BERHALA ISLAND (PULAU BERHALA), NORTH SUMATERA

This time, the writer will write about the small paradise in the writer's home town, let's start from now!

The Main Gate of Berhala Island

North Sumatra isn't just has Toba Lake for the tourism destination, tourism in North Sumatera has a little unknown paradise, exactly, this destination located in Tanjung Beringin, Serdang Bedagai regency. the width of this island is about 10 km2 and located in the Malaka Straits and is the most outside island from Indonesia and Malaysia.

inside of this island you will see the natural forest like in Arizona and will challenge your curiosity to explore it while enjoying your holidays. not only that, when you see to the beach you will get a big prize from the malaka straits, with the white sands and the waves of the beach that outspread in front of you will make your mind clearly again so you will feel like in a small paradise.

The Beauty of Serdang Bedagai

Moreover, you can swim at the beach and diving or snorkeling to enjoy the bottom of the Malaka straits.

Berhala island is the of the turtle conservation so in this island we are able to see the turtle nesting directly. it will be the most unforgettable experience for your trip because if we see the turtle nesting in Java, Bali, or Lombok, that is an usual, but if you do that in Sumatera island, this is amazing! why?, because in Sumatera island, there aren't many place in Sumatera able to see the turtle nesting directly. it's RARE!.

How we can reach it?, from the capital city of North Sumatera "Medan", you can get there by a bus,  and alight at the Sei Rampah Town, and than you should get there by Motorcycle taxi or you can rent a car to arrive at Tanjung Beringin, next, you can use the speed boat or fishing boat about 1-2 hours to arrive at the Berhala Island, during the trip to reach this island, your eyes and mind will be spoiled by the landscape and the native activity.

if you want use the tour and travel you can buy a tourism packet to explore this island local community that offered the cheap packet for 3D/2N for Rp. 400.000-Rp.500.000 or $40-50/person. the packet has include the transportation fee (Medan-Serdang Bedagai), the speed boat fee, accommodation, trip assurance, breakfast, lunch and dinner, taxes, tracking - snorkeling fee, bonfire and turtle nesting fee.

the weakness of this paradise is the accessibility and the accomodation but the writer hope that the goverment of the North Sumatera will aware about this island and make this island be the main destination in North Sumatera.

 "Tanah Bertuah, Negeri Beradat"

The RAINBOW at Si Piso-Piso Waterfall "The Highest Waterfall In Indonesia"

Looking The Rainbow Among the Dewdrop

North Sumatera is  blessed with beautiful landscapes and amazing cultures, and the other Diamond of this province is Si piso-Piso Waterfall. Si piso-piso waterfall is at Tongging Village, Karo Regency, North Sumatera province, Indonesia. the location of this waterfall is about 59 Km from the Capital of North Sumatera Province namely Medan. Exactly, this waterfall is beside of Lake Toba, where this is the largest lake in South East Asia, when the Tourists arrive at this area, so that they will see the Lake Toba on the left side and Sipiso-Piso Waterfall on the right side, it's the great landscape in North Sumatera Province. The first question from the tourists when they arrive at this waterfall is "why is it named with Si piso-Piso?".  Alright, the writer will explain that, In Batak's (Local Community) Language, Piso is same with "Knife". because the water who falls from this waterfall like the knife. with the height about 120 meters, this waterfall is the highest waterfall in Indonesia, so it makes many tourists come here every year.

  

If you want to reach the bottom of this waterfall so that you must pay for your stamina,  it will need more efforts and power, because we have to stair down to reach the bottom and going along the edge of a canyon.

but the tourist must be carefull when stairdown, because many infrastructure has broken and it must be the concern of the government.

When the tourist get back from the bottom and deciding to come home, the tourist can buy many gifts from Si piso-Piso Waterfall like T-shirt and the other handicraft too.

Spending Your holiday at Si piso-Piso Waterfall will be the unforgotable trip to North Sumatera Province, Indonesia, because you will bring a million beautiful memories from this trip, Trust Me !.

