Me as a Traveler

             Traveling is the hobby that I like the most. But, wait, who doesn't like traveling?

Going to crowded places makes me feel happy. I like to see huge buildings and city lights at night. That's why I love Jakarta. I was born in the capital city of Indonesia so it's not a big deal for me with the crowds, traffic jams, and noise in Jakarta. 

But, don't get me wrong. I'm not an extrovert person. Based on the 16 personality tests, I'm 70% introverted and 30% extroverted. I think it depends on who I interact with. Based on my experience, it will be more comfortable if we travel with our loved ones, like family or friends than if we go alone. Even though, one day I have a desire to do solo traveling. However, it would be better if we could make a memory with our loved ones in new places.

When traveling, I'm one of those people who: "It's better to bring more stuff than less" such as clothes and pants. Since the pandemic, the items that are always in my bag are masks, hand sanitizer, dry, and wet tissues. I feel guilty when I don't bring any of the ones I’ve mentioned before. Other than that, the most important things are my cellphone and power bank. It doesn't matter if I don't bring money. Now, the era getting more sophisticated, so everywhere I go I just have to scan QRIS using my cellphone. 

Apart from increasing the dopamine hormone in my body, by traveling, I can build social relationships by meeting new people, for example on a trip (bus/train/plane) and of course, collecting precious memories with our loved ones.

Scenery Coffee & Eatery: A Marvelous Coffee Space in Salatiga

  

A thick red sweater that covered my body could not warm up to 22 °C in Salatiga, especially in the evening. Fatigued by an 8-hour trip, I finally set foot at the Tingkir Terminal with a weary body while carrying a large travel bag in my right hand. Yea, I thought it was a fault. I did not expect that traveling by Salatiga from Jakarta by bus would be tiring. Moreover, the weather is very cold and windy at night. However, it had already happened 10 months ago because, in August last year, I had just arrived in this tiny town. To be honest, I was quite surprised when I discovered that there were no shopping malls in Salatiga, except for Ramayana and Aneka Jaya. I started looking for a place that could be my "healing" place.

Two months later, on a fine day in October, I lay on my fluffy bed. Unintentionally, I finally found a new engaging café in Salatiga. I saw a new café recommendation at @kuliner_salatiga. The café is in the Blotongan area, specifically at Perumahan Green Hill, Blotongan, Kec. Sidorejo, City of Salatiga, Central Java. The café is named Scenery Coffee and Eatery. Just like its name, apart from serving some appetizing foods and beverages, we can see scenery that is pleasing to our eye. In this café, I can see two of God's extraordinary creations: Mount Merbabu and Rawa Pening.

Do you know what makes this café a special place in my heart? The main reason is that I went to this café when I entered the second chapter of my life when I was 20 years old. Delightful, isn't it? It was my first time celebrating my birthday far from my family. At that time, I felt mixed. It feels very different because the moment of blowing candles and eating with the family on birthdays has become a routine for me and my family every year. My heart feels like a box, with nothing in it. Emptiness and sadness overwhelm my soul. Fortunately, I have two kind and sincere friends: Shilla and Della. They accompanied me to celebrate my birthday, and even before we went to the café, they worked together well to make me look prettier on my special day. Della makes up my face, while Shilla makes my hair. They worked together for two hours to make me look prettier that day. I feel very loved by them and am very grateful for their existence in my life.

Finally, we arrived at 6 PM. When we set foot at Scenery Coffee & Eatery, we were greeted by a mini fountain in front of the entrance and an acrylic lamp: “Collect Beautiful Moments.” From the entrance, it already gave us an upstanding impression. Without thinking twice, we decided to take a photo of the aesthetic acrylic writing. An Instagrammable spot is a must, right?

After taking many pictures, we went to the 1st floor of the café. I was greeted by the aroma of coffee beans, which gave visitors a sense of serenity and a warm feeling. On the 2nd floor, the view was magnificent. Therefore, we decided to take many pictures again. I thought it was a shame if we did not make memories here. “Vid, foto disini cepat!” Della excitedly wanted to take my pictures. This is an unforgettable moment. I was photographed with an amazing view of Mount Merbabu and Rawa Pening, while holding my birthday cake.

