Latest news with #Javanese
The Star
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Trump vs a united Asean
US President Donald Trump's tariffs – especially the ultra-high 'reciprocal tariffs' that he says will be reintroduced on July 8 for any country that has not struck a trade deal with his administration – have sent countries around the world scrambling to respond, adapt, and limit the fallout. Asean's 10 members – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam – have been among the most proactive. Their leaders quickly recognised that, after decades of spectacular gross domestic product growth, Asean is an economic force that the Trump administration would have to reckon with in a serious way. In 2000, Japan was the world's second- largest economy, some eight times larger than Asean; today, it is only 1.1 times larger, and by 2030, Asean's economy will overtake it. From 2010 to 2020, Asean contributed more to global economic growth than the European Union did. Asean owes much of this progress to open trade. Between 2003 and 2023, its trade with the rest of the world exploded, from US$618bil to US$2.8 trillion (RM11.9 trillion). But the real secret to Asean's success is strong and competent leadership, exemplified, in the grouping's early years, by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, a Cambridge-educated lawyer, and Indonesian President Suharto, a Javanese military leader and mystic. It was their unlikely partnership that kept Asean together. Today, such leadership is exemplified by another group of seeming political opposites: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Vietnamese General-Secretary Tô Lâm, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Anwar and Prabowo both experienced prolonged periods in the political wilderness and became friends during this time. Asean's leaders have upheld relative peace and stability in their countries while cultivating a culture of consultation and consensus (musyawarah and mufakat in Indonesian) in guiding regional relations. This stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many other developing countries and regions. Just a few weeks ago, neighbouring India and Pakistan narrowly avoided full-scale war. The Middle East remains gripped by instability and violence, with Israel winning wars and losing the peace. The leaders of Latin America's two largest economies, Brazil and Argentina, are barely on speaking terms. After 48 years of regular Asean meetings – with over 1,000 ministerial and lower-level meetings taking place annually – constructive engagement is a deeply engrained habit in the region. To be sure, Asean is often accused of lowest-common-denominator cooperation. But without such a measured approach, one guided by pragmatism, consensus-building, and compromise, Asean's member countries would not have managed to remain united through multiple shocks, including the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998 and the global financial crisis a decade later. Asean is now bringing these strengths to bear in its response to Trump's tariffs. To be sure, the individualised nature of the tariffs – which vary widely within Asean, from 49% on Cambodia to 10% on Singapore – limits countries' prospects for true collective bargaining. But Asean's member states are well aware that they are stronger together. That is why, at the just-concluded Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by Anwar, the group proposed a summit attended by Trump and Asean's 10 national leaders. This builds on Asean's April declaration that it would develop 'an enhanced, robust, and forward-looking Asean-United States economic cooperation framework', which strengthens 'constructive engagement' and drives 'innovative initiatives' to deliver a 'mutually beneficial economic relationship', with 'particular focus on high-value sectors'. The statement reflects Asean's awareness of its value to the US, which runs a significant trade surplus in services with the region. It is no coincidence that the US invests heavily there – nearly US$500mil (RM2.350bil) in 2023. Asean's value is set only to grow, owing not least to its efforts to deepen its ties with other regional organisations and economic powers. Its just concluded summit with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council – the first of its kind – sent a clear message: Asean is not pinning its future on its relationship with the US, but it is not turning its back on open trade. This aligns with the global mood: while Trump continues to brandish tariffs as a weapon against America's trade partners, other countries have refrained from raising tariffs unilaterally. Asean is also seeking to boost internal resilience by strengthening trade among its member countries. While intra-Asean trade has been declining as a share of total trade, from 25% in 2003 to 21.5% in 2023, this is only because trade with the rest of the world grew so rapidly. In any case, the group is now seeking to dismantle non-tariff barriers – more than 99% of goods already flow through Asean tariff-free – and exploring other measures to boost trade within the bloc. The US economy is formidable, and Trump's tariffs may well undermine Asean's growth in the short term. But by spurring the Asean countries to deepen cooperation with one another and with others, US tariffs could bring about an even more prosperous – and, crucially, resilient – grouping. This is especially likely if Asean makes the most of existing arrangements – for example, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which could seek to negotiate a new partnership with the EU. Fortunately, Asean has the kinds of leaders who can spearhead such an effort, beginning with the bloc's current leader, Anwar. — ©2025 Project Syndicate Kishore Mahbubani, a distinguished fellow at the Asia Research Institute of the National University of Singapore, is the author of many books, including The ASEAN Miracle: A Catalyst for Peace. This article was first published by Project Syndicate.
