The Banten Post: Al Husna students gear up to meet auto demands

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Al Husna students gear up to meet auto demands

Multa Fidrus , The Jakarta Post , Tangerang Sun, 05/11/2008 12:35 PM Discover

For most families with a low income, finding and funding the right education for their children - particularly sons - is frequently a hard thing to do.

The best option is to find vocational high school that produces graduates who are ready to join the workforce. Unfortunately, not many vocational schools can guarantee that their graduates will be accepted to the formal sector.

But hope is available for parents through SMK Otomotive Al Husna in Tangerang municipality - it is the only vocational high school that specializes in four-wheel and two-wheel automotive engines.

Students at Al Husna do not even have to wait until they graduate to get a job in the automotive sector, because they can moonlight at an auto shop after school and pay their own tuition with the money they earn there to ease their parents' financial burden.

Fifteen year-old Ikhlas Kurniawan, a first-year student at the school, already earns at least Rp 25,000 (US$2.70) every day from half a day's work at a motorcycle repair shop in Poris Plawad subdistrict, where he lives with his parents.

"I can cover my school fees, and since moonlighting at the workshop, I no longer need to ask my parents for money for my other needs," said Ikhlas, who has been at the school for just seven months.

He and 36 other classmates major in two-wheel automotive engines (2W), while more than 400 students at the school focus on four-wheel automotive engines (4W).

"Just in the first semester of the first year, I learned all the necessary basic skills in two-wheel automative engines through a hands-on learning process," he said.

Meanwhile, 17 year-old Kriswanto Oktavianus, a third-year student at Al Husna, said that he had also been recruited to work at an auto shop near his home in Kuta Bumi, Pasar Kemis district.

"I have been working for almost one year at the auto shop, and make Rp 900,000 each month" he said.

Like all his classmates, Oktavianus was first sent to the shop by his school as an apprentice. After just one week of training on the job, and the owner asked him to work part-time because he did much better than the senior mechanics there.

"I am so grateful because I can ease my parents' burden," said Oktavianus, who works at the auto shop from 1-5 p.m. every day.

This is part of the reason why Mahfud, 41, a vendor who sells chicken porridge daily on Jl. Garuda, Batu Ceper, sent his 14 year-old son Muhamad Agung to study at the school.

"What little people' like me hope from our son is certainly that he can work soon after he graduates from high school, and the vocational school offers promising opportunities for a good future for my son," said Mahfud.

Mahfud said his son was already able to remove all components of a motorcycle engine, the tires, the brake and the carburetor and then refitting them - skills learned within just seven months at the school.

According Ari Aryadi, the training manager at Al Husna, students enjoy all kinds of learning activities at the school because they only use 30 percent of the school day in classrooms and the remaining 70 percent in the school workshop for practicum or in job training at Suzuki dealerships.

He said Al Husna currently runs 11 4W classes and one 2W class every year, and has a total of 469 students from Years 1 through 3. On average, each class has between 35 and 45 students.

"Students in the third year are also taught computer skills, English conversation and general knowledge of religious values to support them in developing good performance and good work ethics," said Ari.

A bank of mechanics The automotive vocational school was established in 1997 by the Al Husna Foundation, and has a practicum syllabus in accordance with the national education curriculum.

Even with its limited facilities, the school building's poor condition, the lack of a library and inadequately equipped workshop, Al Husna still produced some 2,500 mechanics since its establishment.

"Main automotive distributors in the country only think of how to scramble for a piece of the market, jack up sales and increase benefits. They don't show any care for education and the increasing needs of mechanics," said Amal Herawan, the principal and founder of the school who also works as a multimedia staffer for the Tangerang municipality's information office.

One day in 1996, Amal stood on Jl. Windu Karya and counted the passing vehicles.

"In a single minute, 120 motorcycles and 30 cars drove by. This means that future demand for 2W automotive mechanics would be much higher" than for 4W auto mechanics, he recalled.

This observation, and his belief that not many vocational schools produced skillful graduates ready to face the challenges of a rapidly growing of automotive industry, inspired him to found the vocational school.

The automotive school never received financial assistance from the Tangerang administration, so it came as a surprise when Suzuki's main distributor PT Indomobil began to pay attention to its survival.

"In 2005, we began to collaborate with Suzuki's Training and Service Department," said Amal. "Suzuki built a spacious workshop equipped with all needed facilities, and contributed to opening the 2W class."

But another challenge quickly arose: "The problems we are facing are that we can't keep up with the rapid development in automotive technology, especially four-wheel vehicles, and neither can we afford to provide new engine models for students' practicum in the workshop," he said.

Al Husna thus came up with the solution to use multimedia technology in introducing new engine components, their functions and their workings, as well as new auto models, to students through video clips and slides.

"We apply an integrated curriculum that follows automotive industry standards, so that our graduates will not only work as subordinates, but will play an important role at work and jobs will be waiting for them," Amal added.

He said most parents send their children to the school with hopes that they will be able to find work soon after finishing their studies.

"If some of our graduates' parents happen to have savings and allocate some of their money to open a workshop for their sons, this means that they are helping to create jobs. At the same time, this also contributes towards the increasing importance that mechanics will hold for automotive producers.

"We aspire to be a bank of skillful mechanics," Amal said.

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Kanker Bukan Lagi Ancaman

Penyakit kanker sudah tidak lagi jadi ancaman yang mematikan bagi kehidupan manusia sebaba para penderita kanker kini memiliki harapan hidup yang lebih lama dengan ditemukannya tanaman “Keladio Tikus” (Typhonium Flagelliforme/ Rodent Tuber) sebagai tanaman obat yang dapat menghentikan dan mengobati berbagai penyakit kanker dan berbagai penyakit berat lainnya.

Tanaman sejenis talas dengan tinggi maksimal 25 sampai 30 cm ini hanya tumbuh di semak yang tidak terkena sinar matahari langsung. “Tanaman ini sangat banyak ditemukan di Pulau Jawa,” kata Patoppoi Pasau, orang pertama yang menemukan tanaman itu di Indonesia.

Tanaman obat ini telah diteliti sejak tahun 1995 oleh Prof Chris Teo K.H, yang juga pendiri Cancer Care Penang dari Universiti Sains Malaysia. Lembaga perawatan kanker yang didirikan tahun 1995 itu telah membantu ribuan pasien dari Malaysia, Amerika, Inggris, Australia, Selandia Baru, Singapura, dan berbagai negara di dunia.

Di Indonesia, tanaman ini pertama ditemukan oleh Patoppoi di Pekalongan, Jawa Tengah. Ketika itu, istri Patoppoi mengidap kanker payudara stadium III dan harus dioperasi 14 Januari 1998. Setelah kanker ganas tersebut diangkat melalui operasi, istri Patoppoi harus menjalani kemoterapi (suntikan kimia untuk membunuh sel, Red) untuk menghentikan penyebaran sel-sel kanker tersebut.

“Sebelum menjalani kemoterapi, dokter mengatakan agar kami menyiapkan wig (rambut palsu) karena kemoterapi akan mengakibatkan kerontokan rambut, selain kerusakan kulit dan hilangnya nafsu makan,” jelas Patoppoi.
Selama mendampingi istrinya menjalani kemoterapi, Patoppoi terus berusaha mencari pengobatan alternatif sampai akhirnya dia mendapatkan informasi mengenai penggunaan teh Lin Qi di Malaysia untuk mengobati kanker.

“Saat itu juga saya langsung terbang ke Malaysiauntuk membeli teh tersebut,”ujar Patoppoi yang juga ahli biologi.

Ketika sedang berada di sebuah toko obat di Malaysia , secara tidak sengaja dia melihat dan membaca buku mengenai pengobatan kanker yang berjudul Cancer, Yet They Live karangan Dr Chris K.H. Teo terbitan 1996.

“Setelah saya baca sekilas, langsung saja saya beli buku tersebut. Begitu menemukan buku itu, saya malah tidak jadi membeli teh Lin Qi, tapi langsung pulang ke Indonesia ,” kenang Patoppoi sambil tersenyum.

Di buku itulah Patoppoi membaca khasiat typhonium flagelliforme itu. Berdasarkan pengetahuannya di bidang biologi, pensiunan pejabat Departemen Pertanian ini langsung menyelidiki dan mencari tanaman tersebut. Setelah menghubungi beberapa koleganya di berbagai tempat, familinya di Pekalongan Jawa Tengah, balas menghubunginya.

Ternyata, mereka menemukan tanaman itu di sana. Setelah mendapatkan tanaman tersebut dan mempelajarinya lagi, Patoppoi menghubungi Dr. Teo di Malaysia untuk menanyakan kebenaran tanaman yang ditemukannya itu.

Selang beberapa hari, Dr Teo menghubungi Patoppoi dan menjelaskan bahwa tanaman tersebut memang benar Rodent Tuber. “Dr Teo mengatakan agar tidak ragu lagi untuk menggunakannya sebagai obat,” lanjut Patoppoi.

Akhirnya, dengan tekad bulat dan do’a untuk kesembuhan, Patoppoi mulai memproses tanaman tersebut sesuai dengan langkah-langkah pada buku tersebut untuk diminum sebagai obat.

Kemudian Patoppoi menghubungi putranya, Boni Patoppoi di Buduran, Sidoarjo untuk ikut mencarikan tanaman tersebut. “Setelah melihat ciri-ciri tanaman tersebut, saya mulai mencari di pinggir sungai depan rumah dan langsung saya dapatkan tanaman tersebut tumbuh liar di pinggir sungai,” kata Boni yang mendampingi ayahnya saat itu.

Selama mengkonsumsi sari tanaman tersebut, isteri Patoppoi mengalami penurunan efek samping kemoterapi yang dijalaninya. Rambutnya berhenti rontok, kulitnya tidak rusak dan mual-mual hilang. “Bahkan nafsu makan ibu saya pun kembali normal,” lanjut Boni.

Setelah tiga bulan meminum obat tersebut, isteri Patoppoi menjalani pemeriksaan kankernya. “Hasil pemeriksaan negatif, dan itu sungguh mengejutkan kami dan dokter-dokter di Jakarta ,” kata Patoppoi.

