Indian Music in Indonesia!?

The past few weeks its been difficult to turn on the tv and not hear the song "Chaiyya Chaiyya" and see Norman Kamaru, a policeman from a small town on the island of Sulawesi who has made it big since a film of him lip-syncing "Chaiyya Chaiyya" on Youtube went viral a few weeks ago.  Now he has been seen on almost every celebrity show and the news tends to give updates on what he is doing.  It seems the country has fallen in love with his charismatic personality and singing style.  Check out his first clip below - its pretty funny and a catchy tune.

While Indian music can be heard in Indonesia, I wouldn't say its all that common, as Indonesian certainly has its own music and actually quite a variety of music as the different people groups and cultures of Indonesia have ranging styles and songs.  In Bandung, gamelan degung, gamelan salendro, and tembang sunda are the more traditional types of music (Music of Indonesia).  While these are heard at ceremonies, various events, and other traditional events, the internet and globalization in general has brought music from around the world.  For example, Justin Bieber recently made a stop in Jakarta for a concert and Michael Jackson was a big hit here in his day.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

Upon arriving in Indonesia, one might see a variety of things that makes one scratch his head, like...

strings hanging from the power lines

...or what looks like paper in the trees (did someone get TPed?)

But one might begin to put the pieces together after seeing...

...these boys beside the street, one staring into the sky

...still don't know, no problem he looks confused too, but check out the boy on top of the fence, what's he doing?

Here's a closer look...

Check out the focus, and what's that in his hand? 

These boys are trying to get this activity started in an empty
lot after the early morning market has cleared out.  But their
KITES are still on the ground, looks like they need more wind.

And finally, I came upon these young men in an open field on the edge of town one day while walking home...

They can fly those kites from a distance...look closely

That young man wasn't alone, there's several with him in this open field, and many more that I saw in a field a little farther down the hill.

After talking with a few of these young men, I think they sometimes try to have a "fight" of sorts with their kites in the air.  If I'm not mistaken, that would sure take some flying skill.  All the kites I've seen are made of paper and light wood and cost 500 rupia (5 cents), but I'm told they can also be made of a light material that may also be used to make banners.  Overall it appears to be a fun activity enjoyed mainly by small boys and even some teenagers.  But watch out for those power lines...

Places for Soccer in Indonesia

As I've traveled around parts of Bandung, I continue to be amazed at the different places boys use to play soccer.  During my daily walks to school I often see them in the street or down their gang (a small street) kicking the ball back and forth or playing small game with a few friends.  Its usually only boys and they tend to play in the sandals most of them wear all day or barefoot.  There are a few places used for competitions, and those fields that I’ve seen tend to be overused and beaten down.

School - boys playing in front of the school on a sort of patio area

Back yard - a small game between 2 girls and 3 boys, no need for an even number

Gang - in the neighborhood near my house, a 4 man game

No out of bounce in this game, play it off the walls

Beside the river at a boarding school - this spot was cleared recently  so the boys would have a place to play.  Before they were using a small place, like a patio, in front of the school.  This spot is much bigger, but watch your step, out of bounds is the river on one side and a trash pile on the other.  I've seen them retrieving the ball from the river a few times!

In the neighborhood - no that's not a basketball goal, it’s a light on the left.  I have yet to pass here when its dark, but the light suggests they may play late.  It’s deserted now probably because they boys are at school.  This spot also has a small stream beside it, which the boys have to frequently retrieve the ball from.

In the neighborhood (close to my house) - this spot is just off the gang in front of one house (notice the gate) and behind another.  Nearly every afternoon these boys can be found here playing soccer.  Sometimes they'll make three teams and rotate, with the winner staying on.  If you kick it over the wall (on the left), you must climb the wall & retrieve it from the garden/weeds/deserted area on the other side.  The goal keeper on the right is wearing a replica red jersey from the national team who recently had a successful showing in the SE Asia tournament.

Large grass field - on the edge of town I came across this large grass lot with goals at either end.  The tall grass and trash on the field makes me think it probably hasn't been used in a while.

University field @ ITB - This field appears to be used quite often by teams of all ages and frequently.  Even though the middle of the field is worn to dirt, it's one of the few grass fields I've seen.

While I have yet to play seriously, I occasionally enjoy joining some of the boys near my house when they play a small game.  While my skills don't match their's, my size helps in the small spaces.  There is also a professional league in Indonesia, and the team in Bandung is called Persib.  Whenever they play, the game is on tv and watched by many in the city.  Yes, soccer is popular in Indonesia!