Sunday, December 09, 2007
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
Amid host Thailand's domination in track and field events, Indonesian heroines managed to steal two more gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games here on Saturday.
Trianingsih and Rini Budiarti finished first and second in the women's 5,000-meter run at His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium, cheered on by the Thai crowd.
The 25-year-old Trianingsih clocked 15 minutes, 54.32 seconds, to sharpen the old record of 16:08.93 set by her senior, Supriati Sutono, in Kuala Lumpur in the 2001 Games.
Comrade Rini Budiarti followed second with 16:08.00, and Phyu War Thet of Myanmar came third with 16:27.10.
"I came here to bring home a gold medal. Two years ago, I refused to participate because I had a problem with the Indonesian Track and Field Association (PASI), but now I'm here and I hope I can contribute another gold in another class," Trianingsih said.
Earlier this year, PASI dismissed Trianingsih from its national training program following her refusal to train in Jakarta due to her studies in Salatiga, Central Java.
She was recalled to the camp in July after clocking her best time of 16:15 in the 5,000m, and 34:16 in the 10,000m at the National Championships.
Indonesian discus thrower Dwi Ratnawati also won gold by throwing 50.05 meters to upset Thai Juthaporn Krasaeyan, who came in second after throwing 49.46m, and Singaporean Guirong Zhang who threw 45.73m.
"I'm very happy because I have competed at the Games four times and this is the first time I've won a gold medal," she said before the medal presentation.
Dwi said her physical training program over the last eight months had helped her make improvements.
"I can't wait to get back into training. I hope I can do even better in the Asian Games," she said.
Track and field team manager Sumartoyo Martodihardjo said he was satisfied with the result, and was hopeful the track and field squad would contribute three more medals in the women's 10,000 meters and the men's and women's marathon.
"I'm happy with the result and can see the athletes have been training better," he said.
In the men's 4x400m relay, Indonesia's Yan Karubaba, Silas Patay, Nurrochman and Achmad Sumarsono Sakeh came in fourth after clocking 3:11.15.
Malaysia grabbed the gold medal with 3:07.95, trailed by Thailand with 3:08.25 and the Philippines with 3:08.53.
For nearly two decades, after first joining the SEA Games in 1977, track and field became a gold mine for Indonesian athletes. Since 1995, however, the country has not won more than five gold medals at the event.
Two years ago Indonesia returned with one gold, six silver and five bronze from the track -- far less than their targetted six gold, seven silver and eight bronze.
One afternoon, on a visit to his family, he had summoned up the courage to tell his father that he didn't want to become a priest. That he wanted to travel.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Weight lifter Eko gives RI another boost
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
Eko Yuli Irawan delivered one gold medal for Indonesia in the weightlifting competition at the 2007 Southeast (SEA) Games, as well as breaking the Games record here Saturday.
The 18-year-old lifted a total of 284 kilograms in the men's Under-56 kilogram event to claim the gold, followed by his close rival Anh Tuan Hong of Vietnam with 281kg and host lifter Pongsak Maneetong with 256kg.
Eko lifted 126kg in the snatch and then 158kg in the clean and jerk to break the Games record of 150kg created by compatriot Jadi Setiadi in the 2003 Games in Hanoi, while Anh Tuang Hong lifted 128 in the snatch and 153 in the clean and jerk.
"We know Eko is good at the clean and jerk while Anh Tuan Hong is very good at the snatch. Therefore, we had expected Eko to lift more in the clean and jerk, and he successfully met our expectations for the gold," weightlifting coach Joni Firdaus told reporters after the competition.
The victory gain Eko a Rp 200 million (about US$21,600) cash bonus from the government.
"I dedicate this medal to my mother and father, and I will build a house for them and help set them up in a small business," said Eko, who started weightlifting training six years ago.
"My dream is to compete in the Olympic Games," he added.
Indonesia has notched up enough points for four weightlifters to compete in the Olympics, but the decision on who will actually do so rests with the team manager.
Eko said that if he was selected for the Olympic, he would aim to lift 130kg in the snatch and 160kg in the clean and jerk.
Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) chairman Adang Darajatun praised Eko's triumph, saying he had been performing consistently in recent international events.
"Now we are on the right track to win four golds, and we hope we will be able to meet our target in the remaining four days," Adang said, adding that Eko's victory could boost his compatriots' zeal.
Separately, Indonesia's Okta Dwi Pramita earned a silver in the women's 53kg division after lifting a total of 187kg.
The gold went to host lifter Suda Chaleephay, who lifted a total of 202kg, while Vietnam's Thi Bich Ha Nguyen took the bronze with 185kg.
Indonesia won two gold medals in the Philippines two years ago and is hoping to earn more in this year's event.
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
Eko Yuli Irawan delivered one gold medal for Indonesia in the weightlifting competition at the 2007 Southeast (SEA) Games, as well as breaking the Games record here Saturday.
The 18-year-old lifted a total of 284 kilograms in the men's Under-56 kilogram event to claim the gold, followed by his close rival Anh Tuan Hong of Vietnam with 281kg and host lifter Pongsak Maneetong with 256kg.
Eko lifted 126kg in the snatch and then 158kg in the clean and jerk to break the Games record of 150kg created by compatriot Jadi Setiadi in the 2003 Games in Hanoi, while Anh Tuang Hong lifted 128 in the snatch and 153 in the clean and jerk.
"We know Eko is good at the clean and jerk while Anh Tuan Hong is very good at the snatch. Therefore, we had expected Eko to lift more in the clean and jerk, and he successfully met our expectations for the gold," weightlifting coach Joni Firdaus told reporters after the competition.
The victory gain Eko a Rp 200 million (about US$21,600) cash bonus from the government.
"I dedicate this medal to my mother and father, and I will build a house for them and help set them up in a small business," said Eko, who started weightlifting training six years ago.
"My dream is to compete in the Olympic Games," he added.
Indonesia has notched up enough points for four weightlifters to compete in the Olympics, but the decision on who will actually do so rests with the team manager.
Eko said that if he was selected for the Olympic, he would aim to lift 130kg in the snatch and 160kg in the clean and jerk.
Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) chairman Adang Darajatun praised Eko's triumph, saying he had been performing consistently in recent international events.
"Now we are on the right track to win four golds, and we hope we will be able to meet our target in the remaining four days," Adang said, adding that Eko's victory could boost his compatriots' zeal.
Separately, Indonesia's Okta Dwi Pramita earned a silver in the women's 53kg division after lifting a total of 187kg.
The gold went to host lifter Suda Chaleephay, who lifted a total of 202kg, while Vietnam's Thi Bich Ha Nguyen took the bronze with 185kg.
Indonesia won two gold medals in the Philippines two years ago and is hoping to earn more in this year's event.
RI athletes add more gold to the pot
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Damar Harsanto and Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Indonesia's athletes gave it their all Saturday claiming six gold medals, four silvers and one bronze at the 24th Southeast Asian Games.
Track and field contributed two golds and one silver through Triyaningsih and Rini Budiarti who finished one-two in the women's 5000 meters and Dwi Ratnawati in the women's discuss throw.
Eighteen-year-old weight lifter Eko Yuli Irawan lived up his top billing as the 2006 Junior World Championship champ to clinch gold in the men's 56 kilogram division. Fellow weight lifter Okta Dwi Pramita finished second to win the silver in the women's 53kg division.
Meanwhile, two unexpected golds were won in wrestling and bowling. Little-known wrestler Fachriansyah snatched the gold in the men's freestyle 74kg division, while 17-year-old bowler Tannya Roumimper grabbed gold in the women's singles event.
Good news also came from the water with four-strong rowing team -- Samlia, Femy Batuwael, Femmy Yuwartini Elia and Ratna -- fighting back from third place in the last heat and stealing the gold medal in the women's lightweight four event. Indonesia also collected two silver medals from men's pair Iswandi and Agus Budi Aji and in the women's lightweight double sculls thanks to Sri Rahayu Masi and Bertin.
Later in the day, fencer Isnawaty Sir Idar won the bronze in the women's individual ep‚e, while swimmer Muhammad Akbar Nasution finished third in the men's 200m individual medley.
However, Indonesia missed some chances in the events it dominated in the 2005 Philippines Games, including the men's singles bowling event. Defending champion and 2006 Asian Games winner Ryan Leonard Lalisang unexpectedly slumped to 25th position.
With Saturday's result, Indonesia has so far collected seven gold medals, nine silvers and 11 bronze and moved from seventh to sixth in the medal standing.
Host Thailand -- targeting 150 gold medals as a birthday present to King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- remains the leader followed by Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia.
Indonesia will have the chance to add more gold medals to its bag after setting a final clash against the host in the men's and women's tennis team finals.
Indonesia whitewashed the Philippines 3-0 thanks to old hand Romana Tejakusuma and Sandy Gumulya who played the singles events and 2005 double SEA Games gold medalist Wynne Prakusya partnered with Angelique Widjaja in the doubles. Thailand thrashed Malaysia 3-0.
In water polo, Indonesia extended its winning streak by beating Malaysia 15-7. The Philippines will be the next opponent in the round-robin preliminary match Sunday.
Other gold-medal hopefuls on the badminton court will kick off their campaign Sunday in the men's and women's team quarterfinals. Indonesia hopes to win four golds from its top shuttlers.
Damar Harsanto and Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Indonesia's athletes gave it their all Saturday claiming six gold medals, four silvers and one bronze at the 24th Southeast Asian Games.
Track and field contributed two golds and one silver through Triyaningsih and Rini Budiarti who finished one-two in the women's 5000 meters and Dwi Ratnawati in the women's discuss throw.
Eighteen-year-old weight lifter Eko Yuli Irawan lived up his top billing as the 2006 Junior World Championship champ to clinch gold in the men's 56 kilogram division. Fellow weight lifter Okta Dwi Pramita finished second to win the silver in the women's 53kg division.