Para dokter itu kemudian menanyakan kepada Patoppoi, apa yang diberikan pada isterinya. “Malah mereka ragu, apakah mereka telah salah memberikan dosis kemoterapi kepada kami,” lanjut Patoppoi.

Setelah diterangkan mengenai kisah tanaman Rodent Tuber, para dokter pun mendukung Pengobatan tersebut dan menyarankan agar mengembangkannya. Apalagi melihat keadaan isterinya yang tidak mengalami efek samping kemoterapi yang sangat keras tersebut. Dan pemeriksaan yang seharusnya tiga bulan sekali diundur menjadi enam bulan sekali.

”Tetapi karena sesuatu hal, para dokter tersebut tidak mau mendukung secara terang-terangan penggunaan tanaman sebagai pengobatan alternatif,” sambung Boni sambil tertawa.

Setelah beberapa lama tidak berhubungan, berdasarkan peningkatan keadaan isterinya, pada bulan April 1998, Patoppoi kemudian menghubungi Dr.Teo melalui fax untuk menginformasik an bahwa tanaman tersebut banyak terdapat di Jawa dan mengajak Dr. Teo untuk menyebarkan penggunaan tanaman ini di Indonesia .

Kemudian Dr . Teo langsung membalas fax kami, tetapi mereka tidak tahu apa yang harus mereka perbuat, karena jarak yang jauh,” sambung Patoppoi. Meskipun Patoppoi mengusulkan agar buku mereka diterjemahkan dalam bahasa Indonesia dan disebar-luaskan di Indonesia.

Dr. Teo menganjurkan agar kedua belah pihak bekerja sama dan berkonsentrasi dalam usaha nyata membantu penderita kanker di Indonesia. Kemudian, pada akhir Januari 2000 saat Jawa Pos mengulas habis mengenai meninggalnya Wing Wiryanto, salah satu wartawan handal Jawa Pos, Patoppoi sempat tercengang.

Data-data rinci mengenai gejala, penderitaan, pengobatan yang diulas di Jawa Pos, ternyata sama dengan salah satu pengalaman pengobatan penderita kanker usus yang dijelaskan di buku tersebut.

Dan eksperimen pengobatan tersebut berhasil menyembuhkan pasien tersebut. “Lalu saya langsung menulis di kolom Pembaca Menulis di Jawa Pos,” ujar Boni. Dan tanggapan yang diterimanya benar-benar diluar dugaan. Dalam sehari, bisa sekitar 30 telepon yang masuk. “Sampai saat ini, sudah ada sekitar 300 orang yang datang ke sini,” lanjut Boni yang beralamat di Jl. KH. Khamdani, Buduran Sidoarjo.

Pasien pertama yang berhasil adalah penderita Kanker Mulut Rahim stadium dini. Setelah diperiksa, dokter mengatakan harus dioperasi. Tetapi karena belum memiliki biaya dan sambil menunggu rumahnya laku dijual untuk biaya operasi, mereka datang setelah membaca Jawa Pos.

Setelah diberi tanaman dan cara meminumnya, tidak lama kemudian pasien tersebut datang lagi dan melaporkan bahwa dia tidak perlu dioperasi, karena hasil pemeriksaan mengatakan negatif.
Berdasarkan animo masyarakat sekitar yang sangat tinggi, Patoppoi berusaha untuk menemui Dr. Teo secara langsung. Atas bantuan Direktur Jenderal Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan Departemen Kesehatan, Sampurno, Patoppoi dapat menemui Dr. Teo di Penang. Di kantor Pusat Cancer Care Penang, Malaysia , Patoppoi mendapat penerangan lebih lanjut mengenai riset tanaman yang saat ditemukan memiliki nama Indonesia .

Ternyata saat Patoppoi mendapat buku “Cancer, Yet They Live” edisi revisi tahun 1999, fax yang dikirimnya di masukkan dalam buku tersebut, serta pengalaman isterinya dalam usahanya berperang melawan kanker. Dari pembicaraan mereka, Dr. Teo merekomendasi agar Patoppoi mendirikan perwakilan Cancer Care di Jakarta dan Surabaya.

Maka secara resmi, Patoppoi dan putranya diangkat sebagai perwakilan lembaga sosial Cancer Care Indonesia , yang juga disebutkan dalam buletin bulanan Cancer Care, yaitu di Jl. Kayu Putih 4 No. 5, Jakarta , telp. 021-4894745, dan di Buduran, Sidoarjo.

Cancer Care Malaysia telah mengembangkan bentuk pengobatan tersebut secara lebih canggih. Mereka telah memproduksi ekstrak Keladi Tikus dalam bentuk pil dan teh bubuk yang dikombinasikan dengan berbagai tananaman lainnya dengan dosis tertentu. Sumber (Milis Alumni Smandel)

Young scientists research ways to curb population growth

Multa Fidrus , The Jakarta Post , Tangerang Mon, 05/26/2008 Potpourri

Terrenz Kelly Tjong, 17, and Lynn Kaat Kurniawan, 18, never dreamed of being awarded a silver medal at the 15th International Conference of Young Scientists (ICYS) scientific research contest held in Chernivtsi, Ukraine from April 18 to 23.

With the silver medal, the second and the third-year students from Saint Launrencia senior high school in Serpong, Tangerang, have proven to the world that Indonesia has many young talented scientists.

"We know that the growth of the human population continues to boom while the growth of supporting resources are not that fast," Terrenz told The Jakarta Post in an interview at her school recently.

She said it was time to think about how to curb the rapid increase in human population through fertility reduction.

"Such a condition inspired us to start an experiment titled 'The Effects of Mangosteen Peel Extract on the Fertility of Male White Mice'," she said.

Terrenz and Lynn said they wanted to take on the challenge to prove the hypothesis that mangosteen peel contained a compound that could reduce fertility.

They extracted the compound from mangosteen peel and mixed it with petroleum ether liquefier. The mixture was then fed to male white mice that were separated into three different groups. Two groups were not given the extract at all.

After 40 days, Terrenz and Lynn conducted autopsies and removed the testis and epididymis organs from the male mice to be observed under a microscope in the school's laboratory.

"If the epididymis process stopped, it meant that spermatogenesis of the mice could last, but when we found more and more empty cavities in the epididynis, it meant that spermatogenesis was hampered," Terrenz said.

Terrenz, who presented the research results at ICYS alone, as Lynn was not able to accompany her to Ukraine, said the experiment took 40 days.

The gold medal for the ecology research contest that Terrenz took part in was awarded to a team of Kroatian students.
"I was happy every day during the competition because I could see many students from various countries and they had brilliant ideas," she said.

She added her father, Joseph Sanusi Tjong, and mother, Hemelinda Brigita, supported her desire to compete in the annual international young scientists' research contest.

"My parents did not object to spending Rp 30 million to let me join the research contest, as the government does not provide any funding to support Indonesian students to compete abroad," she said.

Terrenz said she liked to read and aspired to become a scientist, with a specific interest in biotechnology.
Nine teams from Indonesia competed in the international competition, which included the fields of computer science, physics, math, engineering, ecology and environmental science.
The Saint Laurencia school sent two research teams to represent the country at the contest. Terrenz and Lynn joined the ecology research field with their research.

Another team, represented by Cassandra Jayanthy and Renatta Nataraharja, took part in the environmental science field with their research titled "Exploiting Gray Water". This team won a bronze medal.

This is the second silver medal the Saint Laurencia school has obtained through prestigious International research competitions this year.

Two other students -- Adrienne Trinovia Sulistyo and Vici Riyani Tedja -- also won a silver medal at the International Environment Project Olympiad competition held from April 1 to 6 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Terrenz and Lynn conducted research, presented and discussed the results, formulated research reports and prepared a presentation in English prior to the contest.

"Hard work and support from our parents and teachers were the main keys to our success in the research that took me to Ukraine to competed with other students from all over the world," she said.

Such international research contests are aimed at promoting an interest in science among the younger generation, as well as discovering the potential of young researchers who would play important roles in scientific and technological innovation and development in the future.

The ICYS is an international institution that pays attention to the education and potential of highly talented high school students around the world.

Young scientists uncover styrofoam waste treatment

Multa Fidrus , The Jakarta Post , Tangerang Sun, 05/25/2008 PM Discover

Vici Riyani and Adrienne Trinovia Sulistyo, second-year and third-year students at Santa Laurensia senior high school in Tangerang, have found a waste treatment solution for styrofoam.

Through a series of simple research and experiments they conducted at the school's science lab, the two students proved that orange peel extract could be used to dissolve styrofoam.

The young scientists' discovery even brought recognition to the country when they won a silver medal at the 2nd International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO Euroasia) held from April 1-6 in Baku, Azerbaijan, beating out 35 other entries.

The students' entry was titledWaste Treatment Using a Chemical Sulfonation*Process and Traditional Treatment with Crude Extract From Sunkist Orange Peel".

"Our experiment started from a concern, because we realize that styrofoam cannot be recycled and if such non-organic waste is ignored, it will contribute to environmental damage," Riyani told The Jakarta Post during an interview at her school Thursday.

She added that the use of styrofoam containers for packaging fruits, vegetables and prepared foods sold at supermarkets had become more and more commonplace.

Riyani said orange peel extract contains d-limonene, which can be converted into a polymer flocculant and used to break down styrofoam into water. The environmentally friendly process requires no complicated equipment or chemicals.

"This method is very simple and it can be done by everyone," she said.

As part of their research, Riyani and Adrienne observed that restaurants in Jakarta and Yogyakarta could each produce at least 120 cubic meters of styrofoam food containers.

"The problem is that after use, the styrofoam is thrown away at a dumpsite. The mounds of styrofoam waste has become a serious problem because it cannot be recycled; nor can it be decomposed by microorganisms in the soil or air," she said.

Adrienne noted that the old treatment method for styrofoam waste was to burn it in an incinerator, but this produced the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. This also produced carbon monoxide, which is harmful to the human respiratory system.

"So far, there have been no safe and effective way to overcome the piles of styrofoam waste," she added.

Under the guidance of their science teachers at Laurensia, Riyani and Adrienne referred to books, the Internet and experiments to come up with their own trials.

