Just about everywhere in Indonesia you will find that Balians, or Dukuns, are sought out to heal illnesses or dispel evil spirits. Even in a society where modern medical facilities are available, it is to the mystic person they go. There was an interesting article in the Bali Discovery regarding these most sought after members of Balinese society. Over on the neighbouring island of Java, the Javanese firmly believe that that the spiritual world is richly populated with deities who inhabit people, things, and places, and who are ever ready to cause misfortune. With the aid of a dukun, or through spiritual acts of self-control and right thinking, Javanese believe they can protect themselves against these harmful spirits by making offerings.
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Bearing gifts, a group of Tobaku and Sarudu traditional leaders approached the house of Datu Wajar Lamarauna, son and heir of the late king, Adam Ardjad Lamarauna. As per custom, the gifts included betel nut, a sack of rice, 14 eggs, four black and white chickens and a white cow.
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Indonesia is known not only for its multi-ethnic richness, but also for its linguistically diversified provinces and regions. Recent documented records by the National Education Ministry indicate there are 746 indigenous languages in the country, 10 of which have died out.
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For Sasak (natives of Lombok) Muslims, the most vibrant religious festival of the year falls seven days after Idul Fitri. The day is known as Lebaran Topat. If Idul Fitri is a victory celebration to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan, then Lebaran Topat is the celebration of a double victory. For right after Idul Fitri, Sasak Muslims fast for another six days.
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One of the most often heard cliches is that Bahasa Indonesia is a simple language. I find this cliche is mainly used by those who have never mastered the language. Nevertheless, it should be admitted that Arabic is much more complex and difficult to master.
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The biggest irony about Jakarta is that people see it as a city of a thousand chances, yet chances are actually confined, especially in relation to space. It seems that the rich get richer and the poor end up sleeping in cardboard boxes.
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