Si Piso-Piso Watrefall, North Sumatera, Indonesia

HISTORY OF SERDANG BEDAGAI "A PIECE OF THE MALAY KINGDOM"

Serdang Bedagai is a regency in North Sumatera Province, Indonesia, and this regency established on 18 december 2003. with wide 1.900,22 km² and Sei-Rempah as the capital of this regency, and it's the writer's home town, before take study to West Java, Indonesia. now the writer will describe about the history of Serdang Bedagai, and the all begin from here.  

"Serdang Sultanate was then continued by his son, Tuanku Ainan Johan Alam Shah. While his brother, Tuanku Sabjana was appointed Raja Muda in Kampong Kelambir on the Bank of Tuan River. Under the leadership of Tuanku Ainan, Serdang Sultanate underwent an improvement by expanding the territory until Percut and Serdang Hulu. Siak Sultanate gave the title “Sultan” to Tuanku Ainan in 1814. His wife was the daughter of Raja Perbaungan, Tuanku Sri Alam. Tuanku Ainan’s sons opened and led the new villages. In 1817, Tuanku Ainan passed away and was replaced by his second son, Tengku Sinar because his first son Tengku Zainal Abidin died in a battle to help his father-in-law in Kampung Punggai. Tengku Sinar was in Kampung Punggai. Then Tengku Sinar got the title Paduka Sri Sultan Thaf Sinar Bashar Shah. During this period, Serdang Sultanate had a golden moment with a justified government and commerce. A trade agreement with England was made in 1823. It was recorded that the export that time was up to 8.000 pikul consisting of peppercon, tobacco, with bean/peanut, gold, and champor while England supplied European-made fabrics. The territory expanded from Percut, Padang Badagai, Senembah, and Eastern Batak until Dolok.

The fourth Sultan of Serdang was Tengku Muhammad Basyarudin, and then got the title Paduka Sri Sultan M. Basyarauddin Syaiful Alam Shah. He was crowned in 1850, not long after his father had passed away. Basyaruddin was the fourth son of Tuanku Ainan. During his authority, Serdang Sultanate expanded his territory until Batubara (Lima Laras), the whole Senembah, passed Karonese and Eastern Bataknese regions. When Dutch’s influence got stronger, Sultan Basyaruddin strictly supported Aceh Sultanate and made an attack. It made him mandated as the authority of Aceh Sultan, whose territory covered Langkat until Asahan. As the authority, he dealt with the coming of Dutch expedition led by Netscher in 1862. On the other hand, Sultan Basyaruddin tried to keep peace with Deli Sultanate which had a good relationship with the Dutch. But a war with Deli Sultanate broke once when Serdang took Denai region back. Also, when Aceh Sultanate sent 200 warships to attack Deli Sultanate and Langkat Sultanate, Sultan Basyaruddin also helped. In fighting the Dutch, Sultan Basyaruddin was supported by the kings and the great persons under his occupation, for instance, the king of Kampong Kelambir; Raja Muda Pangeran Muda Sri Diraja M Takir, the authority of Bedagai; Datuk Putera Raja Negeri Serdang Ahmad Yudha, the authority of Senembah; Kejuruan Seri Diraja Sutan Saidi. Looking at such a great fight, the Dutch finally put its thousands of troops in Batubara and Tanjung Balai, in 1865. This attack was given a code Military Expeditions against Serdang and Asahan. September 30, the Dutch troops reached Serdang and ran after Sultan Basyaruddin who survived in a remote area. Finally, Sultan Basyaruddin was captured by the Dutch on October 3. The Dutch then took control of the occupied regions of Serdang, for example, Padang, Bedagai, Percut, and Denai.

On December 20 1879, Sultan Basyaruddin passed away in Bogak palace, Rantau Panjang and was buried near Araskabu station. Serdang Sultanate was continued by Tengku Sulaiman who was still 13 years old at that time. He was crowned as Paduka Sri Sultan Tuanku Sulaiman Syariful Alam Shah. In order to avoid the vacant position, his uncle Tengku Mustafa whose title was Raja Muda Sri Maharaja was appointed Sultan’s Wali. The ceremony was carried out in Tanjung Puteri Palace, Bogak, Rantau Panjang. This appointment was not admitted easily by the Dutch residence. They gave three conditions for Sultan Sulaiman to be admitted, in example: Serdang did not demand the regions occupied by the Dutch, the determination of border between Deli and Serdang and Sultan had to submit to the Dutch’s authority. Sultan Sulaiman, however, ignored it. In 1882, the Dutch insisted that a part of Senembah region was given to Deli and Deli would give negeri Denai back. Sultan Sulaiman was admitted in 1887 even though he still disagreed with the border with Deli which had been determined by the Dutch.

