care."

Queen: "Have a nice day, Sinuwun."

After the princesses woke up, and while they are having breakfast, the queen explained the delicate situation.

For the strength of the country, Galuh Ajeng must sacrify. To let her younger sister marry earlier.

Unless Galuh Ajeng can find a husband immediately. But at this moment there is no bachelor like Inu Kertapati,

Mr. Daha himself, available in the country.

No response from the two princesses. Quiet. But after a while.

Galuh Ajeng: " No way Jose. I am the Putri Pambayun (first child/female of a king) The kingdom will be mine.

Not Candra Kirana. And I am not about to put ads on Radio, TV, Newspaper, that I am looking for a husband.

Wanted a: husband? What an insult, insult, insult."

With that Galuh Ajeng put her Adidas running shoes, running sweatpants and shirt, left the yellow hall, flew to her

retired Simbok Emban (Indoor maid that carry babies on her side or back with a slendang). Her name is Simbok

Madusari (Mama the essence of honey), living not too far from the palace.

The queen and Candra Kirana, like the Hawaiian say: "No can do nothing."

They both felt real bad, but understand how Galuh Ajeng must feel.

They both retired from the dining area, and do what queens ad princesses do during the day.

Simbok Madusari seeing Galuh Ajeng running into the house, with tear in her eyes, said:

Madusari: " My baby, what is the matter. Tell simbok the problems, I will help you with my heart and soul,

with my life and death."

Galuh Ajeng: "Ooo mbok, help me. I am about to lose the kingdom to my younger sister. She will be married

to Inu Kertapati. She will jump over me. Pa and Ma agreed for the sake of the kingdom.

Ooo please help."

Madusari, hugged Galuh Ajeng: " O child, poor child, I will find a way. As a putri pambayun, don't show your emotion.

Be brave, like a queen should. Of course I will help you. Sit down next to me,

and have tea and some pisang goreng (banana fritters)."

Madusari brains started churning.

She expected big things for her retirement, when Galuh Ajeng ascended to the throne of Daha.

After a while, after Galuh Ajeng calmed down, she said: "Eureka, this is what we are going to do. Did you learn from the USA presidential elections? How the candidates slinging mud to each other? They are accusing each other, of being corrupt, womanizer, in the pocket of special interest groups, rigging votes, anti black, anti Hispanic, anti gay, pro abortions and etc.

Well, I can do the same thing, I Madusari the caretaker of Galuh Ajeng the future Queen of Daha vow to help Galuh Ajeng to win the throne of Daha."

Galuh Ajeng: " Simbok Madusari, is that fair?"

Madusari:" O child to win a kingdom, every way is the correct way. So don't worry, go back to the palace, I will start my mudslinging campaign immediately. Go child go."

Galuh Ajeng run back to the palace, meet the queen and her sister Candra Kirana, and say: "I am very sorry, for being emotional."

Part 3 will follow

Keong Mas -The Golden Snail (3) by Ken Kendro

The mud slinging campaign by simbok Madusari, to show how good Galuh Ajeng is,

and how bad Candra Kirana, King Kertamerta the queen and Inu Kertapati are,

succeeded very well. Her well being depends on Galuh Ajeng to be the next queen of Daha..

She started from the "pelosok2, daerahs" (villages, other areas) out side Daha.

Like Blambangan, Tumapel, Gresik, Jenggala, Tuban and others, and finally to Daha itself.

The King popularity ratings (by reliable pre Gallup polls), and the approval rating,

dropped to below twenty percents, with more than several thousand participating in the poll.

Statements like:

"The King is not a good Hindu, he lets Candra Kirana to do "jumping deer" over her sister."

"The Governor of Jenggala paid a big sum of money to let his son to marry Candra Kirana."

"The king is a corruptor."

"Candra Kirana and Inu Kertapati, played "kong kong kalingkong" (untranslatable) , may be Candra Kirana is pregnant."

"Galuh Ajeng will not give any comments re: Candra Kirana jumping the gun. She is a very dignified putri Pambayun."

And etc etc.

Ask any PR companies on 5th avenue; if lies are repeated several million times, it become facts.

(Check also with presidential elections all over the world)

On the next cabinet meeting King Kertamerta blew his top.

Kertamerta: "How come a bunch of smart ministers like you all,

can not protect me from all those innuendos, My name is mud.

Look at my rating, less than 20%. Do something or I will fire you all."

All the ministers look down, they watch flies attacking their "lemper" (Javanese sushi), fried bananas,

and the warm sweet tea. Hawaiian pidgin say: "Nobody say nothing."

Finally one elderly king's adviser:"Sinuwun, actually it is your own fault, for accepting Inu Kertapati marriage proposal.

It is to be a secret, till Galuh Ajeng marry first. Somehow somebody in this group or in the palace leak the secret to the press

radio and TV. What a mess."

Kertamerta: " Ok ok ok I accept that error, but who is the "leaker"? What do we do now?"

Adviser: "This is what we do, we will send Candra Kirana to Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, to study Government

Administration. Check with Ibu Irene Ritchie, our great friend, in Melbourne. Ask Candra Kirana to travel incognito, change her name to Dewi Sekartaji. After graduation I am very sure she can be the great queen, of Daha"

Kertamerta: "Terima kasih banyak banyak, my clever adviser. Then I am very sure my rating will go high again.

