Sandhy Sondoro: From Java to International Stage

One word: Ironic. What and why?

Sandhy Sondoro is a person who entered into the ranks of the international musical scene with various international awards. But Shandy unpopular figure in his own country. His music genre music was not so pupulis in Indonesia, so Shandy are nothing like the other local celebritas.

Sandhy Sondoro, was born in Jakarta, Indonesia to Rr. Rika Pudjihastuti and Achmad Fauzan. Sandhy is of Palembangese Malay, Javanese, and Minangkabau descent. Came from a musical family, where the house provide the likes of American pop, folk, Jazz and blues tunes coming from his Mother’s or father’s guitar everyday. Those were the joy that shaped his talents . It is not traditional Indonesian music that influenced him but rather soul and blues. Sandhy Sondoro is not only an excellent singer, song writer, and guitar player he also has many other talents like drawing and cooking.

In Indonesia Sandhy Sondoro started to play in a band at high school. They did mostly covers of Van Halen and Mr. Big or The Black Crows. At the age of 18 he went to visit his uncle in California and stayed there for a while. Over a year later he went to Germany to study architecture. He first had to improve his German proficiency to be admitted at the university. He graduated in interior design but his passion for singing and playing the guitar was stronger than the wish to work in an office.

His first experience as a street musician was gained in Biberach on the Riss in Baden Wurttemberg in 1996. The international flair of Berlin attracted him and inspired him. In 1998 he moved back to Berlin and started his career as Sondoro singing and playing the guitar in bars, clubs and in the metro. His famous song Down on the streets was inspired by the experience gained in Berlins metro. He performs also in famous theatres like the House of World Cultures in Berlin, plays at music festivals like at the Bode museum isle festival. He has fans in Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and many other places in Germany.

Sandhy Sondoro’s music is influenced by American and British rock legends like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. The power of his voice reminds us of Curtis Mayfield und Marvin Gaye. Sandhy sings ballads which express love and his longing for peace. When singing rock songs his voice can turn into a powerful volcano that sounds like Joe Cocker or Roger Chapman. Sandhys voice is so flexible that he is sometimes called the Ben Harper of Jakarta.(From : Indonesia First News)

Sandhy Sondoro, was born on the island of Java, Indonesia. Came from a musical family, where the house provide the likes of American pop, folk, Jazz and blues tunes coming from his Mother’s or father’s guitar everyday. Those were the joy that shaped his talents . It is not traditional Indonesian music that influenced him but rather soul and blues. Sandhy Sondoro is not only an excellent singer, song writer, and guitar player he also has many other talents like drawing and cooking.

In Indonesia Sandhy Sondoro started to play in a band at high school. They did mostly covers of Van Halen and Mr. Big or The Black Crows. At the age of 18 he went to visit his uncle in California and stayed there for a while. Over a year later he went to Germany to study architecture. He first had to improve his German proficiency to be admitted at the university. He graduated in interior design but his passion for singing and playing the guitar was stronger than the wish to work in an office.

His first experience as a street musician was gained in Biberach on the Riss in Baden Wurttemberg in 1996. The international flair of Berlin attracted him and inspired him. In 1998 he moved back to Berlin and started his career as Sondoro singing and playing the guitar in bars, clubs and in the metro. His famous song Down on the streets was inspired by the experience gained in Berlins metro. He performs also in famous theatres like the House of World Cultures in Berlin, plays at music festivals like at the Bode museum isle festival. He has fans in Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and many other places in Germany.

Sandhy Sondoro’s music is influenced by American and British rock legends like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. The power of his voice reminds us of Curtis Mayfield und Marvin Gaye. Sandhy sings ballads which express love and his longing for peace. When singing rock songs his voice can turn into a powerful volcano that sounds like Joe Cocker or Roger Chapman. Sandhys voice is so flexible that he is sometimes called the Ben Harper ofJakarta.

The Berlin-based artist Sandhy Sondoro was one of the participants in Stefan Raabs song contest SSDSDSSWEMUGABRTLAD and finally ranked 5th in December 2007. On April 25, 2008, he published his first CD Why Dont We. After this first TV success the number of visitors of his MYSPACE page www.myspace.com/sandhysondoro increased every day. Messages come from Japan, Italy, UK, USA and of course from Indonesia.

Indonesian singer Sandy Sondoro and singer Ukraine Jamala (Susana Jamaladinova) finally established as a joint winner in the international festival of young singer of New Wave 2009 which was held on the beach Yurmala, Latvia. Both are eligible for prizes each 50,000 euros.

Indonesia Embassy press release for the Ukrainian on Wednesday, said, competition and Jamala and Shandy has seen since the first day of the festival which was broadcast live TV from Latvia Ukraine. The first day Shandy sang “When a Man Loves a Woman” while 119 scored on the second day Shandy brought his own song “My love” with the acquisition value of 238.

Jamala was favored because of the distinctive squeaky voice, also scored until the second day 238. On the third day, the song “End of the Rainbow” which was created Shandy get Standing Ovation of the whole audience and 12 juries gave perfect score, 10, so the value to 358. The same was obtained Jamala.

The first two winners of the presence of a new history of New Wave festival, held since 2002. As reported by the Segodnya newspaper in Kyiv, an hour before the award ceremony the committee finally agreed to add a 50,000-euro reward which have issued from the personal pockets of Igor Krutoi, chairman of the jury who pro Shandy.

Second place singing contest Italy, Antonello Karozza with prize 30,000 euros and third place, Mark Yusim from Russia, get 15,000 euros.

Russian music legend, Alla Pugacheva was also handed a special prize and the Golden Star Alla 50,000 Dollar to Ukrainian singer, Mila Nitic.

“For me winning is not the main thing; the most important is the public speech (Latvia) extraordinary, really beyond my expectations,” Shandy said as quoted from the Segodnya newspaper.

Festival international young singers 2009 New Wave followed by participants from Latvia, Kazakhstan, China, Italy, Indonesia, Poland, Finland, France, Ukraine and Russia. This festival is held annually on the beach Yurmala, Latvia is very popular in parts of Eastern Europe, especially former Soviet Union countries.

Competition juries consists of Russia’s leading celebrities, such as Valery Meladze, Nikolay Baskov, Igor Krutiy, Alla Pugachova, and Filip Kirkorov.

musik-corner
wikipedia

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Christina Aguilera

Biography

A leader in the parade of Mickey Mouse Club veterans who stormed pop at the turn of the millennium, Christina Aguilera was the sexy, brassy diva of the bunch -- The Rolling Stones to Britney Spears’ The Beatles, as it were. Initially, it was difficult to see Christina outside of the prism of Britney Spears, whose 1999 success launched the new millennium's teen pop boom, but Christina’s big hits of 1999 -- “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants,” “Come on Over” -- more than held their own with “Baby One More Time,” while revealing a vocalist with considerably more power and range than her erstwhile rival.