Their initial experiment showed that orange peels could break down styrofoam because it contains d-limonene, which is found in the peel of all citruses and is frequently used in cleaning fluids.

"D-limonene has proven to be effective in dissolving grease, but using it to dissolve polystyrene-based waste has never been introduced," said Adrienne.

During their trial experiement, Riyani and Adrienne liquefied orange peels in a blender and then distilled the liquid to collect an extract. They then soaked styrofoam cut into small pieces in the orange peel extract, and stirred the mixture until the styrofoam melted away.

The resulting liquid of orange peel extract and dissolved styrofoam is safe to dispose, because it can be decomposed by microorganisms in the air and soil.

"It's easy to obtain orange peels, which is also garbage. So we treat waste with waste," said Adrienne. The two students also invented another way to destroy styrofoam through a chemical process called sulfonation.

Cut-up styrofoam is mixed with chloroform and sulfuric acid and left for two hours at 45 degrees Celsius, which turns the mixture into a liquid form of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSSNa). After a separation and neutralization process using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the liquid is dried to produce polymer powder.

While this treatment method is more complicated, it produces additional benefits.

"The polymer powder can be used as a super-plastifier in the cement industry and as a polymer in water purification," Adrienne said.

With such inexpensive and efficient solutions, the country, its businesses and its people now have no reason to keep contributing to environmental destruction by throwing out styrofoam waste.

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Friday, April 18, 2008

Jajan Jazz might be a relatively new music community, but since its first performance two years ago, it has gained solid ground on the music scene.

The man behind the jazz community, Yunus Arifin, said the aim of Jajan Jazz was to simply bring music to the people with no strings attached or ticket fees.

Since March 2006, Jajan Jazz has regularly taken the stage at Taman Jajan public park in Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) satellite city, Tangerang, on the first Thursday of every month.

Jajan Jazz, which celebrated its second anniversary last month, not only offers a training stage for youth but also gives talented musicians the opportunity to showcase their work.

More than that, Yusuf said, the community aims to build a community of jazz lovers by introducing people to jazz.

"We will continue maintaining the community and atmosphere here ... that's what has seen Jajan Jazz survive and attract more and more viewers and local musicians as well as those from neighboring cities," Yunus told The Jakarta Post.

As the community initiator, Yunus is responsible for Jajan Jazz's survival; this is the reason he refuses to commercialize the show and build business partnerships with sponsors.

Although he is a jazz musician himself, Yusuf prefers to stay backstage, arranging and preparing everything necessary to keep the monthly performance going.

As the performance coordinator, he is responsible for the progress of the Jajan Jazz community and he makes future plans for the community's performances.

"In the first year, we struggled to build the community itself ... and in the second year, we restructured all the administrative matters concerning the performances and the rules of play," he said.

Born in 1963, Yunus, the father of a son from his marriage with Rinawati, graduated from a senior high school in Medan, North Sumatra.

He then moved to Jakarta and worked for a Mercedes Benz distributor who later sent him to Germany.

After returning from Germany, Yunus began to run various businesses and spent time building up the Jajan Jazz community.

Entering its third year, he said the Jajan Jazz community is now focusing its attention on improving performance content for future shows.

"If it all works out this year, we will host a jazz festival at Taman Jajan in our fourth year and regenerate in the fifth year," he said.

Jajan Jazz was first introduced to the public early in March 2006 in BSD, as part of a plan to provide free, spontaneous street music to the satellite city's residents.

Thursday was the day picked to stage the monthly performances because most of the musicians had commercial shows booked for the weekends and were not available to play on other days.

The musicians and stage crew are not paid for the performances; even the sound system is provided for free by community members.

Yunus first got the idea for Jajan Jazz around four years ago, when he and his neighbors -- guitarist Morgan Sigharlaki and drummers Harimurti, Robby and Tofan -- got together to talk about music in the neighborhood.

The following day, they gathered and brought their own instruments to the street and played music.

One day, a neighbor held a circumcision party for his son and invited the men to play live music in his home.

At the party, Yunus and his friends were forced to stop playing their music following complaints from another neighbor who had a sick child.

Idham Muchlis, the neighborhood unit chief, then suggested the group find the right place to perform regularly without disturbing other people in the neighborhood.

Taman Jajan, which has an open stage, proved to be the best choice. The BSD management got on board and supported the establishment of the jazz community, saying it added value to the satellite city.

"So, that's why the community was later named Jajan Jazz," he said.

Two years on, Jajan Jazz has managed to attract fans from outside of BSD, including from Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bekasi and Bandung.

The Jajan Jazz community also made an appearance at the Jakarta Jazz Festival, which was held at the Senayan Sports Stadium last year. Three groups -- Mawarnih, Pro Rejected and Bianglala Voices -- were selected to represent the Jajan Jazz community.

Keyboardist Abadi Soesman, drummer Rudi Subekti, bassist Jeffry Tahalele, percussionist Risto and singer Aska Daulika have also made the time to jam for free on the Taman Jajan stage.

Noted guitarist Ireng Maulana, veteran jazz musicians Benny Likumahuwa and Kibord Maulana, singers Berta, Irma June, Johan Untung, Billy Likumahua, Vonny Sumlang, Emil S Praja, Cendy Lutungan, Mike Embong, Benny Mustafa, Tiwi Shakuhachi, Bibus and others have also performed on the Taman Jajan stage.

"So far, we have featured 50 talented junior groups in the area, including the Jakarta Deutsche Internationale Schule, Zinnia, Santa Ursula, New Breez, Jazzi Ponic, Tiga Mawarnih, Pro Reject, Bianglala Voice, Free Flow and Yogyakarta-based Travel band," he said.

Since the community was first launched, there have been free performances from 9 p.m. to midnight on the first Thursday of every month.

"Jajan Jazz will remain free of charge for all fans, and this is the main reason why we refuse sponsorship," Yunus said.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Tuesday, January 08, 2008

When The Jakarta Post reported a baby was being held at a clinic in Tangerang early last year because of her parents' inability to pay delivery fees, she was the first reader who called up and offered to help the family.

Katherine Bramhall, who at that time was working as a midwife in Ubud, Bali, raised some US$500 from several American donors for the baby's parents. The money was more than enough to pay the birth clinic bill and send the parents home with their newborn.

At the time, the American was freshly graduated from midwifery school in Maine and was serving out a month-long apprenticeship at Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a free clinic founded by American midwife Robin Lin. She helped with birth deliveries, and also visited a prison in Ubud to help train staff to manage trauma in birth.

Bramhill said she was so moved by her experience that she decided to forge a lasting relationship with Lim's clinics in Ubud.

"My goal is to get sustainable programs in place so they know they will have a constant supply of things like prenatal vitamins and baby blankets," she said.

In September she returned to Ubud, bringing with her a shipment of prenatal vitamins donated by the Brattleboro-based New Chapter Inc.

Some 1,000 bottles of vitamins and 1,400 packets of a nutrient-rich drink called Berry Green were part of an estimated $70,000 in cash contributions, donated medical equipment and supplies given to Yayasan Bumi Sehat clinics in Bali, Ubud, and Aceh.

With the help of two Vermont bloggers and the La Leche League in Boston, where she once worked as a holistic health practitioner, she also collected more than 400 receiving blankets for newborns in Bali.

"It may seem like nothing to you and me, but a clean, warm blanket is a big deal to poor people who have nothing in Ubud," she said.

Seeing the families together was rewarding, she said, but also made her long for her own.

"I was at the point where I ached for my family and my people. I was there by myself, so I lived inside my head all day and all night because I couldn't do without the smell of my own children."

Katherine grew up in farm country in upstate New York, where she spent much of her youth outside, riding horses, walking, skiing and gardening. She said living close to nature made her self-sufficient and strong in body, mind and spirit.

When she was 15, she volunteered at a hospital for the summer, and a life of caring for people was begun. She married and raised two children in Boston, Massachusetts, and today works at Full Spectrum Midwifery in Burlington, Vermont.

She said her experience in Indonesia was an eye-opener, as she came to see it as poverty-stricken and with maternal mortality rates off the charts.

"It's like a whole different world. I couldn't have imagined it," she said, adding that she was startled by the living conditions.

She was also stunned by how little headway had been made on rebuilding after a tsunami killed hundreds of thousands of Indonesians in and around Aceh in December 2004. Roads were still wiped out, bridges had not been repaired and utility poles were only now being reset.

"You just take for granted that two years is enough time to put things back together, but sadly it's not. The tsunami is only over in the world's eyes. There's still nothing there," she said.

She said New Chapter Inc. expressed interest in becoming the sole supplier of prenatal vitamins for the Yayasan clinics, and word of the continuing blanket initiative and her other fund-raising efforts was spreading fast.

"What blows me away is how many people call up and say, 'I heard what you're doing. How can I help?'"

One anonymous Vermont donor wrote a check for a new clothes dryer that will replace the one that recently broke down at the Bali clinic.

Other donations included four Doppler baby heart monitors.
If it weren't for the cold showers, hungry-for-money customs officers at Ngurah Ray International Airport, and the incessantly barking dogs, Bramhill said she would have no complaints about her trips to the country.

She was already planning a return trip to Bali, this time accompanied by two student midwives, for another month of volunteering.

"I'm not stopping," she said. "My heart is there."

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Multa Fidrus The Jakarta Post Tangerang, Monday, January 28, 2008

If only most Indonesians thought and acted the way this singer and TV presenter does, there would likely be no bootleggers, con artists or deforestation in the country. Nor would there be floods or landslides to claim the lives of thousands.

A the Kandank Jurank Doank School of Nature, established by Dik Doank, some 2,500 children learn skills of painting, soccer, music, theater and singing.

To see for yourself, come to the Alvita housing complex in Sawah Baru, Ciputat, Tangerang, every Sunday morning when free classes are held. Children and parents alike enjoy the breeze, the shade of trees and the view of rice fields and fishponds on school grounds.

The school's facilities include a soccer field, stage, basketball court, library, music studio, worship house and a newly built open theater.

To run the school, Dik is assisted by 45 volunteers. None are paid, as the school is free of charge.

"One thing that is clear to me is that this school must equip children with a sound knowledge of environmental science. It is hoped they will grow to love nature and grow up to become independent in their way of thinking. They will in turn create a nation that does not imitate other nations," he said last week.