Meeting is adjourned. I will do the necessary steps immediately"

So he did. He called the queen, Galuh Ajeng, and Candra Kirana. As a king should, he is giving orders now.

He said: "Alright all, listen good. My rating is down to 20%, I have to raise it. Or I will be the laughing joker in whole Java.

Tomorrow Candra Kirana will leave for Australia to study. (He repeated the adviser's plan)

She will leave from the Royal Pier of the Brantas River to Surabaya. (Kediri the capital of Daha, is on the Brantas River. The Brantas river originated from the hills in Malang, to become a big river that run thru Tulungagung, Blitar, Kediri, Kertosono then to Surabaya, into the strait of Madura) ) From Surabaya there will be personnel from the Australian Shipping Co, She will help her with her passport, exit permit, student visa to travel to Denpasar, via the strait of Bali, Gilimanuk, then stop at DenPasar.

She can watch Barong and Rangdha if she want to. Then to Darwin. On land to Alice Spring, then to Melbourne to see Ibu Irene Ritchie. Understood? The queen, Galuh Ajeng, and I will stay in Daha. We will inform the world that Candra Kirana is meditating to become a lady hermit on top of the holy mountain Arjuno, (SE of Kediri). And there will be no questions and answers session, just do what I say"

Galuh Ajeng was flabbergasted, now her sister is going to college. What about her, the putri pambayun? Candra Kirana may come home later with a Ph.D. in Government Administration. Oh nooo. Unfair, unfair, unfair. I must run to see simbok Madusari.

She will find a way, to save me and my kingdom.

She told the queen: " Mom I am going to run 6 miles today, to I stay skinny. I will be back before supper"

The queen: " Go ahead Galuh, exercising will do you good."

Actually she run shorter than that, to see Simbok Madusari her Simbok Emban.

When Simbok Madusari saw Galuh Ajeng coming to her house, crying again, louder in fact, she can not believe it.

She hug her, and said: "What is the matter now? We won didn't we? You will be the next queen, because Candra Kirana name is mud now?" Galuh Ajeng told everything to her. Simbok Madusari is really mad now, all her campaign, all her effort failed.

The Indonesian say: "Senjata makan Tuan." (The weapon kills the owner.)

Madusari: "Child go home now, I will see the neighborhood "dhukun" (shaman) See what she can do to help you."

Galuh Ajeng left Madusari house, doing the real six miles. Madusari walk to see the lady shaman, Grandma Fiery Frog

(Simbah Canthuko-mowo)

Grandma Fiery Frog: "Come in Madusari, you look good. You are not sick, looking for medicine, are you?"

Madusari: " Oo wise one, you knew what I am coming for. But here are: cigarette kretek (clove's cigarettes), incense, and tobacco.

as our gift to you."

Grandma Fiery Frog: " Thank you, now explain your requests."

Madusari:" Galuh Ajeng and I begging your help, to stop Candra Kirana from leaving Java. And prevent her to be the next queen of Daha. Without killing her though, we simply can not face the consequences, facing Lord Yama and Durga later.

She plan to leave for Surabaya from the Royal Pier on the Brantas. She changed her appearance, and her name is Dewi Sekartaji."

Grandma Fiery Frog: "No problemo, simple like squeezing ripe tomatoes."

Grandma Fiery Frog went inside her lab.

After about five minutes, she came out and said: "Madusari here is a vial of holy water.

And the second one is a very potent powder in an envelope , like agent orange."

Madusari: " What do I do with it?"

Grandma Fiery Frog: "Come closer, I whisper into your ears, the way to do it."

After Madusari understand the instructions, she said thank you.

She run to the Royal Pier on the Brantas, and check Departure and Arrival list of all ships, docking at the pier, for tomorrow am.

She found one boat leaving at 8:00 am. to Surabaya.

The next morning, after clean up, at 7:00 am she drink the holy water from Grandma Fiery Frog.

Whalla she became a "gagak ireng" (a black raven.)

She carry the envelope containing the agent orange like powder in her beak and fly to the Surabaya bound boat.

Gagak Ireng perched on top of the mast of the boat,

When dewi Sekartaji, alone, boarding the boat, Gagak Ireng waited patiently.

Finally dewi Sekartaji went to the railing of the boat, with tears in her eyes, waving good bye to the city she loved,

Kediri the capital of Daha, famous with their "Yellow firm Tofu" now.

Right there and then Gagak Ireng, Black Raven, simbok emban of Galuh Ajeng, swooped down ward toward Sekartaji aka Candra Kirana with the potent powder. She bombed Sekartaji with the envelope, right smack on her head.

Sekartaji face was covered with the magic yellow powder, she fell in the river, and instantly became the famous,

long awaited "Golden Snail".

part 4 ending wil follow

Keong Mas -The Golden Snail (4) by Ken Kendro

For several months, Candra Kirana aka Sekartaji, the young princess of Daha, lived like a golden snail on the bottom

of the river Brantas. She chose to stay on the edge of the river, eating moss day in day out. The center of the river is deep and dangerous. She pray to Lord Wenang, Shiwa, Durga, and others for her safety. Unknown to her, the stream of the river pushed her farther away from Daha Kediri, toward Mojoagung. (The site of the Majapahit Kingdom.)