 Soon, Christina Aguilera distanced herself from the rest of the teen pop pack beginning with her carnal sophomore set, Stripped, a heavy R&B album from 2002 that found its greatest success with the ballad “Beautiful.” Christina may have overemphasized her sexual side with singles like “Dirrtty,” but by the time of 2006’s Back To Basics, it was clear that Christina Aguilera was the most musically ambitious, and reliable, pop diva of the boom.

Born on Staten Island on December 18, 1980, Christina Aguilera spent her early childhood in Pittsburgh, PA. By age six, she began performing regularly in local talent shows, working her way to an appearance on the nationally televised competition Star Search. This was the true beginning of Christina Aguilera’s professional career, leading her to joining Disney Channel’s reboot of The Mickey Mouse Club in 1992. Christina joined a cast that also featured future stars Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, and Keri Russell. The New Mickey Mouse Club lasted for two years and after its cancellation, Christina Aguilera began working behind the scenes of the pop machine, cutting a duet with Japanese pop singer Keizo Nakanishi called “All I Wanna Do,” then representing the U.S. three years later in the Golden Stag International Festival.

Her first big break arrived in 1998, when she recorded “Reflection” for the soundtrack of Disney’s Mulan, a performance that lead to a contract with RCA Records.

RCA released Stripped late in the summer of 1999, several months after Britney Spears’s “Baby One More Time” began the teen pop boom. Christina’s debut reached the top of the U.S. charts on the momentum of the number one single “Genie in a Bottle,” which was followed in short order by another chart-topper in “What a Girl Wants,” which happened to be the first number one of 2000.

Christina Aguilera racked up recognition in a number of ways, playing the Superbowl halftime show and winning the Grammy for Best New Artist, as “Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You)” gave her a third number one single. Christina Aguilera kept new product flowing, too, releasing the Spanish-language Mi Reflejo -- she didn’t speak the language, so she learned lyrics phonetically -- and My Kind Of Christmas by the end of the year, while other labels attempted to cash in on her success via an unauthorized collection of old demos called Just Be Free. Stripped drifted down the charts in 2001 but she stayed in the spotlight via her participation of a remake of Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” for the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge.


When Christina Aguilera resurfaced with new material in 2002, she began using the appellation Christina Aguilera, which was not the only “X” on her sophomore effort, Stripped. A carnal collection of risqué R&B largely produced by Scott Storch, Stripped was a defiant break from her teenybopper past, and Christina Aguilera promoted it by flashing lots of skin on the covers of her album, Rolling Stone, and Maxim. Such striking sexuality earned mixed reviews and the lead single “Dirrty” failed to replicate her early success, but she straightened the ship with “Beautiful,” a ballad that turned into an anthem of sorts and peaked at number two on the Top 100.

Christina Aguilera took another left turn for her next album, 2006’s Back To Basics. The title suggested something simple but the album was anything but, spilling out over two discs and running the gamut from brassy swing to modern dance. Its lead single, “Ain’t No Other Man,” was another blockbuster and Grammy winner for Christina, and the tour was her most ambitious to date. In 2008, Christina Aguilera released her first hits collection, Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade Of Hits, which was available exclusively via Target in the U.S. After a four-year break, Christina Aguilera returned with her fourth album, Bionic, in the spring of 2010. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi.

One of Christina Aguilera Albums is   Blessed - 1999




Songs List:

1. Blessed Download
2. Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You) Download
3. Genie In Bottle Download
4. I Turn To You Download
5. Love For All Seasons Download
6. Love Will Find A Way Download
7. Obvious Download
8. Reflection Download
9. So Emotional Download
10. Somebody's Somebody Download
11. What A Girl Wants Download
12. When You Put Your Hand On Me Download

source:
imdb
wikipedia

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Finally, 'Mother Robin' Wins CNN Hero of the Year 2011

Lim wins CNN's Hero of the Year 2011

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

CNN Hero: Robin Lim
Robin Lim was named the 2011 CNN Hero of the Year on Sunday night.
She has helped thousands of poor Indonesian women have a healthy pregnancy and birth
The annual show honors the Top 10 CNN Heroes and names one of them Hero of the Year

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Robin Lim, an American woman who has helped thousands of poor Indonesian women have a healthy pregnancy and birth, was named the 2011 CNN Hero of the Year on Sunday night.

Hero of the year

Through her Bumi Sehat health clinics, "Mother Robin," or "Ibu Robin" as she is called by the locals, offers free prenatal care, birthing services and medical aid in Indonesia, where many families cannot afford care.

"Every baby's first breath on Earth could be one of peace and love. Every mother should be healthy and strong. Every birth could be safe and loving. But our world is not there yet," Lim said during "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," which took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and recognized Lim and the other top 10 CNN Heroes of 2011.

Robin Lim with Husband

Many women in the developing world do not have access to contraception or maternal care. According to the United Nations Population Fund, three out of five women giving birth in South Asia do so without a skilled birth attendant on hand.

In Indonesia, the average family earns the equivalent of $8 a day, according to the International Monetary Fund. But a baby delivery costs about $70 at a hospital, and a Caesarian section can cost as much as $700. Lim believes Indonesia's high maternal and infant mortality rates are caused in part by these costs, which many women cannot meet. "The situation is bad ... babies are unattended, deliveries have become commercialized, and mothers die from hemorrhage after childbirth because they can't afford proper care," Lim told CNN earlier this year. The CNN Hero of the Year was chosen by the public after an 11-week vote on CNN.com. For being named Hero of the Year, Lim will receive $250,000 for her cause.

That's in addition to the $50,000 that she and the rest of the top 10 Heroes each received for making the top 10. This is the fifth year that CNN, with the help of entertainers and other celebrities, have honored everyday people changing the world.

Portrait of a Hero: Robin Lim

"My wish is that every mother all over the world has the same chance surviving childbirth I had. My friend Robin Lim shares that wish and she spends her days and nights making it so." Photos: See how Lim helps thousands of women Turlington Burns recently made the trip to Indonesia to meet Lim and see her work firsthand. Lim became a midwife after her sister -- and her sister's baby -- died from complications during pregnancy several years ago.

Lim helps thousands of women

She and her husband then sold their home in Hawaii and moved to Bali to "reinvent their lives," she said. "It was there she learned she could make a difference," Turlington Burns said. "She opened a clinic, Bumi Sehat, so poor mothers can give birth safely and be treated with dignity and respect.