Meanwhile, two unexpected golds were won in wrestling and bowling. Little-known wrestler Fachriansyah snatched the gold in the men's freestyle 74kg division, while 17-year-old bowler Tannya Roumimper grabbed gold in the women's singles event.
Good news also came from the water with four-strong rowing team -- Samlia, Femy Batuwael, Femmy Yuwartini Elia and Ratna -- fighting back from third place in the last heat and stealing the gold medal in the women's lightweight four event. Indonesia also collected two silver medals from men's pair Iswandi and Agus Budi Aji and in the women's lightweight double sculls thanks to Sri Rahayu Masi and Bertin.
Later in the day, fencer Isnawaty Sir Idar won the bronze in the women's individual ep‚e, while swimmer Muhammad Akbar Nasution finished third in the men's 200m individual medley.
However, Indonesia missed some chances in the events it dominated in the 2005 Philippines Games, including the men's singles bowling event. Defending champion and 2006 Asian Games winner Ryan Leonard Lalisang unexpectedly slumped to 25th position.
With Saturday's result, Indonesia has so far collected seven gold medals, nine silvers and 11 bronze and moved from seventh to sixth in the medal standing.
Host Thailand -- targeting 150 gold medals as a birthday present to King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- remains the leader followed by Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia.
Indonesia will have the chance to add more gold medals to its bag after setting a final clash against the host in the men's and women's tennis team finals.
Indonesia whitewashed the Philippines 3-0 thanks to old hand Romana Tejakusuma and Sandy Gumulya who played the singles events and 2005 double SEA Games gold medalist Wynne Prakusya partnered with Angelique Widjaja in the doubles. Thailand thrashed Malaysia 3-0.
In water polo, Indonesia extended its winning streak by beating Malaysia 15-7. The Philippines will be the next opponent in the round-robin preliminary match Sunday.
Other gold-medal hopefuls on the badminton court will kick off their campaign Sunday in the men's and women's team quarterfinals. Indonesia hopes to win four golds from its top shuttlers.
Suryo's sprint brings golden joy
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
Suryo Agung Wibowo never thought he would put his name in the SEA Games history book by setting a new record in the men's 100 meter sprint.
He never guessed he would be the first to win gold for Indonesia at the 24th Games.
Never crossed his mind either that he would become only the third Indonesian ever to win a gold medal from the most prestigious event in track and field.
But he did it convincingly in racing across the finish line to a cheering crowd at His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium here Friday.
Suryo crossed the finish line in 10.25 seconds, breaking the old record set by Reanchai Seeharwong of Thailand in 1999 by .01 seconds.
His victory brought slight relief to the Indonesian camp after the country's frustrating performance at the biennial event.
Suryo -- who began his running at Central Java's student training center -- immediately called his two-month-old son Salwa Azra Wibowo and wife Astati Azriyani in their hometown of Surakarta, Central Java.
"I dedicated my first medal to my beloved wife and my son," said Suryo, adding he would bring his family to stay with him in Jakarta.
Born Oct. 8, 1983, Suryo said his progress in track and field was part of the strength and conditioning program initiated by the SEA Games task force in April.
"The track and field squad's physical trainer Robert John Ballard brings a lot of experience to the team. We should praise him for that," he said.
Ballard replied: "I couldn't be happier. I feel like a father, because I trained them from the beginning."
"Indonesia has a great resource of athletes and it's just about how to identify them and train them. A commitment to bringing them up to the next level is very important," he said.
Suryo, 24, is a former striker for the Persis Solo junior soccer club. He turned to track in 1999 and had to wait until 2003 before joining the national squad.
In his first Games experience, he came home empty-handed in 2003. Two years ago, he improved his performance at the Philippines Games by taking the bronze.
The gold medal earns him the Rp 200 million (about US$21,600) promised by State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs, Adhyaksa Dault. Suryo said he would use his bonus for haj pilgrimage.
The victory also earned him a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"I'm ready to compete again. I will follow the instructions from my coach and physical trainer. It has been proven the physical training is imperative," said Suryo.
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
Suryo Agung Wibowo never thought he would put his name in the SEA Games history book by setting a new record in the men's 100 meter sprint.
He never guessed he would be the first to win gold for Indonesia at the 24th Games.
Never crossed his mind either that he would become only the third Indonesian ever to win a gold medal from the most prestigious event in track and field.
But he did it convincingly in racing across the finish line to a cheering crowd at His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium here Friday.
Suryo crossed the finish line in 10.25 seconds, breaking the old record set by Reanchai Seeharwong of Thailand in 1999 by .01 seconds.
His victory brought slight relief to the Indonesian camp after the country's frustrating performance at the biennial event.
Suryo -- who began his running at Central Java's student training center -- immediately called his two-month-old son Salwa Azra Wibowo and wife Astati Azriyani in their hometown of Surakarta, Central Java.
"I dedicated my first medal to my beloved wife and my son," said Suryo, adding he would bring his family to stay with him in Jakarta.
Born Oct. 8, 1983, Suryo said his progress in track and field was part of the strength and conditioning program initiated by the SEA Games task force in April.
"The track and field squad's physical trainer Robert John Ballard brings a lot of experience to the team. We should praise him for that," he said.
Ballard replied: "I couldn't be happier. I feel like a father, because I trained them from the beginning."
"Indonesia has a great resource of athletes and it's just about how to identify them and train them. A commitment to bringing them up to the next level is very important," he said.
Suryo, 24, is a former striker for the Persis Solo junior soccer club. He turned to track in 1999 and had to wait until 2003 before joining the national squad.
In his first Games experience, he came home empty-handed in 2003. Two years ago, he improved his performance at the Philippines Games by taking the bronze.
The gold medal earns him the Rp 200 million (about US$21,600) promised by State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs, Adhyaksa Dault. Suryo said he would use his bonus for haj pilgrimage.
The victory also earned him a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"I'm ready to compete again. I will follow the instructions from my coach and physical trainer. It has been proven the physical training is imperative," said Suryo.
RI glitters in track with shining Suryo
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Damar Harsanto and Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Just like his name, Suryo Agung Wibowo, 24, brought a light to the Indonesian camp with his gold medal in the men's 100 meter sprint at the SEA Games on Friday.
Suryo -- whose name means sun -- crossed the finish line in 10.25 seconds to become the fastest man in the region and a new Games record holder. The old record was set by Reanchai Seeharwong of Thailand in 1999.
The victory was an improvement from Suryo's previous performances at the Games. In 2003 he went home empty-handed, and two years ago he took the bronze.
Once Suryo crossed the finish line, the Indonesian contingent turned joyous, shaking each others' hands in celebration.
The good news -- ending a desperate week-long wait for a gold -- came shortly after Indonesia took silver in the equestrian dressage team event and, from Zulkarnaen Purba, the men's 400m hurdles.
Rini Budiarti added a silver in the women's 1500m, while Irene Truitje Joseph, the 1999 Games gold medalist, took the bronze in the women's 100m.
Coming into the second day after the Games' official opening, Indonesia had flopped in shooting, table tennis and mountain biking.
Cyclists in the mountain biking cross-country event failed to win medals. The only medal in the sport was a silver from Popo Ario Sejati in the men's downhill race.
In wushu, Indonesia's Asian Games silver medalist Susyana Tjan lost grip on her spear and failed to score well. Her junior, Lindswell, who finished fourth in the World Championships in China last month, also scored low.
Swimmer Felicia Leksono finished second slowest in the women's 100m freestyle.
Muhammad Akbar Nasution was edged out by Miguel Molina of the Philippines in the 400m individual medley by only 0.06 seconds and had to be satisfied with a silver.
Lothus Malino took the bronze in men's wrestling freestyle at 84 kilograms.
The day's good news was dampened by the failure of the Indonesia soccer team to reach the semifinals after bowing out 2-1 to host Thailand in Group A of the round-robin match. Indonesia defeated Cambodia 3-1 but was held to a 0-0 draw by Myanmar.
A consolation for Indonesia came from the water polo team, which sailed over Vietnam 19-11 in their opener.
On Saturday, Indonesia hopes to add more gold medals with Dwi Ratna competing in the women's discus throw and Yurita Arianny Arsyad in the women's hammer throw.
Indonesia's king and queen of bowling, Ryan Leonard Lalisang and Putty Insavilla Armein, will compete in the men's singles and women's singles. They hope to repeat their victories in the 2005 Philippines Games and 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
Damar Harsanto and Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Just like his name, Suryo Agung Wibowo, 24, brought a light to the Indonesian camp with his gold medal in the men's 100 meter sprint at the SEA Games on Friday.
Suryo -- whose name means sun -- crossed the finish line in 10.25 seconds to become the fastest man in the region and a new Games record holder. The old record was set by Reanchai Seeharwong of Thailand in 1999.
The victory was an improvement from Suryo's previous performances at the Games. In 2003 he went home empty-handed, and two years ago he took the bronze.
Once Suryo crossed the finish line, the Indonesian contingent turned joyous, shaking each others' hands in celebration.
The good news -- ending a desperate week-long wait for a gold -- came shortly after Indonesia took silver in the equestrian dressage team event and, from Zulkarnaen Purba, the men's 400m hurdles.
Rini Budiarti added a silver in the women's 1500m, while Irene Truitje Joseph, the 1999 Games gold medalist, took the bronze in the women's 100m.
Coming into the second day after the Games' official opening, Indonesia had flopped in shooting, table tennis and mountain biking.
Cyclists in the mountain biking cross-country event failed to win medals. The only medal in the sport was a silver from Popo Ario Sejati in the men's downhill race.
In wushu, Indonesia's Asian Games silver medalist Susyana Tjan lost grip on her spear and failed to score well. Her junior, Lindswell, who finished fourth in the World Championships in China last month, also scored low.
Swimmer Felicia Leksono finished second slowest in the women's 100m freestyle.
Muhammad Akbar Nasution was edged out by Miguel Molina of the Philippines in the 400m individual medley by only 0.06 seconds and had to be satisfied with a silver.
