Feature Article

Merapi in Memory

Nowadays, there are many incidental disasters come along people. It is damaging many stuffs and even destroying many vilages and regions. This would be a review about how huge merapi eruption impacted to people and other creatures surrounds it.

Merapi is a volcano which is almost most frequently erups. Type of merapi eruption can be categorized as a type of weak Vulkanian. Another type, Plinian (eg eruption of Vesuvius in 79) is a type of eruption vulkanian with a very strong power. Merapi Eruption however not so explosive, but  pyroclastic flows almost always occur in every eruption. Visually activity of Merapi eruption seen through a long process since it began with the formation of a lava dome, and awanpanas incandescent lava (pyroclastic flow).

Merapi volcano almost erupts frequently. As of June 2006, the eruption has recorded 85 times. Merapi also had the longest period of rest for > 30 years, especially in the early days of its existence as a volcano. In the early 16th century, merapi’s activity was well-recorded. At these times it is proved that merapi had ever reached the longest break ever for 71 years, between 1587 until 1658.

The previous explosion occurred on October 2010. It happened in stages and reached the huge explosion on October, 26 2010 so that covered some city such as Yogyakarta, Magelang, Solo, etc. “In the beginning, Merapi’s ashes did not reach Yogyakarta city area, but when the biggest explosion occurred, all areas in this city were covered with ashes completely.” Inorda stated, a college student of Gadjah Mada University.

She admitted that Merapi’s eruption was coincided with the mid-term exam in her college. “When I was studied for my mid-term exam at middle night, suddenly there was a strange sound on my boarding house’s roof. I guessed that it was ice rain, but I was wrong. The truth, it was pebbles which were fell from Merapi Mountain.”

Fortunately, her college gave wise policy to all students as well as staff due to the disaster. “At that time, I completely confused between I had to stay in Yogyakarta for my mid-term exam or I’d better to go home in Ngawi. Luckily, there was a surprise announcement from my University that all classes were left officially for a week. I directly packed my clothes in a rush and went to home by motor cycle with my friends.” She said while reopened her bad memories.

Universitas Gadjah Mada was also taking role in handling this incident. Campus almost became evacuation camp. People who were evacuated from cangkringan, kali putih, and other villages surround Merapi were handled in some campus building and RSUP DR. Sardjito.

Today, surrounded merapi has been strengthened out in stages, although it is not well-arranged yet. People start thinking positively of their new lives, and the previous incident does not affect their activities.

Inorda Sofiehara and Dzurwatul Muna

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A Slice of Unfathomable Conversation

A Slice of Unfathomable Conversation

It is 07 : 00 o’clock, in my room…

Me   : “Well, I have so many things to do today. Washing my clothes, having my breakfast, making copy of some materials, and then I have to go to campus soon! How crowded day, before I attend my best friend’s birthday party tonight. I should hurry my schedule up. I don’t want it mess up like last days.”

X    : (…suddenly) “Good luck!”

Me   : (screaming) “Aaaaak. You flat me! What are you doing here again? Don’t disturb me anymore. Don’t break my days.”

X    : “I am just watching you with your busy things, kind of relaxing myself here.”

Me   : “Ohh, something with no job. But, I am sorry, you are talking with wrong person. I have no time to join with your free time. To tell you the truth, I have made a perfect plan for today, I do not want to break it. So, would you….”

X    : (giggle) “Hahaha, how poor you are! Someone with busy time today.”

Me   : “You think you are better than me? Forget your dream! You had better go to school, learning from elementary school in order to make your day worth it.”

X    : “That is your job, not mine. My tasks are to make people learn, to remind people how to live well, to make people like you appreciate your own life.”

Me   : “Thanks for your reminder. But this is my life, only me who can give meaning to my life, not you or other people out there. “

X    : “One question. What will you do if your plan can not be perfect as you wish today?”

Me   : “I will do anything. I don’t care. I will. Don’t disturb me anymore.”

X    : “Well, I am sorry to tell you. I can come to you or other people anytime, in any conditions.  There is no one who bans my coming.“

Me   : (cynical) “Wow, great! So, what do you want?”

X    : “As I said before. I only want to make people learn. No one knows when the problems come. Like me, if you consider me as your problem this time. Based on my experiences, when I was coming to some people who called me their problems, they were in a rush to get safe place. Their minds were chaotic suddenly and only thinking to avoid me or to leave me behind. I realized that human is a hasty creature which makes their lives getting worse.”

Me   : “I totally don’t get it. What do you mean?” (Curious)

X    : “I will give you an example. When it was raining, many people make their vehicles faster without realizing that it is dangerous for them, is that true?”

Me   : “Of course! Almost people do it. What’s wrong with that?”