She has delivered thousands of babies, and that is why they call her 'Ibu' -- Mother." After being announced as the CNN Hero of the Year, a tearful Lim accepted the award from host Anderson Cooper and made an impassioned plea for help. "Today on our Earth, 981 mothers in the prime of their life will die -- and tomorrow again and yesterday," she said. "And I'm asking you to help change that. We don't even know how many babies are lost, but all of us can help change that."

sources:
CNN
Youtube
Kyle Almond

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Things Science Can Tell Us about Life, the Universe, and Everything

Ever since the evolution of the sensory neuron, organisms have been using these amazing peepholes into existence to direct the course of their lives. Now, humankind has elevated the role of these senses, and even created technological extensions of them, in order to find order and true knowledge of this Universe in which we exist. We are all scientists looking at the world through our own tiny peepholes, attempting to find our place within it.

We have sought to understand what we are made of, what drives our constant fight against entropy, and what defines us as thinking, living entities. Who knows what the future may hold or what constraints will be placed on our knowledge, whether through considered intellect and experience or through societal and cultural pressures? For the purpose of this article, I am ignoring any social, cultural, or religious implications or constraints that may face the endeavors of science. I simply ask: what questions remain about ourselves and our reality that science may theoretically be able to answer in the future?

Some of these can naturally be considered sub-questions of others, while some may have sub-questions already included within them. As with most scientific knowledge, it is all interconnected. It can be in any field of science you wish.


1. What exactly makes us different from our animal cousins?

With the completion of the human genome project, we now know that at the DNA level, we are 96–98% identical to our closest cousin, the chimpanzee. Scientists around the world are now scrambling to decipher what exactly in that DNA defines us as human and what separates us from the rest of our animal brethren. We have far yet to travel. It appears now that only about 1.5% of our genome encodes for proteins; the rest of it is often (and inappropriately) called “junk” DNA. We have deciphered the function of only a fraction of the protein-coding genes.

Furthermore, many of the differences between chimps and humans lie within this non-coding DNA. The coming years and decades will yield much knowledge as to exactly which genes have evolved in the hominin line, which regulatory regions within the non-coding sequences have changed, and which structures in the brain and other organs define our differences. We already have a sizeable list of genes that putatively separate us from apes. However, there is still much work to be done.

2. What is the nature of the mind? How do the emergent properties of consciousness arise from the underlying interactions of synapses and neural pathways in our brain?

This one is going to take a while. Eventually, however, we must assemble a complete working knowledge of all genes and all of their functions and interactions. We will combine our knowledge of molecular biology with our knowledge of cell biology. Over this synthesis, we will layer our understanding of neuroscience and cognitive psychology.

We must take into account the existence of memory, emotion, learning, sense perception, and every other integral process or function of the brain. The question is: will the underlying structures and functions of all microscopic and macroscopic aspects of the human brain allow us to predict and explain the emergence of consciousness? Only time and science may tell.

by Daniel D. Brown
lifeboat.com

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Final Fantasy XIII - Faye Wong - Eyes On Me

Faye Wong

(Wang Fei) born August 8, 1969 is a highly successful and influential Chinese singer-songwriter and actress who is usually referred to as a diva (Chinese: 天后; literally "Heavenly Queen"). Early in her career she briefly used the stage name Shirley Wong (王靖雯). Born in Beijing, she moved to Hong Kong in 1987 and rose to stardom in the early 1990s by singing ballads in Cantonese. Since 1995 she has recorded mostly in her native Mandarin, often combining alternative music with mainstream Chinese pop. In 2000 she was recognized by Guinness World Records as the Best Selling Canto-Pop Female.[2] Following her second marriage in 2005 she withdrew from the limelight, but returned to the stage in 2010 amidst immense interest in the Sinosphere.

Although her music is quite individualized, Faye Wong is famously reserved in public, and has become a cultural icon of "coolness". Hugely popular in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, she has also gained a large following in Japan and is to date the only C-pop artist to have performed 4 times in Tokyo's Budokan. In the West she is best known for starring in Wong Kar-wai's films Chungking Express (for which she won an award in Sweden) and 2046. While she has collaborated with international artists such as Cocteau Twins, Wong recorded only a few songs in English, the most famous being "Eyes on Me" – the theme song of the video game Final

Final Fantasy XIII
(Fainaru Fantajī Sātīn?) is a console role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Released in 2009 in Japan and 2010 in North America and PAL regions, it is the thirteenth major installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game includes fast-paced combat, a new system for the series for determining which abilities are developed for the characters called "Crystarium", and a customizable "Paradigm" system to control which abilities are used by the characters. Final Fantasy XIII includes elements from the previous games in the series, such as summoned monsters, chocobos, and airships.

The game takes place in the fictional floating world of Cocoon, whose government, the Sanctum, is ordering a purge of civilians who have supposedly come into contact with Pulse, the much-feared world below. The former soldier Lightning begins her fight against the government in order to save her sister who has been branded as an unwilling servant to a god-like being from Pulse, making her an enemy of Cocoon. Lightning is soon joined by a band of allies, and together the group also become marked by the same Pulse creature. They rally against the Sanctum while trying to discover their assigned task and whether they can avoid being turned into monsters or crystals at the completion.

Development began in 2004 and the game was first announced at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2006. Final Fantasy XIII is the flagship title of the Fabula Nova Crystallis collection of Final Fantasy games and is the first game to use Square Enix's Crystal Tools engine. Final Fantasy XIII received mostly positive reviews from video game publications, which praised the game's graphics, presentation, and battle system. Reviewers were more mixed in their opinion about the game's story and linearity compared to previous games in the series. Selling 1.7 million copies in Japan in 2009, Final Fantasy XIII became the fastest-selling title in the history of the series. As of May 2010, the game had sold 6.2 million copies worldwide. On January 18, 2011, Square Enix announced a sequel titled Final Fantasy XIII-2, to be released later that year.

Eyes on me is Music Final Fantasy VIII

The music of the video game Final Fantasy VIII was composed by regular series composer Nobuo Uematsu. The Final Fantasy VIII Original Soundtrack, a compilation of all music in the game, was released on four Compact Discs by DigiCube in Japan, and by Square EA in North America. A special orchestral arrangement of selected tracks from the game—arranged by Shirō Hamaguchi—was released under the title Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec Final Fantasy VIII, and a collection of piano arrangements—performed by Shinko Ogata—was released under the title Piano Collections Final Fantasy VIII.

The game's soundtrack is best known for two tracks: "Liberi Fatali", a Latin choral piece that is played during the introduction to the game, and "Eyes on Me", a pop song serving as the game's theme, performed by Chinese singer Faye Wong. Reviewers were generally pleased with the music, although several cited issues while comparing the score to previous games or looking at individual tracks.

