Having abundant cash savings, the residents of Delanggu Indah residence agree to give paving blocks in the vacant land

 Written by Danies Alya N.

Vacant land that will be worked on and given paving blocks.

 

Klaten – The head of the neighborhood of Delanggu Indah residence, Timan, agreed to the suggestion of one of the residents to put paving blocks on vacant land in the Delanggu Indah residence. The paving block installation has started on Sunday, December 19, 2021, by clearing the land first and is expected to be completed in approximately a month.

The idea for this pacing block installation arose because of the good old paving blocks from the neighboring settlement and abundant cash savings. The suggestion was approved by all residents after going through a small discussion led by the head of the neighborhood. Residents felt that having cash savings of approximately 12 million rupiahs will be enough to support the installation of the paving blocks.

“We can tidy up the vacant land and later it will be more useful, we can do morning exercises or other sports there,” said Lelly, one of the residents of Delanggu Indah residence.

The installation of the paving blocks in Delanggu Indah residence needed 3 workers to achieve the installation target which is estimated to be completed in a month.

“First of all, the vacant land must be tidied up and leveled in order to make the installation of paving blocks easier. Then the paving blocks can be arranged,” said the worker.

Some residents took the initiative to provide snacks and food for workers. They gave them food and drink consecutively. It greatly supports the continuity installation of paving blocks. Some residents also often check the conditions in the field and then report it to others in the Whatsapp group.

The installation of the paving blocks has actually been planned since about 5 months ago, but the realization was only carried out in December 2021 due to various considerations and discussions that has been mature. Besides the installation of paving blocks, residents are also planning to buy a gazebo which will later be made into a mini library and a swing for children. Residents hope that having good facilities for children will make their free time valuable, useful, and enjoyable.

“Furthermore, if the vacant land becomes neater and pleasing to the eye, later on, we can provide a swing there for the children to play around,” said one of the housewives in this residence. Residents hope that this idle vacant land will be more useful if it is managed properly.

“I hope that this vacant land will be cleaner so that it will add to the comfort of the residents,” said Timan.

Triwindu Market - Discover Hidden Treasures in Solo

Discover Hidden Treasures in Solo

Written by: Aurelya Salsa M (B0319012)

 

Triwindu market is one of the famous markets in the city of Surakarta. This market is known as a center for rare antiques, located in NGARSOPURO, Jl.Diponegoro, Keprabon.

How to get to triwindu market

This market is easy to reach because it is in the middle of the city of Surakarta or Solo. You can reach the place by using public transportation or private vehicles. If you go using public transportation such as buses, tourists only need to walk about 3-5 minutes from the bus stop to arrive at the Triwindu market, but it will be easier and more fun if you use a private vehicle.

What You Can Do while visiting Triwindu market.

If you go to this market, for sure you will discover fabulous items, but not only that you can also spoilling your eyes because Triwindu market provide you with a stunning decoration that can spolling the visitors’s eyes by looking at the alleys of this market.

In this market you can taking marvelous selfies if you really love vintage and classic atmosphere chill, Triwindu market has that atmosphere given by the antiques and also give a distinct impression. Triwindu market, is perfect place for you who love to taking picture in vintage and classic atmosphere.

Merak temple, the little magnificent hidden gem in Klaten

 Written by Danies Alya N.

Are you looking for a relaxing place to refresh your mind? Are you tired of living in a city full of hustle and bustle of buildings and vehicles and you need a relaxing village atmosphere as well? Merak Temple provides all your needs.

 

https://sejarahlengkap.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/candi-merak.jpg

Klaten is a city bordering Yogyakarta and Solo which has a variety of fascinating tourist attractions to be visited by domestic and foreign tourists. This city has several spots that present the beauty of the temple. Most people may be familiar with Prambanan Temple and Plaosan Temple in Klaten. However, this time, Merak Temple, this unique hidden temple will be the main topic in this discussion. Merak Temple is one of the historical tourist attractions that are still merely exotic and fascinating to explore. Even though this temple is small, but it offers architectural beauty that can be compared with other temples in Klaten, such as Plaosan Temple. You will miss a hidden gem if you come to Klaten but you do not visit Merak Temple.

Merak Temple is located in the northwest, not far from the center of Klaten city, precisely in Hamlet I, Karangnongko, Klaten Regency, Central Java. This temple is located in the middle of a residential area which adds a unique point. You can directly interact with the villagers of Karangnongko, talk about the Merak Temple, and feel the hospitality of the local people. Traveling is not just taking pictures of fun, but you also get an experience that you have never felt before. You can feel it here. With the shade of the trees around the Merak Temple and the hospitality of the residents, it will add to the satisfaction of tourists. The distance from the city center to Merak Temple is relatively short. You will spend about 15 minutes getting to the tourist location accompanied by green rice fields along the way.

