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Chinese Calligraphy Imparts Wisdom

Burhan Abe
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Chinese Calligraphy Imparts Wisdom

There is no reason for the Republic of Indonesia to consider China an “enemy”. Although there is a distinct difference in the mainstream culture of the two countries, it does not mean that both countries should avoid getting to know each other better. Furthermore, there is a similarity in the history of both countries, one of which is the Islamic influence, although in Indonesia Muslims make up the majority of the population while in China they are a minority.

What is interesting is that Islam, which made its entry in China in the seventh century, has left its mark on Chinese civilization, which in later years shared similarities with Indonesian culture. Anthony Garnaut, an expert on the relationship between China and Islamic culture, wrote about the Islamic contribution to the country in The Islamic Heritage in China: A General Survey. In China, Islam influenced technology, sciences, philosophy and the arts, he wrote.

According to Garnaut, one of the most visible Islam influences in China is in its architecture as can be seen in ornaments and calligraphy. Historical records reveal that the first mosque was built in the seventh century during the Tang dynasty (618-907).

The unique thing about this mosque is that it is of traditional Chinese architecture. The Chinese are also familiar with Islamic calligraphy, which in China is referred to as sini. Most sini can be found in mosques in the eastern part of China, while a leading sini creator is Hajji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang.

In Indonesia, there is also a mosque that was built using Chinese architecture, namely the Mohammad Cheng Hoo mosque in Surabaya. Cheng Hoo was a Chinese Muslim who is often referred to as the Columbus of China because he led China’s Treasure Fleet on six expeditions across the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. While in almost all Indonesian mosques the calligraphy is Arabic, the Cheng Hoo mosque has much Chinese calligraphy.

There are also three plaques with Chinese calligraphy at Lautze mosque in Central Jakarta, which was given by an imam from the Beijing Islamic Council. Chinese calligraphy is one of the oldest calligraphies in human civilization and the wisdom and philosophy of renowned philosophers such as Lao Tze and Confucius can still be seen in calligraphic inscriptions.

People here began to learn more about Chinese calligraphy during the country’s reform era. One can usually find such calligraphy, with philosophical content, on plaques on the walls of homes or stores belonging to the Chinese. Sometimes the content is also used in greetings, such as weddings, birthdays and condolences messages.

History records reveal that in ancient times the Chinese used pictures to communicate, which were then turned into symbols, lines or curves to indicate the item referred to. These symbols, lines and curves were later the basis of what we know today as the Mandarin language. For calligraphy, the lettering was certainly enhanced.

The Chinese have a natural talent in producing calligraphy and previously used it for communication through calligraphic silk scrolls. Calligraphy also enjoys a respectable position in the eyes of the Chinese people, which is why calligraphic silk scrolls often adorn the walls of Chinese homes. Everyone surely agrees that Chinese calligraphy is a highly creative work of art and is highly esthetic as no single work resembles another. Chinese calligraphy has gained worldwide appreciation.

In Indonesia, Chinese calligraphy has also developed in recent years as there are now calligraphic courses available in the country. Students are generally of the older generation, who appreciate the art and the physical movement when drawing with the brush. The whole process is interesting to them because they have to concentrate fully and have peace of mind.

Unfortunately, the raw materials for Chinese calligraphy are rare here, such as the paper, the brushes and the ink, which must be imported from China, or even Japan, Korea or Singapore. However, it does not dampen their spirit in continuing to create to preserve the ancient culture. (Burhan Abe)

The Jakarta Post, April 13, 2010

Passage to Malaysia

Burhan Abe
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Passage to Malaysia

Malaysia is a familiar country to most Indonesians. It is only a short distance away by plane and the country’s Malays belong to the same race as Indonesians. Of course, Malaysia does not have the Borobudur temple, but the country, which is 329,847 square kilometers in area and has a population of 27 million, has one modern artifact, namely the Petronas Twin Towers. The 88-story towers are also called KLCC (Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre). They were built in 1988 and were the tallest buildings in the world until Taipei 101 was built in 2003.