Eyes On Me Lyric

whenever sang my songs
on the stage, on my own
whenever said my words
wishing they would be heard
i saw you smiling at me
was it real or just my fantasy
you'd always be there in the corner
of this tiny little bar
my last night here for you
same old songs, just once more
my last night here with you?
maybe yes, maybe no
i kind of liked it your way
how you shyly placed your eyes on me
oh, did you ever know?
that i had mine on you

*darling, so there you are
with that look on your face
as if you're never hurt
as if you're never down
shall i be the one for you
who pinches you softly but sure
if frown is shown then
i will know that you are no dreamer

so let me come to you
close as i wanted to be
close enough for me
to feel your heart beating fast
and stay there as i whisper
how i loved your peaceful eyes on me
did you ever know
that i had mine on you

darling, so share with me
your love if you have enough
you're tears if you're holding back
or pain if that's what it is
how can i let you know
i'm more than the dress and the voice
just reach me out then
you will know that you're not dreaming x2


Youtube video for Eyes on me

Listen it via beemp3.com

	Faye Wong - Eyes on Me .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

download via stafaband.info

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beemp3
stafaband

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Prof. Dr. Ahmad Safi'i Ma'arif

Buya Safii, according to Prof. familiar greeting. DR. Ahmad Safii Maarif. Pluralist character that is not a little contribute ideas and Islamic thoughts in the shade of large umbrellas Indonesian national diversity is born in the Holy Sumpur, West Sumatra, May 31, 1935. Childhood Buya Syafii very close to the Islamic tradition has become a magnet that always took her initial struggle with Islamic knowledge and try to understand it as deep as possible. Stretching such a lifestyle, it can also say thanks to guidance from the deceased mother, Makrifah. Sharpness interest Buya Safii Islamic explore more and more sharply honed by education who lived then, and eventually her life in a condensed form in Islamic culture.

People's finish Elementary School in the village of his birth, Buya Safii set foot on the floor Mu'allimin Lintau Madrasah schools, West Sumatra. Until then feet away across the sea to continue their education to the Madrasah Mu'allimin Muhammadiyah in Yogyakarta, and graduated in 1956. Armed with religious knowledge in Mu'allimin it, Buya Safii was received with a roomy chest devotion to duty upon him to East Lombok for one year as a teacher at the school Muhammadiyah.

After a period of devotion that, Buya Safii continue their studies back to college, despite her efforts to take higher education is not easy. But the determination and enthusiasm has enabled him to gain knowledge passing all odds. Imagine, in a state of Buya Safii orphan is still able to stretch their business efforts with only bolstered his brother to be able to sit as a student at the Faculty of Law University of Cokroaminoto Surakarta. I was stranded on the beach because of the mercy of the waves, he recalls illustrate the journey of his life in a magazine interview with Bud.

Just one year of college, PRRI / Permesta erupt and severely curtailing the Sumatra-Java relationship path. Thus, tuition assistance from his brother is lost, so Buya Safii decided to not go to college. The period was quite bitter, which Buya Safii must scrape a living as a teacher Baturetno villages in the subdistrict, Wonogiri, Central Java.

Nothing wrong with a lot of people praise the scientific spirit, motivation to learn Buya Safii not stop just by the sap bitter hardships that cross in front of him. While working, the husband siti hi hi ... and father of three sons and daughters. Buya Safii back to continue studying at the Department of History, because it no longer possible to return to the Faculty of Law. Bachelor's degree from the University of Cokroaminoto successfully achieved in 1964, while graduate degrees obtained from IKIP Yogyakarta four years later. Expertise in the field of history of getting tested after obtaining a Master's degree from Ohio State University, USA.

Options that accidentally turned out to have led me to discover the wisdom of humanity, a mild remark in an interview with KOMPAS.

Obtained his doctoral degree in 1993 from the University of Chicago in a study program of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations with a dissertation: Islam as the Basis of State: A Study of the Islamic Political Ideas as Reflected in the Constituent Assembly Debates in Indonesia. The youngest among four brothers, engaged in intensive study of the Quran with the guidance of a prominent reformer of Islamic thought, Fazrul Rahman. There is also, Buya Safii often involved intensive discussions with Nurcholish Madjid and Amien Rais, who are undergoing doctoral education.

Buya Safii recognize that science and knowledge of history has thus attracted interest because history speaks of the nodes in the totality of humanity. No wonder if in a painted impression that the phrase: It's the last 25 years, attention to history, philosophy and religion beyond my attention to another branch of science. But I am fully aware, that the more I was getting into the third region there are no edges. Not infrequently I feel as a stranger in the region, the region that seemed without limit.

Of that process too, a sense of humanisnya grow and deepen its attention on the problems of humanity. Life relegius strong entrenched in his soul and then sprinkled on the interpretation and beautiful invitation in the development of Islamic membumikan Hablumminnas true: love each other and love our fellow human beings on earth. And calling for Islam not be held in confidence to the extent of ritual, but also must be able to develop practices and behavior of Muslim religious life by embracing Islam as a whole its essential appeal: rahmatan lil'alamin.

"It felt smallness of this self-dealing with the breadth and depth of ocean cruising is about to be sailed." Earthy sentence was uttered in the Preamble of professorship speech of his in IKIP Yogyakarta. "Humility is a reflection of the faith," he continued.

So no excessive, if so many people are amazed and impressed in figure Buya Safii as a scientist who always puts the power of religion in every struggle with their knowledge. He was the historian and philosopher, but in society as the children of the nation presence better known as a religious teacher. Have you not given the knowledge, except for just a little, he said quoting a verse of the holy Al-Quran.

This is the advice to reduce the ambition and curiosity of human beings for not stepping out of bounds areas on their own abilities. In that sense, the stronger the belief that arise in any science there are signs of God's existence. We must believe in the reality that is beyond the reach of man, so he notes. The universe and all its cargo could not explain themselves, their silence regarding the origin of the incidence and persistence. Only the revelation that then helped the human brain and perception in order to understand all the phenomenon. Only through faith, man can answer questions about the purpose of human existence and about the meaning of death. Philosophy, especially history, are not able to do so.

Reading books is a daily activity by Buya Safii, in addition to its activities as chairman of Muhammadiyah, the Supreme Advisory Council members and staff at IKIP Yogyakarta. No wonder the Buya Safii also fluent citing a valuable expression of the scientific community, and is also rich with poetic expressions quite profound significance.