The Star
13-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Malang resident discovers structures believed to be ancient temple
JAKARTA: A resident of Landungsari Village in Malang Regency, East Java, has discovered a brick structure believed to be the remains of an ancient temple, possibly dating back to the 10th-century Medang Kingdom. The structure was discovered last week by Rudi Harianto, the head of Bendungan Hamlet, while preparing a tent for a local event on farmland. 'When I tried to drive a bamboo pole into the ground, it struck something hard. As I dug to remove it, I uncovered a brick,' Rudi said in a recent interview, as quoted by Tribunnews The following day, the 40-year-old reported the discovery to the Indonesian Archaeology and Cultural Conservation Society (PPBI), which later sent a team to conduct further excavation at the site. The PPBI members and local residents excavated a hole approximately one meter deep and two m wide around the brick Rudi discovered. The dig revealed more bricks arranged in what appears to be a tiered stone base. Some of the bricks are believed to contain andesite, a volcanic rock commonly used in the construction of ancient temples in Java. One brick was also found to have markings that resemble ancient Javanese script. Rudi said he contacted PPBI immediately after finding the brick because several ancient artifacts, such as clayware and statues, had previously been found in the village. He said that in 2023, he discovered two bricks believed to be part of an ancient temple structure. The following year, he also uncovered what appeared to be the foundation of a similar temple structure. He reported the findings to local authorities in Malang, and several archaeologists were sent to inspect the site. However, no further excavation has been carried out to date. PPBI member Aulia Akbar said the structure discovered by Rudi last week is suspected to be part of a temple dating back to the Medang Kingdom, specifically during the reign of Mpu Sindok, around 929 to 949 CE. 'However, we don't have the authority to conduct a full excavation. Our role is limited to cleaning, safeguarding and preserving ancient relics,' he said. The Medang Kingdom, also known as Hindu Mataram, was a powerful ancient kingdom founded by Raka I Mataram Sang Ratu Sanjaya on Oct 6, 732 CE. It lasted until the 11th century and left behind a plethora of archaeological remains across Central and East Java, including more than 150 temples. Among its most renowned legacies is the Borobudur Temple in Magelang Regency, Central Java. Recognised by Unesco as one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, Borobudur was designated a World Heritage Site in 1991. Mpu Sindok is known for relocating the seat of the Medang Kingdom from Mataram, in present-day Yogyakarta, to an ancient city named Tamwlang, in East Java. However, archaeologists remain divided on the exact location of Tamwlang, with some estimating it was in modern-day Jombang Regency, while others believing it was in present-day Malang Regency. Some archaeologists argue that the move was motivated by East Java's more favouable geographical conditions, including the presence of the Brantas River, which offered better economic prospects for the kingdom. Others theorise that a Mount Merapi eruption and internal power struggles prompted the relocation of the royal capital. Head of the Malang Tourism Agency, Purwoto, said that a thorough investigation by cultural heritage experts from the East Java Cultural Heritage Preservation Center (BPK) is needed to verify whether the structure found in Landungsari Village is indeed an ancient temple. 'We cannot conduct excavations or make determinations about the site ourselves. That responsibility lies solely with the BPK, and we are currently awaiting their assessment and further instructions,' he said. Purwoto expressed hope that the BPK would promptly investigate the site, noting that the Malang Tourism Agency has reported several suspected archaeological findings in Landungsari Village since 2023. However, the BPK has yet to conduct a full excavation or thorough research on these discoveries. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Economist
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Economist
Suriname's chaotic democracy just chose its first woman president
His finger ink-stained from voting, Wagirin Tjokrosetiko, a 62-year-old driver of Javanese descent, has a simple reason for wanting a woman to run Suriname, a multi-ethnic former Dutch colony of under 700,000 people on the north-eastern shoulder of South America. 'Male presidents only fill their pockets,' he says.
