Malaysia Merdeka

Malam ini gue mengambil kesempatan merayakan hari kemerdekaan di Malaysia. Jadi pos ini gue jadi kan bahasa, enggak Enggeris. Bagi saya melihat Malaysia hari ini adalah pencapaian yang bagus. Ada berbagai kaum yang boleh bersatu di negara dengan aman. Jadi kita boleh coba berbagai rasa di lidah kita. Masakan masakan yang enak. Bahasa pasar yang bunyi nya unik, hingga ia menjadi bahasa baru di antara kita yang ramai. Semalam atau pagi ini, gua ala di K.L. Mau pegi kerja lo. Banyak punya cilaka, gua ala siap siap mau tengok itu bunga api. Tak dapat tengok, gua ok la. Mana tau itu jalan hah, sini tutup sana tutup. Aiyo gua punya kepala ala pening. Olang sini jalan sana jalan. Haiya, pandu itu keleta susah lo. Takut nanti mati olang. Saya di sini cuba pertuturan orang cina. Sama tak sama saya tak tau la. Cara pertuturan orang india juga berbeza. Tak tau macam mana mau saya tulis di sini. Kalau mau tau cuba di majalah seperti Gila2, Ujang, Apo?. Dulu saya kerap baca majalah ini. Tapi sekarang umur meningkat. Tak jadi la nak baca. Di Jakarta bahasa nya juga berbeza. Omong bahasa Indonesia enak di dengar. Bunyi melodi nya ada. Ada dengan bahasa baku di Malaysia. Maaf kan gue kalo bahasa gue kurang bagus. Dikit dikit bisa la. Karena mau dengan orang Indonesia. oke.. sampai sini saja.. Merdeka!

Monas

Monas a monument in Jakarta. After visiting the Museum Gajah. I walked staright to the monument. Arriving at the main gate and took this photo on the right. On top on the monument gold is coated on the flame. A funny idea of stashing the country gold. Guards was at the gate. I guess they were there to prevent cars from going in and maybe keeping peace at the same time.
This the view after the gate. Horses on both side of the road. They are to take tourist around the monument with a price. I didn't find out how much it is. The foul smell, as I get near the horses. Since I wanted to take photos of it, I continue breathing in the bad smell. I guess was the horses urine or the horses have not been bathing for along time. A few more snaps, of I go closer to the monument. On my way there, a was approached by a local guy speaking English. Quite good too his command of English. Which I don't find those local in the office. He is a freelance guide. Offered to take me around the Monas. And it is not for free, of course. I declined the offer.
In front of the monument, taken some photos. As I was walking along the monument, I saw people lining up in to the monument. That means I can go up to the top. At first I wanted. But I was tired. And the queue is not short. I gave up the idea. So I conutinue to walk, lookout for something to feed my camera. Meet another freelance tour guide. We have a long conversation. He wanted to know about living and opportunities in Kuala Lumpur. Came a post card man. Trying his luck with me. His luck was not good. But in the process it shown me nice places, holy places. I asked the freelance tour guide of it's whereabout. It was nearby. I wanted to be there to picture it, but camera battery showing me "You have 2 minutes". I gave up the idea. Try to go there the next time...
Uh huh.. the sun is setting. Hmm.. I was thinking if I can get a photo of the sun hiding behing the monument. Yup, here is the outcome. As I like to take photos, I realised sun is an important ingredient. It can make a lot of wonders in picture and in real life too. I guess I will use the sun when ever I can in taking pictures. Hehehe..