KLCC is more than a concrete and glass building. The pride of the city is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and has an officials’ compound, convention board, a huge park and a modern business center. The towers were designed by Argentine Cesar Pelli, who was inspired by the geometric design often used in Islamic architecture, under the consultancy of Julius Gold.

Obviously KLCC is one of the major tourist attractions in Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur. The twin towers, which are the icon of the country, have unique tourist attractions, such as Aquaria, like Sea World in Ancol, Jakarta, and shopping malls. One of the most popular malls is Suriah, which is the favorite destination of shopaholics from many countries, including Indonesia.

Kuala Lumpur has become the favorite destination for those looking for top branded items. Next to KLCC, Bukit Bintang also called Bintang Walk, is another popular shopping destination. Here you can find traditional shops as well as modern boutiques. Many Indonesians seek Vincci shoes, which is Malaysia’s top brand for shoes sold at affordable prices.

Besides Kuala Lumpur there is also Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya, where one can find a luxury mall. Here there are many programs during the year-end and branded items are sold at discounted prices. Apart from Indonesian tourists who visit, there are a great number of Indonesian students staying in this area, so it is not surprising to find numerous Indonesian restaurants around the mall.

There is also an outdoor park, called Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. One of the favorite parks for visitors is the water park, which resembles the water boom in Lippo Cikarang or the water park in Ancol, Jakarta. Also found here are an extreme park, scream park, wildlife park and amusement park just like Dreamland in Jakarta, but they are smaller in size. One can also find the Sunway Resort, so the whole area becomes an attractive integrated destination for the entire family.

A shopping trip is not complete without the uniquely Malaysian pewter accessories and jewelry made by Royal Selangor, which is finely made and famous worldwide. In the early days of Royal Selangor, the pewter was polished with “stone leaf” (tetracera scandens), a wild tropical leaf, to give it better shine. Royal Selangor, due to the fine craftsmanship, received recognition as DiRaja from Sultan Selangor, and was later recognized as Royal Pewter.

One of the attractions for tourists here is the School of Hard Knocks, where they are given a piece of pewter to make into any shape they want. Another tourist attraction is the world’s largest beer mug, which has been recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records and the Guinness Book of Records. The mug is 1.987 meters tall and weighs 1.577 kg and can hold 2,976 liters of beer. The mug has been exhibited in many countries, including Canada, Australia, Singapore and China.

Photo by Eldines Hoo on Unsplash

Kuala Lumpur is indeed the starting point, but do not forget other interesting areas, such as Putrajaya, 30 kilometers away. It is the country’s third federal territory after Kuala Lumpur and Labuan. Here is the headquarters of the Malaysian government, just like Canberra in Australia. This was an ambitious project of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is believed to have spent more than US$6 billion establishing the city. The Putrajaya master plan commenced in 1993 and today most of the government offices have moved to this new city.

The Art of Cooking

Burhan Abe
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The Art of Cooking

Siapa yang tidak suka makan? Inilah kegiatan yang paling disukai semua orang, dan menjadi wartawan mempunyai peluang yang lebih besar untuk mencoba berbagai jenis makanan. Salah satu jenis makanan favorit saya adalah chinese food. Yup, jenis makanan ini tidak pernah membuat bosan, apalagi variasinya banyak sekali.

Ketika ada undangan dari JW Marriot Hotel Jakarta untuk melakukan icip-icip makanan Oriental tersebut, 11 Maret lalu, so pasti, saya tak kuasa saya menolaknya. Gerimis yang mengguyur Ibu Kota sore itu, yang pasti menimbulkan kemacetan di mana-mana, tidak menjadi halangan para undangan – para wartawan (kuliner dan gaya hidup). Tempat memang berubah, yang tadinya di outdoor terpaksa pindah ke ballroom hotel.