Dik said he had never counted how much he has spent from his own pocket to establish and develop the school.

"My mission is just dedication to God and the rewards I seek are only those in heaven. Nothing more than that," he said, adding that once in a while he also received financial assistance from people or firms with a special interest in education.

Hundreds of children cheerfully gather to learn together at the school every Sunday morning. Regular activities include painting, football, music, singing, riding on water buffaloes in rice fields, fishing and nature-appreciation.

"If there are visiting celebrities or special guests, the lessons we present are adjusted to their backgrounds. If there is no visiting guest, I usually handle the classes myself with the help of my staff," Dik said.

Celebrities who have taught classes include actor Didi Petet; comedians Tukul Arwana, Ulfa Dwiyanti, Taufik Safalas and Akri; singers Nugie, Dessy Ratnasari, Lia Afi, Aryo and Gito Rollies; athlete Ade Rai; guitarist Ridho Slank and magician Dedi Codbuzer.

When a visiting teacher takes questions before the entire group, Dik, who usually moderates the class, will encourage students to ask as many questions as possible about their family life and experiences.

Dik began the school by building a platform in Angkasa Pura complex in Kemayoran Gempol, Central Jakarta, in 1993. On the platform, he started teaching 14 students in the neighborhood how to draw pictures and play the guitar.

In 1997, he moved to the Alvita housing complex and some of his students came with him. They studied outside houses, garages and mosques.

"At that time I did hope people would donate paper and pencils for the children. In fact, no one paid attention, even though we had been studying like that for more than two years," he said.

Dik finally prayed and asked God to give him a proper place for the children to learn.

"I did not want them to breathe in dust under the heat. I wanted them to have a proper place to learn with a little comfort."

Over time, Dik collected money from his work as a singer and TV presenter and allocated 50 percent of his income to building a suitable place for the painting and music group.

It became the Kandank Jurank Doank community, whose students today come from neighboring subdistricts.

"Every child is welcome to attend this school and they will not spend any money for the services and facilities we provide," Dik said.

Born in Jakarta as Rizki Mulyawan in 1968, Dik grew up in Kemayoran Gempol. He studied graphic design at the Jakarta Institute of Arts, completing the course in 1992.

His marriage to Mirna Yuanita, who also is busy with the school activities every Sunday morning, has given them three children.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Thursday, January 31, 2008

Sr. Comr. Rumiah Kartorejo may still have a lot to prove, but for now she has lots of reasons to be proud.

The friendly and soft-spoken police officer was appointed on Jan. 23 as the first woman to head a provincial-level police headquarters. Coincidentally, as the chief of the Banten Police, Rumiah will be working with Ratu Atut Chosiah, the country's first elected female governor.

Rumiah has spent most of her career in training and education at National Police education centers, including Selapa (advanced school for middle-ranking officers), Sespati (school for high-ranking officers) and Sespim (officer leadership school).

She said her commanders at the National Police expected her to be able to build good and intense communication with the governor of Banten.

"The National Police has placed its trust in a woman. This is a point of pride, but this is also a challenge for me to work harder and prove that woman are also capable of becoming leaders in the police institution," she said in an interview at her new office in Serang on Monday.

While her new post demands leadership, managerial skills and accountability beyond those required in her previous positions, Rumiah said she had already set her priorities.

In line with the police motto "to protect and serve", Rumiah said she would like to see more raids on gambling dens in Banten, as well as stepped up efforts to fight drug abuse and illegal logging.

"Those crimes have been rampant in Banten in the past few years," she said, adding she would basically continue her predecessor's "good job".

According Rumiah, Banten -- which was part of West Java province until 1999 -- is known as a region that produces many santri, or Islamic boarding school students, but it is also a notorious point for illegal logging, drug abuse, gambling and smuggling.

The main gateways of Merak seaport and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport are both located in Banten province.

Rumiah acknowledged that when she was at the National Police Education Center, she only taught theories to students.
She vowed to improve ties with rank-and-file police officers in Banten, and put all the theories she taught into practice.

"This is my second chance to be in the region after I was assigned as the head of production and documentation at the National Police Public Relations Division. I will apply all the theories into real life," she said.

Commenting on her ability to lead a police force comprising mostly men, Rumiah said female and male police officers have the same tasks and responsibilities, so it would not pose any problems.

"We are all law enforcers. We can overcome all obstacles in upholding the law with unity, therefore I want to create a climate of togetherness and spirit so that we can go ahead and have success together," she said.

In response to a quiet demand by several Muslim groups in Banten that all female police officers in Banten wear headscarves like those in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Rumiah said she would first study how serious and urgent the plea was.
"Basically, all female police officers have been given clear regulations regarding the uniforms they must wear. The uniforms they use daily in the streets cover almost all of their bodies. But, if people continue to demand they wear headscarves, why not? Let's see," she said.

Rumiah said she was impressed by the warm greetings from Banten leaders and people when she introduced herself during an event over the weekend with her predecessor, Brig. Gen. Timur Pradopo, who now is head of the Selapa Police School.

"Everyone was present during the function, the governor, council speakers, regents and mayors and their deputies, top ranking officials from every agency, and local dignitaries. I felt honored and their warm and sincere greetings have motivated me to work hard and do my best," she said.

Rumiah was to Madurese and Ponorogo parents in 1953 and grew up in Tulung Agung, East Java.

After graduating from the Sports High School in her hometown, she continued her studies at the Surabaya Teachers Training Institute (IKIP).

She remembers having to ride her bicycle dozens of kilometers back and forth between her house and campus, until she was admitted to the campus dormitory designated for students with top marks.

"Not all students were allowed to live in the campus dorm. I showed good achievements in my studies and was also the best player on the campus softball team," she said.

Rumiah graduated from IKIP in 1975 and two years later she joined the police force. One of the reasons she joined the police force was a traffic misdemeanor she committed when she was a student.

"I will never forget when a police officer chased me for not wearing a helmet," she said.

After serving as a police officer for one year, she was a member of the national softball team that took part in the first Southeast Asian Games in 1979.

"It was a bit of a surprise because a number of former friends from the national softball team hear that I was appointed as the Banten Police chief. Alas, we couldn't meet and they only met with my son. But they left some photos when we were on the team which I didn't have," she said.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Monday, September 10, 2007

Airin Rachmi Diany, 30, has got it all. She has a good education, a secure job, a rich husband and two lovely children.

But instead of choosing to pretend that she does not see how the other half lives, she finds happiness in helping Banten province's poorest people.

"Time is golden and I don't want to waste it. I always want to be useful to people, particularly the poor. Charity work is much better than giving cash," Airin said recently.

A public notary by profession, Airin, who born on Aug. 28, 1976, in Banjar, West Java, does not want to spend all day behind her desk in her comfortable office in Tangerang.

Airin completed her notary studies at Padjadjaran University in 2003 and post-graduate studies in business law at the same university in 2005.

She said it was important to monitor and evaluate charity work against clear objectives because "good things do not simply fall from the sky. The clearer the goals the better.

Airin said the secret of her success was her willingness to learn from her mistakes. A small opportunity should be seen as the beginning of big opportunity, she said.

The mother of two spends most of her time visiting and helping low-income families in Tangerang regency -- from Pondok Cabe Ilir in the southern part of Tangerang regency to Tanjung Pasir in the northern part.

She approaches difficult situations with a mixture of humor and quiet intelligence and prefers listening to -- rather than talking down to -- the people she meets on her Tangerang trips. In fact, she is known by the community as the Smiling Mother.

"Smiling is the perfect means of communication because it shows the warmth of the soul", Airin said.

Recently she established a free treatment program for people suffering from diarrheal diseases in Sepatan, Pakuhaji and Sukadiri districts.

She also introduced mosquito control and dengue awareness programs -- including a series of sports and youth-orientated events -- in villages affected by dengue fever in Tangerang early this year.

Wherever she goes in Tangerang, she pays great attention to the development of the regency's Islamic boarding schools.

"As the program organizer, I certainly have to spend a lot of time in the outer suburbs, listening to the residents," she said about her hectic schedule.

"From these face-to-face meetings I have gradually begun to understand the real problems facing the regency: poor health and inconsistent development in education."

Born into and growing up in a harmonious and religious family, Airin was a creative child who did well at school. She graduated from Parahyangan University in Bandung, West Java, in 1999.

Airin was selected for the national flag-hoisting team during the 1992 Independence Day flag-raising ceremony at the State Palace.

In 1995, she won Bandung municipality's Mojang Parahyangan pageant and went on to win West Java's Mojang Parahyangan pageant later that year. She joined the 1996 Princess Indonesia pageant and was crowned as both the Tourism Princess and the People's Favorite.

She was also active in the Interschool Organization (OSIS) during her senior high school days and later became a member of Parahyangan University's student council.

Her marriage to businessman Tb. Chaeri Wardana in 1997 has given her one son, Tb. Ghifari Al-Chusaeri Wardana, 9, and one daughter, Ratu Ghefira Marhamah Wardana, 4.

Airin is also a board member, both of the Banten Red Cross (PMI) and the Indonesian Notaries Association (INI).

Aside from that, she organizes the United Banten Volunteers (RBB), an organization established by Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiah to create unity and harmony in Banten.

She is also on the board of the Women's Association for the People's Welfare.

"I rarely take a break from my charity work. I am happy to hear people's problems. The answer is not always financial assistance," she said.

Airin has even arranged for banners to be put up on Tangerang's main streets, calling on the Banten people to develop the province's economy, education and health infrastructure together.

"I earn more than enough, so it is time for me to dedicate my life to the people, not only my family," she said.

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Helping the poor via a brain foundation

Since the Indonesia Brain Foundation (YOI) was established early in 2000, it has helped finance surgical operations and treatment for more than 150 poor people with brain problems across the country.

Most of the patients who have recovered with the help of the foundation would probably not be enjoying the normal lives they do today if Eka Jullanta Wahjoepramono, chairman of the neuroscience center at the Siloam Gleneagles Hospital in Karawaci, Tangerang, had not taken the initiative to establish YOI.