X    : “That is analogy for them who solve the problem in a rush with deadlock without thinking its effect later.”

Me   : “Ouch, you make me rethink my last bad day. I think I have enough good things to live my life well. But, when “problems” come to me, I admit that I cannot control myself. I just want to leave it, not to solve it. That was terrible for me. And today you see, I almost do it again. I am so sorry for blaming you in every your coming. However you have opened my mind so that I want to think clearly, not in a hurry. I will make friend with problems, with you. But for now, I realize that you are not a problem, you are a gift from God, Rain.”

Many people regard Rain as an analogy of problem, however I don’t say that Rain is a problem. Life is about how we see and choose. Some people said that Rain is a problem because it causes trouble to their plans or schedules, but another people say that Rain is a gift from God. I think it is how God take turns happiness for their creatures. We cannot refuse its coming, but we can choose. Choosing to enjoy and take lesson from it, or complain it meaninglessly. 

“And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. 

Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.”
-Gilbert K. Chesterton-

Yogyakarta, March 18 2013

Inorda Sofiehara

Read More... → A Slice of Unfathomable Conversation

Thank You God..

Thank You God..

For always listening to my prayers, my trivial dreams, my meaningless thoughts, in the midst of all the problems that are much more important in this world.

Everything I wrote that was scattered on the walls, pocketbooks, wallets and wherever I want to put it down. All the random ideas that I have told my friends - best friends, and send them back to me as good reminders who are able to realize it into a clear goal.

Thank you for never answered my questions with a clear answer. By making me swirl uncertainly looking for an answer, wake you up every night, looking here and there and then picked one by one into a belief.

Thank you for always sending me faithful guardian angel in my every life journey. Guardian for my impulsive decisions that is hard to control and for my any big decisions, and also for making me never do it alone.

Thank you for always bringing me back home.

Inorda Sofiehara

Yogyakarta, March 14 2013

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BJ. Habibie's Poem

I just love this romantic one, ‘till now…

A special poem written by Mr. BJ. Habibie to the special one, Mrs. Ainun Habibie.

Endless Love, Endless Story.. J

Sebenarnya ini bukan tentang kematianmu, bukan itu.

Karena, aku tahu bahwa semua yang ada pasti menjadi tiada pada akhirnya,
dan kematian adalah sesuatu yang pasti,
dan kali ini adalah giliranmu untuk pergi, aku sangat tahu itu.

Tapi yang membuatku tersentak sedemikian hebat, 
adalah kenyataan bahwa kematian benar-benar dapat memutuskan kebahagiaan dalam diri seseorang, sekejap saja, lalu rasanya mampu membuatku menjadi nelangsa setengah mati, hatiku seperti tak di tempatnya, dan tubuhku serasa kosong melompong, hilang isi.

Kau tahu sayang, rasanya seperti angin yang tiba-tiba hilang berganti kemarau gersang.
Pada airmata yang jatuh kali ini, aku selipkan salam perpisahan panjang,
pada kesetiaan yang telah kau ukir, pada kenangan pahit manis selama kau ada,
aku bukan hendak mengeluh, tapi rasanya terlalu sebentar kau disini.

Mereka mengira aku lah kekasih yang baik bagimu sayang,
tanpa mereka sadari, bahwa kaulah yang menjadikan aku kekasih yang baik.
mana mungkin aku setia padahal memang kecenderunganku adalah mendua, tapi kau ajarkan aku kesetiaan, sehingga aku setia, kau ajarkan aku arti cinta, sehingga aku mampu mencintaimu seperti ini.

Selamat jalan,
Kau dari-Nya, dan kembali pada-Nya,

kau dulu tiada untukku, dan sekarang kembali tiada.
selamat jalan sayang,

cahaya mataku, penyejuk jiwaku, 

selamat jalan,
calon bidadari surgaku ....

BJ. HABIBIE

Notes from me:

At some point,

you have to realize that some people can stay in your heart,

but not in your life.

Read More... → BJ. Habibie's Poem

ia DATANG dengan BIJAK, ia PERGI tanpa JEJAK

ia DATANG dengan BIJAK, ia PERGI tanpa JEJAK

Banyak hal yg bisa diinterpretasikan dengan HATI,
meski LOGIKA lebih berhati-hati dalam melangkah

Jangan lengah,
Apalagi terengah-engah..

Memang tidak semua yg ia miliki special,
namun ia mampu membuat dunia berbinar,
meski hanya di awal

..ia DATANG dengan BIJAK, ia PERGI tanpa JEJAK..

Di saat ia pergi,
sebenarnya ia ada,
hanya bersembunyi di balik keraguan..
Atau ketidaktahuan?

Tapi sungguh,
Ketika ia datang,
tak ada satupun bunga yg layu,
ataupun sungai yg kering

Meski keajaiban itu hanya, sedetik..