Kali ini yang menu yang dicoba adalah hidangan ala Cantonese. Lengkap, mulai dari sup, salad, aneka dim sum, seafood, hingga dessert. Hmmm…

Memang bukan tanpa alasan kalau Chef John Chu dari Pearl Chinese Restaurant menunjukkan kreasi terbarunya, makanan tradisional Cantonese yang gaya penyajiannya modern. Tapi bertepatan dengan hari ke-15 setelah jatuhnya Tahun Baru Cina atau yang dikenal dengan Imlek.

Salah satu hidangan istimewanya adalah Pecking Duck dan Spring Chicken. Bebeknya terbaik didatangkan dari China. Sedangkan pencinta seafood John Chu memanjakankan para tamu dengan Crispy Potato Coated with King Prawn & Wasabi Mayonnaise yang berupa Lobster and Clam with Spicy Ginger Sauce, yaitu perpaduan lobster dan kerang yang dimasak bersama spicy ginger sauce yang pedas, atau King Prawn yang dimasak dan dibalut saus wasabi mayones yang pedas manis.

Para penggemar mi pasti senang dengan hidangan Egg Noodle. Yang tidak biasa, mi telur ini potongannya kecil-kecil tipis menyerupai bihun, teksturnya lembut kenyal dengan topping berupa irisan ayam yang dibalut dengan XO sauce yang khas dan lezat. Kuah hangat dengan pangsit menjadi pelengkap yang pas.

Dim sumnya tidak sangat bervariasi, terdiri dari bakso ikan, siew long pau, crispy prawn roll with katafi and prawn, beserta aneka dim sum lainnya yang disajikan dalam bentuk luc (cute dim sum). Kesemua dim sum ini bisa dinikmati fresh, karena langsung dibuat saat dipesan. Cocok untuk acara Sunday Yumcha.

Hidangan penutup tidak kalah menariknya. Selain aneka jajanan kecil, ada puding kelapa yang tempatnya buka di gelas atau piring, tapi dimasukkan ke dalam kelapa (Bangkok) itu sendiri.

Makan memang tidak sekadar memasukkan makanan ke dalam mulut, tapi ada seninya mulai dari pemilihan bahan, pengolahan, hingga table manner-nya. Chef John Chu, asal Malaysia yang sudah 17 tahun lebih berkecimpung dalam bidang kuliner dan industri hospitality menunjukkan kepiawaiannya dalam the art of cooking. Bon appetite! (Burhan Abe)

Gadget and Party

Burhan Abe
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Gadget and Party

Sebuah gudang di tepi sungai Chao Praya, Bangkok. Bangunan masif itu biasanya sepi, apalagi kalau malam hari. Tapi 22 Februari 2010 lalu mendadak menjadi arena party. Seorang DJ memainkan musik house yang memecahkan kesunyian, meja cocktail, termasuk wine, digelar. Para tamunya adalah para wartawan yang datang dari negara-negara Asia Tenggara, termasuk Indonesia.

Begitulah cara Nokia menggelar acara yang diberi tajuk “Showcase Nokia 2010”. Ajang tahunan ini memang selalu menjadi buah bibir para gadget freaks, yang beritanya didapat dari tulisan para wartawan telekomunikasi (dan gaya hidup). Berbagai produk baru dipamerkan di ajang bergengsi itu, tapi tahun hanya satu model yang dipamerkan, yakni Nokia N900, smartphone pertama di dunia yang menggunakan Linux Maemo 5 itu. Wilayah SEAP (South East Asia-Pacific)—negara-negara ASEAN plus Australia, Selandia Baru, dan Banglades—menjadi tujuan pemasaran N900 setelah Eropa dan negara besar lainnya.

Tapi yang menarik, selain perkenalan ponsel seri terbaru tersebut, perusahaan asal Finlandia itu memperkenalkan solusi terbaru yang tersedia lewat koleksi perangkat komunikasi terkini dan layanan OVI-nya. “Ponsel saat ini bukan sekadar device, tapi juga harus dibarengi dengan kecanggihan software-nya,” ujar Chris Carr, Vice President Sales Southeast Asia Pacific.