"We established a neurosurgical science center here in 1996; many patients with brain problems come to the hospital for help but not all of them were able to pay the fees," he told The Jakarta Post in an interview recently.

He said that as a neurosurgeon, he could not reject poor patients who really needed help because most were still at productive stages in their lives and had bright futures.

Eka subsequently initiated a search for philanthropists who were willing to dip into their pockets so that he could save the patients. He had many meetings with businessmen such as Muchtar Riyadi of Lippo Group, Aburizal Bakrie (Bakrie Group) and Tahir (Mayapada Bank) to seek donations.

"They never refused financial assistance for surgical operations when I saw them but I didn't feel comfortable asking them for help each time," he said.

Eka then floated the concept of YOI; it received a warm welcome, getting the backing of the businessmen and the Siloam Gleneagles Hospital management.

In addition to helping to finance brain operations for the poor, Eka also hoped to provide education for people with brain injuries and to pay for brain research via the foundation.

"Indonesia has heart and cancer foundations that assist and educate people, but not one for brain-related issues," he said.

He said that a taxi driver he met overseas knew a lot about heart functions and problems because he had watched TV programs on the subject.

"I also want all Indonesians to have greater awareness of the brain and related problems. That's why I plan to educate the public via a special program in cooperation with Metro TV," he said, adding he had obtained sponsorship for the program.

Eka has also initiated research into senile dementia under the supervision of Hollywood Hospital Neuro Center in Perth, Australia, focusing on the clivus, the base bone of skull.

"We shall use 50 elderly patients as respondents throughout the country and the research will take two years," he said, adding that no one has answered satisfactorily why dementia and associated mental illnesses became more common with old age.

He said he was obsessed with the cyberknife, a tool that uses a laser beam to excise brain tumors completely.

"We want it to be the last resort for patients with brain problems but the tool costs US$5 million and we cannot afford one; we're always worried about the remains of a tumor growing again in patients' brains," he said.

The problem facing YOI, said Eka, was that the surgical operation and treatment costs for a patient were frequently unpredictable, while the foundation had a limited budget.

"Once, YOI had only Rp 20 million to finance a neurosurgical operation for the wife of a newspaper vendor but the woman suffered from complications; the treatment cost skyrocketed to Rp 60 million," he said.

The cost of operations and treatment for poor patients ranges from Rp 5 million to Rp 140 million.

"Consequently, YOI is often in debt to the hospital since the foundation is yet to have regular donors," said Eka.

He has performed more than 2,800 neurosurgical operations with his team at Siolam since 1996, with a failure rate of only 2.8 percent, lower than the 7.8 percent in the U.S.

YOI offers total aid, partial aid and back-up aid to poor patients who desperately need operations to deal with benign tumors, vascular anomalies, congenital diseases with good prognoses, curable strokes, respectable tumors and curable brain lesions.

Total aid is given to patients from families that are unable to fulfill basic needs based on reliable recommendations, partial aid is given to those who have insufficient ability to finance their operation and treatment, and back up aid is given to those who have funds for the operation but have no back up funds for possible post-operative disease complications.

Born in Klaten Central Java in 1958, Eka entered the medical school of Diponegoro University, Semarang, Central Java, in 1977.

He graduated in 1983 and started his medical career as the head of public health center in Pendahara, Central Kalimantan, in 1984.

Two years later, he worked for the emergency unit at Pantiwilasa Hospital, Semarang, and then continued his studies at the medical school of Padjadjaran University, Bandung, West Java in 1989.

He then worked there as an assistant at the neurosurgery department until he was entrusted to lead the neurosurgery department at Serang general hospital, Banten, in 1995.

He became the consultant of the neurosurgery department at Siloam, Honoris and Usada Insani hospitals in Tangerang and Krakatau Steel hospital in Cilegon.

Eka, who attended postgraduate training in Germany, England, Hungary, Japan; as well as St. Louis University in the U.S. between 1991 and 2003, was appointed chairman of the neuroscience center at Siloam in 2000.

He was the fifth president of the Asian Conference of Neurological Surgeons (2001-2003), Asian Oceanic Skull Base Society; and Honorary sixth president of the Asian Conference of Neurosurgical Surgeon and Foreign Affairs, Indonesia Neurosurgical Society.

Besides the 54 papers and books dealing with neurosurgery he has published since 1991, he has also published four books on brain aneurysms, head injuries, strokes and emergency neurosurgery since 2004.

Married to Hanna Damar, a skin specialist, and father of three children, he spends an average of 16 hours a day at Siloam's neuroscience center, conducting at least two neurosurgical operations each day.

He said the situation between life and death for patients was the driving force for him and members of his team. The pressure is frequently increased by nonstop, 48-hour surgery in difficult operations.

"But we do this because we love our jobs and are concerned about life," he said.

When he has the opportunity, he relaxes in the small garden behind his home in Karawaci, where aquariums and ponds are stocked with fish.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Friday, April 13, 2007

Walking on a pair of crutches, policeman 1st Brig. Heri Prastowo dragged his feet into the Tangerang District Court to testify as a key witness against Akuang, a coral reef exporter tried for drug possession last week.

"I can't stand staying home all day long, and I can't wait to go back to work as usual, but my knee...," Heri told The Jakarta Post on April 2 at the District Court.

Heri, an officer with the Tangerang Police, broke his right knee as he tried to intercept a truck carrying 955 kilograms of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine).

That was in August 2006, when motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver Ncang arrived around 2 a.m. to the Teluk Naga district guard post, where Heri was on duty, and reported seeing a group of people engaged in suspicious activity in front of a construction material kiosk. He said the group was transferring small boxes from a Toyota Avanza into a small box truck on Jl. Raya Kali Baru.

"As an officer in charge at the guard post that time, I had to be responsive and follow up on any reports from community members," Heri told the Post.

Acting on the tip from the ojek driver, Heri got on his motorcycle and first went to Kosar, asking the village security chief to accompany him.

When they reached the street indicated by Ncang, the two observed the situation from a distance.

"At first, I thought the box truck was only transferring building materials. But when we approached it, the driver started the engine and moved," he said.

Heri and Kosar followed the truck until it stopped in a dark area near the Kali Baru bridge, but nobody got out of the vehicle.

Kosar excused himself temporarily to tend to bodily needs, and it was during this interlude that the box truck moved again and passed right in front of Heri.

So he stopped the truck and asked the driver for the vehicle's documents.

"There were two men in the vehicle," he recalled. "The one behind the wheel pulled out an envelope and handed it to me but I rejected it."

Heri realized that the driver was trying to bribe him. He then ordered the two to open the cargo box, but they reportedly answered in English, "No key, no key". Because the policeman and the men in the truck could not communicate properly, Heri told the driver to follow him to the police station.

As Heri, on his motorcycle, led the box truck toward the police station, the Avanza he had seen earlier overtook him. At the same time, the box truck rammed into him from the rear, breaking his right leg.

Heri found he could not get up and the truck disappeared. He contacted the police station for back-up. Local residents approached to help, and took him to a nearby house for a traditional bone massage. In the morning, he was taken to a hospital for further treatment.

"I recognized the box truck from when a number of local residents attacked PT Sarana Putra, a coral reef exporting company owned by Akuang," he said, adding that the police found the truck, with its entire load of drugs, abandoned behind the Teluk Naga District Office.

On Aug. 29, Tangerang Police confiscated the crystal methamphetamine worth Rp 600 billion -- it was the second biggest drug bust in Indonesian history, following the November raid of a drug-manufacturing factory in Cikande, Serang, Banten.

The drug was packed in 95 packing cartons inside the truck, each carton holding five bars of crystal meth weighing 2 kilograms each.

In addition, police seized a map of Jakarta and Tangerang, two walkie-talkies, one satellite phone and one Global Positioning System device.

Following the discovery of the truck, Tangerang Police traced the vehicle's ownership and arrested 42-year-old Samin Iwan, alias Akuang bin Kasmat.

Tangerang Police arrested 13 suspects for questioning, including Akuang and his assistant Boim Santosa, his truck driver Romli Hasan and Udin Kasman, the captain of the vessel used to transport the drugs from a cargo ship anchored at sea to Teluk Naga.

During the course of their investigation, Tangerang Police uncovered three Hong Kong citizens -- identified only as Ahua, Mr. Chen and Mr. Lou -- suspected of active involvement in the crystal meth deal.

The three are thought to be members of a international drug syndicate that intended to distribute the 955 kg of shabu-shabu. Police, however, were unable to track down the three, who remain at large.

Meanwhile, Akuang, Boim, Romli and Udin were indicted for drug trafficking and were tried at the district court.

Akuang owns PT Sang Putra, which provided the truck for transporting the crystal meth, and the coral reef exporting company is believed to be a front for the drug business.

As a reward for his contribution to the seizure of the drug, National Police chief Gen. Sutanto promoted Heri from the rank of First Brigadier to Chief Brigadier.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Adang Firman awarded him a new motorcycle -- but not the ojek driver who provided the initial tip.

Born in 1973 in Banyumas, Central Java, Heri graduated high school in Karang Anyar, Kebumen, then applied to the State Police Academy in Cisarua, Bogor, West Java, where he was accepted.

Following graduation from the academy in 1994, Heri was assigned to the Tangerang Police headquarters, then transferred to the Teluk Naga subprecinct in 2002.

He is also father to two children, 8-year-old Danang and 2-year-old Pasha, from his marriage to Nursela.

Nine months since the bust, Heri is still unable to walk without the aid of crutches and attends regular check-ups for his knee. He cannot yet ride his new motorcycle; nor can he don the uniform that bears his new rank.

Commenting on the possibility that his knee might be disabled, Heri said he felt lucky because he could do something to help the government fight drug abuse -- and never mind that he broke his leg in the process.

"I have to take all risks that come with my job and this is only the beginning -- and my family is aware of this," he said.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Saturday, March 25, 2006

Warsito was one of 16 Indonesian scientists selected by the Indonesia Institute of Sciences to deliver a presentation on his invention, volume tomography, at a meeting with professor Douglas Dean Osherff, the 1996 Nobelist for physics.

The meeting, titled Toward Bright and Brilliant Indonesians, was held in Jakarta to mark the start of Indonesia Science Year in November last year.