Worst yet, Simbok Emban Madusari, now a black raven, must protect the golden snail.

She promised Galuh Ajeng to keep Candra Kirana alive. For months. she too perched on trees next to the river bank.

Eating raw fish (not even sliced sashimi style, with shoyu and mustard), frogs, worms and other raw stuff.

She longed for her old warm bed in her cozy home in Daha. Having coffee tubruk in the mornings, nasi goreng istimewa (extra ordinaire fried rice), srabi (javanese pancake) with coconut syrup, rujak (hot fruit salad), and other delicatessen,

One rainy morning, cold and miserable, our black raven can not stand it anymore.

She said to herself: "What am I doing here? Punishing a young innocent princess. And punishing myself. Hoping to find a great job when her sister is crowned the queen of Daha. Am I crazy or what? And Galuh Ajeng is enjoying herself in the palace.

What if she is not selected as the next queen. I better fly back to Daha to see Simbah Fiery Frog. Immediately"

So she did. The distance Mojoagung to Kediri, can be done in 30 minutes with your Mercy 450 SL cabriolet, now.

But in the 13th century, our poor black raven must flap flappety flap with her wet wings, for several hours.

At noon or so, she arrived at Simbah Canthuko Mowo, our shaman. She was exhausted, knocked on the door with her

tired beak: " Knock, knock, knock."

Grandma F. F. " I know you. No need to identify your self. The door is open. Come in."

Black raven: " O honorable grandma, have mercy. Million mercies."

Grandma F.F.: "Now, what?

Black raven: "Ooh please I am tired, I am exhausted, I am hungry, please change me back into simbok Madusari, please."

Grandma F.F.: "That will be very easy, but then the minute you become Madusari, the golden snail will be the beautiful Candra Kirana again. Plus interest too, because she was doing non stop praying, while she was under water.

And all the Lords in Suralaya (heaven) will grant her her requests."

Black raven:" Oh I don't care, she deserves it. I am guilty, the law of Karma will be in effect, Galuh Ajeng and I will suffer."

Grandma F.F.: " I am glad, you know, the English saying is, "you will reap what you sow." If you are ready, stand still."

Grandma F.F. pointed her bend arthritic right pointer. In a second the black raven became a wet simbok Madusari.

Grandma F.F, feed her, nasi rawon, (rice with black colored beef soup,) with sambel kemiri (candle nut hot pepper paste)

krupuk udhang (fried shrimp chip) and fresh bean sprouts. Da best!! Make me home sick, try it if you are in East Java.

At that same time when our black raven decided to fly back to Daha, an old widow from the village of Mojoreno arrived at the edge of the river, in the same area where our golden snail swim . (caution: old Javanese stories always have a "poor widow from a certain village", no name just the widow from such and such. No widower neither. The ladies outlive their hubbies, just like now)

Anyway she earned money selling dry twigs and branches to the big market in Mojoagung. She also have a fish net, to catch small fish swimming on the bank of the river Brantas, for her snack. After collecting enough dry wood, she try her luck with her fish net. Ahter she scooped the net in the river, walla that net is full with snails. Our French friends will just love it, escargot!!!

And one of them is a golden snail. She said to her self: "why bother to walk to the market in Mojoagung, I can go home and have a sate kerang (another East Java delicacy, escargot on sticks on charcoal) with hot peanut butter sauce. Its raining its miserable."

So she dropped her twigs and branches bundle. Walk home happily with her fish net full with escargot.

At home after drying her self "the widow of Mojoreno" separate the golden snail from the rest. She kept the golden snail in a

bucket, It is too beautiful to be consumed. Before she is able to start washing the escargot, a blinding white flash of light came from the bucket, where the golden snail was. It was exactly the same time the black raven became simbok Madusari.

A beautiful young lady stood in front the widow from Mojoreno. It is princess Candra Kirana.

The widow from Mojoreno was scared to death, she did not know who she is. She prostrated in front of the young lady,

and said: " Oo Holy Lampor (river ghost), Goddess of the river Brantas, daughter of Baruno (Lord of all the oceans in the world),

have mercy on me, for stealing those escargot. Please, punish me." Tears roll from her eyes.

Before Candra Kirana answers her, the twin Lord Sadhana and the Goddess Sri arrived in the widow's hut. Lord Sadhana explained everything to the widow. Candra Kirana said thank you to the widow for saving her.

Then the Goddess Sri created a hot meal for the three of them, and blessed the widow. She will be able to catch one big fish everyday for her daily meal from the river, the rest of her life. After that Lord Sadhana and the Goddess Sri bid farewell to Candra Kirana and the widow. That was part of the boon for the golden snail.

Next come Lord Kamajaya and the goddess Ratih, the two love birds of Suralaya. The goddess Ratih dressed Candra Kirana properly, and the three of them flew to Jenggala to meet Inu Kertapati, the son of the governor of Jenggala.

The governor of Jenggala is very happy to see Candra Kirana, and Lord Kumajaya and the goddess Ratih.

Lord Kumajaya explained everything to the governor and his son Inu Kertapati, and asked the Governor of Jenggala to take care of Candra Kirana. While the mess in Daha Kediri can be solved. She warned Candra Kirana and Inu Kertapati, to remember the Indonesian kroncong (music) saying:

empat dan empat, jadi delapan. (four plus four, is exactly eight)

boleh dilihat, dipegang jangan. (you may watch each other, but no touch touch.)