Lothus Malino took the bronze in men's wrestling freestyle at 84 kilograms.
The day's good news was dampened by the failure of the Indonesia soccer team to reach the semifinals after bowing out 2-1 to host Thailand in Group A of the round-robin match. Indonesia defeated Cambodia 3-1 but was held to a 0-0 draw by Myanmar.
A consolation for Indonesia came from the water polo team, which sailed over Vietnam 19-11 in their opener.
On Saturday, Indonesia hopes to add more gold medals with Dwi Ratna competing in the women's discus throw and Yurita Arianny Arsyad in the women's hammer throw.
Indonesia's king and queen of bowling, Ryan Leonard Lalisang and Putty Insavilla Armein, will compete in the men's singles and women's singles. They hope to repeat their victories in the 2005 Philippines Games and 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
RI gets first silver while Thailand leads
Friday, December 07, 2007
Damar Harsanto and Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
The Southeast Asian Games cauldron was lit Thursday at the official opening of the biennial event, but the red-and-white squad paraded goldless at His Majesty the King of Thailand's 80th Birthday Anniversary stadium.
Once a dominating country in the regional event, Indonesia is losing its grip in medal collection and has allowed other countries -- especially arch-rival Thailand -- to move up in their standing.
With the shooting now complete and other events have begun, Indonesia remains seventh on the tally with one silver and five bronze medals.
The medals were not enough to raise Indonesia's position above seventh place -- just above minnow countries Laos, Timor Leste, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam.
The host Thailand, targeting 150 gold as a birthday present for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, tops the standing with 21 gold, followed by Singapore with 10 and Vietnam with seven gold medals.
Indonesia earned its first silver thanks to cycling Popo Ario Sejati, who pedaled in the men's mountain bike downhill race. He came second after eventual winner Joey Barba of the Philippines.
Later in the day, Indonesia's six-strong team playing in Sepaktakraw hoop event at The Mall's hall scored a total 650 points to win bronze.
First and second place went to host Thailand and Myanmar.
The newly introduced event, known also hoop takraw, is a variation of sepaktakraw where players have to show their creativity and dexterity in making maneuvers, like cross-legged jump kicks and other artistic kicks, before scoring a goal in a basket-shaped net erected 4.5 meters above the ground.
The new event sparked a controversy Thursday when Malaysia pulled out of the competition because it was upset at the use of a rubber coated ball rather than the traditional rattan.
"Malaysia's withdrawal was deeply regrettable," president of the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation, Abdel Halim Bin Kader, said as quoted by AP.
"I feel very sad indeed because the spirit of the games, which is friendship and unity, is most important among the sport community."
Bin Kader said Malaysia had been given 220 of the new balls for practice and had used the new balls in competition at the First ASEAN Sepak Takraw Championship in June.
SEA Games officials will decide if Malaysia should be penalized for its withdrawal.
Friday will feature 27 gold medals at stake in track and field, swimming, billiards, cycling, equestrian, gymnastics, wrestling, wushu and petanque events.
Damar Harsanto and Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
The Southeast Asian Games cauldron was lit Thursday at the official opening of the biennial event, but the red-and-white squad paraded goldless at His Majesty the King of Thailand's 80th Birthday Anniversary stadium.
Once a dominating country in the regional event, Indonesia is losing its grip in medal collection and has allowed other countries -- especially arch-rival Thailand -- to move up in their standing.
With the shooting now complete and other events have begun, Indonesia remains seventh on the tally with one silver and five bronze medals.
The medals were not enough to raise Indonesia's position above seventh place -- just above minnow countries Laos, Timor Leste, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam.
The host Thailand, targeting 150 gold as a birthday present for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, tops the standing with 21 gold, followed by Singapore with 10 and Vietnam with seven gold medals.
Indonesia earned its first silver thanks to cycling Popo Ario Sejati, who pedaled in the men's mountain bike downhill race. He came second after eventual winner Joey Barba of the Philippines.
Later in the day, Indonesia's six-strong team playing in Sepaktakraw hoop event at The Mall's hall scored a total 650 points to win bronze.
First and second place went to host Thailand and Myanmar.
The newly introduced event, known also hoop takraw, is a variation of sepaktakraw where players have to show their creativity and dexterity in making maneuvers, like cross-legged jump kicks and other artistic kicks, before scoring a goal in a basket-shaped net erected 4.5 meters above the ground.
The new event sparked a controversy Thursday when Malaysia pulled out of the competition because it was upset at the use of a rubber coated ball rather than the traditional rattan.
"Malaysia's withdrawal was deeply regrettable," president of the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation, Abdel Halim Bin Kader, said as quoted by AP.
"I feel very sad indeed because the spirit of the games, which is friendship and unity, is most important among the sport community."
Bin Kader said Malaysia had been given 220 of the new balls for practice and had used the new balls in competition at the First ASEAN Sepak Takraw Championship in June.
SEA Games officials will decide if Malaysia should be penalized for its withdrawal.
Friday will feature 27 gold medals at stake in track and field, swimming, billiards, cycling, equestrian, gymnastics, wrestling, wushu and petanque events.
SEA Games open with fabulous celebration at $65m stadium
Friday, December 07, 2007
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
The Southeast Asian Games were officially opened with what attendees described as a fabulous ceremony staged at the newly built US$65 million His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium in Thailand on Thursday.
With many competitions already underway, the host nation is leading the medal count and aims take out the medal count.
Some 20,000 spectators along with about 7,000 athletes, coaches and officials enjoyed the opening ceremony, which was attended by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The Prince was representing King Bhumibol Adulyadej who has just celebrated his 80th birthday.
A two-hour performance called "The journey of the SEA Games to Korat" was colored with fireworks.
Indonesia's cyclist Sugiyanto Setiawan, who won the gold medal in the 2005 SEA Games, carried the Indonesian flag to lead the 542-strong contingent during the parade.
But all eyes were on the 982-strong Thailand squad led by badminton athlete and Games competitor Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.
Spectators gave a standing ovation when their local heroes entered the stadium.
All attendants were asked to wear a shade of pink to celebrate the King's good health after he was hospitalized in August.
Well-known Thai athlete Udomporn Polsak -- the 2004 Olympic gold winner in weightlifting -- carried the Games torch to the cauldron.
As a sign of the organizers' commitment to an environmentally friendly Games, they displayed a huge banner with "Save the World" during the ceremony.
A total of 11 countries are fighting to win the majority of the 475 gold medals on offer, via 45 sports and over 10 days.
Thailand is targeted to win 150 gold medals to reclaim its top spot, which it failed to win in the previous three Games.
Malaysia took the crown in 2001, followed by host Vietnam in 2003 and the Philippines two years ago.
Indonesia has been involved in the games since 1977 and although it once dominated the competition, it has set a modest target of 65 gold medals in a bid to climb from fifth to fourth place.
Security measures have been tightened following the bombing in the province of Narathiwat on Tuesday.
A reported 7,500 uniformed and plain clothes security officers were deployed to secure athletes and officials during the ceremony and during the competition.
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
The Southeast Asian Games were officially opened with what attendees described as a fabulous ceremony staged at the newly built US$65 million His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium in Thailand on Thursday.
With many competitions already underway, the host nation is leading the medal count and aims take out the medal count.
Some 20,000 spectators along with about 7,000 athletes, coaches and officials enjoyed the opening ceremony, which was attended by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The Prince was representing King Bhumibol Adulyadej who has just celebrated his 80th birthday.
A two-hour performance called "The journey of the SEA Games to Korat" was colored with fireworks.
Indonesia's cyclist Sugiyanto Setiawan, who won the gold medal in the 2005 SEA Games, carried the Indonesian flag to lead the 542-strong contingent during the parade.
But all eyes were on the 982-strong Thailand squad led by badminton athlete and Games competitor Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.
Spectators gave a standing ovation when their local heroes entered the stadium.
All attendants were asked to wear a shade of pink to celebrate the King's good health after he was hospitalized in August.
Well-known Thai athlete Udomporn Polsak -- the 2004 Olympic gold winner in weightlifting -- carried the Games torch to the cauldron.
As a sign of the organizers' commitment to an environmentally friendly Games, they displayed a huge banner with "Save the World" during the ceremony.
A total of 11 countries are fighting to win the majority of the 475 gold medals on offer, via 45 sports and over 10 days.
Thailand is targeted to win 150 gold medals to reclaim its top spot, which it failed to win in the previous three Games.
Malaysia took the crown in 2001, followed by host Vietnam in 2003 and the Philippines two years ago.
Indonesia has been involved in the games since 1977 and although it once dominated the competition, it has set a modest target of 65 gold medals in a bid to climb from fifth to fourth place.
Security measures have been tightened following the bombing in the province of Narathiwat on Tuesday.
A reported 7,500 uniformed and plain clothes security officers were deployed to secure athletes and officials during the ceremony and during the competition.
Silver or bronze? Games medal dispute
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
Indonesian gymnasts' medal result is in question following a dispute over their silver win at the SEA Games here on Wednesday.
Lody Lontoh and Tyana Dewi Koesumawati won the silver medal -- a slip away from the gold targeted -- in the mixed doubles aerobic gymnastics event, following a crown shared by Vu Bang Dong and Tran Thi Thu Ha of Vietnam and Nattawut Pimpa and Roypim Ngampeerapong of Thailand who both scored 20.20 points.
Shortly after the medal ceremony, organizers approached the national squad and asked them to return their silver medals, but the Indonesian camp refused.
"If two teams share first place to win gold, then the next team should receive the silver medal," coach Fachmy Fahrezy said after the ceremony.
"We won't humiliate ourselves by returning the silver medal as it was presented through a formal and honored ceremony. If they say we broke the rules, we can say the whole event broke the rules since it was only competed in by three countries," he said.
The national camp sent a letter of protest, requesting clarification of the decision, to the Organizing Committee, after learning of a report to the committee stating Indonesia earned only the bronze medal.