Tomography is defined as imaging by sections or sectioning.
Warsito is the only scientist in the world who has managed to develop tomography and create volume tomography, an analytical tool that can be used in four dimensions and has industrial applications.

The tool can examine refinery pipes at oil wells and pipelines in four dimensions.

"Refinery pipes at oil wells usually contain oil mixed with sand, soil and gas. With the assistance of the tool, we can see how much oil is in refinery pipes and oil pipelines at all oil wells across the country, from Jakarta," he said.

He said that with the tool, oil firms can save much time and expense.

According to Warsito, the tool works with the help of a sensor installed around refinery pipes and pipelines. The sensor is connected to a series of electronic devices that are also connected to a computer. The computer will processes information from the refinery pipes and pipelines using algorithms that will, in turn, form a four-dimensional image.

He said that volume tomography can also be developed for airport security and the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food, medicine and health industries since he just needs to modify the software.

"Volume tomography can clearly monitor what is concealed behind clothing and even inside human organs for an airport security system.

"For health applications, it can replace magnetic resonance imagery and CT scanners that produce radiation, and are both slow and expensive," he said. Volume tomography has no negative impact since it only works with electricity, and is quick and cheap.

Warsito initiated his research by developing ultrasonic tomography to examine voice waves at a bio-reactor at Shizuoka University in Japan, where he completed his doctorate in 1998.

Ultrasonic tomography is still being used for basic research at the outstanding Japanese university as of today.

While working as a researcher and lecturer at the university, Warsito continued to do research into developing volume tomography until he was elected to deliver a presentation on ultrasonic tomography at a world conference in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 1999.

Afterward, he met professor LS Fan, chairman of the Industrial Research Consortium (IRC) at Ohio State University in the United States.

Two months later, he accepted Fan's offer to move to the U.S. and join some 15 other world-class researchers at the IRC.

In fact, Warsito overcame Fan's problem with reactor engineering and made a prototype of volume tomography in 2003. His invention was patented in the U.S. in 2001.

Small wonder he was elected outstanding postdoctoral researcher by Ohio State University in 2001 and again by the American Institute of Chemists Foundation in 2002.

Warsito's presence as the only Indonesian researcher at the IRC could have contributed significant changes since the volume tomography he designed can save much time and cost if it is applied in industry.

Exxon Mobil, BP Oil, Shell, Conoco Village, Dow Chemical and Mistubishi Chemical are among the global firms that have indirectly started volume tomography applications in their production, including the U.S. Department of Energy, for Morgantown National Laboratory.

Warsito was also elected a key lecturer on the process of tomography at the World Conference in Banff, Canada, in 2003 and in Aizu, Japan, in 2005.

The conference also elected him a plenary lecturer on particle technology for powder processing, nanotechnology, chemical processing and oil processing.

"As of now, I'm still focusing my research on volume tomography for industrial applications and it is still being perfected to achieve high levels of accuracy," he said, adding that the tool was expected to be introduced to the public within four months.

Warsito was born in Karang Anyar, Surakarta, Central Java, in 1967. He spent his childhood through high school graduation in his hometown.

Just one month after he started his studies at the school of chemistry at Gajah Mada University, Yogyakarta, in 1986, he went to Shizuoka University on a scholarship from the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT).

After finishing his studies in electronics he continued postgraduate studies at the same university while working as a researcher and lecturer there. He then obtained a scholarship from the university to continue with his doctorate.

Warsito, a father of four sons from his marriage with Rita Chaerunissa, from Tangerang, refused the American citizenship offered to him although, financially, he is unlucky being an Indonesian scientist.

Along with several fellow scientists, he established the Indonesian Technology Scientist Community (MITI) to improve technology and science in the country and build cooperation with foreign institutes to do research.

Besides research, Warsito also teaches at the school of MIPA and Physics at the University of Indonesia, guiding postdoctoral students from Ohio State University, Washington State University and Shizuoka University.

Warsito plans to produce volume tomography in Tangerang while looking for investors and has the exclusive right to sell the tool in the U.S.

A Canadian pharmaceutical company has ordered the tool via its cooperation with Ohio State University.

Few of the many journalists who daily use his Internet kiosk at the Modern Land housing complex, Tangerang, realize that Warsito is a world-class scientist doing research into volume tomography on the second floor.

"I am hopeful my invention will be accepted by the government; otherwise I will not come back because life in the United States is so much more promising," he said.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Saturday, April 29, 2006

When Wahidin Halim was elected Tangerang mayor in October 2003, no one could have predicted that he would go that extra mile to develop the municipality, create clean governance, uphold the law and clear liquor and prostitution from the city.

Despite facing intense criticism and the threat of lawsuits, the mayor, known as "WH" locally, continues to pursue his vision of a more moral society through controversial regulations that ban alcohol and prostitution.

"We shall go ahead and punish any violations," he said, adding that his administration was prepared to face the consequences that might result, including class-action lawsuits by disgruntled locals.

The regulations were not of his own making, but merely the wish of the people, as represented by the municipal council, he said.

The antiprostitution regulations became a national issue after the administration tried 31 people charged with violating them.

The misdemeanor trial was held in public at the city hall in conjunction with the celebration of the municipality's 13th anniversary on Feb. 28.

Lilis, 34, the pregnant wife of an elementary school teacher was caught, along with 26 other women, by public order officers enforcing the prostitution regulations, as she waited at the side of the road for a public minivan.

But the woman, who pleaded not guilty, was unable to prove to the court that she was not a prostitute. She could not show her identity card nor she could present her husband or members of her family to testify in her support during the trial.

Her "prostitute-like" appearance convinced judge Barmen Sinurat to dismiss her explanation and fine her Rp 300,000. She was held in custody because she could not pay the fine and was released three days later.

Commenting on the case, Wahidin said the regulation upholds the dignity of women; criticism must have been orchestrated by groups out to exploit women to satisfy their own vices.

Religious and community leaders have praised the mayor for his efforts and urged the authorities to be forceful in their enforcement of the regulations because they believed that no religion allows prostitution or the excessive consumption of alcohol.

The municipal council endorsed the regulations on Nov. 21, 2005. The liquor bylaw bans the distribution and sale of alcoholic drinks, except in three-, four- and five-star hotels and designated restaurants for on-the-spot consumption.
Violators can face imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to Rp 50 million.

Article 4 in the bylaw on prostitution bans people, either in public places or locations visible to the public, from enticing others, either by words or signals, into acts of prostitution.

It also bans public intimacy, hugging and/or kissing that is deemed to trigger passion, either in public places or places visible to the public such as hotels, restaurants or entertainment centers. Violators may face up to three months in prison or a fine of Rp 15 million.

Since the regulations are capable of multiple interpretations, the administration has been preparing a draft containing instructions for its technical implementation.

Wahidin, a sibling of foreign affairs minister Hasan Wirayuda and the father of three from his marriage with Niniek Wahidin Halim, began to make significant changes across the municipality just 10 months after he became mayor.

Within three months, the public praised him for his assertiveness in returning roads, pavements and riverbanks to their proper use. He also named publicly nine industrial firms that were judged to be polluting the environment.

Five months later, Wahidin told all administration employees to wear Muslim garb every Friday, while non-Muslims could continue to wear civil servant uniforms as normal.

With the clothing requirement, Wahidin wants to remind his staff to stick to the vision of the akhlakul kharimah (religious, responsible and honest) leadership he initially committed himself to.

Wahidin is not the type of a leader who simply sits behind a desk in his office, barking orders at his staff. He often makes unannounced visits on foot, meeting and talking to local people, students, schoolteachers or traders at markets and listens to their complaints.

"Wahidin is a capable organizer, regulator and communicator; that's the reason why a leader like him is needed," movie director Garin Nugroho commented on the dust jacket of a book written by Wahidin, adding that an important element in leadership was the support that grows from the grass roots.

Wahidin, avoiding formality, always appears exactly as he is, treating all he meets as friends, and is always in good humor with a joke ready. None of his staff, journalists or whoever meets him feel uncomfortable in his presence because Wahidin always makes them laugh.

He is the first regional administration leader to have spent 42 percent of the administration's total budget in 2005, and 49 percent this year, on improving education. "How can we create high-quality human resources if we ignore the educational infrastructure and other supporting facilities?" he said.

He made an agreement with private investors to obtain low-interest loans repaid under an installment scheme, with total investment reaching Rp 228 billion, to renovate 221 damaged schools last year.

To enable citizens to voice their aspirations, and to identify emerging problems, Wahidin has also initiated "SMS democracy" in cooperation with a local newspaper. It publishes daily information from the community sent via cell phone text messaging (SMS).

However, not all of Wahidin's policies have been accepted. His proposal to relocate all amusement centers in Karawaci was opposed, and he has postponed it for the time being. His plan to eliminate becak (pedicabs) from several main streets was also opposed by becak drivers.

Born in 1954 in Pinang village, which was formerly part of Cileduk district, Tangerang municipality, Wahidin has spent all of his life there. He declined to move to the mayors' official residence on Jl. Daan Mogot.

Walking barefoot every day to elementary school in Pinang and junior high school in Cileduk was his habit because his father, a schoolteacher, could not afford to buy a bicycle for the young Wahidin.

He finally got a bike after he started senior high school in Tangerang, continuing his studies at the University of Indonesia. After graduation, Wahidin was elected the first village head with a university diploma, in 1978.

The young Wahidin married soon after he was became a civil servant in 1979. In the early 1980s, he was promoted to the position of district administration chief at Ciputat (twice) and Tigaraksa.

By late 2002, he became Tangerang municipal administration secretary and a year later was elected mayor.

Wahidin has acquired much organizational experience as chairman of many community groups. As manager of Tangerang regency's Persita and Tangerang municipality's Persikota football teams, he has placed a priority on education.
He established the Nurani Kami Foundation, which regularly gives scholarships to 150 poor school and university students each year.

A gubernatorial seat now awaits Wahidin; he has promised to announce his willingness to be nominated as a candidate by the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in June, in order to compete in the Banten gubernatorial election in November.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Just 10 months after Wahidin Halim was elected as Tangerang mayor, significant changes can be seen across the municipality.