With that Kumajaya and Ratih flew back to Suralaya.

Now, it is the turn, of Lord Narada, the brother of Shiwa (the upper lord in Suralaya) to visit Daha Kediri.

He called King and Queen Kertamerta, princess Galuh Ajeng, and simbok Madusari.

After they got together, he said: "Shame on you, you forgot to pray the Lords or what. You can ask for advice you know."

All four trembled of fear. Together they said: "Have mercy Lord Narada, we will follow your guidance, from now on."

Lord Narada:" Ok. here is what you must do. Have a big wedding for Candra Kirana and Inu Kertapati.

Then make Candra Kirana the queen of Daha, later. She suffered enough.

Galuh Ajeng, you dont need to attend the wedding, its to painfull for you. Your mom and dad will send you to Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Contact Ibu Irene for detailed information. Take courses in Government Administration.

Dont goof off, after you get your Ph D, come home. Your sister will send you to Peking China to be the Daha Kediri's ambassador.

Bring simbok Madusari with you, may be she can learn how to make "crispy Peking duck."

The four answered: "Yes lord Narada , we will follow your order."

With that the long story of the golden snail is over.

Garasi the movie

Garasi/Garage (Indonesia, 2006, 110 minutes)

Review by Rohayati Paseng

A Miles Films production. Producer, Mira Lesmana. Director, Agung Sentausa. Screenplay, Prima Rusdi. Cinematography, Yadi Sugandhy. Editor, Dewi S. Alibasah.



Cast:
Fedy Nuril - Aga
Ayu Ratna - Gaia
Aries Budiman - Awan
Jajang C. Noer - Tari
Niniek L. Karim - Eyang Tanti
…

It is not a surprise that a film with a strong musical element was produced by Mira Lesmana. She herself comes from a family with solid musical background. Her father, Jack Lesmana, is one of the most famous Indonesian jazz musicians, and her brother, Indra Lesmana, is equally prominent and influential in the Indonesian jazz scene today.

I have read that some viewers were frustrated by what they perceived as lack of story in Garasi. The complaint might have been caused by their own misunderstanding of what the film is all about. While rock music (juxtaposed with gamelan) is an important tool to tell the story, the film is not just about rock music and the up and down friendship of the band members (Aga, Gaia, and Awan). It is also about social class and isolation. The story of Aga and Gaia is a story about everyone who dares to step out of the box and walk against the mainstream in order to pursue their true passions and to find who they really are.

Aga grew up in a family that upholds traditional music (his mother is a director of gamelan ensemble) while he is strongly drawn into rock music, thus making him an outsider within his own family. The scene that summarizes his feeling of isolation is a conversation between him and his brother in which he confronts his brother for not accepting his music. Gaia is even more an outsider than Aga. Like him, she also comes from a line of musicians (we know more about her background much later into the film). She was born out of wedlock. Her father, a married lead singer of an unnamed band in the film, had an affair with his backup singer, Gaia’s mother, and so she was conceived. Her story has another angle, which is summarized in a scene where her maternal grandmother (Eyang Tanti) tells her that she should have never been born. She should have been aborted but her defiant mother refused to have the abortion. Eyang Tanti doesn’t accept Gaia not because she was born out of wedlock but, almost worse, because she was fathered by a poor married musician.

Audiences who are in tune with Indonesian pop culture will find themselves amused by several references to prominent pop culture icons such as Benjamin S., Keenan Nasution and others. The cinematography is beautiful, the soundtrack is superb, and the editing is good. I only wished that all the song lyrics were translated, because they would have provided nuances of the film to viewers who depend on the subtitles. All and all, Garasi is a fresh portrayal of young people, and a critical view of isolation and social class in Indonesia. The film, through the story of mainly Aga and Gaia, who, marginalized, find common ground in their music, provides us with yet another perspective on contemporary Indonesian society.

See also here

Poco-Poco

POCO-POCO
by Yopie Latul

Balenggang pata-pata
Ngana pe goyang pica-pica
Ngana pe bodi poco-poco

Cuma ngana yang kita cinta
Cuma ngana yang kita sayang
Cuma ngana suka biking pusing

Ngana bilang
Kita na sayang
Rasa hati ini malayang
Jau… uh… ci ya … ci ya

Biar kita ngana pe bayang
Biar na biking layang-layang
Cuma ngana yang kita sayang

Menghadap ke Utara : a, b, c, d.
4d, membuat kita menghadap ke Barat

Menghadap ke Barat : Ulangi a, b, c, d,
4d, membuat kita menghadap ke Selatan

Menghadap ke Selatan : Ulangi a, b, c, d,
4d, membuat kita menghadap ke Timur

Menghadap ke Timur : Ulangi a, b, c, d,
4d, membuat kita menghadap ke Utara

GERAKAN VARIASI 1: Lakukan a, b, c, (k, m), d menghadap U, B, S, T dst.

Musik & Lirik (Bahasa Manado): Arie Sapulette
gambar oleh: Irianto Tedja

Sumber: Yopie Latul - Poco-Poco

The Poco-Poco is a popular line dance which originally comes from the Minahasa people in Sulawesi. The steps are said to originate from farming activities such as picking cloves, planting rice, hoeing the fields and peeling coconut fibre.
The Poco-poco dance become very popular throughout Indonesia a few years ago and has been integrated into aerobic classes and at dance schools throughout Indonesia. It has become one of many dances that young and old want to learn. Many organisations hold Poco-poco dance competitions and it is also a popular dance for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays and Independence Day.