Even the involvement of Buya Safii as General Chairman of Muhammadiyah is a necessity of history itself. When the pressure is rolling reform in Indonesia, and Amien Rais as one who was a locomotive drove to leaded Muhammadiyah should involve themselves in political activities to oversee reforms in a practical movement of the wheels, then as a replacement skipper Buya Safii aware that at the same time is like the Ark of Muhammadiyah parent who must still be directed to the main course so as not to drag by the pull of the current political tussle practical and short-term interests.

"Let us not linger in the uncertainty of future climate, because it means we allow this nation wallowing in the decay process of history. It was embarrassing and exhausting! "

After re-elected as General Chairman of Muhammadiyah in the 44th Congress (2000) held in Jakarta, Buya Safii then driving for his role in mendinamisasi Muhammadiyah can optimally drive tajdid efforts and ideals of enlightenment that would afford him. Do not let the reform movement as a basic philosophical Muhammadiyah eroded and only become an empty slogan in the actualization movement. One effort is to push the rate of intellectual awakening among the Muhammadiyah Youth, as it was realized that science and Islam is the core spirit of all the Muhammadiyah movement. Where the ownership of knowledge and intellectual power is the gateway the ability to understand and practice Islam in kaffah, and AMM as perpetrators of the history of the Muhammadiyah movement future be bright and light caretaker Muhammadiyah faces in the world struggle.

In a short note, Buya Safii reinforce the sound of his life as the father of the nation: I sincerely love this nation and in all. For me, defending the nation is in order to defend Islam.

Business and Buya Safii struggle did not end when put leadership at the Muhyammadiyah generation underneath. Maarif Institute later founded as a vehicle to continue efforts in order to guard and reach the intellectual awakening among the next generation of Islamic. Now, under the screen Maarif Institute, Buya Safii stick his feet  also becoming pluralist in his footsteps as a leader who consistently fight for the values progress in  islamism frame, Indonesian and humanity.

muhammadiyah.or.id
maarifinstitute.org

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Biography of Robin Lim - Bumi Sehat Medical Care

Robin Lim and Bumi Sehat Medical Care is A Nomination for 2011 CNN Heroes :

Poll to determine the winner of the CNN Heroes 

will still be open until December 7, 2011 at 

www.cnnheroes.com  website.

Who's Robin Lim

Robin Lim, born 1956 Heritage;  has a diverse genealogy, which mixes Native American, Indonesian, Chinese, Philippine, German and Irish elements. She lives in Bali with her husband Wil Hammerle, and has seven daughters and sons, as well as one niece.

Robin’s support and inspiration is her family, husband Wil, and seven children. Lim’s Filipino Grandmother, Vicenta Munar Lim, was a traditional birth attendant in the Baguio mountain region of Luzon, Philippine Islands. Before during and after WWII she served as a healer and baby catcher for her people. Just as Lim’s "Lola" passed her family tradition of hands-on healing down to her, Lim is already training her granddaughter, Zhouie, in the art and passion of midwifery and service to humanity

Robin Lim is a mother, grandmother, author, poet, midwife and educator who lives in Bali with her husband and children. Ibu (mother) Robin is a Certified Professional Midwife, with the North American Registry of Midwives and Ikatan Bidan Indonesia.

She is a founder and executive director for Yayasan Ibu Bumi Sehat Birth Center in Bali. Lim splits her time between the birth center and the Tsunami Relief Clinic in Samatiga Aceh, Sumatra. Along with receiving babies, Ibu Robin is an author. Many of her articles, stories and poems have been published in Midwifery Today magazine and The Birthkit newsletter.

Following the December 2004 Tsunami disaster, Robin moved to Banda Aceh (Sumatra), an area that was torn also by ethnic and religious conflicts. Robin has been supporting survivor women, not only by providing them with health care and birth services, but also by helping them in the emotional process, the reconstruction of the social network, and mutual help relationships among people.

Robin headed to Yogyakarta right after the area is shook by an earthquake few months ago. There, she established an emergency unit, which not only provides health assistance but also trains the community to be able to start living a healthy lifestyle.

Bumi Sehat Medical Care

Robin Lim, chosen because of his dedication to provide the service free of pregnancy and childbirth in women who are less able to Indonesia since 1994. As a form of dedication, he established a foundation named Bumi Sehat Bali as a manifestation of his dedication in 2003 and until now has helped thousands of women in Bali and Aceh.

Robin Lim Receives the 2006 International Alexander Langer Prize. The Scientific and Guarantee Committee of the Alexander Langer Foundation, Bolzano, Italy/Italia, has decided to award the International Alexander Langer Prize for 2006 to Ms. Robin Lim, founder and advisor for the non-profit organisation Yayasan Ibu Bumi Sehat (Healthy Mother Hearth Foundation), based in Bali, Indonesia.

Robin Lim is a Certified Professional Midwife, with the North American Registry of Midwives, and recently joined the Indonesian Midwifery Association. She is Executive Director of Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Mother Hearth Foundation) and Health Director of the Tsunami Relief Clinic in Aceh. The Foundation started by Robin has recently built a small but well qualified and friendly clinic, maternal and child health centre and birth centre.

Robin Lim is called “barefoot midwife” for her efforts in promoting healthy pregnancy, gentle childbirth, serene welcoming of the newborn, and fighting poverty and malnutrition.
Following the best Western as well as Non-Western traditions and practices, Robin directs her gentle and friendly efforts to promoting traditional knowledge and herbal medicine and, most importantly, mobilising pregnant women, new mother’s human and spiritual resources in caring for themselves and their child, helping them to face the moments of weakness and spiritual vulnerability with emotional strength.

“We believe – Robin wrote – that a gentle and healthy birth is the foundation of a beautiful life. Peace in the world can be fostered starting today, one baby at a time”.

On September 29th, 2006, Robin Lim will receive an award in the frame of the annual meeting “Euromediterranea” dedicated to Alexander Langer, in Bolzano, Italy/Italia.
Robin also will be received by Mr. Bertinotti, the Italian Parliament’s President, on October 5th 2006 in Italy.

Robin Lim, who is now settled in Ubud, Bali with his family that also has written several bestselling books related to childbirth. Lim also has won many awards for his dedication to it.
The midwife member of the North American Registry of Midwives and the Association of Indonesia Perbidanan it with 9 other name will receive prize money of U.S. $ 50 thousand, and his story will be narrated by renowned celebrity. CNN Heroes one of the lucky ones will get cash grants of U.S. $ 255 thousand to help their contribution, and was named the CNN Hero of the Year.

Note

At dawn, two women rise after sleeping on mats outside an Indonesian hospital.
They've waited all night for a chance to see their newborn babies, whom the hospital is holding until the medical bills are paid in full.