Lody and Tyana earned 8.50 points in artistry, 8.30 in execution and 2.650 in difficulty. The Vietnamese couple scored 8.40 in artistry, 8.30 in execution and 3.500 in difficulty while the Thai's earned 8.50 in artistry, 8.40 in execution, and 3.300 in difficulty.
"Lody and Tyana performed perfectly and have done the best they could. Unfortunately they earned a lower score in the level of difficulty than the Vietnamese and Thai gymnasts," Fachmy said.
The Indonesian trio: Lody Lontoh, Ardi Dedek Saputra and Faizal Amirullah also won bronze in the aerobic trios.
Thailand's trio Phairach Thotkhamchai, Chanchaluk Yaimmitr and Kittipong Tawinun won the gold medal with a final score of 20.60, Vietnameses trios Vu Ba Dong, Xuan Giang Nguyen and Thien Phuong Nguyen scoring 20.15 and Indonesia 19.80.
In the women's individual category, Indonesia's Tyana Dewi Koesumawati came in fourth, while in the men's individual, compatriot Claudio Marsello finished fifth.
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Nakhon Ratchasima
Indonesian gymnasts' medal result is in question following a dispute over their silver win at the SEA Games here on Wednesday.
Lody Lontoh and Tyana Dewi Koesumawati won the silver medal -- a slip away from the gold targeted -- in the mixed doubles aerobic gymnastics event, following a crown shared by Vu Bang Dong and Tran Thi Thu Ha of Vietnam and Nattawut Pimpa and Roypim Ngampeerapong of Thailand who both scored 20.20 points.
Shortly after the medal ceremony, organizers approached the national squad and asked them to return their silver medals, but the Indonesian camp refused.
"If two teams share first place to win gold, then the next team should receive the silver medal," coach Fachmy Fahrezy said after the ceremony.
"We won't humiliate ourselves by returning the silver medal as it was presented through a formal and honored ceremony. If they say we broke the rules, we can say the whole event broke the rules since it was only competed in by three countries," he said.
The national camp sent a letter of protest, requesting clarification of the decision, to the Organizing Committee, after learning of a report to the committee stating Indonesia earned only the bronze medal.
Lody and Tyana earned 8.50 points in artistry, 8.30 in execution and 2.650 in difficulty. The Vietnamese couple scored 8.40 in artistry, 8.30 in execution and 3.500 in difficulty while the Thai's earned 8.50 in artistry, 8.40 in execution, and 3.300 in difficulty.
"Lody and Tyana performed perfectly and have done the best they could. Unfortunately they earned a lower score in the level of difficulty than the Vietnamese and Thai gymnasts," Fachmy said.
The Indonesian trio: Lody Lontoh, Ardi Dedek Saputra and Faizal Amirullah also won bronze in the aerobic trios.
Thailand's trio Phairach Thotkhamchai, Chanchaluk Yaimmitr and Kittipong Tawinun won the gold medal with a final score of 20.60, Vietnameses trios Vu Ba Dong, Xuan Giang Nguyen and Thien Phuong Nguyen scoring 20.15 and Indonesia 19.80.
In the women's individual category, Indonesia's Tyana Dewi Koesumawati came in fourth, while in the men's individual, compatriot Claudio Marsello finished fifth.
RI eyes four golds in SEA Games karate
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian karatekas have set a modest target of four gold medals at the 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from Dec. 6-15.
Head coach Willem Mantiri is upbeat his athletes will reach the target despite the absence of veteran Umar Syarif -- who suffered a knee injury at the Asian Games in Doha last December.
Mantiri pointed to the good results by his karatekas at several tournaments, including the Students Championship in Vietnam last June where Indonesia won six gold, six silver and six bronze, and the Australian Open in July where Hendro Salim won the men's over 75 kilogram division.
Hendro, 19, will replace Umar at the SEA Games.
"He has fought in four international tournaments in the past 12 months and always brought home medals," said Mantiri on Friday during a final training session at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta.
Other gold medals are expected from Christo Mondolu (-75kg), who also won gold in Doha, and in the men's and women's kata team events.
The men's kata team is comprised of Ismail Aswar, Fidelys Lolobua and Faizal Zainuddin, while the women's team consists of Yuli Eka Yanti, Dewi Yulianti and Alit Tresna.
Mantiri, however, warned his fighters to remain vigilant of their rivals from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
"We are really prepared for the SEA Games but we have to be careful with Malaysia because they are powerful in most of the categories," he said.
"While Vietnam proved their strength by winning five golds at the 2005 SEA Games."
"Thai fighters will have the advantage as the host and we have to be watchful because they can do anything to win the fight," he said.
Indonesia will send nine female and 11 male fighters to the SEA Games to compete in 17 events.
At the last SEA Games, two years ago, the national squad won five gold, five silver and four bronze, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia and host Philippines.
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian karatekas have set a modest target of four gold medals at the 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from Dec. 6-15.
Head coach Willem Mantiri is upbeat his athletes will reach the target despite the absence of veteran Umar Syarif -- who suffered a knee injury at the Asian Games in Doha last December.
Mantiri pointed to the good results by his karatekas at several tournaments, including the Students Championship in Vietnam last June where Indonesia won six gold, six silver and six bronze, and the Australian Open in July where Hendro Salim won the men's over 75 kilogram division.
Hendro, 19, will replace Umar at the SEA Games.
"He has fought in four international tournaments in the past 12 months and always brought home medals," said Mantiri on Friday during a final training session at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta.
Other gold medals are expected from Christo Mondolu (-75kg), who also won gold in Doha, and in the men's and women's kata team events.
The men's kata team is comprised of Ismail Aswar, Fidelys Lolobua and Faizal Zainuddin, while the women's team consists of Yuli Eka Yanti, Dewi Yulianti and Alit Tresna.
Mantiri, however, warned his fighters to remain vigilant of their rivals from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
"We are really prepared for the SEA Games but we have to be careful with Malaysia because they are powerful in most of the categories," he said.
"While Vietnam proved their strength by winning five golds at the 2005 SEA Games."
"Thai fighters will have the advantage as the host and we have to be watchful because they can do anything to win the fight," he said.
Indonesia will send nine female and 11 male fighters to the SEA Games to compete in 17 events.
At the last SEA Games, two years ago, the national squad won five gold, five silver and four bronze, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia and host Philippines.
RI insists on sending U-23 soccer team to SEA Games
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesia says it will send a (men's) soccer team to the 24th Southeast (SEA) Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, despite Sunday's humbling 7-0 loss to Syria in their 2010 World Cup pre-qualifying match in Damascus.
"Don't judge them by that result. Look at their progress over the last three months," an executive with the national task force overseeing soccer, Wianto Soehardjo, told reporters Monday.
Wianto said the national under 23-year-old team, which will represent Indonesia next month at the SEA Games, showed their fighting spirit up until the final whistle.
"Despite the defeat, national coach Ivan Venkov Kolev made a brave decision with a shake-up in the middle of the match to try some new tactics," Wianto said.
With the defeat, Indonesia's hopes of making it to the next round of World Cup qualifying matches were dashed. It lost to Syria 4-1 earlier last week in Jakarta.
Despite the outcome, the national task force for the SEA Games still expects the squad to reach the finals next month at the biannual sporting event in Thailand.
Another official from the national task force in charge of soccer, Setia Dharma Madjid, said they would not drop the team from the Indonesian contingent for the SEA Games.
"The Damascus match was only a warm-up for the team ahead of the Games ... The team already met targets set by the task force," Setia said.
He refused to compare the soccer team to the women's national basketball team, who were taken off the Indonesian SEA games contingent following a poor performance at the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) championship in Thailand last month. During the championship Indonesia finished fourth after Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia, not reaching the finals as required by the task force.
At the Nakhon Ratchasima SEA Games, the U-23 soccer team led by skipper Eka Ramdani will play in group A, together with host Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. Indonesia will take on Cambodia on Dec. 2, Myanmar on Dec. 4 and Thailand on Dec. 7. The group leader and runner-up will advance to the semifinals.
"Our toughest rival in the group is Thailand, so if we can beat Vietnam and Myanmar we will reach the semifinal and then the final. This is the target set by the PSSI," Wianto said.
To gear up for the event, PSSI sent the U-23 team for a one-month overseas stint in Argentina which cost around Rp 2 billion.
Indonesia last won gold in soccer at the 16th SEA Games in Manila in 1991. At the most recent 2005 SEA Games, also in Manila, the team finished third.
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesia says it will send a (men's) soccer team to the 24th Southeast (SEA) Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, despite Sunday's humbling 7-0 loss to Syria in their 2010 World Cup pre-qualifying match in Damascus.
"Don't judge them by that result. Look at their progress over the last three months," an executive with the national task force overseeing soccer, Wianto Soehardjo, told reporters Monday.
Wianto said the national under 23-year-old team, which will represent Indonesia next month at the SEA Games, showed their fighting spirit up until the final whistle.
"Despite the defeat, national coach Ivan Venkov Kolev made a brave decision with a shake-up in the middle of the match to try some new tactics," Wianto said.
With the defeat, Indonesia's hopes of making it to the next round of World Cup qualifying matches were dashed. It lost to Syria 4-1 earlier last week in Jakarta.
Despite the outcome, the national task force for the SEA Games still expects the squad to reach the finals next month at the biannual sporting event in Thailand.
Another official from the national task force in charge of soccer, Setia Dharma Madjid, said they would not drop the team from the Indonesian contingent for the SEA Games.
"The Damascus match was only a warm-up for the team ahead of the Games ... The team already met targets set by the task force," Setia said.
He refused to compare the soccer team to the women's national basketball team, who were taken off the Indonesian SEA games contingent following a poor performance at the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) championship in Thailand last month. During the championship Indonesia finished fourth after Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia, not reaching the finals as required by the task force.