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

Hari-hari Libur Nasional 2007

1-Jan-2007

Tahun Baru Masehi

20-Jan-2007

Tahun Baru 1428 Hijriyah

18-Feb-2007

Tahun Baru Imlek

19-Mar-2007

Hari Raya Nyepi Saka 1929

31-Mar-2007

Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW

6-Apr-2007

Wafat Isa al-Masih

17-May-2007

Kenaikan Isa Almasih

18-May-2007

Cuti bersama, menyambut Kenaikan Isa Almasih

1-Jun-2007

Hari Raya Waisak

11-Aug-2007

Isra' Mi'raj

17-Aug-2007

Hari Kemerdekaan RI

12-Oct-2007

Cuti bersama, sebelum hari raya Idul Fitri

13-Oct-2007

Idul Fitri 1 Syawal 1428 H

14-Oct-2007

Idul Fitri 1 Syawal 1428 H

15-Oct-2007

Cuti bersama, sesudah hari raya Idul Fitri

16-Oct-2007

Cuti bersama, sesudah hari raya Idul Fitri

20-Dec-2007

Idul Adha 1428 H

21-Dec-2007

Cuti bersama, sesudah hari raya Idul Adha

24-Dec-2007

Cuti bersama, sebelum hari raya Natal

25-Dec-2007

Hari Raya Natal

Tentang Disable dan Difable

Dikalangan pegiat LSM istilah Difable tentu tidak asing tapi bagi kalangan masyarakat yang lain istilah ini tentu sangat asing dan mengundang diskusi yang menarik. Berikut petikan dari diskusi yang muncul mengenai masalah ini di milis permias hawaii. Just for thought.

Kotributor Ulrich Kozok, Muhamad Ali dan Hari Roosman, sesuai urutan:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dalam bahasa Indonesia sudah ada kata cacat dan penyandang cacat. Apaakah berkurang cacatnya seseorang kalau ia disebut difable? Eufemisme ( penghalusan bahasa) dalam bahasa Indonesia mempunyai sejarah lama, dan banyak eufemisme diciptakan di zaman rejim orba yang tidak pernah “menaikkan” dan hanya “menyesuaikan” harga BBM dan masalah gelandangan diselesaikan dengan istilah tunawisma. Di Amerika kejahatan perang disebut “war crimes”, tetapi kata tersebut pantang diucap kalau Israel yang melakukannya dalam hal mana istilah “violation of humanitarian law” digunakan. Pembunuhan warga sipil oleh tentara Amerika disebut “collateral damage” dan bukan “civil casualties” meskipun pembunuhan tersebut dilakukan dengan sengaja. Terlalu sering eufemisme menyelubungi kemunafikan sehingga kita harus sangat berhati-hati menggunakan eufemisme. Saya juga lebih tidak setuju kalau dipinjam istilah dari bahasa asing (apakah bahasa Indonesia dianggap kurang bergengsi?), apalagi dalam hal penciptaan akronim yg notabene tidak ada dalam bahasa Inggris.

Yang berikut ini bukan dari saya sendiri, melainkan saya kutip dari http://priyadi. net:

“Yang menjadi masalah adalah istilah ‘difable’ tidak mengikuti kaidah ejaan bahasa Indonesia dengan benar. Jika memang ‘difable’ adalah singkatan yang berasal dari frasa dalam bahasa Inggris, maka setelah melalui proses penyerapan seharusnya paling tidak akan menjadi ‘difabel’. Sisi positifnya, penggunaan kata ‘difabel’ ternyata memang sudah lebih banyak daripada kata ‘difable’. Pencarian di Google mencatat ada 600 penggunaan kata ‘difabel’ dan 388 kata ‘difable’.

Masalah lainnya yang lebih serius adalah bahwa banyak orang Indonesia yang tidak menyadari bahwa ‘difable’ bukanlah sebuah kata dalam bahasa Inggris. Istilah ‘difable’ ini dibuat oleh orang Indonesia, digunakan hanya oleh orang Indonesia, tidak ada dalam kamus bahasa Inggris apapun dan tidak pernah digunakan oleh orang berbahasa Inggris. Ini cukup serius karena saya lihat cukup banyak literatur berbahasa Inggris buatan orang Indonesia yang menggunakan istilah ‘difable’ ini.”