"Holding babies until payment is common in Indonesia," said Robin Lim, a midwife who founded birthing clinics in Aceh and the island of Bali.

At this particular hospital in Bali, mothers who don't pay are allowed in twice a day to feed their baby and change their baby's diaper. Those fortunate enough to find the money may take their babies home. Others might relinquish their parental rights and place their babies up for adoption, Lim explained.

"You worry, 'Will I be able to deliver this baby safely into the world?' But you shouldn't have to worry, 'How will I pay for it?' " said Lim, 54.

"Mother Robin," or "Ibu Robin" as she is called by the locals, is working to change that with her Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Mother Earth Foundation) health clinics. These birthing sanctuaries offer free prenatal care, birthing services and medical aid to anyone who needs it.

And the needs are vast in Indonesia. The average family earns the equivalent of $8 a day, according to the International Monetary Fund, but a normal hospital delivery without complications costs around $70. A Caesarian section can cost more than $700.

Lim believes Indonesia's high maternal and infant mortality rates are caused in part by these costs, which many women cannot meet. In turn, their lives and the lives of their babies are at risk.

According to the United Nations Population Fund, three out of five women giving birth in South Asia do so without a skilled birth attendant on hand.

"The situation is bad ... babies are unattended, deliveries have become commercialized, and mothers die from hemorrhage after childbirth because they can't afford proper care," Lim said.

Working as a midwife in Indonesia was not something Lim, a U.S. citizen and author of many books related to infant and maternal health, planned for her life. But after several personal tragedies, her life shifted in a new direction.

"In the span of a year, I lost my best friend and one of the midwives who delivered my child," said Lim, who has eight children. "My sister also died as a complication of her third pregnancy, and so did her baby. I was crushed, just crushed.

"But I decided not to get angry. I decided to become part of the solution. If I could help even one family prevent the loss of a mother or a child, I would do that. I would dedicate my life to it."

Lim and her husband, Will, sold their home in Hawaii and moved the family to Bali to "reinvent their lives."

For Lim, there was no second-guessing the destination. Raised in the Philippines while her father was stationed in Indonesia with the U.S. military, she says she "always felt happiest in Asia."

Once in Bali, Lim volunteered to help local midwives deliver babies in various homes. And as the demand for her services grew, she decided to receive formal midwife certification.

In 2003, with help from the Balinese community and donations from friends across the globe, Lim and her husband opened the first Yayasan Bumi Sehat clinic. At the clinic, there are midwives, nurses, housekeepers, a doctor and a chef.

A short time later, after the massive tsunami in 2004, a smaller, sister location was built in Aceh to care for displaced survivors. Combined, the two clinics have facilitated the birth of more than 5,000 babies.

Some Indonesian celebrities and expatriates choose Bumi Sehat to birth their children, and they often give donations. But Lim says 80% of the families served by the clinics can barely pay anything.

"Rock star or prostitute, everyone gets treated (like a) VIP at Bumi Sehat ... with kindness and respect," she said. "It's something to see a family come year after year, every time their mango tree gives fruit, and give a few mangoes to the staff to say thank you.

"No one gets rich being a midwife. The riches that you experience are the deeper values."

Part of these riches, Lim said, is the knowledge that so many people rely on the clinics, two of the few 24-hour businesses in Aceh and Bali.

"Everyone knows us," she said. "For expecting couples who don't have a phone to call us for help or for a ride, it's common for them to hop on their motorcycles in the night to get to the clinic, where they know someone will be there waiting. And if they have a special request for me, I'll get a call, I'll get up and I'll go do the delivery."

The love and attention is appreciated by the new mothers, who don't have alternatives for safe, accessible care.

"I had my first born ... in a different clinic," said Gusti "Ayu" Ketut Gerti, a 31-year-old who came to Lim for the birth of her second child in February. "There's a big difference between that experience and (Bumi Sehat). Here, I feel comfortable. Robin is very kind, very motherly.

"I do not have money, and I tell my friends to also come here. I wish there were more people like her to lift up the suffering of the poor people."

Lim hopes that Gerti's experience can become the standard practice worldwide.

"Does the world have a responsibility to all pregnant women, to each new baby? Yes," Lim said. "Each baby, each adult deserves a clean, healthy, loving environment. ... Those things are basic. Those are a human right."

Want to get involved? Check out the Bumi Sehat Foundation website at   www.bumisehatbali.org  and see how to help.

Tel: +62 361 970002 or Ibu Robin 08133833825, email or visit our website http://www.bumisehatbali.org/

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Eid ul Fitr in Indonesia 2011

Lebaran or Eid ul Fitr is the last day of Ramadan where the Muslims visit their friends and relatives to ask for forgiveness for any wrong they have done in the previous year. Traditional food is eaten in the social gathering, followed by the exchange of gifts and visits to a recreational park. Jakarta, Java, Sumatra and other parts of Indonesia looks very bright and colorful on this day. This is an ideal time to experience most popular Indonesian Eid ul Fitr. The government prevents vagrants, beggars and other social undesirables from migrating into the city. The Lebaran celebration and festive gathering, prolongs for a week or two, where even non-Muslim are invited by the group.

The holy month of Ramadan and the social day of Lebaran, are the popular picks by international tourists. These events are really a great and an amazing occasion’s to witness.

Hari Raya Idul Fitri in Indonesia - Eid ul Fitr is the most significant Muslim festival in Islamic Calendar. It is celebrated on the end of holy month of Ramadan. During the Ramazan, Muslims offer prayers in Mosque in large numbers. They also observe fasting throughout the month of Ramzan just before these Eid celebrations. The month of Ramazan holds a deep significance in Muslim history as the holy book of 'Quran' was revealed during this month. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset everyday for a month. Most parts of the Southeast Asia celebrated this great occasion of Eid as Hari Rya Aidilfitri.

Eid is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. Shawwal is the tenth month in holy Islamic Calendar. Families begin this Eid morning with a special Prayer also known as Eid Prayer. This prayer offers a special thanks to god for the strength and discipline received during the holy month of Ramadan. People distribute sweets and children wear new clothes on this great Muslim festival known as Eid.

The people of Indonesia celebrate Eid ul Fitr with great enthusiasm and peace. The message of brotherhood is spreader all throughout the country. Muslims people wear new clothes and distribute sweets to mark this auspicious festival in Islamic calendar. On this great occasion of Eid ul Fitri, markets all through Indonesia are decorated and people enjoy shopping with great fun.