Inorda Sofiehara

Yogyakarta, 4 Mei 2011

Read More... → ia DATANG dengan BIJAK, ia PERGI tanpa JEJAK

Takdir & Jodoh :)

Takdir & Jodoh :)

Kamu bilang bahwa aku spesial.

Bukan! Kamulah yang terlampau istimewa untukku.

Aku bahagia ketika kamu :

Bertindak bodoh hanya untuk membuat aku tersenyum

Memberikan kejutan2 kecil tapi begitu istimewa untukku

Menatap wajahku saat aku tidak melihat

Merayuku dengan makanan kesukaanku

Mengatakan aku cantik, padahal aku tau aku tidak cantik

Tiba-tiba datang memberikan coklat penyemangat

Mengirim teks selamat pagi dan selamat malam

Menelpon hanya untuk mengatakan kau mencintaiku

Memasang status di FB dan Twitter untuk aku

Berbagi cerita ke teman kamu tentang aku

Meminta pendapat /izin sebelum melakukan sesuatu

Cemburu untuk membuat kita tertawa lepas

Tak pernah marah ketika aku begitu menyebalkanmu

Memuji masakanku, padahal aku tau itu tidak terlalu lezat

Meluangkan waktu untukku disela kesibukanmu

Mengajariku bertahan di tengah kerasnya hidup

Itu membuat aku merasa lengkap..

Aku anggap TAKDIR yang mempertemukan kita

Tapi kuharap JODOH yang akan menyatukan kita

Yogyakarta, 9 Mei 2012

-Inorda Sofiehara-

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Blood Type In Fashion Style

WHAT IS YOUR BLOOD TYPE?

SHOW YOUR FASHION!

Now, I want to share about fashion style based on blood type. As we know, there are several types of blood type, blood type O, A, B, AB. Maybe there are some of you who feel the similarity of the info below, but this article was posted JUST FOR FUN, enjoy! J

Personally, Fashion Style of Blood types O is cool. Blood Type O is not the type who likes to follow trends. They like to wear flashy accessories. Sometimes, they like wearing accessories or clothes that do not match or be outdated. Nevertheless, they still wear them because they do not rely on existing trends to show their personality. It can be said that people with blood type O is really cool.

Blood types A do not like to wear flashy clothes or shiny, they like to wear classy clothes. They prefer simple accessories like scarf, etc. They like small accessories and simple clothes. They prefer the elegant clothes. When shopping, they do not buy the latest models things, only if they are interested. They also do not forget to review the quality and sewing clothes.

Blood type B like flexible clothes. Most of their costume collections are T-Shirt and Jeans pants. They have a great sense to know, so when they are interested in something they will make their style becomes sensual suddenly and we would be surprised of that. They love striking things, so they can be seen clearly.

Fashion Style Blood Type AB can be said flawless from head to toe. They do not want to look frumpy, they always wear appropriate and neat clothes wherever. They like the variety of accessories, but do not like to wear flashy accessories. They love the clothes that are combined with elegance. Compared to other accessories, they prefer to wear a belt or scarf.

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Shoes Philosophy

SHOES PHILOSOPHY

“Life history is shoes history, history of the place in which people stepping and standing.” - Anonymous

Shoes may reflect who we are. How we choose and buy shoes is reflection of our finding a mate. Finding appropriate shoes is not an easy thing. It must be fit and match with the kind of event. Just like a spouse, it is not only appropriate, but also proportional. In this world there are no one has same left and right leg size. That is definitely different. But it is not like the shoes, they were made ​​in the same size. So it took some time adjusting to the shoe flexible, and may curved fit with our feet. So does the relationship, it takes time. Shoes can be likened to a spouse, such as its model reflects the physical, its size reflects the personality and character, the price reflects the background and social status, the event reflects the equality and readiness.

Shoes may bring our step into light, heavy, comfortable or pain, depending on how we choose. Perhaps you will take the risk of buying expensive shoes with the latest models but its size is too small, so take the risk of pain to wear. Take the risk for heartbroken and discomfort in a relationship. Maybe you would prefer cheap shoes with outdated model, but comfortable to wear. You are comfortable with and your steps be taken lightly. Take it to the risk of embarrassment at the beginning but happy at the end. Remember, we are choosing, not to be chosen. Every person is free to choose. Protect your feet; protect your step, because your feet will bring you into the future. Choose shoes that are comfortable for your life until the end. J

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Assignment #4

Malioboro and Its “Vacations”

Malioboro is about 1 km street which is considered as the most famous street in Yogyakarta. Why did I call it “famous”? Because Malioboro is not only ordinary street, but also a shopping center, one of recreation destination as well in this city. It is suitable for shopaholic or ethnic lovers. Another well known place near it is Beringharjo market. Beringharjo market is the largest traditional market in Yogyakarta. In Beringharjo, we can buy batik and souvenirs.  In order to get good price, we should be a good bargainer too. We can go around by walking, riding bicycle, pedicab, andong or motorcycle.