Harus diakui, dunia perponselan selalu berubah sesuai dengan perkembangan zaman. Kalau dulu hanya untuk berhalo-halo, ponsel masa kini harus mempunyai yang mempunyai kemampuan komunikasi data – yang terintegrasi langsung dengan internet. Tidak hanya ponsel hi-end, yang termasuk kategori low-end pun juga demikian. Tidak bisa dimungkiri, kehadiran BlackBerry dan iPhone, dan kini ponsel yang berbasis Android, mengubah peta pasar ponsel dunia.

Produk-produk tersebut di ataslah yang kini mulai menantang Nokia, terutama untuk kategori smartphone-nya. Sementara untuk produk kelas bawahnya, Nokia juga harus bersaing dengan ponsel-ponsel China yang murah meriah. Tidak hanya ponsel hi-end, yang termasuk kategori low-end pun juga demikian. Tidak bisa dimungkiri, kehadiran BlackBerry dan iPhone, dan kini ponsel yang berbasis Android, mengubah peta pasar ponsel dunia.

Memang, Nokia saat ini masih tercatat sebagai pemimpin pasar ponsel di dunia. Tapi inovasi harus terus dilakukan agar tidak tergerus oleh para pesaingnya, bahkan para pendatang baru yang menawarkan sesuatu yang berbeda dari ponsel yang selama ini ada di pasar – baik dari segi gadget (hardware) maupun services dan aplikasi (software)-nya.

“Conecting People” bagi Nokia bukanlah sekadar slogan kosong, tapi merupakan kata kerja, yang terus menerus dinamis dan inovatif. Dan itulah yang dilakukan Nokia pada Showcase 2010 di Bangkok.

Memang, memperkenalkan sesuatu yang baru tidak harus membuat kening berkerut. Itu sebabnya, acara di Warehouse Thai River Marina Bangkok itu menurut saya meninggalkan kesan yang mendalam. Pameran, presentasi, yang dikemas dalam suasana “dugem” membuat “dunia IT” menjadi sesuatu yang fun.

Dalam suasana yang fun pula, dalam perhelatan yang dihadiri oleh lebih dari 150 media tersebut, Nokia juga membeberkan pengetahuan yang lebih mendalam mengenai Ovi Maps versi barunya, pun dengan latar belakang desain digital sebagai bagian program untuk media selama dua hari. (Burhan Abe)

The Responsibility of Packaged Water Industry

Burhan Abe
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The Responsibility of Packaged Water Industry

ARE you aware that the packaged water that you drink causes water sources such as springs and wells to dry up? And that it also damages the environment?

The people of Cidahu and Cicurug villages in Sukabumi regency, West Java, have long complained that the level of water in their areas has decreased, causing paddy fields and wells to dry up. All this is due to excessive exploitation by packaged water companies.

Arif Miharja, a community supervisor from the Institute of Study for Development and Technology (ELSPPAT), said that between 2007 and 2008, one water company acquired Rp 3 billion per month from its packaged water business that sourced 1.5 billion liters of water per month and sold it in plastic cups and bottles.

Under regental regulation No. 22/2006, 10 percent of the water that a company sources from an area should go to the residents of the area. However, that is not the reality, Arif said, according to www.asiacalling.org.

Clean water is an irreplaceable vital requirement. That is the main message of World Water Day on March 22. Unfortunately, today with global warming and barren forests it is difficult to get clean water. Hence, the available alternative is packaged water although the impact on the environment is quite damaging.

The consumption of packaged water, especially in bottles, has increased by about 75 percent in the past decade or so with a total of at least 200 billion liters. Clearly this kind of consumption has impacts on the environment as well as the economic and social aspects of human lives. The increased consumption is also not efficient energy wise.

According to Peter Gleick and Heather Cooley, researchers at Pacific Institute, Oakland, California, in 2007 the consumption of bottled water in the United States reached 33 billion liters, or 110 liters per person, which means consumption absorbed energy equal to 32 to 54 million barrels of oil. So while packaged water companies help fulfill the need for clean water, on the other hand the energy required is too great.