At the Nakhon Ratchasima SEA Games, the U-23 soccer team led by skipper Eka Ramdani will play in group A, together with host Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. Indonesia will take on Cambodia on Dec. 2, Myanmar on Dec. 4 and Thailand on Dec. 7. The group leader and runner-up will advance to the semifinals.
"Our toughest rival in the group is Thailand, so if we can beat Vietnam and Myanmar we will reach the semifinal and then the final. This is the target set by the PSSI," Wianto said.
To gear up for the event, PSSI sent the U-23 team for a one-month overseas stint in Argentina which cost around Rp 2 billion.
Indonesia last won gold in soccer at the 16th SEA Games in Manila in 1991. At the most recent 2005 SEA Games, also in Manila, the team finished third.
Court told to drop Sports Law article
Matheos Viktor Messakh, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
A lawmaker and a governor have asked the Constitutional Court to review and annul an article of the Sports Law deemed contradictory to the spirit of the 1945 Constitution.
Head of Commission E on Welfare affairs at the East Java Legislative Council Saleh Ismail Mukadar and South Sumatra Governor Syahrial Oesman on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the 2005 Law on the National Sports System.
They argued article 40 of the law contradicted Constitutional article 27 and 28. The law's article stipulates that public officials are prohibited from holding management seats on provincial or municipality sports councils.
Saleh, who is also chairman of the Surabaya Sports Council, and Syahrial, chairman of the South Sumatra Sports Council, argued the article had denied them the right to contribute to sports development in the country.
"The article has nullified the right of public officials to support sports development in the country. If a governor, mayor or regent serves their local sports council, the council will receive valuable support in terms of funding," Syahrial's lawyer, Umbu Samapaty, told the court.
The plaintiffs also questioned why the restriction only applied to double positions in local sports councils but not to sports organizations.
"We totally agree that the government should not interfere with sports development and should let the professionals do their jobs. But why does such a prohibition only apply to the sports council and not to individual sports disciplines?" Umbu said.
Saleh's lawyer, Muhammad Soleh, said the article had violated the rights of public officials in East Java, who had been denied the right to take part in helping develop the country's sports.
In response to the accusations, State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs Adhyaksa Dault, who represented the government in court, argued public officials with dual functions on sports councils would not "focus" on sports development and would create "a conflict of interests".
"If they want to contribute to sports, they can do it through various means. They could help manage sports organizations or provide funding for sports.
"Those who challenge the regulation are those who have enjoyed the comfort zone with their current positions and who are trying to pursue more comfort in other positions," Adhyaksa said.
The minister was accompanied by around 20 staff members, who defended the government position in the case, prompting the comment from the president of the constitutional court, Jimly Asshiddiqie: "Moving the office to the court".
Lawyer for the House of Representatives, Akil Muchtar, supported the government's argument, saying double positions would create opportunities for public officers to abuse their power, as occurred during the New Order regime.
"It will be confusing if a governor, mayor or regent who determines the local (provincial/municipality) budget also receives some of the same budget," Akil told the court.
After more than two hours, the hearing -- presided over by justices Jimly Asshiddiqie, I Dewa Gede Palguna, HAS Natabaya, Laica Marzuki, Achmad Roestandi, Mukthie Fadjar, Maruarar Siahaan, Harjono and Soedarsono -- was adjourned indefinitely and will resume with testimonies from experts and witnesses.
The plaintiffs said they would call on experts to testify, including member of the national human rights commission Hesti Armi Wulan.
A lawmaker and a governor have asked the Constitutional Court to review and annul an article of the Sports Law deemed contradictory to the spirit of the 1945 Constitution.
Head of Commission E on Welfare affairs at the East Java Legislative Council Saleh Ismail Mukadar and South Sumatra Governor Syahrial Oesman on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the 2005 Law on the National Sports System.
They argued article 40 of the law contradicted Constitutional article 27 and 28. The law's article stipulates that public officials are prohibited from holding management seats on provincial or municipality sports councils.
Saleh, who is also chairman of the Surabaya Sports Council, and Syahrial, chairman of the South Sumatra Sports Council, argued the article had denied them the right to contribute to sports development in the country.
"The article has nullified the right of public officials to support sports development in the country. If a governor, mayor or regent serves their local sports council, the council will receive valuable support in terms of funding," Syahrial's lawyer, Umbu Samapaty, told the court.
The plaintiffs also questioned why the restriction only applied to double positions in local sports councils but not to sports organizations.
"We totally agree that the government should not interfere with sports development and should let the professionals do their jobs. But why does such a prohibition only apply to the sports council and not to individual sports disciplines?" Umbu said.
Saleh's lawyer, Muhammad Soleh, said the article had violated the rights of public officials in East Java, who had been denied the right to take part in helping develop the country's sports.
In response to the accusations, State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs Adhyaksa Dault, who represented the government in court, argued public officials with dual functions on sports councils would not "focus" on sports development and would create "a conflict of interests".
"If they want to contribute to sports, they can do it through various means. They could help manage sports organizations or provide funding for sports.
"Those who challenge the regulation are those who have enjoyed the comfort zone with their current positions and who are trying to pursue more comfort in other positions," Adhyaksa said.
The minister was accompanied by around 20 staff members, who defended the government position in the case, prompting the comment from the president of the constitutional court, Jimly Asshiddiqie: "Moving the office to the court".
Lawyer for the House of Representatives, Akil Muchtar, supported the government's argument, saying double positions would create opportunities for public officers to abuse their power, as occurred during the New Order regime.
"It will be confusing if a governor, mayor or regent who determines the local (provincial/municipality) budget also receives some of the same budget," Akil told the court.
After more than two hours, the hearing -- presided over by justices Jimly Asshiddiqie, I Dewa Gede Palguna, HAS Natabaya, Laica Marzuki, Achmad Roestandi, Mukthie Fadjar, Maruarar Siahaan, Harjono and Soedarsono -- was adjourned indefinitely and will resume with testimonies from experts and witnesses.
The plaintiffs said they would call on experts to testify, including member of the national human rights commission Hesti Armi Wulan.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Surat dari Negeri Kincir Angin tentang lagu 'Hidup di Bui' dan 'Genjer-genjer'
Hersri Setiawan
DUA lagu itu, "Hidup di Bui" dan "Genjer-Genjer" mengalami nasib yang sama. Diperkosa dan dikorup. Itu sebabnya, maka saya merasa terpanggil untuk ikut "memberikan kesaksian" tentangnya. Kepada Samin di Jakarta dan Anwar Pr di Aachen saya mengucapkan terimakasih, untuk masukan data dan pengiriman kaset lagu "Hidup di Bui". Maka Surat Negri Kincir bagian pertama ini saya tulis khususnya buat mereka berdua.
Adapun tentang "Genjer-Genjer" lebih khusus saya tujukan pada beberapa sobat, yang belum lama ini mengangkat soal sekitar lagu ini. Mereka itu ialah Samiadji dan Umar Said, dua-duanya dari Paris, dan Aini Patria, yang mungkin dari Semarang atau entah dari mana. Dengan sendiri juga pada para pembaca tulisan sobat-sobat tersebut, baik yang liwat internet maupun yang liwat media cetak "Suara Merdeka" Semarang, "korannya Pak Hetami", di mana "dahulu kala" saya pernah magang. Tapi selain itu secara khusus juga buat sobat baik saya dari pinggir Bengawan Rhein di Belanda, yang pertama kali melempar umpan pada saya tentang "Genjer-Genjer" ini. Sobat baik itu Robert Nio alias Mang Ucup Maranatha yang, sayang sekali, konon berkeputusan mau lengser sebagai kolumnis spiritual urakan pers-internet yang luas cakupan temanya dan yang sangat produktif karyanya.
Mari kita mulai, dengan lebih dulu membicarakan lagu "Hidup di Bui".
Hidup Di Bui
untuk Samin dan Anwar Pr
Bulan Maret 2000 yang lalu, melalui jaringan internet SiaR, saya menerima sambutan dari Samin atas tulisan saya tentang lagu ini, yang telah diorbitkan oleh jarnet yang sama beberapa waktu sebelumnya.
Sambutan itu berisi masukan yang informatif dan penting, yaitu: pertama, bahwa lagu yang saya sebut menjadi "tophit" para tahanan itu ternyata juga terkenal luas di luar tahanan, dan dikenal sebagai "lagunya" band D'Lloyd; kedua, bahwa karenanya dalam tahun awal 70-an lagu ini sempat dilarang oleh Kopkamtib; ketiga, bahwa penyanyi lagu itu adalah vokalis band "D'Lloyd" bernama Sjamsudin; dan keempat, bahwa lagu itu kini (akhir 90-an alias akhir abad) direkam ulang di Indonesia dan konon kaset rekamannya terjual laris.
Sebelum saya meneruskan surat ini, barangkali ada baiknya saya tulis sekali lagi syair lagu itu.
Hidup di bui bagaikan burung
Bangun pagi makan nasi jagung
Tidur di ubin pikiran bingung
Apadaya badanku terkurung
Terompet pagi harus bangun
Makan diantri nasinya jagung
Mau merokok rokoknya puntung
Mau mandi tidak ada sabun
Oh kawan dengar lagu ini
Hidup di bui menyiksa diri
Jangan sampai kawan mengalami
Badan hidup terasa mati
Apalagi penjara Tangerang
Masuk gemuk pulang
tinggal pulang
Karena kerja secara paksa
Tua muda turun ke sawah.
Cobalah, silakan baca dengan cermat syair lagu di atas. Kata-kata apa yang membikin Kopkamtib menjadi ketakutan, sehingga merasa perlu melarangnya? Seandainya berita tentang peri kehidupan penjara -- apalagi penjara Tangerang -- yang serba kesrakat tidak beredar dalam tahun 70-an, barangkali tidak akan lagu itu ditindak dan ditindas. Tahun 70-an ada dalam rentang waktu 1965-1979, ketika penjara Salemba dan Tangerang bukan rumah penjara biasa, dalam arti tempat "pesakitan" kriminal dipenjarakan. Ketika itu penjara Salemba dan Tangerang merupakan "Rumah Tahanan Khusus" atau disingkat (dalam ejaan saat itu) "RTC". Mendapat nama resmi demikian, dengan sebutan "khusus", karena yang dipenjarakan di Rumah Tahanan itu ialah para "pesakitan" khusus, yaitu pesakitan politik bin G30S bin PKI!