Night View - Jl Sudirman

The sun is setting, Jakarta preparing for the night. As the sun descending into the horizon, the sky is slowly changing shade. Cloud turned from whitish grey to yellow. Sky is getting blue. Cloud turned to orange in color. On the horizon is red. Some purple color is seen. As the sun is closing to the horizon, it become round, no longer it's brightest state, where naked eyes cannot determine it's shape. Mesmerizing then sun going down. Sky is blue. Artificial light is lighting one by one on the road. One by one the building is bathing itself in light of its own. Creating beauty in the sky as its shade darker. As Jakarta was about to be swallowed by the darkness. The city saved by it's own light tills the morning comes.
Building with lights. The one with most lights is Da Vinci residence. An expensive and beautiful building as the arts by Da Vinci. Will capture it's details when I have the chance.
The road is lighted up with a lot of car head lamps like candle light. Such a beauty to behold.
The number of vehicles on the road is fantastic. It is crawling to it designated destination. Long exposure cause a big stream of light flowing from one end to another end. The night is a long way...

Fantastic night start from a higher plane. But how often does this opportunity comes for a view of candle lights like, waving in unison... another breathe taking view. Can be viewed with your love one, creating romance. If there is wine to go with it.. It would a beautiful night if not perfect. A memorable one. Sigh.. opportunities come, but I am alone to mesmerize it...

Sculptures + Relics

Sunlight, on the pillars, on the grass, on the walls, casting shadows. If the building is not in white color, it would be creepy. I have reached the other end of the garden. Photography exhibition and more sculptures were found. In photography world, sun do make photos look different.

This sculpture was located at the back end of the corridor. When I was there taking photos, I was feeling uneasy, people around, they look like terrorist. On second thought it is more like I am shy, they are photographers with professional equipments. There is this thought of me getting robbed. I tried to get my photos as speedy as I can. Non was taken, because the area was dim, and my camera is not good in dim area. Actually, who wants to rob me. At that time, I was wearing bermudas, a t-shirt and carrying a small backpack. Those guys have better equipment than I do. Hmm.. the situation seems to be the other way round. Me the thief, wanting their expensive stuff. Hehehe...
A relic I think, there were alot of it along the corridor.
A face with the tongue lashed out. This doesn't look like a relic. The color is not dirty, seems like it is newly made. Scary? If you are there, maybe you feel it.
Elephants sculpture was found near the front of the museum. "Ganesha, the god of science and to expel the obstacle in hinduism", this was written beneath the sculpture. The area where I found this god was also dim. Partly it was already 5 in the evening. This raised my hair. Next to this were slabs of rock. They are really ancient. As if there is someone there watching me. I dared myself to look around.
This is what the corner looks like. A lot of stone slabs. This big one infront is Anjukladang Inscription,detail "It contain of the tax exemption for Anjukladang village, because the people had faithful to the kingdom". It is seems like a medium of commucation. To me it looks like tomb, more over I don't understand what is written on it, and I'll never do. I still get the feeling someone is watching me. I hastily moved away from the corner.
One last view of the garden, it is nice but it is eerie too. While in the corner with slabs, I was peeping through the window. It was dark in there. Without realising what I was doing, trying to adjust my iris to be able to look around. Saw something in there. Getting curious. Luckily nothing went passed in there. Out of curiousity, I went searching for the door to dark room. I am sure there are things in there. I found the door. Went in as silently as I can. Suddenly, someone or something came through the door. The room I entered was dark. I was relieved. Is a he. Since I sneaked in, so I asked the guy can I moved around in the room. He told me to get permission from someone deep in the room. I am not sure about asking permission for my present in the room. They were far in there. After some deep thought, I am not going in that far. There is this big 3D map of Java and Sumatra, wanted to take some photos of it, but not enough light for me to do so. And I dared not use camera flash, because I don't want to attract unnecessary attention. As other museum, they have alot of instrument used in the olden days where human are civilised. Me living the room, not so worried after knowing what is in there.. hehehe..
Corner view of the museum.
The garden in front of the museum. Ok, that is all I can mustered about Museum Gajah..









News excerpt today:

1. somwhere in Central Java, people getting paid by farmer to catch rats. One rat cost between rp 100 and rp 150. That is disgusting! What to do, since it is effective.
2. jealous wife tells husband how to behave, the wife bit the husband ear for commenting on contestants in a beauty pageant. Wife warned husband about commenting on women and seeing him near a woman. Wow! This is scary! What happened to women nowadays? I thought this century, women are opened. I hope this is the only one. eee...