For example, one-third of energy in the US is used to produce packaged water. On top of the irresponsible exploitation of water sources, such as springs, the environmental damage caused is quite serious. That is why a new set of rules is needed for a balanced result.

Indeed, a number of companies are becoming more aware of their social and environmental responsibilities. PT Danone Aqua, for example, through its Aqua Lestari campaign has launched a program called “Go Organic 2010”.

The company will facilitate a community development program toward a socio-economic business village in Karanglo, Polonharjo district, Klaten regency, Central Java, as announced on Feb. 17.

The program involves the Village Association of Farmers (Gapoktan) of Karanglo village and is an innovative social approach that encourages all parties to preserve the environment, especially water sources, as well as empowers the community.

Media Cetak Bersaing dengan Internet

Burhan Abe
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Media Cetak Bersaing dengan Internet

Revolusi internet juga mengubah wajah media massa, mereka yang tidak menyesuaikan diri akan terlindas, namun masih juga ada yang berusaha menunggu sebelum masuk ke Internet.

“Media terbukti meskipun ada media baru selama berabad-abad tidak ada perubahan. Dulu radio tetap hidup, meski televisi lahir. Media cetak tetap hidup meski televisi lahir. Dulu banyak yang takut, tidak ada perubahan cuma bisnisnya jadi berbeda dan perilaku media berubah,” kata Nukman Lutfhie, Direktur Virtual Consulting, sebuah perusahaan konsultan media dan internet di Jakarta.

Tetapi kehadiran internet membuat perubahan yang betul-betul signifikan. “Kalau dengan televisi kita hanya bisa menjangkau wilayah tertentu, misalnya televisi di Indonesia tidak bisa ditonton di negara lain. Sementara dengan internet, arus informasi itu melewati batas-batas tradisional yang selama ini ada.” kata Nukman.

Hadirnya internet membuat akses untuk mendapatkan informasi menjadi lebih gampang, dan lebih cepat didapat dibandingkan media lain seperti televisi, radio, dan media cetak. Dicontohkan oleh Nukman, bila setiap hari, dalam 24 jam, mulai dari bangun pagi, sampai tidur, konsumen bisa bersentuhan dengan media seperti menonton televisi, membaca koran, mendengarkan radio, dan mengakses internet. “Dalam penelitian kami, sekarang ini di Indonesia, rata-rata orang menghabiskan waktu 2,3 jam perhari, internet 2 jam, sementara membaca koran hanya 34 menit,” tambah Nukman lagi.

Menurut Nukman, sekarang ini walau jumlah penjualan koran di Indonesia tidaklah menurun, tetapi pola baca menjadi berubah. “Pembaca tidak lagi mencari berita-berita utama karena dia sudah tahu bahwa itu kejadian kemarin. Yang dibaca adalah opini, tokoh, sosok. Jadi berita-berita utama tidak lagi dibaca.” kata Nukman lagi.

Oleh karena itu, menurut Nukman, media cetak yang tidak memanfaatkan internet sebagai outlet untuk menjual produknya akan tenggelam.

Contoh Jawa Pos

Namun salah satu kelompok media cetak terbesar di Indonesia, Kelompok Jawa Pos masih belum sepenuhnya menggunakan internet. Mereka masih mengandalkan media cetak untuk menjadi sarana bagi pembaca untuk mengetahui perkembangan terbaru setiap hari.

Jawa Pos sudah memiliki situs internet, tetapi berita-berita yang sudah muncul di koran, baru diperbarui di internet mulai jam 9 pagi. Diharapkan ketika itu, koran-koran mereka yang tersebar lewat anak-anak perusahaan dari Aceh sampai ke Papua, sudah berada di tangan pembaca.

Jawa Pos juga tidak memperbarui berita setiap saat, seperti banyak yang dilakukan oleh kelompok lain seperti Kompas, Media Indonesia, dan yang lainnya.

Mengapa mereka memilih kebijakan seperti itu? “Memang di koran lain tidak melakukan apa yang kita lakukan. Kita beranggapan bahwa bisnis kita yang utama adalah koran dan perlu perhatian khusus,” kata pemimpin redaksi Jawa Pos, Leak Kustiya.