None could have predicted Wahidin's efforts to go the extra mile to develop the municipality, create clean governance and uphold the law, all in the first year of his term.

Three months after serving as mayor, the public has praised him for his assertiveness in returning roads, pavements and river banks to their proper use.

Pasar Anyer intersections that had been occupied by hundreds of street vendors now look clean. Dozens of illegal restaurants that used to stand along the Cisadane riverbank on Jl. Benteng Makasar have been closed down and the riverbank has resumed its function as a city park.

"Street vendors have too long caused road users and pedestrians to be the losing parties and it is time now to return roads and pavements to their real functions -- that they are the right of the public," he told The Jakarta Post.

Five months later, Wahidin obliged all administration employees to wear Muslim garb every Friday, while non-Muslims could continue to wear civil servant uniforms as usual.

Go to the municipal administration office complex on Jl. Satria Sudirman on a Friday, and one will see male employees in baju koko (collarless shirts) and peci (traditional, black rimless hats) and female employees wearing veils, red baju kurung (sack dresses), long white skirts or pants.

"Banten claims itself as a center for Islamic boarding school students but what is the evidence of such a claim when guests visit us and ask about that?" Wahidin said.

With a requirement for people to wear Muslim garb once a week, Wahidin also wants to remind his staff to stick to the vision of the akhlakul kharimah (responsible and honest) leadership he initially committed himself to.

The four aims for the municipality are to: Recover and prompt growth in the economy, improve the quality and quantity of service to the public, develop a strong and clean administration and achieve environmentally friendly development.

"The administration is aware of (the aims) existence -- public servants and are willing to pursue the achievement of the four aims if they are backed up with religious principles," he said.

It seems not enough for Wahidin to simply sit behind a desk in his office and give orders to his staff. He frequently makes visits on foot, and meets and talks to community members, students, schoolteachers and traders at markets and listens to their complaints.

Several officials have even complained about Wahidin's style as they could not keep up with him when accompanying him on field trips.

As he had identified many problems in taking the municipality forward Wahidin wrote a book, 1001 faces of Tangerang Municipality. Through the 155-page work, recently published, Wahidin has tried to analyze various problems.

"Development is identical with evictions -- the making of social infrastructure. Is that wrong? Of course not. The city needs structural development but a city is not merely a structure.

"It needs space for human interaction, and basic rights, such as justice, freedom and democracy are fundamental needs that cannot be ignored by development pressures," he said.

Movie director Garin Nugroho, who has added a comment on the book's dust jacket, said an important element in leadership was the support that grows from the grass roots.

"Wahidin is a capable organizer, regulator and communicator; that's the reason why a leader like him is needed," he said.

Well-known lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, whose comments also appear on the same cover, said the power should be used for the benefit of people, which is why state officials are referred to as civil servants.

Wahidin was a good example of a state official who was also a civil servant, he said.

A type of leader who avoids formality, Wahidin always appears exactly as he is, treating all he meets as friends, and is always in good humor, with a joke ready. None of his staff feel uncomfortable in his presence because Wahidin always makes them laugh.

He is likely to be the first regional administration leader to have spent 42 percent of the administration's total budget on improving education.

"How can we create high-quality human resources if we ignore the educational infrastructure and other supporting facilities?" he said.

The allocation of Rp 80 billion from the Rp 205.5 billion budget was insufficient to renovate 212 dilapidated schools this year, so he has called upon the private sector to cover the financial shortfall.

He is collaborating with private investors through low-interest loans under an installment scheme, with total investment reaching Rp 228 billion to renovate damaged the schools.

"If we relied solely on the annual budget, the renovation would take three years to complete. By then, some of the schools might have collapsed," he said.

Wahidin said the collaboration scheme with private investors should be followed by other administrations, and that the neighboring Tangerang regency was already on the lookout for investors for a similar project.

He said if the administration could finish the renovation work next year, it would concentrate on subsidizing poor private schools and help them to renovate using the 2006 budget.

"The following year, we shall focus on improving teachers' welfare," he said.

However, not all of Wahidin's policies have been accepted. His proposal to relocate all amusement centers in Karawaci was opposed, and he eventually postponed it.

His plan to eliminate becak (pedicabs) from several main streets was also opposed by becak drivers.

Born in Pinang village, Tangerang municipality in 1954, Wahidin, known as a simple man, grew up and spent all his life there. He has refused to move the mayors' official residence to Jl. Daan Mogot.

Walking barefoot every day to elementary school in Pinang and junior high school in Cileduk was his habit because his father, a schoolteacher, could not afford to buy a bicycle for little Wahidin.

He finally got a bike after he started senior high in Tangerang, continuing his studies at the University of Indonesia (UI). After graduation, Wahidin was elected the first village head with a university diploma, in 1978.

The young Wahidin married soon after he was promoted as a civil servant in 1979. In the early 1980s, the father of three was promoted to the position of Ciputat and Tigaraksa district administration chief.

In the course of his career, Wahidin then led several technical agencies and was administrative assistant under the Tangerang regency administration.

By late 2002, he was promoted to Tangerang municipal administration secretary and a year later was elected mayor.

Wahidin has acquired much organizational experience as chairman of many community groups. As manager of Tangerang regency's Persita and Tangerang municipality's Persikota football teams, he has placed a priority on education.
He established the Nurani Kami Foundation, which regularly gives scholarships to 150 poor school and university students each year.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Banten, Friday, March 28, 2003

Adj. Comr. Sri Suari is known among her fellow police officers as a friendly but tough leader.

Her name comes first on the list of police officers manning the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport police station -- not because she is a woman officer but because she is the boss.

Being placed in charge of security at the international airport indicates the trust that the Jakarta Police Headquarters has in the 40-year-old officer.

Suari, who has been at the airport police station since 2000, has one very special focus in her job: providing maximum protection for Indonesian workers arriving from overseas.

Soekarno-Hatta's Terminal III is a notorious point of disembarkation for homecoming workers, who often are treated as milch cows.

The corrupt and greedy individuals preying on the workers include government officials, police officers, bank employees, non-governmental organization activists, bogus journalists and the bus drivers that take the workers from the airport to their villages.

Since being assigned to the airport, Suari has uncovered 35 cases of extortion targeting overseas workers from the moment they left the aircraft to the minute they set foot in their home villages.

The crimes range from airport bus crews demanding "cigarette money" and businesspeople forcing workers to change their money, to strangers forcing them to buy electronic goods at inflated prices and outright robbery.

"About half of the cases went to court and the rest were settled amicably," she said. "Some cases are better settled out of court to avoid the complicated legal procedures and time-consuming processes."

Suari said the extortion of overseas workers had become a form of organized crime, involving officials and individuals with no legal authority.

Suari has written a guidebook that provides detailed information to returning migrant workers about how to avoid being victimized.

She wrote the book after much research on the different forms of extortion and difficulties faced by the workers.

She posed as a returning worker, wearing Muslim clothes like most of the workers. She spent several days and nights in Terminal III, where arriving workers have their documents processed.

"One day, a suspicious cleaning service worker chased me and kicked me because I always covered my face and turned my back when he asked me why I was still there," she said.

On another occasion, she posed as one of seven workers bound for their home villages in Cianjur and Sukabumi, West Java. She stayed at one of the workers' home.

"I wanted to learn what happened to workers during their trip from the airport to their village, and see the real condition of the workers' families.

"I got swollen feet from walking for hours from the nearest town to the workers' village. There was no transportation to the village," she said.

Suari successfully employed this disguise tactic last year when she bust a drug trafficking ring. She posed as a courier delivering a package to guests at a hotel on Jl. Rasuna Said in South Jakarta. She arrested a Malaysian and two Indonesians with 4.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in their possession.

Although she is always focused on other crimes that occur in her jurisdiction, for Suari protecting overseas workers from extortion is a top priority.

"Arriving workers are easy extortion targets because they carry large sums of foreign currencies," she said.

One thing she has done to help workers is to assign women police officers to the airport to hand out police telephone numbers to the workers, so they can contact the police in case of emergency.

Last September, she required all returning workers to deposit their money at Bank BNI before leaving the airport, and withdrawing it from a branch office once they got home.

Workers who are unwilling to do this must sign a statement confirming that they understand the possible security risks.

She cannot say just how effective these measures have been, in large part because the police have only been able to catch the small fries, while the big fish behind the crimes remain untouched.

"These migrant workers have contributed trillions of rupiah to the state coffers. The tragedy is that the state fails to protect them.

"I am afraid that they will file a class action suit against the state someday, when they realize that their basic rights are not respected," she said.

Suari was born in 1963 and grew up in the small town of Bima on Sumbawa island in West Nusa Tenggara. She was raised by her mother Maria Sunarty after her father died when she was nine months old.

After graduating from high school in 1982, she joined the police force. In 1983 she was assigned as a shooting instructor, a position she held until being sent to the officer training course in 1992.

She was sent to the Police Academy in 1994, graduating in 1997 with honors. She continued her studies at the Police Science Institute, graduating in 1999 again with honors.

While serving as the airport police chief, Suari also pursued her master's degree in Police Sciences at the University of Indonesia, completing the degree in August 2002.

She married Sr. Comr. Sri Wahyudi in 1986 and the couple have a teenage daughter and a son. Her husband is posted at the National Narcotics Body.

Suari continues to hope that some day the decision makers in the central government will begin to pay attention to the plight of the migrant workers, and start providing them the legal protection they deserve.

"I sincerely hope that the decision makers will issue policies that allow the workers to obtain more humane treatment, so that they can enjoy the fruits of their toil," she said.

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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Siti Rochayah's efforts to go the extra mile to have her dreams come true have been awarded.

After opening a small childbirth clinic years ago, her medical empire has bloomed into two large, new hospitals and two other maternity clinics (Rumah Bersalin).

The poor treatment available for pregnant women had always saddened her. Proper, professional services are so often very expensive and only available for wealthy people.

Rochayah, a friendly and humble midwife, now employs more than 600 people comprising dozens of specialists, general practitioners, nurses, midwives, administrative staff members, security guards and others under the management of PT Sari Asih.