That is all.. the rest is to serious.. hehehe..

Garden in Museum?

The interior of the hall was dark, I guessed electricity was being conserved. As I walked deeper. I saw this big skull protruding out of a wall. Was I shocked? Nah.. people were around. I guess I'm worried of the same kind than the scary rock. The reason being me not trusting the man that suggested my entry to the museum. I was so eager to spot an elephant.. hehehe. Pithecanthropus a sculpture by artist named Suherman. This resembled a homa erectus fossil some 800,000 years ago found in middle Jakarta. It must be a dinosaur then. Elephant, elephant where are they? Carried myself deeper in to the museum. As I was closing to an arch there was light being blocked by something that is big. Got to be an elephant. I was excited.

Went passed the arch into another partition. My eyes was adjusting to the light. Squinting, looking around. To my dismay, not an elephant around. A lot of rock sculpture laying around. Some of them broken, can't tell what it is. I continue to a bright opening in front of me. Now I know what was the big thing that blocked the lighting earlier. Is a big statue of a human. Beneath the human statue leg, skulls were arranged in a cricle. What does it protray? I am not able to enlighten. I was beside the statue, amazed myself with the scenery bathing my eyes.
Pillars surrounding the garden. Well maintained. The grass was green. In the center was a cow surrounded by cattles. My eyes went wild. Looking for the big mammal. I gave up. This is a real museum. Hehehe.. no elephant. Hmm.. looking at the grass, what it's feel like stepping on it and strolled around. Since it looks so ancient, I brushed away the thought. I guees seeing too much movie with ancient scenes and bad omens do change my mind of this place. I walked behind the pillars to get to the other end. As the guy mentioned, there was an exhibition at the other end. Along the corridor behind the pillars, I can see alot of sculptures and relic. I guess some of the relics come from the temples, like those found at Borobudur and Prambanan (ancient temples). I like looking at corridor with alot of pillars. It does make a grand place. Next, will be the sculptures and relics. So no elephants I mean the real one.. hehehe..


Add:

From mulyana,

Museum Gajah - the informal name of the National Museum- got its name precisely because of that Elephant statue right in front of the building. The statue was given by the then King of Siam in 1920's if I'm not mistaken.

Oh and that huge statue is the statue of King Adityawarman, the ruler of Minangkabau in West Sumatra, portrayed as Bhairava, a wrathful representation of Shiva.

Museum Gajah

I was looking for sign to Museum Gajah. I was informed to go straight down the road where the horses sculpture was. (Informer: a local friend). Luckily I saw a small crafty signboard. Hmm.. it was pointing in the right direction. As usual I am indoubt if my present is successful. So I walked in the direction where the pointer is pointing. As I trotted the road side, I saw building to do with military. Next building, another military. I was feeling like I was doing a kilometer walk. Question pops, is that place I was going to is 1 kilometer away. But I was told it is near the horse sculpture. My brain started doing the "near" debate. And no thanks to unseen direction to the museum. Not only unseen, there was none. Someone must have gobbled up the sign board. There was signboard along the road, it is directing me to no places I want to be (sigh). Hehehe.. I saw a woman. Doing her chores on road cleaning. "Ibu, bisa kasi tahu di mana Museum Gajah nya", me started a mini conversation. "There, over there", her finger was doing the talking. Hmm.. does she understand my bahasa? Anyway, I say, "Terima kasih bu". As I was reaching the gate she pointed to, I saw a garden. This is promising. Upon reaching the main gate there was not any sign saying "Museum Gajah". Hmm.. I was confused.
As I entered the compound, I saw the word 'MUSEUM'. So where is the word 'GAJAH'. As I was recommended earlier to visit this 'Museum Gajah', the first thing came into my mind was a museum with elephants in it. Hehehe.. Then I saw an elephant, a black one, on a nicely crafted pillar. Don't tell me this why they called this building Museum Gajah. Hmm.. It have to be.
Closer look at an elepahant on the top. There are multiple languages written on it. Four languages on four different facades. This building was borned late 1800. Wow! My first expression upon seeing the year. Then I make my way to the building. First thing I did was to know how much I have to pay for going in there. But no cashier was around and the bad part, it was closed already as advertised. Then this guy sitting outside the counter staring at me, as if he was waiting for me to say something. So I asked if I can go in. "Yes" was the answer. I could not believed what I heard. What else, I asked again. "Yes" was the answer again. On top of that, he said I can go in all the way. Photography exhibition was in there for that day only, the man futher informed me. In I went.. to be continue..