In 1891, the Dutch controller, Douwes Dekker moved the capital of Serdang Sultanate to Lubuk Pakam because Rantau Panjang always underwent flood. Sultan Sulaiman, however, disagreed with this idea. He had built Kota Galuh Palace and Sulaimaniyah Mosque on Perbaungan Junction in 1886 but he actually moved to the palace. This city became a rival city for Lubuk Pakam because Sultan built stalls and shops then, so that it became crowded. Serdang’s occupation territory which was under the Dutch’s authority was made plantations like ones in Denai, Bedagai, Senembah, and Percut. The whole plantation made a contract with Sultan Deli. Despite being admitted, Sultan’s authority was gradually limited by the Dutch. Even when he came back from a meeting with the Japanese Caesar, Tenno Heika Meijimutsuhito, the border with Bedagai was lessened by the Dutch. The Dutch also eliminated the important positions of the Sultanate after the holders had passed away.

Under Sultan Sulaiman’s leading, Serdang Sultanate built 2000 bahu of farming area equipped with the irrigation. Then in 1903, the transmigrates from Banjar community came to cultivate it. Sultan also opened belacan and soap factories in Labu Beach, as well as a tobacco plantation in Kuala Bali. Sultan constructed Batak Bank in Bangun Purba as an economics support in Serdang. In the education sector, Sultan built Syairussulaiman School in Perbaungan. In the book “Chronicle of Serdang Sultanate’s Crown“ written by Tuanku Luckman Sinar Basarsyah, Sultan Sulaiman was described as an anti Dutch. For example, Sultan Sulaiman was a person who fought for the people living around the concession tobacco plantation to be permitted to cultivate the bushy land. To make sure, he codified the custom right for the keeping society in 1922. This right allowed anyone who met the requirements to get the right to open tract. Sultan Sulaiman was also known familiar with the art and culture. He built the theatre “Indera Ratu “ performing stories from Malay, India, and West. Once a year, the theatre holds the performance throughout Serdang to entertain the people for free. Sultan also revived the traditional theatre “Makyong“ and Javanese leather puppet which was given as a present by Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII. This art performance was usually held every great day in front of Perbaungan palace.

In the Second World War, Japan entered Serdang through Perupuk Beach Tanjung Tiram, Batubara, but the troops were shocked that when they entered the palace they found the picture of Tenno Heika Meiji, hung on the wall of the palace. Since that time, the relationship between Sultan Sulaiman and the troops of Japan occupation was good. The Japanese gave Sultan a car with police number one and promised not to take any labor from Serdang in condition that Serdang will supply rice to Japan’s headquarters. Sultan Sulaiman also raised directly the red and white flag when he heard the proclamation on august 17, 1945. Through the governor of East Sumatra, TM Hassan, Sultan sent a telegram to president Soekarno claiming Serdang Sultanate and the whole occupation regions admitted the authority of republic of Indonesia’s government and would support it. In the period of United Republics of Indonesia (RIS), the situation of East Sumatra faced a crisis, resulted from the people spontaneously, which required East Sumatra to be dismissed as a country because it was thought to be Van Mook’s (Dutch) initiative. It was also required that East Sumatra joined the territory of republic of Indonesia. The supporters of the State of East Sumatra (NST) formed an assembly of people in the whole East Sumatra against the congress of East Sumatran people which was formed by the national front. The states and the other special regions in Indonesia were then integrated into Indonesia, while the state of East Indonesia and East Sumatra refused the integration.