Padahal bukan mereka yang di dalam Rumah Tahanan itu yang pesakitan. Tapi para petinggi Kopkamtib khususnya, dan penggede Orba umumnya itulah yang pesakitan berat. Yaitu oleh penyakit yang oleh Bung Karno (sejak tahun 20-an) disebut sebagai "komunisto fobi", dan yang saking parahnya membuat si penderita menjadi mengidap sejenis penyakit jiwa yang disebut angst psychose. Mereka itu menjadi kalang kabut. "Hidup di Bui" lalu hendak dimitoskan -- karena mereka memang lahir dan tumbuh dari mitos ke mitos, dari sejak "G30S-PKI", Pancasila Sakti, Supersemar, Bapak Pembangunan dan seribu satu mitos lainnya. "Hidup di Bui" hendak ditiup menjadi Hantu G30S-PKI yang bergentayangan di udara Orde Baru, dan para kaula negri diperintahkannya agar ikut gentar bersama mereka!
Jadi jelas sekali, "Hidup di Bui" dilarang karena Kopkamtib gentar terbayang pada curriculum vitae lagu D'Lloyd yang berhasil memasyarakat itu. Apa dan siapakah D'Lloyd yang punya band dan vokalis menggentarkan itu?
Lloyd dahulu nama organisasi besar, mengikuti nama pendirinya Edward Lloyd (1643-1713), para petugas asuransi di London, yang mempunyai agen-agennya di seluruh dunia. Kemudian Lloyd juga menjadi nama perusahaan perkapalan dan pelayaran. "D'Lloyd" dalam konteks tulisan ini, tidak ayal lagi, pastilah perusahaan pelayaran dan perkapalan "Djakarta Lloyd", yang salah satu kantornya terletak di Jalan Raden Saleh Jakarta Pusat di bilangan Cikini. Perusahaan asing ini telah menjadi milik RI sejak "jaman aksi ambil alih" perusahaan-perusahaan asing di awal tahun 50-an.
Melalui SBPP (Serikat Buruh Pelayaran dan Perkapalan), PKI menanamkan pengaruhnya yang kuat di perusahaan vital, yang bergerak di bidang kelautan ini. Tidak terlalu salah kiranya, jika saya katakan, bahwa pada saat itu Djakarya Lloyd merupakan salah satu basis penting PKI di kalangan buruh laut dan kapal. Maka tidak aneh jika sesudah Peristiwa G30S, banyak dari buruh Djakarta Lloyd, baik yang dari tingkat masa maupun tingkat pimpinan, saya jumpai sebagai sesama tapol di RTC Salemba,Tangerang, bahkan sampai di Buru.
Karena itu menjadi tidak aneh, apabila satu kali "Hidup di Bui" mendapat kesempatan menyelinap keluar dari Rumah Tahanan, maka di luar sana ia pun segera dibukakan pintu oleh keluarga Band "D'Lloyd".
Sementara itu, jika demam kegentaran Kopkamtib menjadi makin tinggi, juga bisa dimengerti dengan mudah. "Hidup di Bui" ialah nama salah satu jenis Hantu Komunis. Lahan di tempat ia kemudian inkubasi pun bekas Sarang Gestapu! Saya lalu teringat kata-kata almarhum Prof. Wertheim. Mengusut fakta dan kejadian sekitar Peristiwa G30S, katanya suatu ketika, mirip seperti mengusut cerita detektif. Rupanya memang harus begitu. Karena G30S/PKI adalah satu mitos, yang dibangun melalui manuver-manuver terorisme ala bandit.
Sesungguhnya ucapan terimakasih dan ungkapan rasa hormat perlu disampaikan pada Band "D'Lloyd" dan vokalis Syamsudin, yang telah berani menyanyikan lagu Hantu Komunis Kopkamtib: "Hidup di Bui". Baik Band "D'Lloyd" maupun Syamsudin tidak pernah mengumumkan siapa pengarang lagu itu, tapi sementara itu pun tidak pernah mereka mendaku (meng-klaim) lagu itu sebagai buah ciptaan mereka. Mereka berani mengambil resiko, sekaligus menunjukkan akhlak mereka yang tidak korup. Itu sama sekali berbeda dari apa yang akan saya ceritakan di bawah ini.
Pada awal tulisan sudah saya sebut, masukan Samin juga mengatakan: bahwa, "Hidup di Bui" akhir-akhir ini telah direkam ulang; dan bahwa, kaset rekaman ulang itu laris di pasaran kaset ibukota. Kemudian belum lama ini, dari sobat di Aachen Anwar Pr, saya menerima kiriman kopi kaset yang berisi lagu itu (tengkyu, Mas!). Pada label aseli kaset ini terbaca sebagai diproduksi oleh PT Surya Panorama Sakti, Risky Record tahun 1999; sedang pencipta lagu dicantumkannya seorang bernama Bartje van Houten (sic!). Seorang komponis Belanda, jika kita melihat namanya. Di samping itu juga terdapat sedikit perbedaan pada syair lagu.
Mungkin perbedaan itu timbul dari pengubahan yang disengaja, sebagai cara untuk menyelubungi tindakannya yang korup itu. Perubahan yang seakan kecil dan sedikit, tapi sangat besar dan banyak keganjilan-keganjilan yang ditimbulkannya -- nota bene timbul dari kebodohan si produser sendiri.
Perbedaan syair "Bartje van Houten" terdapat pada baris ke-3 dan ke-4 dari bait kedua, yaitu sekedar mengulang baris-baris yang sama dari bait pertama, sehingga bait itu menjadi berbunyi (perhatikan sanjak akhir tiap-tiap baris):
Terompet pagi kita harus bangun [un]
Makan diantri nasinya jagung [ung]
Tidur di ubin pikiran bingung [ung]
Apa daya badan terkurung [ung].
Bandingkanlah dengan syair aseli dari komponis anonim:
Terompet pagi kita harus bangun [un]
Makan diantri nasinya jagung [ung]
Mau merokok rokoknya puntung [ung]
Mau mandi tidak ada sabun [un].
Perubahan kecil tapi sangat besar, yang sekaligus mencerminkan watak pengubahnya yang pengecut selain korup, terdapat pada baris ke-1 bait terakhir. Jadi, bait terakhir syair Bartje van Houten, perhatikan, berbunyi:
Apalagi penjara jaman perang
Masuk gemuk ... dst.
Bandingkan dengan syair komponis anonim:
Apalagi penjara Tangerang
Masuk gemuk ... dst.
Hai Meneer Bartje! Mengapa jij takut sama kata "Tangerang", sehingga perlu diganti menjadi "jaman perang"? Jaman perang kapan itu? "Jaman Bersiap" atau "Jaman Soekarno", jij punya maksud? Pernahkah di jaman-jaman itu orang-orang Nica dan Belanda, yang ditahan Pemuda dan Republik, dikasih umpan ransum nasi jagung yang harus diantri? Pernahkah di jaman-jaman itu, jaman perang itu (sic!), tahanan tua-muda disuruh kerja paksa turun ke sawah?
Tuan Bartje! Ketahuilah. Tidak ada tahanan di penjara mana pun di Indonesia dan di jaman apa pun, entah bangsa apa saja mereka itu, yang disuruh kerja paksa menggarap sawah. Selain pada satu kurun jaman, yaitu Jaman Orde Baru. Itu pun hanya terhadap tahanan politik G30S/PKI.
Karena mereka menjadi tahanan, tetapi harus menghidupi diri sendiri dan bahkan menjadi sapi perahan para penahannya. Karena itulah, maka Kodam V Jaya Jakarta Raya membuka proyek pertanian di Cikokol, yang mempekerjakan tenaga tapol sebagai pekerja rodi.
Kembali pada lagu "Hidup di Bui". Saya ingin menggunakan kesempatan ini untuk menyeru pada teman-teman pemusik, yang pernah bertahun-tahun menghuni RTC Salemba dan Tangerang. Mereka itu, antara lain Martin Lapanguli, M. Karatem, Suripto, (sayang Nurjaslan sudah beberapa waktu lalu meninggal), Pardede ... Bicaralah! Siapa sebenarnya penggubah lagu tophit penjara Orba ini?***
DUA lagu itu, "Hidup di Bui" dan "Genjer-Genjer" mengalami nasib yang sama. Diperkosa dan dikorup. Itu sebabnya, maka saya merasa terpanggil untuk ikut "memberikan kesaksian" tentangnya. Kepada Samin di Jakarta dan Anwar Pr di Aachen saya mengucapkan terimakasih, untuk masukan data dan pengiriman kaset lagu "Hidup di Bui". Maka Surat Negri Kincir bagian pertama ini saya tulis khususnya buat mereka berdua.
Adapun tentang "Genjer-Genjer" lebih khusus saya tujukan pada beberapa sobat, yang belum lama ini mengangkat soal sekitar lagu ini. Mereka itu ialah Samiadji dan Umar Said, dua-duanya dari Paris, dan Aini Patria, yang mungkin dari Semarang atau entah dari mana. Dengan sendiri juga pada para pembaca tulisan sobat-sobat tersebut, baik yang liwat internet maupun yang liwat media cetak "Suara Merdeka" Semarang, "korannya Pak Hetami", di mana "dahulu kala" saya pernah magang. Tapi selain itu secara khusus juga buat sobat baik saya dari pinggir Bengawan Rhein di Belanda, yang pertama kali melempar umpan pada saya tentang "Genjer-Genjer" ini. Sobat baik itu Robert Nio alias Mang Ucup Maranatha yang, sayang sekali, konon berkeputusan mau lengser sebagai kolumnis spiritual urakan pers-internet yang luas cakupan temanya dan yang sangat produktif karyanya.