Combro

The local calls combro. The outer shell is made of tapioca. There are two shapes. The round one has kaya in it. The long one has spicy coconut in it. An Indonesian bought it for us to try. I took five of it, 2 round ones. I like the longish combro because I like spicy food. Not bad the taste. Oh, it have to be eaten when it is still hot, else the shell is a bit hard.
Chocolate Silver Queen originated by Selba's grandpa. After reading about the article, me went out searching for it (of course not immediately). The top has almond in it, the bottom have fruits and nuts. The taste, nice as chocolate should. My colleague said it tasted like Malaysia's Cadbury. The chocolate cost rupiah 5,000 a piece. Therefore, it is not cheap eventhough it is local produce. For expat in Indonesia, if you have not try the chocolate, go out there get one.

Walking along Jln Thamrin

This is the statue that made me prodded along Jln Thamrin for around 90 minutes. Upon arriving at the destination. I searched for the statue name. Failed to find one after circling the statue. There is this inscription telling the guys in carriage to carried out a decree. Here is goes "ku hantarkan kau, melanjutkan perjuangan, mengisi kemerdekaan dengan pembangunan yang tiada mengenal akhir". I am not a good interpreter, I will try anyway, hope it is not wrong. "i send you, to ensue the crusade, to continue the battle, to seal independence with growth that knows no end". I'm not sure whether I got it right. The first time I've seen this, I was taking busway bus from Jln Sudirman to Glodok. I was in awed that Jakarta have unique statue. There are many horses pulling a chariot. Some of the horses can be seen through. They seem to be horses spirit running together among the horses. That's really impressed me. Snap! Searching. Snap! Seeking. Snap! Snap! Snap!.. hehehe.. a lot of snaps.
There goes the inscription. On a piece of flat stone. Oh, there is a date too.. 17 August 1987 is when the inscription was written. Ah hah.. I remembered seeing a post card that the statue was copper in color. Now it is black. The work of sun, rain and wind changed the statue once was new. Still proud it stands to fulfill the decree past to it. Seeing Indonesia grows toward prosperity and peace and unity.
Closer look at what I meant by horse spirit. The sculpture makes the horses so real and strong with the spirit galloping together. I almost wish it was real.
I was shocked as the sound of water spewed from the ground where the horses galloping on. Wind blowing specks of water towards me. Sudden thought rush to me, my camera! My digital camera caught a few specks of water. After wiping the lcd screen, I turn around. The scene stole my breath. Seeing the water and sunlight making the horses a stunning scenery. My mind was struggling on decision to take this photo, worried the specks of water hit my camera lense. But I just can't loose this opportunity. I stop thinking about my camera and take a photo of it quickly as I can.
Trying to find another nice shot, my search was not rewarded. So I took a shot of it at my best. No thanks to the building which have done a lot of harm to photograper like me. The building was taking away the light that complete the splendor of the sculpture. Without qualm, I was disenchanted. But somewhere in me, pushed my hands and legs to gather more images of the sulpture.
Hee Yah!! I seems to heard it as the warrior was smacking the horses. Hmm.. must be me hallucinating. One is the driver, while the other busy being a shooting cupid. The chariot don't look nice. It projected a fierce aura.. did I almost feel that. Nah..
Come to photography, I have the weakness in halting my finger from pressing the shutter button, when something inspired me to capture it.