Banks, private offices and government centers are closed for almost one week in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

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Ramadan in Indonesia

Ramadan in Indonesia. the Islamic month of fasting, is the most awaited Indonesian festival which attracts tourists from all corners of the world. The festival continues for 29 or 30 days, the dates of the 9th month of the Islamic calendar (Hijrah), based on lunar cycles. The last day is Eid ul Fitr (commonly called as Lebaran), which an important and most significant day in the Muslim calendar.Its Arabic meaning is ‘to become holy again’. Indonesia celebrates Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr with great pleasure, colors and glory, which also records the highest tourist count in Indonesia.

Ramadan:
Ramadan is the holy month where large number of Muslims offers prayers in Mosque. This month is spent fasting everyday from dawn to dusk. This month is the time to reinforce bond between the faithful individuals and the Almighty. This month was the time when Angel Gibril, revealed Allah’s will to Prophet Mohammed, who then got an inspiration to write the verses on the Holy Quran.

Other definition, Ramadan is a special time for Muslims across the world. Falling in the tenth month of Shawwal, the Islamic calendar, it was at this time of the year when the Angel Gibril revealed to the Prophet Mohammed Allah’s will and so were written the very first verses of the Holy Qur'an. The month of Ramadan is spent fasting from dawn to dusk everyday - it is a time to introspect, reflect and reinforce the bond between the Almighty and the faithful.

During Ramadan, adults who have reached the puberty age are expected to fast. Children, the sick, breastfeeding or pregnant women, travelers, women in periods, mentally ill or those suffering from long-term illness are not expected to fast. Fasting is an obligation and one of the five pillars for a devoted Muslim. They believe that it helps in developing self control as well as enhances spirituality. During the fasts, one should diligent in prayer and charities. They should strictly avoid bad language, lying and getting angry. In day time they must refrain from drinking, eating, smoking and marital relations.

In Indonesia, the group of young people walks around the neighborhoods beating the drums to awaken the faithful, early in the morning for prayer and to have meal before the sunrise. One could also hear the prayer sounding from nearby mosques. The fast ends after sunset, upon the call of prayer from nearby mosque or bedug drum on the television. Fast is broken usually with sweet snacks and drinks. Special food is prepared by various families and groups for this occasion and is eaten in a community fashion. Common prayer at mosques or social gatherings is usually held at 7:30 p.m. The monthly schedule is published in newspaper or other social Medias.

Ramadan culminates in the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr - when the period of restraint ends in an extravagant explosion of joie de vivre, festivities and feasting. The devout gather together to offer Eid prayers and greet each other in a rejuvenated spirit of camaraderie. Eid is a day of thanksgiving, of peace, of remembrance, of charity and of forgiveness, celebrated amidst great jubilation once the delicate silver sliver of the crescent moon has been sighted. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr forges fraternal and communal love, self-discipline and commitment to Allah.

Ramadan Dates
2011		August 1
2012		July 20
2013		July 9
2014		June 28
2015		June 18

The dates given here may vary as these are based on lunar calendar.

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Eid ul-Fitr Is Muslims Celebration

Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr (Arabic: ‎عيد الفطر ‘Īdu l-Fiṭr), often abbreviated to Eid, is a three-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity," while Fiṭr means "original nature," implying the restoration of one's best human composition. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal.

Eid-ul-Fitr Salat (Namaz in Persian) is a Sunnah muak'kad (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory) or mandoob (preferable) – depending on which juristic opinion is followed – Islamic prayer consisting of two raka'ah (units) which is generally offered in an open field or large hall called an Eed-gah. This salaat or prayer, can only be performed with Jama’at (i.e., in congregation) and has an additional extra six Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying Allahu Akbar (God is Great), three of them in the beginning of the first raka'ah and three of them just before ruku' in the second raka'ah in the Hanafi school.Muslims are commanded by God in the Qur'an to complete their fast until the last day of Ramadan and pay the Zakat al-fitr before doing the Eid prayer.

History
Before the advent of Islam in Arabia, we find mention of ‘id festivals as yawm al-sab‘ and yawm al-sabasab as well as some others among the idolaters of Arabia. The shari‘ah of the Israelites had ‘id festivals as well but as is evident from the Old Testament and other scriptures, these festivals related more to commemorating certain days of their history. The ‘id al-fitr was originated by Prophet Muhammad and is observed on the first of the month of Shawwal right after the end of the holy month of Ramadan in which the believers undergo a period of fasting.

Eid ul-Fitr is marked according to the Islamic calendar, which is based on the Lunar phases of the Moon.

It is evident from certain Ahadith that these festivals were initiated in Madinah after migration. Anas reports:

When the Prophet arrived in Madinah, he found people celebrating two specific days in which they used to entertain themselves by playing and merriment. He asked them about the nature of these festivities at which they replied that these days were occasions of fun and recreation of the days of jahilliyah. At this, the Prophet remarked that the Almighty has fixed two days [of festivity] instead of these for you which are better than these: ‘id al-fitr and ‘id al-adha

For Muslims, both these festivals of ‘id al-fitr and ‘id al-adha are occasions of showing gratitude to God, remembering him and are a means of entertainment. ‘A’ishah narrates that when on an ‘id day her father Abu Bakr stopped young girls from singing, the Prophet said: Abu Bakr! [Let them sing]; every nation has an ‘id and [this day] is our ‘id.

General rituals

Muslims offer the Eid ul-Fitr prayers at respective Mosques at dawn.

Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated for three days. Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting ‘Eid Mubārak ("Blessed Eid") or ‘Eid Sa‘eed ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings based on local language and traditions – in Turkey, for example, a typical saying might be Bayramınız kutlu olsun or "May your Bayram – Eid – be blessed." Muslims are also encouraged on this day to forgive and forget any differences or past animosities that may have occurred with others during the year.

Typically, Muslims wake up relatively early in the morning—always before sunrise— offer Salatul Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer), and in keeping with the Sunnah (traditions and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), clean one's teeth with a Miswaak or toothbrush, take a shower (Ghusul) before Fajr prayers, put on new clothes (or the best available), and apply perfume.

It is haraam, or forbidden, to fast on the Day of Eid. That is why it is recommended to have a small breakfast (as a sign of not being on a fast on that day) of sweet dish, preferably the date fruit, before attending the special Eid prayer (salah). It is a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) that the Sadaqat-ul-fitr, an obligatory charity, is paid to the poor and the needy before performing the ‘Eid prayer by all those adult Muslims who are required to pay Zakat. Muslims recite the following Takbir (incantation) in the low voice while going to the Eid prayer: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha ilal-lahu wal-Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa-lilla hil hamd. Another Sunnah of Muhammad Muslims are recommended to use two separate routes to and from the prayer grounds.