Despite the fact that she is now the commissioner of the family business that manages Sari Asih Hospital in Karawaci, the newly opened Sari Asih Hospital in Cileduk, Harapan Bunda Child Birth Clinic in Perumnas I, Karawaci and Sari Asih Child Birth Clinic in Sangiang, she remains low profile, loves her profession and cares about others.

The mother of five children, and currently the chairperson of the Indonesian Midwife Association (IBI) for Tangerang municipality's branch, made a promise to herself to help anyone who needed it, regardless of their social or economic status.

As IBI chairperson, she has been working hard in the struggle to improve the quality and the performance of around 380 midwives in Tangerang municipality.

"Many midwives try to perform complicated surgery in the homes of patients (mothers) who fail to give birth in a normal way. This is very dangerous and this is the main problem we are coping with," she told The Jakarta Post in an interview at her office.

Midwives were not certified for such procedures, she continued, and are required to transfer patients who fail to deliver in a normal way to a nearby hospital for the safety of the patients' lives.

In an attempt to reduce the risks of death to mothers who give birth at home with the assistance of midwives, she recently recommended that all midwives acquire competence certificates issued by the IBI.

Midwives will also be required to make regular visits to patients recently discharged from clinics to do regular checkups on both mother and child.

"What we all want is to see all mothers leaving the clinics along with healthy babies. With the best service, both mother and baby can be saved from death, mostly caused by bleeding or infection," said Rochayah who was born in Kebumen 53 years ago.

As a child, she could not bear the sight of blood, but her mother forced her to go to midwifery school so that she could get a job and "help other people."

Since her husband, Marsudi, was frequently assigned to other towns and cities throughout the country and she had to bring up her children alone at home, she decided to stop working at the childbirth clinic.

While raising her children, she continued to help mothers give birth across Tangerang's villages until she finally opened her own childbirth clinic named Sari Asih.

The hospitality, sincerity, patience and perseverance that she exuded when helping patients won the hearts of many people and the Sari Asih clinic soon became the favorite choice of most mothers who wished to give birth or treat their children.

"I love my profession and that's why I remain a simple midwife. I will never reject calls to help patients in villages. I do it joyfully," said Rochayah.

In cooperation with Muamalat Bank, she developed the clinic into a hospital with 150 beds that acquired accreditation for medical treatment in 12 service fields from the government in 1999 and built another hospital in Cileduk last year.

Sari Asih hospital that grew from a small clinic is the only hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit for premature babies in Tangerang.

Rochayah also spares time to visit, talk to and congratulate patients, especially mothers being treated at the hospitals and emphasizes hospitality to all employees in serving the patients.
She was feted by the Global Institute of Jakarta for her good track record in health services, but she turned down the award because she still does not believe she has done enough to earn it.

"I don't think I am the right person to receive the award and that's why I never took it. To me, the best human is the human who becomes useful for others," said Rochayah who indulges in her other passion as often as possible -- reading.

In 1994, Sari Asih Hospital won the Baby Friendly Award from the UNICEF and won the Favorite Hospital Award in 2000.

When visiting foreign countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China and the U.S., Rochayah always uses the opportunity to learn about proper, professional hospital management, facilities and treatment.

She also pays great attention to employee welfare by providing scholarship for them and their children, and in the past two years has financed several senior Muslim employees for the pilgrimage to Mecca.

In the near future, the grandmother of four plans to develop the Sangiang Childbirth Clinic into a full-fledged Mother and Child hospital and upgrade the Sari Asih Hospitals so they are on par with international standards.
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Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang, Banten, Wednesday, July 30, 2003

His name is especially familiar among the Banten community, who regard him as the leader of modern-day debus, Banten's most treasured cultural heritage with its blend of mysticism and martial arts.

Not only that, Tubagus Barce Banten is also a respected spiritual healer who, believers say, is able to cure diseases that modern medicine cannot.

His debus prowess has also enabled him to rub elbows with Jakarta's political elite, who consult him as a "spiritual adviser". Of course, he will not publicly mention the names of his VIP clients, although he has pictures of himself with them in his living room.

He says senior Army and police officers, as well as government officials, come to him for "private consultations" or "alternative healing" after conventional medicine fails.

To sustain good relations with all of his clients, Barce stays away from political parties, although he remains active in martial arts organizations.

Abah Barce (Grandpa Barce), as the grandfather of seven is usually referred to, is an important player in the preservation of debus, which he promotes as far away as the United States, Australia, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Spain and the Netherlands.

"Dutch is the foreign country which most appreciates debus, which was practiced during the war of independence (in the 1940s)," he says.

In appreciation of his debus skills, Amsterdam University awarded Barce an honorary doctorate in 1985, while he was on tour in the Netherlands.

Barce says that debus has nothing to do with magic, as many people believe.

"Magic is musyrik (taboo under Islamic teachings)," he says. "Debus originates from Allah, and the same art was used by Islamic propagators in the past."

In the past, debus was performed during the paddy harvest. Today, it is performed on special occasions such as public holidays.

Barce is a debus master, as he demonstrated on May 24, 2003, when he was inaugurated as chairman of the Banten branch of the Indonesian Paranormal Association in Tigaraksa, Tangerang.

It was a freak show: He cut his tongue with a knife, walked on water, stabbed himself in the neck, pierced his stomach, punctured his eye with an arrow. He also crushed a stone with his head, set himself on fire and cut a water melon on his neck with a machete.

He recalls that his father, Tb. Damroh, named him after a colonial Dutch officer that spared Damroh from a death sentence given him for independence activities.

The officer ordered that Damroh, himself a debus master, be pardoned after he cured the Dutchman of an ailment that modern medicine had been unable to treat.

"I was born as soon as my father was pardoned and I was named after the Dutch officer to whom my father owed his life," he told The Jakarta Post.

Barce Banten learned the art of debus from his father. As part of his efforts to preserve this cultural legacy, he founded the martial arts group Laskar Islam Banten (LIB) in 1999.

LIB, he says, works in partnership with the Army, police and the local government.

"Its mission is to help keep law and order," he says.

Born in 1940 in Rangkas Bitung in Lebak regency, Banten, Barce was awarded a medal by the central government last year.

After finishing junior high school in Banten, he continued his studies at the Tebu Ireng Islamic boarding school in Jombang, East Java. In 1965, he married Sukalilah binti Sukari, with whom he has six children.

"I only studied for about six months at Tebu Ireng. I escaped and lived on the street in Jakarta and Banten," said Barce, who also chairs the Movement for the Defense of the People's Mandate and Banten's Judo-Karate-Silat Association.

Even though his clients include those in positions of power in the military and bureaucracy, he keeps his modest house in Keduagung village open to anyone in need of help.

Barce also has been named president director of an alternative hospital project under construction in Tigaraksa village, Tangerang. The Rp 10-billion project is the first of its kind in Indonesia.

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Lomba Karya Jurnalistik Festival Hijau BSD 2007

KUMPULAN BERITA > Kliping > Banjir di Jakarta
kembali ke List Banjir di Jakarta

Menneg LH Resmikan 11 Danau Buatan Atasi Banjir
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Suara Pembaruan - 25 Juni 2007
[TANGERANG] Menteri Negara Lingkungan Hidup, Rachmat Witoelar meresmikan 11 danau buatan di wilayah perumahan BSD City, seluas 23 hektare.Danau-danau buatan tersebut, terbukti bisa menjadi tempat "parkir" air sehingga mencegah kawasan perumahan ini dari ancaman banjir. Menneg mengimbau setiap pengembang membangun resapan air serupa.Peresmian danau buatan itu, dilakukan bersamaan acara Festival Hijau IV bertema "Air Sahabatku" di Taman Kota 2, disaksikan Komisaris PT BSD, yang juga Managing Director Sinar Mas Grup, G Sulistyanto serta Direktur BSD, Johannes Hariyanto. Pada acara itu, Menneg LH Rachmat Wietolar secara simbolis melepaskan ribuan bibit ikan ke danau buatan di Taman Kota 2.Menurut Witoelar, apa yang dilakukan pengembang BSD, hendaknya menjadi contoh pengembang lain untuk melaksanakan pembangunan berwawasan lingkungan. Sumber air harus dikelola sebaik mungkin, agar jika musim hujan tidak menimbulkan banjir.Dia juga mengakui, saat ini masih sulit untuk menyediakan situ-situ di wilayah Jabodetabek untuk menghindari banjir. Namun, dia menegaskan pembuatan situ-situ baru sudah menjadi komitmen dan rencana jangka pendek dan jangka panjang.Danau buatan yang diresmikan, antara lain danau di Taman Kota 2 seluas 2,4 hektare. Danau ini dikelilingi taman kota, dengan total luas 10 hektare.Menurut Direktur BSD, Johannes A Hariyanto, pihaknya berkomitmen melestarikan lingkungan hidup, khususnya sumber daya air, agar air yang sejatinya memang menjadi sumber kehidupan, dapat terus menjadi sahabat bagi manusia. Komitmen dengan diwujudkannya pembangunan 11 danau buatan, terbukti mampu mencegah BSD dari banjir, seperti yang terjadi Februari lalu di kawasan Jabodetabek lainnya.Sebab, danau buatan itu dapat menjadi resapan air, menjaga kelangsungan habitat yang ada di dalamnya, bahkan menjadi tujuan wisata dan rekreasi.Pada kesempatan itu, Menneg LH juga menyerahkan penghargaan berupa sertifikat dan hadiah uang kepada para wartawan yang memenangi Lomba Karya Jurnalistik Festival Hijau 4 BSD City tahun 2007. SP meraih dua penghargaan, masing-masing juara kedua kategori penulisan hard news/features berjudul Warga Pinggiran Impikan Taman Kota dan juara ketiga kategori foto berjudul, Menanam Bibit, keduanya atas nama Dewi Gustiana.Juara pertama dan ketiga untuk penulisan diraih Multa Fidrus dari Jakarta Post dan Ayu Cipta dari Koran Tempo. Untuk kategori foto juara pertama dan kedua diraih Celentius dari Warta Kota dan Andri Somanegara dari Satelit News. Sedangkan untuk kategori dokumenter dimenangkan Pahrul Rozi dari Metro TV dan Kholid dari Lativi. [132]

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