The sweetness that I tasted from Matcha Latte made me feel happy. I am a Matcha big fan, and in my opinion, this is one of the best matcha that I have ever tried because it has a sharp aroma and taste is not bitter and not too sweet. By spending 18 thousand rupiahs, you can already taste the pleasure of this Scenery’s Signature Matcha Latte. For the food, we ordered: Nasi Ayam Cabe Garam (28k), Scenery Snack Platter (35k), and Nasi Goreng Kampung (30k).  In terms of price, it is still considered affordable for student pockets. The price is equal to the quality. Thus, if you want to do school, lecture assignments, or meetings with a calm atmosphere, Scenery Coffee & Eatery would be the right choice. Coupled with services from waiters who are very friendly and informative in explaining the existing menus. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s come to this marvelous coffee space and get your own Matcha Latte!

"Yessica: Yes, I Can Pour My Love to Salatiga!"

Yessica Florentina 

Yessica Florentina is known to be an environmental activist in Salatiga. However, when met on Monday, December 5 at the FBS Campus she said doesn't want to be an activist.

"Honestly, I don't want to be an environmental activist. I just want to change my family and myself by doing simple things.”

As a young woman growing up in Salatiga, Florentina Yessica knew it was her duty to pay attention to the environment in her city after years of working in Jakarta.

Yessica has given her time to Salatiga since 2019 until now. Previously, she had taken part in environmental preservation activities when she was working in Jakarta as a teacher in a high school for 7 years, especially with her personal life such as reducing the use of plastic waste, sorting trash, or bringing her own cutlery. What motivated her to bring an impact to Salatiga was because of the question she was asking herself. 

“Masa pulang ke Salatiga tapi ga bisa bawa apa apa?” 

From that moment, she came up with her mission to bring environmental issues to Salatiga and see what she could do for her lovely hometown. Then, Yessica started posting her activities about environmental awareness until she realized those posts had attracted numerous followers and likes on social media. After a certain time, she found people who had the same concerns as her. 

The activities she has done so far turn out to cause different reactions from the surrounding people. Some people react positively by giving support and following in her path. But there are also some people who just look and then remain silent which Yessica believes is a challenge for her to change their mindset about saving the environment and make the people of Salatiga become more aware. 

Currently, Yessica actively takes part in various activities related to the environment, including as a member of the Bank Sampah Gelima, a member of the Gestimba community, a volunteer at Jelantah for Change, Eco Enzyme Nusantara Salatiga and has also been seen several times as a speaker at certain events, one of them was being a speaker at FLAnture (Faculty of Language and Arts Adventure), a student activity that introduces many things about nature and becomes a place for students to learn how to love the environment more, such as learning to recycle used goods to become something useful. 

Being a part of those communities and environmental volunteer has made a special impression on this 34- year-old -woman. Besides helping to protect the environment, she can share with the people who need more help.

"Such a pleasant way to be a ‘solution’ for other people," she said.

And it's true! The activities she does, not only aim to protect the environment but also as charity activities. For example, with Gestimba (Gerakan STOP Timbun Barang) Yessica helps to distribute usable stuff to people who need them more. In line with what Gestimba stands for, it is a friend-to-friend community with the purpose to educate people to stop hoarding items that are no longer used at home but are still suitable for use. Until now, the Gestimba community has carried out many social and environmental activities such as decluttering goods and distributing them by opening a free wearable clothing bazaar, and also organizing training for people who have the heart to make environmental changes too. This also happens to the Jelantah community which facilitates people who want to throw away used cooking oil that later can be recycled to be something that can be valuable. 

Yessica, like many environmental activists, believes that no one forces us to do this kind of thing, but everyone can take a part by doing simple things.

"We don't need to be activists if we want to love the environment. All things can start with us. Me and you. Taking action with the little things like reducing the use of plastic, bringing personal cutlery, refusing unnecessary items, and many more small things that we can do without being sweaty and exhausted.” 

Group Members:

Della Oktaviani Leiffitar

Nathania Carissa Vida Octaviani Simanjuntak

Frisshilla Agustin Ruben

Maria Abigail Masayu Putri Martinasari S.

Solah Bowo: The Peculiar Habit of Padhepokan Seni Tjipta Boedaja’s community

If you want to relieve your fatigue, improve your concentration, calm your soul and maintain your balance, you should try Solah Bowo! It is the unique habit of the people in Padhepokan Seni Tjipta Boedaja. 