Jadi sudah jelas ada kerancuan bahasa yang terlalu sering terjadi dalam hal penyerapan bahasa asing yang malahan dapat melahirkan istilah superrancu seperti “Pemberdayaan Gender”.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kawan-kawan,
Menarik sekali diskusi soal bahasa ini. Jadi ingin nimbrung sedikit nih, disela nulis disertasi. Pendapat saya, bahasa itu dibentuk oleh masyarakat. Bahasa itu berkembang dari waktu ke waktu. Bahasa itu tidak statis. Bahasa dicipta, sebagian bertahan, sebagian punah, karena masyarakat tidak memakainya. Jadi ada hubungan erat antara bahasa dan penggunanya. Jadi, bisa saja, ada bahasa yang kedengaran asing, nyeleneh, tidak lazim, tapi kemudian lambat laut diterima sebagian masyarakat. Ada pula istilah-istilah yang sebelumnya tidak ada dalam suatu masyarakat tapi kemudian muncul dari bahasa asing dan kemudian diinternalisasi masyarakat itu. Bahasa "Indonesia" adalah percampuran bahasa-bahasa asing (Arab, Cina, Melayu, Belanda, Inggris, Portugis, dan bahasa-bahasa suku yang ada). Karena itulah ada standardisasi bahasa nasional yang dilakukan oleh Departemen Agama, sehingga mereka buat kamus umum bahasa Indonesia. Namun, meskipun ada standardisasi bahasa nasional ini, tidak berar
ti bahasa-bahasa yang tidak standar tidak bisa digunakan oleh masyarakat tertentu.

Yang menjadi persoalan dan perlu dikritisi adalah maksud penggunaan istilah-istilah itu, dan apa makna sesungguhnya. Karena bahasa adalah alat komunikasi antara si penulis/penutur dan si pembaca/pendengar, maka perlu ada KESAMAAN MAKNA dari istilah yang digunakan, sehingga komunikasi berjalan efektif. Saya ingat perkataan Claude Levi-Strauss yang pernah saya kutip dalam sebuah artikel saya di jurnal di Paris. Saya tulis, "I would agree with the French philosopher Claude Lévi-Strauss. “Words”, he says, “are instruments that people are free to adapt to any use, provided they make clear their intentions.” Categorization becomes useful and helpful if it clarifies what one is trying to say in order to facilitate communication and understanding. However, while clarity is important in the academic enterprise, the content of any category can be questioned and debated based on new perspective, new materials, or both." Jadi, kata-kata itu adalah alat yang orang bebas mengadaptasinya
sejauh dia menjelaskan maksudnya.

Soal lain adalah masalah motivasi dan kepentingan dibalik penggunaan istilah-istilah. Kepentingan politik sering sangat mempengaruhi penggunaan istilah-istilah tertentu sebagai penghalus; maka tugas masyarakat adalah mengkritisi istilah-istilah itu. Masyarakat ada yang cukup cerdas dan yang pengekor saja. Namun istilah-istilah itu akan mati sendiri kalo masyarakat dan zaman tidak lagi menganggapnya sebagai "pantas", "enak didengar", "menarik", "keren", dan sebagainya.

Kesimpulan saya adalah, dalam menanggapi kata-kata baru, kita perlu kritis, tapi kita tidak perlu langsung menerima atau menolaknya. Masyarakat lah, termasuk kita, yang menentukan, apakah istilah-istilah tertentu layak bertahan atau mati dikubur zaman.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seperti Ali menunjukkan, Bahasa Indonesia memang senantiasa berkembang dan kaya karena pengaruh Bahasa Arab, Belanda, Melayu, Sanskerta, Tionghoa, dan lainnya. Sesungguhnya Bahasa Indonesia itu indah dan kaya. Contohnya, sewaktu saya pernah membaca "Harimau Harimau" oleh Mukhtar Lubis. Buku ini dalam bahasa Indonesia , sangat bagus dan salah satu buku kesayangan saya. Beberap tahun kemudian, saya membaca terjemahannya Inggrisnya. Versi Inggrisnya sama sekali tidak mendekati keindahan dan dampak versi asli (Begitupun jika anda menonton film asing. Jauh lebih bagus dan berkesan jika menggunakan sub-text daripada dubbing Inggris).Perhatikan juga gaya tulis Mukhtar Lubis dan penulis perdana lainnya; mereka cenderung untuk menggunakan Bahasa yang murni, dan menggunakan istilah-istilah Barat sejarang mungkin.

Yang saya tidak setuju adalah pertama, penggunaan istilah Barat bilamana kata Indonesia mencukupi; dan kedua, untuk pamer pendidikan atau status sosial. Ini sama saja dengan Bahasa Inggris , Indonesia , dan Bahasa apapun: gunakan kata yang sederhana yang semua pembaca dapat mengerti. Contoh bagus adalah bahasa gaya jurnalis; anda membaca kalimat sekali dan langsung mengerti tidak perlu mengulang kembali kalimat itu, dan, anda tidak perlu konsultasi kamus untuk istilah-istilah aneh. Sebelum menulis, perlu anda kurang lebih ketahui target pembaca anda. Jika pembaca anda adalah anggota masyarakat ahli bahasa, penggunaan istilah "silogism", "aliterasi", "hiperbola", dll. bukan masalah. Kalau sekiranya ada kemungkinan tidak akan mengerti istilah baru, paling tidak perlu diberi keterangan singkat. Memang, risikonya jika anda perlu memberi ke pembaca luas keterangan istilah-istilah asing, pembaca dapat merasa penulis menulis 'ke bawah' kepada pembaca tingkat pendidikannya lebih rendah. Jadi, untuk menghindari semua ini, hemat saya, dari pertama lebih baik menggunakan istilah sederhana saja. Sebenarnya dalam menulis jika anda berusaha lebih keras, kalimat dan kata itu bisa dibuat sederhana untuk dimengerti hampir semua pembaca . Lihat para pengacara wahid dalam kasus-kasus yang sangat rumit seperti kasus Enron. Mereka dapat menjelaskan kepada juri awam yang tidak tahu apa-apa tentang konsep-konsep rumit yang meliputi valuta asing, pensiun, akuntansi. Hampir selalu, mereka menggunakan istilah-istilah sederhana yang dimengerti semua pembaca dan pendengar. Saya teringat nasihat Albert Einsten, "buatlah sesederhana mungkin, tapi tidak lebih sederhana dari itu."