The fee charged to enter the Merak Temple is 0 rupiah or it is free entry. You only need to pay for parking fee, 2,000 rupiahs for a motorbike, and 5,000 rupiahs for a car. By spending less than 10,000 rupiahs only on parking fees, you will be able to enjoy the Merak Temple area and the facilities provided. The architecture of the Merak Temple is beautifully engraved and fits perfectly with the shady trees around it. Moreover, your eyes will be spoiled by the statues in Merak Temple, which are the Yoni statue, the Durga statue, and the Ganesha statue. You can take the best photo spots that you can upload on social media. For Muslim tourists, they don't have to worry about finding a place to worship because there is already a prayer room at Merak Temple.

Merak Temple is suitable for those of you who like temple tours. It deserves to be compared with their beauty and comfort. Besides being able to enjoy the beauty, atmosphere, and aesthetics of this temple, you can also gain some knowledge about one of the historical places that need to be preserved in Indonesia, especially local tourism which is still rarely known by the public.

 

Prices of chili rise ahead, many people in Sroyo grow chili plants enthusiastically.

 

By: Anna Rizka Ilmi Primasti Salsabila | Wednesday, January 5, 2022

The chili plants belong to one of the residents of Sroyo are ready to be harvested.

The sharp increase in chili prices in most provinces of Indonesia has occurred since a few weeks ago, before the new year of 2022. Many people of Sroyo Village, Jaten District, Karanganyar Regency are excited to grow chili plants by themselves in their yard.

The skyrocketing price of chili, especially red chili, has an impact on many people because almost every dish contains chilies in it. Chili traders claimed that the increase in chili prices is due to the low supply of chilies due to bad weather that can cause crop failure.

"Yes, the increase in chili prices is due to the high demand and low supply of chilies, so we have to sell chilies at high prices," said Sukisni (54), one of the chili traders.

“The most expensive chili is the red chili. The price is often unstable. A week ago, it was almost Rp 100.000,00 per kilogram. In recent days, it gradually decreased. Today it is Rp 65.000,00 per kilogram. It is still expensive, isn't it?” said another chili trader, Menuk (64), at Dawung traditional market on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

To overcome the price of chili that is often unstable and suddenly skyrockets, the people in Sroyo have taken the initiative to grow chili plants in their yard. Many of them even have been growing chili plants for a long time. So the current increase in chili prices does not have a big impact on them.

One of the Sroyo residents, Jamaluddin (55) said, "I've already planted chili plants before the price of chili was expensive. I also already liked to grow chili plants because I have an empty yard. The harvest is good enough, so I don't have to worry about the price of chili in the market."

The initiative to grow chili plants by themselves is a great idea. So, people do not depend on the supply of chili in the market. That initiative was practiced by several people in Sroyo Village. The idea came up because many people in Sroyo have vacant land. Several people who do not have vacant land do not mind buying polybags to grow chili plants.

Siti (56), one of the Sroyo residents, admitted that she and several people took the initiative to grow chili plants because the price of chili often rises. "I've recently grown chili plants. This idea came because the price of chili is often unstable. Yesterday I bought chili for Rp. 5.000.00 but I just got a little. So, some people here, including me, were thinking why not just grow chili plants by ourselves? So when the price goes up again we don't have to worry."

Supriati (44) added "Yes, I even bought polybags for growing chili plants because I don't have vacant land at home. It is okay for me. Chili plants are quite easy to plant and to care for."

Those statements were supported by Santi (46), who also recently planted chili plants. She said, "I agree with the idea of growing chilies. The most important thing is that we can save money when the chili price skyrockets again, also we only make the best use of the land. Besides, chili plants are easy to grow as long as we are diligent in taking care of the plants."

I can’t stand it anymore – hike in Mongkrang Hill, Tawangmangu.

Written by Anna Rizka Ilmi Primasti Salsabila.

 

With bags on our backs, a bottle of mineral water in our hands, we continued our hiking carefully and slowly on this hill with an altitude of 2.194 masl. Aulia pulled my hand to help me stay strong to conquer the difficulty of this hike. "I need to stop and rest again, I can't stand it anymore," I said to Aulia that I was really tired, but still, we tried to continue our hiking.

It was my first hiking experience at Mongkrang Hill about six months ago with two of my friends, Aulia and Novi. The three of us were beginners who didn't have good hiking skills. But, at least, we had a strong intention to reach the top. We had to hike using masks, as one of the health protocols that must be applied due to COVID 19 has not disappeared. Yes, you can imagine how stuffy it is to hike using a mask.