Boston Globe
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Per Norgard, daring symphonic composer, dies at 92
Mr. Norgard's musical evolution encompassed the mid-20th century's leading styles, including neoclassicism, expressionism ,and his own brand of serialism, and it incorporated a wide range of influences, including Javanese gamelan music, Indian philosophy, astrology, and the works of schizophrenic Swiss artist Adolf Wölfli. Advertisement But he considered himself a distinctively Nordic composer, influenced by Finnish symphonist Jean Sibelius, and that was how newcomers to his music often approached him. The infinite, brooding landscapes of Sibelius -- along with the intensifying repetitions in the work of Mr. Norgard's Danish compatriot Carl Nielsen and the obsessive, short-phrase focus of Norwegian Edvard Grieg -- have echoes in Mr. Norgard's fragmented sound world. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The delirious percussive expressions of his composition 'Terrains Vagues' (2000), the plinking raindrops of the two-piano, four-metronome 'Unendlicher Empfang' (1997), and the vast, discontinuous fresco of the Eighth Symphony (2011) all evoke the black-and-white northern vistas of Sibelius, with their intense play of light and shadow. As a young student at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen in the early 1950s, he was immersed in the music of Sibelius, writing to the older composer and receiving encouragement in return. 'When I discovered there was a kind of unity in his music, I was obsessed with the idea of meeting him,' he said in an interview. 'And to let him know that I didn't consider him out of date.' Advertisement The two never did manage to meet. But Sibelius, who died in 1957, was a lifelong inspiration and mentor from afar. 'From the moment I discovered the music of Sibelius, I felt in much more of a relationship with his music' than with that of fellow Danish composers, Mr. Norgard said in a 2012 interview. 'There are the long horizons. And a feeling, maybe, of a kind of nostalgia,' he added. Mr. Norgard developed a unique compositional technique he called the 'infinity series,' a slightly repeated, but constantly shifting, sequence of notes, which the British critic Richard Whitehouse described as 'a way of creating layers of melodies that move simultaneously at different speeds across the texture.' That technique recalls what Mr. Norgard called the 'symmetric turning around' of Sibelius. Mr. Norgard himself aspired to a music in which 'everything came out of a single note,' he said, 'like the big bang.' Both composers are credited with renewing, and prolonging the life of, the imperiled symphony. Whitehouse called Mr. Norgard's Fifth Symphony (1990) 'arguably the most significant reappraisal of symphonic form in the past half-century.' Sibelius' own Fifth Symphony, composed in 1919, had been characterized the same way in its day; Mr. Norgard was inspired by what he called its 'growth, where different motifs are more and more connected, to a great vision of unity.' Advertisement Mr. Norgard had a brief brush with popular consciousness with his hauntingly simple music for the film 'Babette's Feast' (1987), an adaptation of the 1958 story by Karen Blixen, writing under the pen name Isak Dinesen. Despite his stature in Europe -- there were frequent recordings, some with major orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic -- Mr. Norgard found a muted reception in the United States. In 2014, he was awarded the Marie-Josée Kravis Prize for New Music by the New York Philharmonic, although the orchestra had 'never played a note of his music,' New York Times critic Alan Kozinn observed at the time. A 2016 concert series, 'Norgard in New York,' went some ways toward remedying the neglect. David Allen wrote in The New York Times that 'at its strongest, Mr. Norgard's music has an unbridled organic power, bursting with overlapping lines inspired by mathematical patterns like the golden ratio or natural forces like the rush of an ocean or the dwindling bounce of a ball.' Mr. Norgard, for his part, described his award from the New York orchestra, two years earlier, as 'quite mysterious.' Per Norgard was born July 13, 1932, in Gentofte, Denmark, north of Copenhagen, the younger son of Erhardt Norgard, a tailor who owned a wedding-dress shop, and Emmely Johanne Nicoline (Christensen) Norgard. He was composing piano sonatas by the age of 10. At 17, he began studying with the leading Danish composer Vagn Holmboe, and in 1952, he entered the Royal Danish Academy of Music, where he continued his composition studies. From 1956 to 1957, he studied in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, who taught many of the 20th century's leading composers, a period that led him to write at least one Neo-Classical work in the Stravinsky mold. Advertisement Under the tutelage of Boulanger, he rebelled somewhat against her hyper-French, Neo-Classical universe, advocating, in an article, engagement with 'the universe of the Nordic mind.' Teaching at Danish conservatories in Odense, Copenhagen, and Aarhus followed, along with music criticism for the daily Politiken newspaper. By the early 1960s, Mr. Norgard had developed the 'infinity series' concept, which began with experiments with simple piano pieces. A steady stream of large-scale choral, symphonic, and chamber works resulted, culminating in his last major composition, the Eighth Symphony, which Mellor likened to the works of Mahler, the 'idea that the symphony strives absolutely to contain the world -- that the composer is offering us a glimpse of the universe.' Mr. Norgard's wife, Helle Rahbek, died in 2022. He leaves a daughter, Ditte, and a son, Jeppe, from an earlier marriage, to Anelise Brix Thomsen, that ended in divorce. In an interview with the New York Philharmonic in 2014, after being awarded the Kravis prize, Mr. Norgard described his compositional technique, and discussed the 'infinity series.' It was 'a kind of homage to the mystery of life,' he said, 'which has always been a guiding line for my music.' This article originally appeared in