Initially, I thought this would be my final stop. So I was wrong. Provided with the data of places nearby, emanated the image snapping in me. Here I go again...

Walking along Jln Thamrin - Part 4

After shooting photos of the half human breed, I was thinking to cross to the other side of the road or remained on this side. Surveying as human would. The side of the road I am on, was sunny. The other side was shady. As a human being, the shady part attracted me. The sunny side, looking at it, made my skin feel the burning sensation and later sweat pouring out from beneath the skin. The next thing I know my clothing will stick to me. How uncomfortable I would become. A no no for me. Oh no I am sweating.. what am I doing under the sun. Start taking steps toward the stairs taking me to the other side. My brain is sending negative signals, 'you sure about using the stairs?'. Damn! Another argument between my sweat pores and muscles in my legs. I guess the sweat pores out numbered the muscles. I begin climbing the stairs. I arrive at a cross road. A big cross road. Red man stop me from crossing the road. While waiting for the green man to appear, I try to photo the mini clock tower in the center of the road. The mini clock tower wasn't showing it best side. Suddenly, a man dashed across the road. Do I follow? There was a policeman beside the red man. Now the devil and angel popped out from no where. "Cross the road, don't be bothered by the policeman", says the devil. "Don't do that, you may be sent behind bars for that", the angel advised. Err.. ok.. I devided to take the devil words and cross the road. While crossing, I kept on glancing over shoulder waiting for the policeman to shout at me and BLAM! I was shot. Nah, it never happened, he doesn't even bothered. Get my camera out and snap! The photo above is taken.
I was surprised to see so many stools behind the traffic light. There was also an advertisment board, a round one. No advertisment was seen on it. The stools were empty, no one sat on it. It gave the idea of the place desserted. Maybe today it is empty. Maybe on the week days, each one of them will be warmed due to the waiting of traffic light to turn green. I would like to thank the shadow for attending the photography session. They have made the photo appeared better.
Behind the fence where the stools was located, stood a twin tower overlooking a flat green garden. Again the sun is in play. It is obstruting me from making my masterpiece. This of course does not stop me from doing what I want to do. As usual using my camera lcd to find a suitable exposure and capture it in camera memory which seems to work better than my brain. This buildings which are part of the many buildings belong to Bank Indonesia. I was amaze by the size of land used in building the Bank Indonesia office. Why such a big and grand one? I then asked a local, he replied, "Kamu tahu lah, ia punya uang yang banyak". Ya, even though Bank Indonesia have a lot of money, is this how it is supposed to be spent. What a pity such a grand bulding only occupied by its owner.

Then I continue my walk to where I actually planned.

Walking along Jln Thamrin - Part 3

I saw a building, it looks old. Not that it is having a dirty or crack wall. The building is in good shape. Just the design of the hotel building allows me to have this idea of 70's design.
It is a Pan Pacific hotel. It got it's own typical look. After the take a photo of this hotel. I wanted to continue my walk. Something caught my eyes. It looks like a bird, quite colorful. I check around for how am I suppose to get to the hotel. There is bridge nearby. Took it. I am outside the hotel compound. Get myself to the lobby. Because the big bird is there.
While crossing the bridge to the hotel, took a photo of the main road, where the hotel is situated next to it. The road is narrowing toward Plaza Indonesia. Not much traffic as it is a Saturday. Fancy seeing heavy traffic? Do it on weekdays.
The stairs leading to the big bird was not a ordinary design. It is well decorated with variety of plants. I am not sure about the name of this statue. From the look of it, half human half bird. It is colorful. I would like to consider the statue is to bring luck and prosperity to both customer and operator. In other words, it is welcoming those whose wish to stay in the hotel.
A front view of the statue. From far it looks beautiful. As I get near to it, it doesn't looks good to me. Like as if it can create nightmare. But the locals insist the statue is a good omen. I am having a mixed feeling here, either I am feeling lucky or I am being scared by it.
The pattern on the left comes from the hotel. Those jutting out are the room's balconies. The arrangement of the balconies is a subject for pattern photography.