Yogyakarta is identical with Malioboro. Every person who took time to Yogyakarta would have to come to Malioboro. Until this time, that place still survives with heart as the trade center and becomes one of the icon representing Yogyakarta. There are two history versions of Malioboro’s naming. The first version is taken from the name of an English gentleman, namely Marlborough, a resident of the United Kingdom in the city of Yogyakarta in 1811 AD to 1816 AD. The second version, Malioboro is taken from Sanskrit which means "bouquet", since this place used to be filled with a bouquet of flowers when the Palace held celebration.

The curiosity about Malioboro history made ​​us ended up to ask directly the one person who has long worked in that place, namely Mr. Siswo, 66 years old, a cabman who is devoted himself on Malioboro since the 70's in Sultan Hamengkubuwono X (HB X) period. He told us slightly about its story while sitting on his andong remembering the old Malioboro. He said that ago, andong can only park in front of Beringharjo Market, so the street in front of it had become overcrowded, although no sidewalks and no many street vendors around. The road was used only for pedestrians. Since most vehicles are still dominated by pedicab and andong, he admitted that it is easier to earn money. Regarding the arrangement of the city, there were no attics, not too many hotels, and still many large trees on the roadside as preventing from air pollution. However, one-way street was already prevailed, and wider. In contrast to Malioboro now, there are already sidewalks, so andong and pedicab are allowed to park around it. Another good things, andong and pedicab are under the supervision of Sultan HB X, including licensing in putting attributes on it, or the provision of uniforms of those who want to promote the certain products. It aims to maintain the public order and also security. This order makes Sultan HB X easy to control and invite the cabman to participate in the palace celebrations. The city ordering around the street depends on Mayor who served at that time, for example: previous Mayor Want to put plant pots along the way, but the mayor now want sidewalk planted with grass, so no more plant pots, to make better view. Mostly large trees also have been cut down for safety. There are a lot of street vendors who sell batiks or souvenirs. Life goes on, and the seasons kept changing. Now Mr. Siswo considers his work not only as a way to earn money, but also as an entertainment, remembering increasing of the number of competitors such as Trans Jogja bus, taxi, etc., although he admitted that it is difficult to earn money as a cabman today.

Yogyakarta has many essential places to show its identity. One of the famous places is Pasar Kembang, known as Sarkem. People said it’s an interesting place for men who are exhausted which is located in the heart of city. Now, Sosrowijayan has changed. Either it’s a matter of system or they way the prostitutes behave and dress up. For private reason, they are only given the HIV/AIDS vaccination twice a month. Skill building was even completely removed from agenda on 2010 so some of them were taken and the rest were stayed. Slow but sure, they are fully devoted themselves to be a prostitute and no longer rely on the attendant to earn money. So in short, they seek for men so the more visitors they served, the more money they got. This thing might lead them to dress up more vulgar, like wearing mini skirt and tank-top to attract.

Our interviewee is an old woman who has settled in Sarkem for almost 65 years. Her name is Mariyani, a widower who become the elder at Sosrowijayan Kulon RT 17 RW 03. She has five children who are working as a tailor and hairdresser. Only one of them is jobless. When we asked about the history of why people called this place as Sarkem, she gave us a very clear explanation that it is no more than just a name of Street around Malioboro.

Back then, Sosrowijayan, which has three hundreds or something inhabitans, became a complex of kos-kosan as University of Proklamasi was established and inns for uptown-sellers, mostly from Bandung and Jakarta besides as the residence of the prostitutes or place for earn money. They themselves mainly come from Jepara, East Java and Cilacap so this place also gave a lodging for temporary staying and should register themselves to Bunga Seroja and will be announced to others on the meeting. They were raised to get education like others by the local citizens and build their skill in cooking and sewing, also were given regular vaccination every week to avoid HIV/AIDS. The way they dress up formerly like commoners –wearing a jeans or midi-skirt combine with shirt or blouse-. They went to school in the morning and go working at night until predawn. This prostitution is already exist since colonial period. The visitors came from Indochinese people and artists. When they want to, let’s call it, be ‘served’, they must ask attendant first so the prostitute just stayed at inns and waited for visitors. Around the 60’s, some of the prostitutes were moved to place around Kota Gede, but they return due to the Government’s plan to built Giwangan Station. The situation was uncontrolled and disorganized -so many drunken got into fight and mini nightclubs were opened nonstop-.

-Papertoy-

Read More... → Assignment #4