Gending Sriwijaya Dance

Gending Sriwijaya 

Gending Sriwijaya is a traditional songs and dances from Palembang, South Sumatra. Both the song and dance are illustrate the cultural value, glory, and majesty of the glorious Sriwijaya empire to unite the Western region of the archipelago. This dance was held to welcome the special guests who visited to Palembang, such as the head of the Republic of Indonesia, cabinet ministers, heads of states / governments of friendly countries, ambassadors, or that are considered equivalent.  This dance reflects the attitude of the host was friendly, happy, happy, sincered and open to special guests. Gending Sriwijaya dance is perform by 9 young  beautiful dancers and the dress start from Aesan Gede, Scarves Mantri, paksangkong, dodot and Tanggai. They are the main dancers that is escorted by two other dancers who bring umbrella and long spear and ,there is a singer of Gending Sriwijaya. However, nowadays the role of singer and music background has been replaced by tape recorder. In the real form, the music background consists of Gamelan and Gong sound, while the role of escort sometimes removed, especially when the

dance is performed in the building or indoor stage. Dancers in the front carrying a slap Foreword to be offered to special guests who came, accompanied by two dancers who bring pridon made ​​of brass. Foreword is by offering originally only performed by the daughter of the king, sultan, or nobility. Pridon carrier is usually a close friend or caregiver host the princess. So also the other dancers. Clothing and property used in the dance Gending Sriwijaya adapted to local custom clothing with equipment commonly used in a traditional ceremony reception.

 

The History of Gending Sriwijaya

The editors headed (late) IZI Asmawi from Office of the South Sumatra Provincial Department of Education published a description of the Dance Gending Srivijaya. Based on that description, it is said that the dance Gending Srivijaya was one of the welcome dance or dance offerings in South Sumatra. Gending dance creation process has been started since 1943, which is to meet the demand from the government (the Japanese occupation era), the Bureau of Information (Hodohan) to create a dance and song to welcome guests who come to visit the residency of Palembang (South Sumatra Province now).  Poems created by Nungtjik AR, songwriter Mahiba by Dahlan, and the first dancers are Sukainah Rozak.

 

 

Palembang Traditional Wedding

The wedding rituals and traditions of Palembang is one of the symbols that reflect the majesty and glory of the kings Sriwijaya dynasty centuries ago. These are some of the rituals that accompany the traditional wedding ceremony of Palembang :

1.     Madik

In the madik tradition, the groom’s family visited the bride’s house to meet at the same time. They come to observe the condition of the bride and her family. Beside that, the groom's family want the two families to get close each other. In this tradition, the groom is usually sent one of his family who can give an accurate information about the bride. It is also important to know about the bride's family background. The groom is usually give some things to the bride and her family such as butter, eggs, sugar, and also songket.

2.     Menyenggung

This tradition is symbol of the seriousness from the groom. The groom was sent one of his family to the bride’s house to make a deal about the date for the next arrival. In this tradition, the groom’s family is also bring some things like in madik tradition.

3.     Woo ( Melamar )

The groom’s family came to the bride’s to woo her. They’re explain about their purpose with the bride’s family and they’re also bring some things like in the previous traditions. But, in this tradition they’re give a many things. They’re bring songket, clothes, scarves, cosmetics, jewelry tools, bags, shoes, and a bunch of banana which is a symbol of the prosperity. If the bride’s family accepted their purpose, they’ll set the date of their wedding.

1.       Do a Ritual

Bride and groom usually perform some ritual that was believed for health and beauty, and also the symbol of the magical influence of traditional beliefs. The rituals begin from "Betanggas" (the steam bath), then "Bebedak", and the last is "Bepacar", which is given pacar (a type of kutek) on all fingernails and toenails. The red color of pacar is useful to repel all types of spirits, and it is also believed  have a magical powers to give fertility for the bride.

Marriage

      Like the other marriage ceremony, this event was attended by close relatives and family of the bride and      groom. Dowry is usually jewelry or other things depends of a  requested by the family of the woman and the man agreed. The groom is come into the room, then the penghulu lead  the implementation of the ceremony.

My Best Job

                               The best job I ever had was as a Liasion Officer in Sea Games. First, Liaison Officer is very interesting. Two months ago, I became a Liaison Officer of accommodation at Swarna Dwipa Hotel. It was interesting because I could get many new friends and knew many people from different countries. Every day, I always talking with them about anything. They came to me just wanted to say greeting or asking questions such as where they could buy credit balance, about our tourism object, our traditional food, and they shared story about their family. All of them were very friendly and humble. Second, became a LO is an educational process for me. Every day during that event, I always practiced my English with them, although my English not very fluently. They also taught me about their language. For example, the “Phillipines” taught me I love you in their language is “Mahalkita”, and so did I. I also taught them to speak in our languages. I also learn how to control my emotion. I always met with different characters. I must knew how to handle them each other. I must control my emotion when I met with annoyed person. By the end of the day, I was totally enjoyed my job. If I get the chance to be a L.O again, I will agree.

The Ampera Bridge

                                            Ampera Bridge is a landmark of Palembang. It is a wonderful places in Palembang. It has red and green color. In night, many lamps are light on and make it look very beautiful. From the bridge, you can see a scenery of Musi River and Benteng Kuto Besak ( BKB ). You also can take a picture with the background of Ampera or Musi River. Ampera Bridge was built in April 1962, after getting approval of President Soekarno. Before the name is Ampera Bridge, it was called Bung Karno Bridge. It has 1.177 m long and 22 m wide. Ampera Bridge was officially opened on September 30, 1965 by Letnan Jenderal Ahmad Yani. Ampera Bridge is located in center of Palembang. You can go there with public transportations, such as angkot and buses. There are nine public transportations and seven buses from various destinations will pass the bridge. You only need pay around Rp. 1.500 - Rp. 5.000. So, what do you waiting for ? Come and join to the Ampera Bridge with the beatiful scenery.

Kemaro Island

                     Kemaro Island is an island in the middle of Musi River. There is a legend about Kemaro.The island is evidence and symbol of the love and loyalty of Princess Siti Fatimah, daughter of the King of Sriwijaya, towards a Chinese Prince called Tan Bun An. In short story, both of them are jump into the river and never come back again. The local peoples believe that this new island is the couple’s tomb and therefore they call it "Kemarau Island". There are the grave of them in Kemaro Island that can you see. Beside that in the island there are a pagoda and chinese temples. Every Chinese New Year, the Island is always crowded. On this day, thousands of ethnic Chinese from Palembang and around Indonesia, as well as from neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia ,Hong Kong and Taiwan gather on the island, arriving here by boat from Palembang city.You can come to there just to walk or see the scenery. You also can come to there when Cap Go Meh celebrations, because there are so many attractions will show on the night, such as Barongsai, the local Chinese bands, and Chinese opera. To reach the island, you pass the Musi River by tongkang, small boats called ketek, speedboats, and dragon boats.