Finally, the government of Republic of Indonesia asked the United Republics of Indonesia to work together for an agreement and got a full mandate from NST and NIT to discuss with NRI about the establishment of Negara Kesatuan of which the result is among others the Temporary Constitution (UUDS) which took root from RIS Constitution (UUD RIS) was change to suit the constitution 1945 (UUD 1945). Based on it, Serdang Sultanate was integrated into Deli Serdang Regency. Because East Sumatra was divided into five afdeling, one of them was Deli and Serdang. This afdeling was led by a residence assistant and divided into four onder afdeling. They were Beneden Deli of which the capital was Medan, Bovan Deli of which the capital was Pancur Batu, Serdang of which the capital was Lubuk Pakam, Padang Bedagai of which the capital was Tebing Tinggi, and each was led by a controller. 

And now, Serdang Bedagai Regency has established for 10 years on 2014, and this regency has successed implement the free school fee for 12 years since 10 years ago until now. Salam dari  "Tanah Bertuah Negeri Beradat".

Reference: http://www.serdangbedagaikab.go.id/

Think Right And Think Positively

In this post, the writer will give you a e-book in Bahasa Indonesia about a power of thought, the summary of this e-book is we as a human can make our dreams and reach the dreams, but the problem is how we reach the dreams with real implementation. this book ask us to always think positively because it will make us be better day by day, and using our thoughts as a generator!.

it's the Cover!

It is a link for you to read it

Klik for Read and Download

Indonesia NOT Just Bali

Indonesia NOT Just Bali!

“Where is Indonesia? Is it near from Bali?”,  these questions that asked by foreign tourists when they are in Bali, whereas they are in Indonesia.

    Another phrase that we often heard, “I know Bali but not with Indonesia, where is it?” , It is Ironical,  this Country is very spacious, has a beautiful sea, various of cultures and sites of cultural heritages that have been recognized by the world, but the world people, especially foreign tourists, they are more recognize Bali than Indonesia.

      Bali exactly is one of “Indonesia’s diamond” which have a strong appeal to bring the world people with its natural beauty and culture. Bali is known as The Gods Island, Thousand Temples Island, or An Paradise Island. With outstanding natural beauty, like a volcano mountain “Batur Mountain”  that seems closer and big, green rice fields which give a sense of peace and comfort, as well as the grains of sand and the beauty of the sea. The wind that breeze and clouds in the sky seems to be offering endless natural beauty.

Bali is very famous island in Indonesia and as the island  that built such a paradise. Bali was once the location of the famous movie "Eat, Pray, Love", the location of the prestigious event such as “Miss World 2013”, as well as the location of  meeting for leaders of countries in the world.

   Indonesia is the paradise of tourism, Indonesia is considered as a country with “a million diamonds” scattered throughout the country. The “Diamonds” are able to be environmental friendly income and generating substantial foreign exchange for Indonesia and capable of prospering society through  tourism.

       Indonesia can’t just depend Bali island on the tourism, Indonesia need to develop and introduce to the world about other destinations in Indonesia such as Papua With  Raja Ampat Archipelago, North Sumatera With the Lake Toba and Nias Island, Central Java with Borobudur Temple (UNESCO world’s heritage) And Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta With Javanese Culture, Mount Bromo In The East Java, The West Java With Sundanese Culture And History (Heritage), Sulawesi With Bunaken Underwater Park,Lombok In West Nusa Tenggara, Komodo Island (New Seven Wonders) in East Nusa Tenggara, West Sumatra With Mentawai Island, Toraja, Borneo Island With The Dayak and Banjar Culture , Lampung With Krakatau Mountain, and many other beautiful destinations and haven’t yet discovered and introduced to the public in the world.

    Many “diamonds” are scattered in every place in Indonesia that provide an amazing natural landscape and culture, with these things, Indonesia can open world’s minds that Indonesia has more things to know and explore.

     These exciting destinations which may be more beautiful and exotic than Bali. It is time for Indonesia to begin building a broader tourism and not depend only on Bali. Not only the government that has responsilibility for Indonesia’s tourism, but all of people in Indonesia, with this responsibility,  Indonesia must has courages to introduce all of  Indonesia’s landscapes, arts  and cultures to the world and make the world realize about Indonesia because Indonesia not just Bali.