The Unique Blending of Notebook and Mobile Phone

Burhan Abe
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The Unique Blending of Notebook and Mobile Phone

The notebook has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years, and early this year its worldwide sales exceeded that of PCs. Previously, notebooks were predominantly used in business circles as they were unaffordable for the middle income segment. However, along with its technological development, and as numerous manufacturers started producing notebooks, it has gradually become more affordable. Currently, some notebooks carry a price tag of only Rp 4 million.

Today it is not easy to choose a notebook as a wide range of brands and series are available on the market. However, lower-end notebooks also incorporate various useful features. What is certain is that notebooks have become an essential gadget for quite a number of people. Most interesting is the fact that wireless and 3G technology is also available for connection to the Internet.

In a report by the Gartner Group, analysts stated that in the near future content will be accessible anywhere, anytime and with almost any gadget, including PC and mobile phone. While some years back a mobile phone was unsightly and bulky, today it is small and sleek. Its technology has also developed rapidly. So, be prepared for the arrival of the smartbook after the notebook and netbook.

Perhaps in the not too distant future it will be hard to distinguish between a notebook and a mobile phone. Mobile phone manufacturers are enhancing their products to become mini computers, while computer-makers have entered mobile phone territory.

Apple, for example, did not stop its efforts after launching MacBook, but came up with the phenomenal iPhone. Acer, which used to produce only computers, has revolutionized the market with its Android system mobile phone. This smart mobile phone from Acer is called Liquid. At Acer’s annual conference in London recently Liquid was mentioned as the first Android 1.6 mobile phone on the market.

Meanwhile, German CPU mobile phone specialist Qualcomm SnapDragon claims on its website that it will manufacture a smartbook with the fastest processor like Google Android or Acer Base Liquid Android F1 Smartphone 765 Mhz.

It adds that the smartbook will operate efficiently at a faster speed than PCs. Nor will the smartbook depend on Windows OS as its operation system, but Qualcomm has not clearly specify the operation system to be used, whether an open source like Linux or another special operation system. The smartbook will have a slim, light and fashionable appearance.

According to Qualcomm, the smartbook will be no thicker than 2 centimeters and weigh less than 1 kilogram. It will have a long lasting battery and can be operated for between eight and 10 hours, and one week in standby mode.

For connectivity, Qualcomm’s smartbook will use 4G technology, while a number of cell phone brands are already available in 3.5 G. The smartbook will also have a GPS feature, which has already become a trend for smart phones. It seems Qualcomm’s smartbook will be a perfect blend of smartphone and notebook.

Sony Ericsson is also coming up with its own version of the smartbook, called Sony Vaio P or Xperia.

Cita Rasa Global

Burhan Abe
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Cita Rasa Global

Cognac bisa menjadi campuran sebuah hidangan, tidak hanya temen makan, tapi masuk ke dalam makanan itu sendiri. Paling tidak Chef Fany Hermawan sanggup berkreasi dengan minuman asal Prancis itu, mulai dari appetizer, main course, hingga dessert, di Immigrant Jakarta, pertengahan Januari 2010 lalu, dalam sebuah gala dinner yang bertajuk Martell Party.

Tidak hanya spirit, saya tahu dari teman yang bekerja di sebuah distributor bir hitam, bahwa bir pun bisa dijadikan sebagai bahan campuran dalam sebuah hidangan, khususnya makanan ala Barat.

Di Indonesia, ini memang sesuatu yang baru, minimal bagi saya. Selama ini kita hanya tahu wine yang bisa dipakai untuk masak, bahkan ada kumpulan resepnya yang dibukukan dalam, antara lain “Work with Wine”, atau kalau situs yang cukup populer adalah eatingwell.com.

Beberapa saran pengolahan makanan dengan wine, misalnya untuk dressing salad untuk rasa lebih lezat dan tampilan yang lebih bagus. Tidak hanya itu, wine juga bisa menambah cita rasa ikan. Satu cara untuk memperkaya rasa dan melembutkan ikan tanpa menambah lemak adalah mengolahnya dengan wine.