Menurut pengamatan saya, penggunaan istilah-istilah Barat, khususnya Inggris, didalam Bahasa Indonesia juga disalah-gunakan sebagai status sosial atau sumber gengsi. Menggunakan kata-kata atau istilah-istilah Indonesia yang bersumber dari bahasa Arab, Tionghoa, Melayu, saya rasa tidak untuk tujuan elitis seperti ini. Saya sering membaca wawancara-wawancara di majalah Indonesia , atau teman-teman di Jakarta mencampur aduk Bahasa Indonesia dengan kata-kata dan istilah Inggris. Apakah orang lebih bergengsi jika mencampur aduk Bahasa Indonesia anda dengan istilah Inggris. Menurut saya tidak. Ini juga pengaruh "Singlish", atau bahasa Melayu-Inggris yang biasanya digunakan di kota-kota metropolitan Malaysia dan di Singapura. Jika di Malaysia atau Singapura, jika anda bercakap Singlish, konotasi elitismenya adalah anda dari kota metropolitan daripada dari desa, lebih berpendidikan, dan status ekonomi dan sosialnya lebih tinggi. Pokoknya lebih bergengsi deh kalau anda bercakap Singlish. Jika mereka menganggap logat Singlish keren, ada masyarakat luas termasuk saya yang gregetan dan geleng-geleng kepala karena menganggapnya justru sebaliknya. Kalau menggunakan, "It's OK" atau "Oh, my God",ya..ya deh..wajarlah, tapi sering sekali terlalu dipaksakan. Saya ingat ada yang pernah bilang kenapa, "Eh, face lu kenapa?". Kenapa tidak bilang, "Eh, muka lu kenapa?". Susah amat. Kalau menggunakan Singlish karena memang itu memang standar percakapan diantara komunitas dan lingkungan tertentu ya tidak apa-apa, tapi kalau menggunakan campur-aduk Melayu/Indonesia dan Inggris untuk pamer Inggris dan status sosial, itu lain perkara. Seperti pamer jurus silat, jika orang menggunakan istilah-istilah Inggris di dalam Bahasa Melayu/Indonesia mereka, belum tentu mereka bisa menggunakan Bahasa Inggris yang baik jika mereka menggunakan Bahasa Inggris dengan seluruh.

Kesimpulan saya adalah kata difabel itu membingungkan dan saya yakin ada istilah lain dari Bahasa Indonesia sendiri yang lebih baik digunakan. Dari sekian ribu ahli Bahasa Indonesia, tentu ada istilah lebih baik yang dapat digunakan. Jika menelaah latar belakangnya tanpa pengetahuan apa-apa mengenainya, saya berani tebak 8 dari 10 orang tidak akan tahu bahwa ini berdasarkan singkatan dua kata Inggris, dan lebih membingungkan lagi, istilah ini tidak berlaku di tempat asalnya sendiri. Dan kata ini menggangu momentum dan pola pikiran topik yang kita baca – perlu kita Google dan cari di kamus dan tanya sana sini. Apa yang menjadi diskusi mengenai peraturan UGM yang perlu diralat menjadi diskusi mengenai kata -- bukan masalah diskusi bahasa, tapi mencong jauh dari topik aslinya. Ini kesalah-pahaman saya dalam interpretasi difabel: Pertama, kesalah pahaman saya adalah menebaknya sebagai "disabled" karena topiknya memang mengenai kasus diskriminasi masyarakat tersebut. Kedua, saya lalu melihat prefiks "di-" di di-fabel sebagai kata kerja di pukul, di bersihkan, dll, tapi kayaknya "fabel" itu artinya cerita dan, sepengtahu saya, tidak lainnya kecuali kalau istilahnya baru. Ini juga salah. Ternyata, difabel itu dif-abel, atau different-ability. Juga, jika saya membaca different ability, ini juga tidak membuat saya sebagai pembaca langsung mengerti, walaupun maksudnya politically- correct --apakah ada istilah Indonesia untuk "politically- correct". Maaf, saya belum tahu. Jika kita menggunakan istilah "vertically- challenged" untuk orang kerdil atau "visually-impaired" untuk orang tuna-netra, kita bisa langsung mengadakan asosiasi logika dan kurang lebih mengerti apa maknanya tanpa perlu memikir panjang lebar. Saya tidak bisa mengadakan asosiasi logika yang serupa dengan "different ability". Apa yang beda? Spesifikasinya kurang jelas. Pokoknya bingung. Alhasil, difabel itu istilah yang kita terima saja apa adanya, dan tidak untuk diperdebat apa logika yang mendukungnya.

