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?

A Story of Friendship which Goes through Twists and Turns but Managed to Stick Together in The End.

Written by: Aurelya Salsa Maudyna

 The Photos is from: Google

 

One day, there are five best friends who want to stay together even after high school graduation. This five best friends are, Shafa, Mou, Ais, Ube, and Poni. This desire may be very common among teenagers, as well as these five soulmates. They always say things like, we have to stay together, we have to keep in contact with each other. There is no news or just interesting things from this story but this is just a wish that ends in happiness from these friends. This happy feelings can be felt by everyone who read this story.

 

These beautiful best friends always spend the day together, such as eating, staying at the house of one of their friends, studying, playing with other friends, they go to the spa to beautify their faces together, doing exercises to make their body slimmer, doing assignments given by the teachers, and even meeting their handsome boyfriends even though their boyfriends are students from different school. Boyfriends come and go, but not those relationship between these beautiful best friends. They pass the days full of joy and fun.They even do embarrassing things. For example, one day at the prom night one of the girls slipped off on the red carpet and she flushed crimson with embarrassment. Until graduation day arrived, where they graduated and continued their life goals. At first, they were still together, kept in touch with each other, and even often played together. But as time goes on, the relationship between Shafa, Mou, Ais, Ube, and Poni  is stretched. 

 

One day, after many years they decided to meet again. In the end they meet, and share stories about what they went through during their separation. After their first meeting, after several years apart, Shafa, Mou, Ais, Ube, and Poni decide to keep in touch like when they were in high school. Now, they've been through a lot of things together, they realize that their high school friends will never be forgotten. These five soulmate, still the same when together as in high school, do embarrassing things

 

In the end of the day,  people will return to things that make them feels comfortable, whether to old friends, or family, because no matter how much we meet with many people out there, the things that make us comfortable will never change. Shafa, Mou, Ais, Ube, and Poni prove that no matter how far they go, in the end they will return to someone who makes them comfortable, because they all consider this friendship like family.

 

 

From an Idol to a Musical Actor, Exo's Chanyeol never fails to surprise you with his never-ending charms!

Written By: Adha Tasya K.N.

 Poster for ‘A Song of Meisa’ from : instagram.com/Interpark.official

    

    Even though he is currently carrying out a military mandatory service in the 9th Infantry division of the Korean Army, Chanyeol continues to show his talents and charms, now, as a musical actor. He seized the public's attention by taking the main character of the musical drama 'A song of Meisa' for his very first debut. He was cast for the role along with other celebrities such as Infinite's L (Kim Myungsoo), BAP's Dahyun, and Moon Yongseok. 

    'A song of Meisa' was produced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of joining the United Nations. It is about a little orphan boy named Laman who found inspiration and guidance from a man who himself had lost a part of him during the war. This man became the boy's Meisa (Meisa means Star in Korean). This musical drama has been shown publicly starting from October 14 untill November 27. Both online and offline shows are available for local and overseas audiences. You can purchase the tickets worth KRW 49500 or around Rp.590.000/each on the Interpark's website. On the first day of sales, 'A song of Meisa' topped the list of musical broadcasts in Korea. Crazily, tickets for the offline performance on November 27 (which is also Chanyeol's birthday) sold out in only 30 seconds!.

    With his outstanding acting and singing, Chanyeol reaps a lot of praise not only from Exo's fans but citizens in general. As some non-fans shared via Twitter;

"..in musicals, being an idol could be seen as a disadvantage, but #CHANYEOL was assigned the perfect role & he was able to make his being an idol as a strength. He's one-casted for his 1st musical, but w/ this much ability, I'm looking forward to what the future holds for him."

"It was #CHANYEOL's 1st musical so I wondered how it would go but he exceeded my expectations. Even though he is a rapper, he sings well & is good at dancing, this is why I think he got the role of Laman."

    Chanyeol himself is a South Korean rapper, singer, song writer, producer, composer, actor, and model. He debuted as a member of K-Pop boy band, Exo in April 4, 2012 and later registered as a producer with Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) under the pen name 'Loey' in 2017. He worked as a lyricist, composer, and arranger of songs. So far, Chanyeol has 39 enteries as a Lyricist registered in KOMCA.