Begitulah, betapa kreatifnya orang-orang bule, yang membuat makanan dari berbagai bahan, bahkan dari spirit, bir, dan wine. Mereka menyajikannya menjadi hidangan yang lezat yang bisa diterima oleh semua kalangan di seluruh dunia.

Paling tidak, ada kesan “pemaksaan selera”, yang kalau kita tidak bisa menerimannya akan dianggap udik, kampungan. Dulu, siapa yang kenal burger, french fries, pizza, spagheti, dan lain-lain. Tapi di pelosok-pelosok Indonesia kini sudah ada makanan-makanan tersebut, termasuk burger yang dijual dengan gerobak.

Tidak hanya makanan Barat sebenarnya yang sudah diterima secara global. Makanan Timur dari Jepang (sushi, sashimi, udon, dan lain-lain) atau China (bakmi, dim sum, dan lain-lain), misalnya, mulai disukai oleh berbagai etnis di dunia, bahkan di dunia Barat sekali pun.

Yang ingin disampaikan di sini adalah, the art of cooking atau kreativitas memasak orang-orang bule patut ditiru, bahkan menjadikannya selera global. Kuliner Indonesia sangat kaya, tapi yang bisa mengglobal bisa dihitung dengan jari. Kalau orang-orang bule di AS ingin memasak tom yam (Thailand), dengan mudahnya mereka mencari bahan-bahannya di supermarker terdekat. Tapi untuk memasak rawon (Indonesia), adakah yang menjual kluwek di swalayan Amerika sana?

Warung Padang memang ada di mana-mana, bahkan di beberapa belahan dunia. Tapi faktanya adalah, rendang yang bisa diterima lidah bule ternyata yang dari Malaysia.

Konon, gaya masak orang-orang Malaysia disesuaikan selera “global”, tidak overcooked sehingga bahan dasarnya masih dikenali. Daging rendang ala Malaysia masih terdeteksi sebagai daging sapi, bukan rendang ala Padang yang terus-menerus dimasak, kadang-kadang sudah menyerupai dendeng – meski rasanya untuk lidah orang Indonesia sangat “maknyus”.

Martell Dinner with Martell Creation

Burhan Abe
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Martell Dinner with Martell Creation

Martell identik dengan dunia gemerlap (dugem) malam. Clubbing dengan musik ajeb-ajeb. Itu sebabnya, keingintahuan segera timbul ketika ada undangan dinner party yang disponsori cognac asal Prancis tersebut, dress code-nya long suit. Tidak salah, Martell ternyata bisa menjadi teman makan malam yang elegan. Bahkan makanannya pun bisa dikreasikan dengan spirit premium tersebut. Itulah yang terjadi di Immigrant – klub paling hot di Jakarta, Kamis, 14 Januari 2010.

Ada empat macam course malam itu, yang setiap course-nya selalu ada Martell yang menemani. Di menu utama ada dua pilihan, wagyu atau lobster, wow, siapa pun pasti susah menentukannya, karena dua-duanya mengundang selera. Betul saja, makanan olahan Chef Fany Hermawan malam itu, sangat menggugah indera pengecap. Dan di akhir hidangan tersaji dessert yang unik, yaitu cake coklat yang jika digigit menimbulkan sensasi tersendiri, karena ada cognac yang langsung membasahi mulut. Ya, setiap makanan, mulai dari appetizer hingga dessert, selalu dikreasikan dengan cognac.

Makan malam yang nikmat dalam suasana yang elegan ini juga diadakan peluncuran salah satu produk dari Martell yaitu Martell Creation Grand Extra. Selain bentuk botolnya yang artistik dan menawan, rasanya menimbulkan sensasi tersendiri.

Dinner party ini memang tidak sekadar makan malam. Acara yang merupakan bagian dari rangkaian Martell Commando, yang berlangsung di Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya dan Medan itu, memberikan pengalaman yang tak terlupakan sebuah party.