Virgins From Hell (Perawan Disarang Sindikat)

AKA: Perawan Disarang Sindikat

Country and Year: Indonesia (1987)
Director: Ackyl Anwari
Starring: Enny Beatrice, Yenny Farida, Harry Capri, Dicky Zulkernaen

Review By: David Austin
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars (good)

Virgins from Hell kicks off in grand fashion with a veritable army of busty biker chicks in leather short-shorts whooping ass on a gambling parlor, tearing around on dirt bikes, and crashing through walls in battle jeeps adorned with skulls-and-crossbones. It’s as good as it sounds. Most people probably won’t need to know more than that to decide if this is the right movie for them.

VFH is a pure product of the ‘80s, a bastard child of the Roger Corman Filipino women-in-prison (WIP) films, and Golan and Globus’s patented low-budget Cannon cheesefests like American Ninja. Indonesian artisans added their own touches, ratcheting up the gore while combining obviously exploitative subject-matter with a demure ban against nudity. This is the kind of movie where the girls have catfights and shower together, but do it in their bathing suits.

Unlike many other Indonesian films released in the US, like The Stabilizer, Lady Terminator, Mystics in Bali, and Dangerous Seductress, VFH seems to be an entirely local production, not relying on the presence of foreign actors and actresses of dubious talent to draw foreign box office. Not to say that the indigenous talent on display is any better in a technical sense, but there’s a certain charm that is lost when the locals have to play second fiddle to some stiff import (Italian movies both prove, and break, this rule).

Virgins from Hell follows the trials and tribulations of Sheila (Enny Beatrice) and her gang of tough biker chicks, who are out to destroy the villainous Mr. Tiger (Dicky Zulkarnaen). Mr. Tiger killed Sheila’s parents in order to use their home as a base for his villainy (like so many blaxploitation villains before him). He and his scary tranny sidekick Dutch have turned the place into a fort, and are now running experiments in the basement in order to develop a potent aphrodisiac (I’m not sure that the actress playing Dutch is actually a tranny, but … damn).

Sheila, after a rousing speech, leads her mini-army in an all-out frontal assault on Mr. Tiger’s compound. Why they don’t have more of a plan must remain forever a mystery, much like the question of why Mr. Tiger would build sandbag emplacements that face onto his own fortress. After the attack fails, Sheila, her sister (Yenny Farida), and her girlfriends are left at the mercy of Mr. Tiger, who puts them to work and goes out of his way to devise baroque tortures involving rotisserie grills, barbed wire swing playsets that would make any parent cringe, and the ever-popular “Hungry Mongoose” game.

Tiring of hauling coconuts (double-entendre intended), Sheila teams up with Larry (Harry Capri), an overall-wearing, two-fisted man of science, to bring down Mr. Tiger once and for all. Natch, this requires tons of carnage and skimpy outfits.

Check for more here: Virgins From Hell: Dirt Bikes, Go-Go Boots, and Bazookas From Indonesia

The Devil’s Sword (Golok Setan)

AKA: Golok Setan

Country and Year: Indonesia (1984)
Director: Ratno Timoer
Starring: Barry Prima, Advent Bangun, Enny Christina, Gudhi Sintara, Kandar Sinyo

Review By: David Austin
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars (good)

If what the movies teach is true, I want to move to Indonesia. Apparently the entire country is populated with snake queens, crocodile men, witches with removable heads, and armies of busty biker babes in pleather. Indonesian film studio Rapi Films experimented with a lot of different genres during its heyday, including ninja-sploitation (The Warrior and the Ninja), women-in-prison films (Virgins from Hell), and war epics (Hell Raiders). The Devil’s Sword clearly aimed to ride the coattails of 1982’s mega-hit Conan the Barbarian, combining it with the formula that made their indigenous sword and sorcery series The Warrior (Jaka Sembung) so successful – wild costumes, over-the-top violence, and martial arts courtesy of Barry Prima. Finally, the filmmakers overlaid the proceedings with a prog-rock synth score guaranteed to remind you that the film was made in the ‘80s.

All is well in old Indonesia until the predatory (and horny) Crocodile Queen decides she wants Sanjaya, the engaged son of a local village headman. The Queen (Gudhi Sintara) lives in a vast cave under the water with an army of crocodile men and chunky servant girls, and a pit full of starved male sex slaves. When the village defies her, she sends warrior Banyu Jaga (Lo Lieh-a-like Advent Bangun) to kill every last villager until they give in, which he proceeds to do with great abandon. Banyu Jaga is by far the most fun character in the film – he flies around on a giant rock scowling, beheading villagers with his twin hooked swords and reveling in his own evil.

While Sanjaya and most of the villagers are complete wusses, his fiancé (played by Enny Christina) is not willing to give up her man without a fight and takes on Banyu Jaga with her all-purpose umbrella. She’s tough, but not as tough as Jaga. Fortunately, that’s when local wandering hero Mandala (Barry Prima) shows up on the scene. Mandala defeats Banyu Jaga but is unable to prevent him from abducting Sanjaya. After visiting his master (Kandar Sinyo), who was injured by the treacherous Jaga, and learning of the all-powerful Devil’s Sword which was forged from a meteorite, Mandala teams up with Enny Christina (her character’s name is not used in the English dub) to rescue her husband from the Crocodile Queen. Meanwhile, Jaga’s newly league of Evil Warriors isn’t working out so well – the first motion at their meeting, carried unanimously, is in favor of killing each other.

Wanna more? follow this link The Devil’s Sword: Indonesian Sword and Sorcery Epic