Pic 1. (This is me while doing solah bowo)

Pic 2. (This is me while doing solah bowo with my friends)

A few days ago, my friends and I who took the Research Method course, went to Padhepokan Seni Tjipta Boedaja for 3 days and 2 nights under the guidance of Ma’am Pur Kusumaningtyas. During our ‘live-in’ there, we did many exciting activities, such as learning to play gamelan, watering chili plants, and the most fascinating and captivating activity was doing a meditation called Solah Bowo. Pak Sitras Anjilin, as a leader of Padhepokan Seni Tjipta Boedaja, developed Solah Bowo. Solah Bowo itself is a movement meditation. We are free to move our bodies as we wish. In solah bowo, we close all the holes (the passions that exist in our body), our eyes are closed, the nose tries not to smell anything, and the ears try not to hear anything. 

Pak Sitras Anjilin emphasized that there are 8 elements that surround us (near and far), there are: fire, wind, sky, water, earth, sun, moon, and stars. According to him, these eight elements already exist in our soul bodies, but if we don't use our feelings, we can't use these elements. There is no place limitation to doing solah bowo, just as comfortable as we are. The important thing is that we could position our bodies as comfortably as possible when we were sitting or standing. Solah bowo must be done in a conscious state, the sound of a singing bowl, the sound of the wind, water, or the chirping of birds can be used to maintain this awareness. While we were in Padhepokan, we did solah bowo at the Pendopo and at the Maria Tuk Ing Katentreman Cave.

Personally, I feel more comfortable and calm when doing solah bowo outdoors, like in the Maria Cave. I imagine that I and nature are best friends. I felt my body moving with the wind and the sound of the water splashing in the Maria Cave. It's not that I'm not comfortable doing solah bowo indoors, it's just that when in nature the atmosphere is more beautiful, calming, and peaceful. Solah bowo was a new thing for me and my friends and until we returned to Salatiga, it left beautiful memories in our hearts. Actually, Padhepokan Seni Tjipta Boedaja's community, doing solah bowo is neither a necessity nor an obligation, but the right choice when you want to look for serene vibes in the midst of your hectic daily life. So, are you interested in doing this?

SENYAWA COFFEE & EATERY: Is It Worth Spending Money in This Place?

Group Members:
1) Frishilla Agustin (392020009)
2) Nathania Carissa Vida (392020032)
3) Della Oktaviani Leiffitar (392020043)

“Senyawa Coffee and Eatery” café is a hidden gem café located in the small town of Salatiga where we spent our last Tuesday afternoon. It is the suitable place for you to eat, do assignments, or want nothing more than to sip your afternoon tea staring at God’s masterpiece in front of your eyes. But is it worth spending your money here?

Atmosphere/Decorations

Well, first of all, let’s talk about our first impression. We came to Senyawa around lunchtime. As we entered the place, we were greeted with warm and friendly service from the waiters. What nice cozy decorations all around the café. The attractional traditional lamps, wall decorations, and the luxuries of a big round mirror displayed on the walls made us feel welcome and comfortable. Sitting at any table, you have a wonderful view of the mountains that are lined up and stretched to form a masterpiece where you can see the farmers working and white storks looking for food. Quite a lot of seats are available for you to choose whether an indoor one that offers a cozy couch with a bohemian vintage style or an outdoor area that offers aesthetic wood chairs.

The menu/dishes

The menu offers a wide variety of food and beverage. Snacks, main courses, and desserts with western to traditional Indonesian styles can be found here.  So, you don't have to worry if you don't find suitable food for yourself. They also offer vegetarian food. While we were exploring the café, we had several starter dishes and three main dishes. For the starter snack, we had Jamur Crispy and for the main dishes, we had Rawon Iga accompanied by white rice and salted eggs, Fried Kwetiaw and Chicken Sandwich.  All of the food was delicious and fresh. They were all exquisite on white plates. The taste was absolutely gorgeous. We could taste the high quality of the cooking. Unfortunately, the menu offered by this café is not pocket-friendly.