Sinar Daily
04-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Make your Yogyakarta visit unforgettable by unwinding at these 3 luxe hotels
These three distinguished hotels promise an exceptional stay in this enchanting city. By SHAH SHAMSHIRI 24 May 2025 01:30pm Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta is one of Yogyakarta's luxury hotel that embodies minimalist luxury amidst nature's embrace. Yogyakarta is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Considered the gateway to the famous, majestic Borobudur Temple in Magelang, the city offers a plethora of attractions for those seeking adventure and a nice dose of culture. Apart from that, Yogyakarta also boasts some impressive luxurious accommodations that seamlessly blend modern comforts with traditional Javanese charm. Here are three distinguished hotels that promise an exceptional stay in this enchanting city: 1. ARTOTEL SUITES BIANTI YOGYAKARTA More than just a luxury hotel, ARTOTEL Suites is also equipped with versatile event spaces. Strategically located in the heart of Yogyakarta on Jalan Urip Sumoharjo No. 37, ARTOTEL Suites Bianti offers guests unparalleled access to the city's primary attractions, including Tugu Monument, Malioboro Street, and The Sultan's Palace. The hotel boasts 141 art-infused rooms across various categories, such as Artsy Studio, Artsy Executive, Artsy Suites, and the opulent Presidential Suite. Each room is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities and unique artistic touches, ensuring a comfortable and inspiring stay. ARTOTEL Suites Bianti's swimming pool area. Culinary delights await at TERA All Day Dining, which offers a diverse menu featuring local and international cuisines. For a more relaxed atmosphere, guests can unwind at Barley & Barrel, known for its extensive selection of drinks and live jazz performances that enhance the dining experience. Indulge in local and international cuisines at the TERA All Day Dining restaurant. ARTOTEL Suites Bianti is also equipped with versatile event spaces, including the Lotus Ballroom, capable of hosting up to 250 guests. Whether planning a conference, wedding, or corporate event, the hotel's modern facilities and elegant décor provide the perfect setting. 2. SUWATU VILLAS Suwatu Villas treats guests to sweeping vistas of the stunning natural surroundings. Perched atop the serene hills of Yogyakarta, Suwatu Villas offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, providing an idyllic retreat away from the bustling city center. The villas are meticulously designed to reflect traditional Javanese architecture, featuring open-air living spaces, private pools, and interiors adorned with local artisanal crafts. This harmonious blend of authenticity and luxury ensures a unique and comfortable highlight of the property would be the amazing backdrop view from each villa's private pools and the hotel's restaurant. It features the magnanimous Mount Merapi and the historic Prambanan Temple which can be seen clearly as the sun rises. Inspired by the timeless charm of Javanese architecture, the villas are a masterclass in cultural design. Dining at Suwatu is a gastronomic journey, with an emphasis on farm-to-table experiences. Guests can savour dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients while enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the hills. For those seeking to commemorate special occasions, Suwatu Villas provides bespoke event planning services. The picturesque setting serves as a stunning backdrop for weddings, anniversaries, and intimate gatherings. 3. GARRYA BIANTI YOGYAKARTA All 24 villas feature private plunge pools and a seamless mix of modern design and timeless Javanese influence. Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Denggung River in Gabugan Village, Garrya Bianti Yogyakarta embodies minimalist luxury amidst nature's embrace. With great focus on the concept of wellness and relaxation for visiting guests, the resort features 24 modern villas, each equipped with private plunge pools and designed with clean lines that seamlessly blend Javanese heritage with contemporary aesthetics. The Wellbeing Sanctuary Villa offers an enhanced rejuvenation experience for guests seeking holistic relaxation. Sustainability is woven into the resort's very foundation, with eco-conscious architecture that incorporates terracotta bricks and reclaimed teakwood. Currently dubbed as Yogyakarta's most luxurious hotel property, central to Garrya Bianti's offerings is the 8lements Spa, specializing in indigenous wellness therapies rooted in Asian traditions. The spa provides a serene environment for guests to unwind and reconnect with themselves. Garrya Bianti's 8lements Spa. The resort's commitment to sustainability is evident in its architecture, utilising eco-friendly materials like terracotta bricks and recycled teakwood, reflecting a dedication to environmental harmony. There is even a designated space by the river, specifically made for various outdoor activities like Yoga and other fitness classes. Each of these establishments offers a distinctive experience, combining luxury with cultural authenticity, ensuring a memorable stay in the heart of Yogyakarta.