Mari kita mulai, dengan lebih dulu membicarakan lagu "Hidup di Bui".
Hidup Di Bui
untuk Samin dan Anwar Pr
Bulan Maret 2000 yang lalu, melalui jaringan internet SiaR, saya menerima sambutan dari Samin atas tulisan saya tentang lagu ini, yang telah diorbitkan oleh jarnet yang sama beberapa waktu sebelumnya.
Sambutan itu berisi masukan yang informatif dan penting, yaitu: pertama, bahwa lagu yang saya sebut menjadi "tophit" para tahanan itu ternyata juga terkenal luas di luar tahanan, dan dikenal sebagai "lagunya" band D'Lloyd; kedua, bahwa karenanya dalam tahun awal 70-an lagu ini sempat dilarang oleh Kopkamtib; ketiga, bahwa penyanyi lagu itu adalah vokalis band "D'Lloyd" bernama Sjamsudin; dan keempat, bahwa lagu itu kini (akhir 90-an alias akhir abad) direkam ulang di Indonesia dan konon kaset rekamannya terjual laris.
Sebelum saya meneruskan surat ini, barangkali ada baiknya saya tulis sekali lagi syair lagu itu.
Hidup di bui bagaikan burung
Bangun pagi makan nasi jagung
Tidur di ubin pikiran bingung
Apadaya badanku terkurung
Terompet pagi harus bangun
Makan diantri nasinya jagung
Mau merokok rokoknya puntung
Mau mandi tidak ada sabun
Oh kawan dengar lagu ini
Hidup di bui menyiksa diri
Jangan sampai kawan mengalami
Badan hidup terasa mati
Apalagi penjara Tangerang
Masuk gemuk pulang
tinggal pulang
Karena kerja secara paksa
Tua muda turun ke sawah.
Cobalah, silakan baca dengan cermat syair lagu di atas. Kata-kata apa yang membikin Kopkamtib menjadi ketakutan, sehingga merasa perlu melarangnya? Seandainya berita tentang peri kehidupan penjara -- apalagi penjara Tangerang -- yang serba kesrakat tidak beredar dalam tahun 70-an, barangkali tidak akan lagu itu ditindak dan ditindas. Tahun 70-an ada dalam rentang waktu 1965-1979, ketika penjara Salemba dan Tangerang bukan rumah penjara biasa, dalam arti tempat "pesakitan" kriminal dipenjarakan. Ketika itu penjara Salemba dan Tangerang merupakan "Rumah Tahanan Khusus" atau disingkat (dalam ejaan saat itu) "RTC". Mendapat nama resmi demikian, dengan sebutan "khusus", karena yang dipenjarakan di Rumah Tahanan itu ialah para "pesakitan" khusus, yaitu pesakitan politik bin G30S bin PKI!
Padahal bukan mereka yang di dalam Rumah Tahanan itu yang pesakitan. Tapi para petinggi Kopkamtib khususnya, dan penggede Orba umumnya itulah yang pesakitan berat. Yaitu oleh penyakit yang oleh Bung Karno (sejak tahun 20-an) disebut sebagai "komunisto fobi", dan yang saking parahnya membuat si penderita menjadi mengidap sejenis penyakit jiwa yang disebut angst psychose. Mereka itu menjadi kalang kabut. "Hidup di Bui" lalu hendak dimitoskan -- karena mereka memang lahir dan tumbuh dari mitos ke mitos, dari sejak "G30S-PKI", Pancasila Sakti, Supersemar, Bapak Pembangunan dan seribu satu mitos lainnya. "Hidup di Bui" hendak ditiup menjadi Hantu G30S-PKI yang bergentayangan di udara Orde Baru, dan para kaula negri diperintahkannya agar ikut gentar bersama mereka!
Jadi jelas sekali, "Hidup di Bui" dilarang karena Kopkamtib gentar terbayang pada curriculum vitae lagu D'Lloyd yang berhasil memasyarakat itu. Apa dan siapakah D'Lloyd yang punya band dan vokalis menggentarkan itu?
Lloyd dahulu nama organisasi besar, mengikuti nama pendirinya Edward Lloyd (1643-1713), para petugas asuransi di London, yang mempunyai agen-agennya di seluruh dunia. Kemudian Lloyd juga menjadi nama perusahaan perkapalan dan pelayaran. "D'Lloyd" dalam konteks tulisan ini, tidak ayal lagi, pastilah perusahaan pelayaran dan perkapalan "Djakarta Lloyd", yang salah satu kantornya terletak di Jalan Raden Saleh Jakarta Pusat di bilangan Cikini. Perusahaan asing ini telah menjadi milik RI sejak "jaman aksi ambil alih" perusahaan-perusahaan asing di awal tahun 50-an.
Melalui SBPP (Serikat Buruh Pelayaran dan Perkapalan), PKI menanamkan pengaruhnya yang kuat di perusahaan vital, yang bergerak di bidang kelautan ini. Tidak terlalu salah kiranya, jika saya katakan, bahwa pada saat itu Djakarya Lloyd merupakan salah satu basis penting PKI di kalangan buruh laut dan kapal. Maka tidak aneh jika sesudah Peristiwa G30S, banyak dari buruh Djakarta Lloyd, baik yang dari tingkat masa maupun tingkat pimpinan, saya jumpai sebagai sesama tapol di RTC Salemba,Tangerang, bahkan sampai di Buru.
Karena itu menjadi tidak aneh, apabila satu kali "Hidup di Bui" mendapat kesempatan menyelinap keluar dari Rumah Tahanan, maka di luar sana ia pun segera dibukakan pintu oleh keluarga Band "D'Lloyd".
Sementara itu, jika demam kegentaran Kopkamtib menjadi makin tinggi, juga bisa dimengerti dengan mudah. "Hidup di Bui" ialah nama salah satu jenis Hantu Komunis. Lahan di tempat ia kemudian inkubasi pun bekas Sarang Gestapu! Saya lalu teringat kata-kata almarhum Prof. Wertheim. Mengusut fakta dan kejadian sekitar Peristiwa G30S, katanya suatu ketika, mirip seperti mengusut cerita detektif. Rupanya memang harus begitu. Karena G30S/PKI adalah satu mitos, yang dibangun melalui manuver-manuver terorisme ala bandit.
Sesungguhnya ucapan terimakasih dan ungkapan rasa hormat perlu disampaikan pada Band "D'Lloyd" dan vokalis Syamsudin, yang telah berani menyanyikan lagu Hantu Komunis Kopkamtib: "Hidup di Bui". Baik Band "D'Lloyd" maupun Syamsudin tidak pernah mengumumkan siapa pengarang lagu itu, tapi sementara itu pun tidak pernah mereka mendaku (meng-klaim) lagu itu sebagai buah ciptaan mereka. Mereka berani mengambil resiko, sekaligus menunjukkan akhlak mereka yang tidak korup. Itu sama sekali berbeda dari apa yang akan saya ceritakan di bawah ini.
Pada awal tulisan sudah saya sebut, masukan Samin juga mengatakan: bahwa, "Hidup di Bui" akhir-akhir ini telah direkam ulang; dan bahwa, kaset rekaman ulang itu laris di pasaran kaset ibukota. Kemudian belum lama ini, dari sobat di Aachen Anwar Pr, saya menerima kiriman kopi kaset yang berisi lagu itu (tengkyu, Mas!). Pada label aseli kaset ini terbaca sebagai diproduksi oleh PT Surya Panorama Sakti, Risky Record tahun 1999; sedang pencipta lagu dicantumkannya seorang bernama Bartje van Houten (sic!). Seorang komponis Belanda, jika kita melihat namanya. Di samping itu juga terdapat sedikit perbedaan pada syair lagu.
Mungkin perbedaan itu timbul dari pengubahan yang disengaja, sebagai cara untuk menyelubungi tindakannya yang korup itu. Perubahan yang seakan kecil dan sedikit, tapi sangat besar dan banyak keganjilan-keganjilan yang ditimbulkannya -- nota bene timbul dari kebodohan si produser sendiri.
Perbedaan syair "Bartje van Houten" terdapat pada baris ke-3 dan ke-4 dari bait kedua, yaitu sekedar mengulang baris-baris yang sama dari bait pertama, sehingga bait itu menjadi berbunyi (perhatikan sanjak akhir tiap-tiap baris):
Terompet pagi kita harus bangun [un]
Makan diantri nasinya jagung [ung]
Tidur di ubin pikiran bingung [ung]
Apa daya badan terkurung [ung].
Bandingkanlah dengan syair aseli dari komponis anonim:
Terompet pagi kita harus bangun [un]
Makan diantri nasinya jagung [ung]
Mau merokok rokoknya puntung [ung]
Mau mandi tidak ada sabun [un].
Perubahan kecil tapi sangat besar, yang sekaligus mencerminkan watak pengubahnya yang pengecut selain korup, terdapat pada baris ke-1 bait terakhir. Jadi, bait terakhir syair Bartje van Houten, perhatikan, berbunyi:
Apalagi penjara jaman perang
Masuk gemuk ... dst.
Bandingkan dengan syair komponis anonim:
Apalagi penjara Tangerang
Masuk gemuk ... dst.
Hai Meneer Bartje! Mengapa jij takut sama kata "Tangerang", sehingga perlu diganti menjadi "jaman perang"? Jaman perang kapan itu? "Jaman Bersiap" atau "Jaman Soekarno", jij punya maksud? Pernahkah di jaman-jaman itu orang-orang Nica dan Belanda, yang ditahan Pemuda dan Republik, dikasih umpan ransum nasi jagung yang harus diantri? Pernahkah di jaman-jaman itu, jaman perang itu (sic!), tahanan tua-muda disuruh kerja paksa turun ke sawah?