Malam itu juga hadir secara khusus pimpinan-pimpinan Martell Co dari Prancis seperti Jacques Menier (Heritage Director Martell Co), Giraud Thierry (Brand Ambassador, Martell Co), Francois Plantecoste (Sales Director Cognac, Martell Co). Juga didukung oleh Xavier Beysecker (VP Marketing, Pernod Ricard Asia), Kevin Lee (MD, Pernod Ricard Asia) dan Edhi Sumadi (Country Manager Pernod Ricard Indonesia).

Tidak kurang dari 132 tamu yang hadir dalam acara tersebut. Mereka adalah para CEO, direktur dan profesional muda yang bergerak dalam industri food & beverage, dan juga beberapa wartawan tentu saja.

Sambil menikmati santap malam, grup Elfa’s Singer dan Maliq & D’Essential tampil membawakan lagu-lagu terbaiknya. Tidak ketinggalan para model seperti Indah Kalalo, Fabiola dan teman-teman tampil dengan fashion dance yang menawan. Acara yang dipandu Aline itu diakhiri dengan toast bersama seluruh yang hadir dalam Martell Dinner, sambil menikmati Martell Creation Grand Extra. (Abe)

Looking Forward to Healthy Banking Expansion

Burhan Abe
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Looking Forward to Healthy Banking Expansion

It would be safe to say that these days most Indonesians are familiar with banking. Just look at any ATM and you will find many people standing in line, either to withdraw cash or to make other transactions. Many banks have branches in small towns and they are currently offering creative and innovative products to customers. These include giveaways that lure many customers. However, the recent Bank Century scandal has shocked many and to a certain extent has made many customers wary as it shows that banks are not totally safe.

The scandal involves the ballooning price of saving the bank from liquidation that cost the state an extra Rp 4.72 trillion (US$513 million) from the initial estimated cost. This figure is the difference between the Rp 6.762 trillion injected into the bank by the Insurance Deposit Agency and the estimated stock value when the bank has to be divested in 2011.

The government and Bank Indonesia (BI) are being held responsible for the bailout. Apart from questioning the swelling cost of the bailout and the matter of financial transparency, the House of Representatives is also questioning the legality of saving the bank.

Of course we all appreciate the legislatives’ efforts in trying to unravel the mystery behind the Bank Century case so that the public can be fully informed and that such a case does not occur ever again even if there is political pressure.

Whether it has a direct correlation or not, clearly credit or loan provision in 2009 did not expand in a healthy way. This has created a pessimistic atmosphere for 2010.

The situation has been made worse by the impact of the global financial crisis. The crisis has indeed weakened many business sectors in the country. The reduction in investment applications and work capital has reduced banks’ provision of loans. Up until October 2009, BI indicated an annual growth of banking loan provision at a mere 5 percent. This is extremely lower than the 2008 figure, which grew 30 percent to Rp 1.307 trillion.

However, according to BI Deputy Governor Muliaman D. Hadad, the condition of the country’s bank in 2009 was solid enough as indicated by a number of financial indicators. Although there was pressure in the liquidity of the banks they were still able to get a significant amount of deposits. In October, third party funds grew by 11.3 percent, which was higher than the growth in the provision of loans. So, how about 2010? Muliaman predicts that national loan provision will grow by 15.42 percent or about Rp 268 trillion.

This is indeed an optimistic outlook. Banks, such as Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), are not as optimistic. Gatot M. Suwondo, president director of BNI, says that banks can expand their loan provision by 15 percent this year, with loans mostly channeled to meet the needs of the infrastructure, electricity and manufacturing sectors.

Gatot said that the macro economy indicators were not normal yet. “We are not forcing a big expansion this year because the country’s economy has not fully recovered,” he said.

Many business players indeed need bank loans to expand their business amid optimism that the global economy is going to recover. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has also requested the banks expand their credits in order to support the country’s economic development for this year. She said a growth in loan provision would help Indonesia achieve the economic growth target set in the 2010 state budget, which is between 5 and 5.5 percent.

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