Having a Hobby in Fashion, Mother of Two Starts a Clothing Business

Written By: Danies Alya N

Starting as a mere fad, Yuni Azizah decides to open her personal business in 2016 that is still in line with her hobby, the clothing business. Shedoes not expect that her hobby will bring her to the business world. The idea for her clothing business, Wan Yusa Syar'i, comes from her desire to create unique new designs of Muslim clothing.

Yuni admitted that her passion for trading comes from her childhood experience, which often helps her mother sell food. Although the fields are different, she feels the advantages she got from years ago in order to run her own business now. Talking about the constraint of her clothing business, the most prominent constraint is when the orders soar, but the tailors cannot handle it. She said that the constraint does not dominate her business because she enjoys everything about her business. After being well-known for the Muslim fashion business, Yuni tries to accept orders in any form of clothing, such as kebaya, shirts, formal dresses for weddings.

In her business journey to be called quite successful, Yuni admits that she never feels tired and bored. She really enjoys the whole process, both good and bad experiences that she goes through. The tips for doing business without feeling bored, she only answered that she is happy. “I am happy doing this business since fashion is my hobby,” she added. Wan Yusa Syar’i is like her own children, she raises it wholeheartedly. The most memorable thing for her during 5 years in this business is when her customers give satisfactory feedback on the results of their clothes. She feels happy and relieved at the same time because her work is appreciated.

Talking about business or everything in real life, there is no impossibility when we are happy to do it. “If we do something with pleasure, the tiredness will disappear,” she said.

The great hope from a father who failed in his past for his daughter

 

The great hope from a father who failed in his past for his daughter

By : Anna Rizka Ilmi Primasti Salsabila

Ali Jatmiko, who works as an employee at a textile factory in Karanganyar after his bad experiences happened to him.

 

Sometimes, Ali has trouble closing his eyes every time he remembers his past. "I feel disappointed and want to scream, but it won't change everything". Ali Jatmiko, he told his daughter, Paramita, on an exhausting afternoon.

Ali Jatmiko, who turned 57 years old this year, has been through a lot of bitter experiences. He never complains at all because he realizes that he should be broadminded about his past. Talking about a bitter experience, this 57-year-old man bites his fingers remembering several things that have been ripping his heart until now.

Starting in 1984, several bad experiences came to him. He once applied for a state-owned company, GARUDA INDONESIA, for the position of the cabin crew.

"I can do the first test well, so I am sure I can pass the test." Ali Jatmiko said. With a feeling of fear and curiosity running high, he looks at the announcement board. Sure enough!  After a week, the first result is released. He is successful with his first test.

"Under the test results, an announcement is also written, the second test will be held one month after Eid. because the day of Eid was coming so I returned home, Slawi, Tegal."

Unlucky, good fortune is not on his side. The second test day comes. Ali's parents don’t have money for Ali's departure to Central Jakarta. The cost of Rp 7.000,00 to take the bus is heavy for Ali's parents. Ali does have many siblings and his family's economic condition is not good. "My mother could only give about Rp 5.000,00. That's enough money to take the train, so I went straight to the station". It’s like rubbing salt into the wound. Bad luck comes to him again. Train tickets are sold out and tickets for the next day are still available. There’s no choice, he has to buy the ticket and hopes that a follow-up test will be allowed.

No wonder, when he arrives at the test location in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Ali is clearly rejected because he is late for the second test. There is nothing he can do, the rules are rules. The fate of that day is indeed bad for him.

A year has passed, the wound in his heart slowly healed. Unfortunately, in the following year, there was one more painful incident for Ali. At that time, 1985, he applied to the Indonesian Pos Academy, but a bad person had betrayed him by not delivering his acceptance letter to him.

“Of course  I was disappointed, I didn’t expect that he could betray me. But there's no point in being disappointed. It's already happened and no matter how loud I scream, it won't come back. God must have a more beautiful plan. It can be through my daughter.”

Ali always encourages himself with those words. Now he only works as an employee at a textile factory in Karanganyar. He accepted it graciously. His daughter is his hope and dream. He struggles with everything he can do to make his daughter have a bright future and he believes that his daughter’s bright future is a more beautiful plan from God for his family.