Tuan Bartje! Ketahuilah. Tidak ada tahanan di penjara mana pun di Indonesia dan di jaman apa pun, entah bangsa apa saja mereka itu, yang disuruh kerja paksa menggarap sawah. Selain pada satu kurun jaman, yaitu Jaman Orde Baru. Itu pun hanya terhadap tahanan politik G30S/PKI.
Karena mereka menjadi tahanan, tetapi harus menghidupi diri sendiri dan bahkan menjadi sapi perahan para penahannya. Karena itulah, maka Kodam V Jaya Jakarta Raya membuka proyek pertanian di Cikokol, yang mempekerjakan tenaga tapol sebagai pekerja rodi.
Kembali pada lagu "Hidup di Bui". Saya ingin menggunakan kesempatan ini untuk menyeru pada teman-teman pemusik, yang pernah bertahun-tahun menghuni RTC Salemba dan Tangerang. Mereka itu, antara lain Martin Lapanguli, M. Karatem, Suripto, (sayang Nurjaslan sudah beberapa waktu lalu meninggal), Pardede ... Bicaralah! Siapa sebenarnya penggubah lagu tophit penjara Orba ini?***
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
‘It’s very, very alarming. It’s a warning signal.’ (Michel Jarraud, Secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization)
As six months of winter darkness descend over the top of the world, temperatures are falling and the Arctic Ocean is again freezing. But the damage has been done. The National Snow and Ice Data Center reports that just 1.65 million sq. mi. (about 4.3 million sq km) of Arctic sea ice survived the summer’s annual melt. That’s the smallest amount left over after September since scientists began keeping records. And they estimated the Arctic ice may have shrunk by half since the 1950s. Worse, the melt is accelerating. The Arctic may be ice-free by the summer of 2030, far earlier than previous predictions. Though melting sea ice doesn’t cause oceans to rise, it can speed global warming by exposing more dark water to sunlight. The machinery of the Arctic climate is mysterious, but this much seems clear: what begins in the north will eventually touch all of us.
By Bryan Walsh.
By Bryan Walsh.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Change the world 9 to five: # 1. Avoid Waste
"If each one of the UK's ten million office workers used one less staple a day, 120 tonnes of steel would be saved every year"(Leo Hickman's A Good Life)
OK, this sounds like a boring, worthy bit of advice.
And maybe it is.
Someone has calculated that if everyone in UK offices saved one staple a day, that would be 120 tonnes of metal saved a year.
As the old blues song nearly had it, '120 tonnes and what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt.'
I can't take staples very seriously, to be honest. But the person who worked out that calculation takes all this stuff very seriously.
And if they've gone to all that trouble, the least you can do is think about it.
I mean, look at this staplefree stapled page. It's pretty cool, isn't it?
FYI: This page has been stapled with a Stapless Stapler available to buy from our shop.
Iniuriarum remedium est oblivio
LUPA adalah jalan terbaik yang ditempuh banyak manusia dalam sejumlah peradaban untuk menyembuhkan masalah, sakit, luka, kesalahan, noda, duka, ketidakdilan yang tak terselesaikan.
Manusia datang dan pergi, peradaban timbul dan tenggelam, tetapi masalah manusia tetap sama: bagaimana menerima dan memelihara kehidupan. Dalam merawat kehidupan itulah luka dan ketidakadilan sering timbul.
Alam mengajar kita bahwa satu-satunya jalan adalah menyembuhkan atau menyelesaikan masalah-masalah dan ketidakadilan itu, tapi kenyataan sering berkata lain. Tidak semua yang melukai suka menyembuhkan, demikian juga yang terluka seringkali tak gampang disembuhkan.
Luka atau ketidakadilan sosial pun demikian adanya. Tak semua mekanisme sosial sanggup menyembuhkan sebuah luka secara sungguh. Banyak yang hanya memamerkan simbolisme tanpa makna, tanpa menyentuh akar persoalan. Yang melukai tetap tak merasa bersalah (walaupun mengaku salah secar verbal), yang terluka tentu saja tak akan sembuh dengan sebuah pengakuan, hukuman kurungan atau bahkan pengorbanan nyawa sekalipun.
Lalu orang berusaha melupa seiring waktu. Time will heal, kata peribahasa Inggris.
Satu masalah ramai dibicarakan orang, ramai dipublikasikan di media massa, beberapa hari kemudian tenggelam tak berbekas. "Media massa punya logika dan mekanisme sendiri yang tak mungkin melayani suatu isu secara terus-menerus", kata para pemilik dan pengelola media.
Suatu isu muncul menutup isu yang lain, seakan hilang tak berbekas. Hari ini korupsi, besok kerusakan lingkungan, lusa pembunuhan politik, berikutnya penggusuran dst..dst.. Sayangnya, seringkali kita lupa bahwa masalah yang sama telah terjadi sebelumnya. Tidak ada yang baru di bawah matahari, kata sang Pengkhotbah. Kasus boleh berbeda tapi pola adalah pengulangan dari masa ke masa.
Lalu kita lupa lagi dan lagi, untuk memberi kesempatan kepada kejadian yang serupa. Seneca pernah bilang mereka yang tidak mau belajar dari sejarah akan DIHUKUM untuk mengulangi sejarah itu.
Judul tulisan di atas adalah peribahasa latin yang berarti: "Lupa adalah penawar ketidakadilan-ketidakadilan". Ya, seringkali manusia menemukan penyelesaian atas ketidakadilan yang tak terselesaikan di dalam lupa. Mirip upaya orang tua yang mengalihkan perhatian anak dari kesakitan yang dialami, dalam budaya tertentu. Tetapi seiring sang anak beranjak dewasa trik masa kanak-kanak itu tidak akan mempan lagi. Sayangnya, tingkat perkembangan masyarakat kita seringkali hanya selevel perkembangan anak-anak.
Kita sangat suka dibohongi bahwa "everything gonna be ok", padahal kita ngak ok. Kita diajari untuk melupakan segala macam ketidakadilan dan sakit yang kita lihat dan alami. Kita tidak diajar untuk menyelesaikan atau menyembuhkan tapi melupakan.
Tapi sekanak-kanaknya psikologi kemasyarakatan kita, kadang naral dan logika kedewasaan kita berontak juga. Maka muncullah amok dan kekerasan di mana-mana. Sayangnya amok-amok itupun seringkali salah arah dan sasaran. Maka sakit dan luka baru muncul bertumpuk-tumpuk. Yang pasti, selalu ada obat untuk semua itu: LUPAKAN SAJA..
Manusia datang dan pergi, peradaban timbul dan tenggelam, tetapi masalah manusia tetap sama: bagaimana menerima dan memelihara kehidupan. Dalam merawat kehidupan itulah luka dan ketidakadilan sering timbul.
Alam mengajar kita bahwa satu-satunya jalan adalah menyembuhkan atau menyelesaikan masalah-masalah dan ketidakadilan itu, tapi kenyataan sering berkata lain. Tidak semua yang melukai suka menyembuhkan, demikian juga yang terluka seringkali tak gampang disembuhkan.
Luka atau ketidakadilan sosial pun demikian adanya. Tak semua mekanisme sosial sanggup menyembuhkan sebuah luka secara sungguh. Banyak yang hanya memamerkan simbolisme tanpa makna, tanpa menyentuh akar persoalan. Yang melukai tetap tak merasa bersalah (walaupun mengaku salah secar verbal), yang terluka tentu saja tak akan sembuh dengan sebuah pengakuan, hukuman kurungan atau bahkan pengorbanan nyawa sekalipun.
Lalu orang berusaha melupa seiring waktu. Time will heal, kata peribahasa Inggris.
Satu masalah ramai dibicarakan orang, ramai dipublikasikan di media massa, beberapa hari kemudian tenggelam tak berbekas. "Media massa punya logika dan mekanisme sendiri yang tak mungkin melayani suatu isu secara terus-menerus", kata para pemilik dan pengelola media.
Suatu isu muncul menutup isu yang lain, seakan hilang tak berbekas. Hari ini korupsi, besok kerusakan lingkungan, lusa pembunuhan politik, berikutnya penggusuran dst..dst.. Sayangnya, seringkali kita lupa bahwa masalah yang sama telah terjadi sebelumnya. Tidak ada yang baru di bawah matahari, kata sang Pengkhotbah. Kasus boleh berbeda tapi pola adalah pengulangan dari masa ke masa.
Lalu kita lupa lagi dan lagi, untuk memberi kesempatan kepada kejadian yang serupa. Seneca pernah bilang mereka yang tidak mau belajar dari sejarah akan DIHUKUM untuk mengulangi sejarah itu.
Judul tulisan di atas adalah peribahasa latin yang berarti: "Lupa adalah penawar ketidakadilan-ketidakadilan". Ya, seringkali manusia menemukan penyelesaian atas ketidakadilan yang tak terselesaikan di dalam lupa. Mirip upaya orang tua yang mengalihkan perhatian anak dari kesakitan yang dialami, dalam budaya tertentu. Tetapi seiring sang anak beranjak dewasa trik masa kanak-kanak itu tidak akan mempan lagi. Sayangnya, tingkat perkembangan masyarakat kita seringkali hanya selevel perkembangan anak-anak.
Kita sangat suka dibohongi bahwa "everything gonna be ok", padahal kita ngak ok. Kita diajari untuk melupakan segala macam ketidakadilan dan sakit yang kita lihat dan alami. Kita tidak diajar untuk menyelesaikan atau menyembuhkan tapi melupakan.
Tapi sekanak-kanaknya psikologi kemasyarakatan kita, kadang naral dan logika kedewasaan kita berontak juga. Maka muncullah amok dan kekerasan di mana-mana. Sayangnya amok-amok itupun seringkali salah arah dan sasaran. Maka sakit dan luka baru muncul bertumpuk-tumpuk. Yang pasti, selalu ada obat untuk semua itu: LUPAKAN SAJA..
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