Bengawan Solo - Local Coffee outlet

Bengawan Solo, a coffe outlet I found out from locals. This outlet I went to is located in Sona Topas Tower, Jln Sudirman. The theme of Bengawan Solo, GOOD COFFEE GOOD LIFE. The coffee is good. But don't take my word, because I am not sure what good coffee taste like. If compared to other outlet's coffee, they taste the same to me.
An ice coffee bought by a colleague. The way it is pack, same as other coffee outlets. I have yet to taste any ice coffee from Bengawan Solo. The packing is Bengawan Solo's.
This one is a hot coffee. A hazelnut coffee. The packing is not Bengawan Solo's. DetPack is used. Bengawan Solo's sticker on the paper cup. Cost me rupiah 11,500. This is the standard cup used whether I drink in or out. The cup mat is black... hmm, they provide a cup mat. I don't find this in the bigger and more famous outlets.

Here is the menu. They serve Hot and Cold. The yellow color menu is hot coffee and blue menu is cold coffee. The coffee drinks priced as low as rupiah 5,500 till rupiah 17,000.For each type of coffee drinks there is a description of the content.
Beside coffee, cake is sold too. There are local delicacies found. The one in green is sticky rice with chicken meat in it. The green thing is banana leaf. The banana is suppose to add aroma to the sticky rice. No thanks to plastic wrapper used to wrap the sticky rice. It still taste nice, else would be better with the banana leaf.

The inside of the outlet have simple setting. It is very small in there. Only 2 tables. It is quite a strategic location. The floors on top of this outlet are carparks. People sure to pass this outlet to their office in the morning and to their cars from the office in the evening.

Outside of the outlet, greeting customer with their signature. They even have a drive through counter for those who doesn't want the butt get cold after heating it for sometime.

Walking along Jln Thamrin - Part 2

Above Plaza Indonesia is Hyatt Hotel. How convenience for those staying this hotel. They can have direct access to shopping plaza below. I was outside the hotel lobby looking for place to capture the water fountain. Luxury car was parked in front of the hotel. That was where I took the photo of the fountain.

The water fountain is a roundabout with traffic lights. The spraying water is beautiful if you are near it. I have yet to get close to it. Police men are there to look at the traffic. The moment I saw the police men I dare not crossed the road to get closer to the water fountain. Worried they will put me behind bars. The monument is call 'Selamat Datang' means welcome. On top of the two pillars, a boy and a girl holding arms welcoming people to Jakarta. More information of the artist here.
Walked some 200 meter I saw the Japanese Embassy. Behind this embassy is Plaza Indonesia. The entrance to the embassy was separated by two gaint grill gates. These gates is similar to those used in big lockups shown in the movies.
A building of different colors and abnormal shape appeared to my left. It is call EX, part of Plaza Indonesia. This where you will find another entrance to Plaza Indonesia. At the entrance next to the main road is a art as in the right photo. Water is seen flowing down from the horizontal metal plane on a piece of glass in to the pool at the bottom. The water pool is very shallow, the most is 2 inch in depth. As my usual self I just photographed it. Some where in my brain, "jump jump kick the water make splash.." nah.. can't imagine myself behind bars.. Here is a journal on EX and more of Indonesia.
I went near the EX building, Hard Rock Cafe is situated. As usual, there are restaurant cum bar and late night discotheque. I haven't tried out the restaurant, bar and discotheque of Hard Rock Cafe, but I went in and have a look at the merchandise shop.
I noticed taxi lining up outside EX, waiting for customer. So no sweat if I want a taxi.
As I was leaving to continue walking on Jln Thamrin, I saw the word EX and wanted to capture the building name. In my previous subject, I shown a photo of this building but on the other side. Empty car park on the right. Still not crowded in the EX complex.