 

Hike in Mongkrang Hill with views of Mount Lawu.

That morning, we departed from Kebakkramat around 8 am. The trip from Kebakrramat to Mongkrang Hill took about two hours because we were beginners and had to look around for the location. The journey to the location is not easy. The road is uphill, but it seems meaningless because as far as the eye can see, you will only see the expanse of mountains and the beauty of the natural scenery of the Tawangmangu. You have to be careful to pass the road to Mongkrang Hill, as we know that the road in the mountains is a bit scary. The road is indeed winding and uphill, but don't worry, the road is well paved, not potholed, and safe to pass even for a car or tourist bus.

    Mongkrang Hill is located on the south side of Mount Lawu. The location is in Gondosuli Village, Tawangmangu, Karanganyar, Central Java (For the exact location, you can google it now). The hill that has a height of 2194 meters above sea level is very suitable for beginners who are learning to hike. This place is one of the perfect hiking destinations for those of you who are new to physical training and warming up or trying out the sensation of hiking. Maybe for some people, the name of Mongkrang is still not familiar. However, try to come here. With the natural beauty that is no less beautiful than other mountains, Mongkrang Hill will not disappoint you.

Pic 1: The road to the Mongkrang Hill             Pic 2:The view of Mongkrang Hill

Hiking terrain and tickets.

As I mentioned earlier, the terrain for hiking to the top of Mongkrang is not as scary and difficult as other mountains. The hill terrain for hiking is easy. Hikers will not get lost here. So, it is suitable for beginners. The estimated time for reaching the peak is not too long. It only takes about an hour for hikers to reach it. So if you want a tektok or want to hike in a day without staying overnight or making camp, of course, you can do it here. You can also set up a tent around the peak if you wish. Hikers also don't need to worry about the cost of hiking at Mongkrang Hill because the cost is very affordable. To hike Mongkrang Hill, you only have to pay an entrance fee of around Rp. 15.000 (stay/camp). Meanwhile, the payment fee at the retribution post and parking fee is only IDR 10.000. The operating hour for the tek-tok counter is 07.00 am - 2 pm, while the camping counter is from 07.00 am - 10 pm. The first sight that you will find when you enter Mongkrang hill is a stretch of garden with various kinds of vegetables and fruit and several stalls selling food and drinks. After passing through the scenery, you can see the hiking trail leading to Mongkrang hill and you will find the registration post. I was very impressed when I first stepped into Mongkrang. The expanse of vegetable and fruit fields and the towering hills in front are God's blessings that cannot be denied.

 Pic 3: The expanse of vegetables and fruits field

Pic 4: The stretch garden                    Pic 5: The post registration

 

Grassland.

Mongkrang Hill is filled with grass and weeds in several locations. This spot is perfect, especially for selfie hunters. In the rainy season, a stretch of green grass and weeds will accompany your hiking journey to the top. While in the dry season, the grass and weeds will be yellow and brown.  It is still amazing although it is not accompanied by a stretch of green weeds. In addition, on a sunny day, the view of Mount Lawu from a distance is very pleasing to the eye. Look at the following picture! The tall yellow grass and weeds are very beautiful for the photo background, right? A little advice from me, when hiking, please wear long pants. It will protect your feet from grass and weeds that might hurt your feet.

Pic 6 & 7: The grassland in a dry season

Hilltop and camping activities.

            After several breaks and almost giving up, my friends and I finally reached the top of Mongkrang Hill. From the top of the hill, the view of Mount Lawu and the beauty of the Tawangmangu Regency look so wonderful. The breeze and cold air immediately felt on our skin. That was my first time being at an altitude of 2194 masl and I felt so happy and touched.  For the information, the last hiking field when almost to the top is more uphill than before.  After reaching the top hill, I felt satisfied. I could see that around the peak many hikers set up tents there. The hikers who do not want to miss the beautiful view of the sunrise in the morning from the top of the Mongkrang Hill choose to camp around the peak. I bet the landscape of the sunrise from the top is very fantastic. Camping, however, is much more exciting than tek-tok,. Unfortunately, my friends and I had to go straight down and not go camping. For those who want to go camping, I suggest wearing warm clothes because the weather is cold. Also, don't make a bonfire because grass and weeds are flammable so it would be very dangerous.

Pic 8,9, and 10: The top and camping activities

Of course, my hiking skill is still far from good but, at least, I'm very happy to reach the top of this Mongkrang hill. For me, hiking not only has a goal to enjoy the view above the peak, but it also teaches me not to give up, to be careful, and most importantly, to teach me the importance of helping friends. What do you think about hiking? Do you like hiking?