Recommendation

Despite the menu being a little pricey, overall Senyawa Café and Eatery has an impressive menu selection with the most exquisite flavor, a very cozy atmosphere with aesthetic design, friendly staff, and mesmerizing scenery. Definitely, a highly recommended café, and is it worth a visit? Yes, it is. But, do not forget to bring a fat wallet with you.

2020 Win the Best Batch in FLASCo 2022

 

Class of 2020 with the medals received at the closing ceremony

Friday (23/9/2022)

by Della, Frishilla, and Nathania

Salatiga - The biggest awards in FLASCo this year were accomplished by Coronators as the best batch after being announced at the closing ceremony of FLASCo 2022 which took place on the SWCU basketball court at 4 PM local time. 

After participating in a series of FLASCo 2022 activities which went on for 4 days against other batches, including Old Stars, 2019, 2021, and 2022 batches, Coronators successfully won 6 awards as below. 

1. 1st Winner of Men's Soccer

2. 3rd Winner of Women's Soccer

3. 2nd Winner of Men's Basketball

4. 2nd Winner of Women's Basketball

5. 3rd Winner of Mobile Legend (E-Sport)

6. Best Batch Award

Apart from the number of trophies they won, to get the Best Batch award, Coronators have met several assessment criteria. Along with the 21st and 22nd batches, 2022 is the first year for the 2020 class to take part in FLASCo activities due to the pandemic conditions which caused all activities to be canceled in the last 2 years. 

At the FLASCo closing ceremony, the 20th batch also known as Coronators looked solid by wearing jerseys with images of its proud mascot, a bat. The symbol of a bat itself is a representation of the corona-19 virus that 20 batches ended up following online learning since they became freshmen. Coronators' slogan is: Coronation, stay in action. The meaning of this slogan is that even though we were "born" in the era of covid-19, still give the best action and performance. 

Outstanding! UKSW has successfully hosted SWCU OMB Carnival 2022

Frisshilla Agustin (392020009)
Nathania Carissa Vida (392020032)
Della Oktaviani Leiffitar (392020043)

Picture: The atmosphere of the SWCU OMB Carnival 2022 in front of the Language and Arts Faculty last Saturday (10/09/2022)

Salatiga -  Huge crowds gathered on the city streets on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 to watch one of the big activities routinely held by the Satya Wacana Christian University which was the carnival SWCU OMB.

It has been a long time for Satya Wacana Christian University to host the carnival after being absent for over 2 years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Officially opened by the Chancellor and the head of the Salatiga tourism office on the SWCU main campus, the carnival headed down the streets of Salatiga City as a form of welcoming their new students and also as a form of requesting permission to be part of the city of Salatiga. More than 2500 new students along with several student ethnic groups and the people of the city of Salatiga have taken part in the carnival by showing Drumblek,  a drum group, and 16 costumes that represent representations of traditional houses and rare animals.

Despite the heavy rain, it didn’t break the enthusiasm of the participants to walk as they continued to beat the drums. The carnival routes started from SWCU - Jl. Monginsidi - Jl. Moh. Yamin - Jl. Langensuko - Salatiga Roundabout - Jl. Diponegoro - Jl. Raden Patah - Jl. Yos Sudarso - Perempatan RUTAN - until it reached SWCU. During the celebration, several streets in the city of Salatiga could also be seen closed due to the carnival. 

Different from the last carnival that was held in 2019, this year, SWCU OMB led a theme “Fostering your imagination and Adaptability” by showing the SWCU CS Marching Blek, Flag Group, Costume Group, and Ethnic Group. This year’s carnival was also enlivened by the performance of Pancuran Drumblek, Gadalisa Drumblek, GTS Drumblek, Siloam Drumblek, Drumblek PPA Eklesia, Sapu Joget, and Satya Riders Community.  

One of the interesting things about this year's carnival was the existence of  "Sapu Joged". Another innovation that has never been in a similar carnival before. Interestingly, Sapu Joged itself is taken from the words 'Sapu' and 'Joged'. In the Indonesian language, the meaning of sapu is a tool for cleaning while joged means dance. It has been proved when this line carried brooms in their hand while picking up trash around the road that was passed by the parade. 

With the end of the 2022 SWCU OMB carnival, the entire series of activities held by SWCU in welcoming new students will also end. Cheers, and welcome to the city of Salatiga.