Eid prayer is performed in congregation in open areas like fields, community centers, etc. or at mosques. No adhan (Call to Prayer) or iqama (call) is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer, and it consists of only two rakaʿāt (units of prayer) with an additional six Takbirs. The Eid prayer is followed by the khutbah (sermon) and then a supplication (dua) asking for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. The khutbah also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat. Listening to the khutbah (sermon) of Eid is a necessary requirement (wajib) i.e. while the khutbah is being delivered; it is haraam (prohibited) to talk, walk about or offer prayer while the sermon is being delivered After the prayers, Muslims visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances or hold large communal celebrations in homes, community centers or rented halls.

Many Muslims often bring prayer rugs to the Mosque on Eid ul-Fitr.

Gifts on eid (called eidi in some cultures) are frequently given to children and immediate relatives; it is also common in some cultures for children to be given small sums of money by adult relatives or friends.

Timing
Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, the sighting can only be possible just after sunset. Many Muslims check with local mosques or other members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by authoritative parties such as knowledgeable scholars. Although many Muslims believe the Quran says that the sighting of the moon determines the start of Eid, this is written in other books. Due to the sensitive nature of this opinion, please see below for further research on this dispute.

Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting EId mubarak ("Blessed Eid") or ‘Id sa‘id ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings based on local language and traditions.

Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible) and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. When Muslims finish their fast at the last day (29th or 30th Ramadan), they recite Takbir (Arabic audio clip with English meaning).

Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar la ilaha illa Allah Allahu akbar,
Allahu akbar wa li-illahi al-hamd

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
There is no deity but Allah
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
and to Allah goes all praise

The Takbir is recited after confirmation that the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim, if possible(man, woman or child), must pay Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is typically collected at the mosque. This is distributed to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilize it for Eid purchases. This is distinct from Zakat based on wealth, which must be paid to a worthy charity.

Eid ul-Fitr 2005 at Dublin Mosque, Ireland.The Eid prayer (salah) is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer (dua') asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of oneself as well as ones relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Muslims spend the day thanking the Creator for all their blessings, as well as simply having fun and enjoying themselves. Children are normally given sweets or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconciliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on Eid.

Islamic Tradition

Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. This has to do with the communal aspects of the fast, which expresses many of the basic values of the Muslim community; i.e., empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness, patience etc. Fasting is also believed by some scholars to extol fundamental distinctions, lauding the power of the spiritual realm, while acknowledging the subordination of the physical realm. It also teaches a Muslim to stay away from wordly desires and to focus entirely on the Lord and thank him for his blessings. It is a rejuvenation of the religion and it creates a stronger bond between the Muslim and his Lord. After the end of Ramadan, is a big celebration of Eid.

Eid ul-Fitr In Indonesia

Ketupat is traditionally eaten on Eid ul-Fitr in Indonesia.In Indonesia the feast is named Hari Raya Idul Fitri or informally, Lebaran. Hari Raya literally means The Great Day of (Celebration) . Sometimes, there are different statements on when the day falls, especially between Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, because people use different techniques to determine it. Almost all of the people follow the government of Indonesia's statement and such differences do not get in the way of people celebrating. This event is recognized as a national holiday, starts a few days before Eid ul-Fitr, and lasts until days after it. Schools also have different schedules for the holiday as many Islamic schools usually make it a longer holiday.

Muslims in Indonesia usually ask forgiveness from their relatives and friends after the special prayer. Another interesting Eid ul-Fitr tradition in Indonesia is mudik that usually applies to urbanites who came to Jakarta from the other provinces of Java or other islands in Indonesia. Before Eid ul-Fitr comes, people will go back to their hometowns where their relatives, sometimes including their parents, reside. This event often causes crowding in airports, seaports, and bus stations while some who are traveling by car are trapped in the traffic jam for hours. For little children, gifts ofmoney as well as forgiveness from relatives is common to motivate them. Many, especially in the cities, also use the term angpau for the money just like Chinese people do.

It is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya" (Indonesian) or "Salam Aidilfitri" (Malay) which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "Mohon maaf lahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)", due to the fact that Eid ul-Fitr is not only for celebrations, but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their silaturrahim with relatives and friends. The term "fitr" in Eid ul Fitr, coincides with the word "fitrah" of the Indonesian language which means the purity of birth, just as babies are pure when they were born. Many Indonesian Muslims acknowledge that on the day of Eid when they forgive each other, their sins with each other are cleansed and they are without sin just as they were at birth. Another term in addition to "Mohon maaf lahir dan batin" mentioned earlier, is "minal aidin wal faidzin" The origin of this phrase is suspectedly Arabic and has loosed meaning of "may you be part of the people who return to purity and part of the people who are granted glory". The latter phrase is usually used in conjunction of the former; thusly, "Minal aidin wal faidzin, mohon maaf lahir dan batin."

At the night of the last day of Ramadan, Indonesians usually do 'Takbiran'. Takbiran is a big celebration where people, from little children to old men, recite the takbir with a microphone in a parade. They travel around the town and usually they hit 'beduk', a large drum, as a background music of the takbir.

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History and Text Of Proclamation Of Indonesia

Brothers and Sisters All!

I have asked you to be in attendance here in order to witness an event in our history of the utmost importance.For decades we, the People of Indonesia, have struggled for the freedom of our country—even for hundreds of years!

There have been waves in our actions to win independence which rose, and there have been those that fell, but our spirit still was set in the direction of our ideals. Also during the Japanese period our efforts to achieve national independence never ceased. In this Japanese period it merely appeared that we leant upon them. But fundamentally, we still continued to build up our own powers, we still believed in our own strengths.

Now has come the moment when truly we take the fate of our actions and the fate of our country into our own hands. Only a nation bold enough to take its fate into its own hands will be able to stand in strength.

Therefore last night we had deliberations with prominent Indonesians from all over Indonesia. That deliberative gathering was unanimously of the opinion that NOW has come the time to declare our independence.
Brothers and Sisters:

Herewith we declare the solidarity of that determination.
Listen to our proclamation:

PROCLAMATION

WE THE PEOPLE OF INDONESIA HEREBY DECLARE THE INDEPENDENCE OF
INDONESIA. MATTERS WHICH CONCERN THE TRANSFER OF POWER AND OTHER THINGS WILL BE EXECUTEDBY CAREFUL MEANS AND IN THE
SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.

DJAKARTA, 17 AUGUST 1945

IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF INDONESIA

SOEKARNO—HATTA

original text

So it is, Brothers and Sisters!
We are now already free!
There is not another single tie binding our country and our people!
As from this moment we build our state. A free state, the State of the Republic of Indonesia—evermore and eternally independent. Allah willing, God blesses and makes safe this independence of ours.

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