The Elixir (a film by Kimo Stamboel)

The Elixir

Kimo Stamboel directs the first Indonesian zombie-themed film, The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya). The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) film first launched on Netflix Indonesia on October 23, 2025, which also offers English and Japanese dubbed audio. The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) is set in Wanirejo Village, a fictive location in Yogyakarta, where the center of the film focuses on the family who owns Pabrik Jamu Wani Waras (Wani Waras Herbal Medicine Factory). The film itself was actually shot in Piyungan village, Bantul, Yogyakarta.

Top Movies on Netflix on November 1, 2025, provided by FlixPatrol.

The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) uses more than 200 extra cameos who play zombie crowds. The combination of the zombie makeup artist's work and special effects has made the film the most watched on Netflix in its first week. After all, it is the first Indonesian zombie-themed genre, unlike previous Indonesian ghost-themed films.

The Javanese language is used in the film, with most dialog using Bahasa Indonesia. I think it is quite funny hearing Rudi scream dog as a profanity to curse at the zombie who is chasing him when it is dubbed in English audio. Jamu Abadi Nan Jaya from the sample ANJ 23B is said to use natural ingredients from the Kantong Semar (Nepenthes Linn.).

Kantong Semar (Nepenthes Linn.)

Kantong Semar (Nepenthes Linn.) is a carnivorous plant that catches and digests insects. This plant is characterized by a tube-shaped pouch or trap located at the tip of its leaves. A reason for the zombies becoming numb when it rains and catching the falling raindrops.

The ending of the film implies that there will be a second sequel to the film, which would certainly be more rational if the location setting was expanded to at least cover the entirety of Indonesia being affected by the zombie outbreak before heading overseas.

The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) Official Trailer
YouTube video is courtesy of Netflix Indonesia

Plot

The scene opens 5 hours later at a wedding reception at the village head's house. Rahman (Ardit Erwandha), who was still in full police uniform, chased after Ningsih (Rr. Claresta Taufan Kusumarina), who half ran and rushed to the kitchen, leaving him behind upon seeing him. Ningsih questioned Rahman's determination about when he would propose to her while washing the dishes. Behind Ningsih, Rahman took out his ring to propose to her in the kitchen. However, Rahman canceled his proposal when his commander called and asked him to return to the police station.

Shortly after Rahman left the wedding reception at the village head's house, a car passed by on the road where the wedding tent had been set up and knocked over the guest chairs. The car stopped after hitting a pickup truck carrying a sound system for the wedding reception. Many guests fell due to the speed of the car. The village head (Stephanus Tjiproet) then ran to the stopped car and knocked on the window. When the car door was opened, inside, Aris (Kiki Narenda), the Sadimin (Donny Damara) family driver, who had begun to transform into a monster, quickly pounced on the village head, knocked him down, and bit him on the edge of the rice field.

5 Hours Earlier

Wani Waras = Dare to be healthy

At Pabrik Jamu Wani Waras, the herbal medicine scientist is asking his crew to deliver the two samples of the new product of herbal medicine that they call Abadi Nan Jaya (Eternity Glorious), which have not been tested by the Indonesian BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control). One for the owner, Sadimin, and the other for his business partner in Jakarta, Grace (Karina Suwandhi).

Receiving the sample from the factory, Sadimin drinks it without hesitation. Returning from the bathroom after taking a shower, he is surprised that he no longer needs glasses and his gray hair has also turned black again. His wrinkled, aged skin is no longer visible. His wife, Karina (Eva Celia Latjuba), noticed the change in her husband's looks and then asked Sadimin. Thanks to this new formula of Jamu Abadi Nan Jaya. It makes me young again, said Sadimin.

Best Friend as Mother-in-Law

Kenes, Karina & Bambang (From left to right)

That morning, Kenes (Mikha Tambayong), with her husband Rudi (Dimas Anggara) and their only child Raihan (Varen Arianda Calief), is visiting Sadimin's residence from Jakarta by car. Kenes is Sadimin's youngest daughter, who is also his wife, Karina's best friend from high school. While Bambang (Marthino Lio), Sadimin's elder son, is a toy collector and an online gamer that never left his father's house. Kenes's and Karina's relationship was broken after Karina married Sadimin shortly after Kenes's mother passed away.

Kenes and Rudi's visit to Sadimin's house was to finalize the sale of the factory, which Sadimin had previously mentioned. Sadimin's plans to retire from managing the factory and the lack of sales were the primary reasons for the sale. Meanwhile, Bambang, Kenes, and Rudi had other plans for the money that they would receive from the factory sale's deal. Bambang wants to buy a new car. Kenes and Rudi are getting a divorce, and Kenes will use the money to start a new business. But all of their plans go away after Sadimin states that he refuses to sell the factory. Both Sadimin's children questioned him angrily. "It's all because of this new formula of Jamu Abadi Nan Jaya that will make the factory great again, said Sadimin.

The First Bite Zombie

Sadimin turns into a zombie.

Sadimin is stressed after having an intense debate with both of his children and his son-in-law. He feels an itch on his skin and suddenly gets a seizure. All of them are in a panic after noticing that Sadimin is no longer breathing.

Raihan screams for his mother when he first sees his grandfather turn into a monster. Pardi (Hingka Moedra), the family servant, is surprised to see his master suddenly change, who then jumps on him and bites him. Aris's effort to rescue Pardi is in vain when Sadimin suddenly jumps on him. Lying on the floor, Sadimin, on top of Aris's body, tries to bite him but vomits blood instead all over Aris's face.

Bambang comes to rescue Aris but ends up in the same position as Aris. Having his new toy in his hand, Bambang shoots his father's head with a plastic arrow. Rudi then asks Aris to drive to the nearest precinct to report the incident in their house. Meanwhile, the other family servant treats the injured Pardi in the kitchen.

Assault on Precinct Wanirejo

Assault on Precinct Wanirejo.

After the wedding incident, which made more infected zombie crowds, which was transmitted by Aris. The crowds occupy the Precinct Wanirejo until late at night, after the help from the Sleman Police Resort has also been attacked by the crowds on the way to the precinct.

On that same night, Rahman finally manages to propose to Ningsih by putting the ring on Ningsih's finger while surrounded by zombie crowds who bite both of them. Bambang sacrifices himself to save Kenes, Karina, and Raihan by blowing up the whole precinct.

Kenes takes a bullet through her head.

On the way escaping the remaining zombie crowds, Kenes notices that her hand has also been bitten. She then asked Karina to take care of her only son. Kenes takes a bullet through her head when her face is starting to show the zombie transformation.

Karina and Raihan in the distance followed by Pardi, the 1st bite zombie, leaving Wanirejo village.

In the morning, Karina and Raihan manage to leave the village using Rahman's motorbike, followed by Pardi walking behind them. Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Grace, Sadimin's business partner, tries to call Sadimin shortly after drinking the sample ANJ 23B from the factory. The film ended with a blurry image showing Grace's youth transformation after leaving the bathroom.

The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya)

Update: November 2, 2025.

Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra (a film by Hanung Bramantyo)

Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra

A film by Hanung Bramantyo that tells about Gowok, a profession for women aged 20 to 40 years who are hired by a family to teach their adult son, who is soon going to be married, how to treat his wife well, maintain household harmony, and prepare the man to become a quality husband in sexual aspects. As a gowok, they are usually unmarried and adopt a young girl as their student who will one day succeed them and inherit their knowledge. Gowok, called "Nyai", or "Madam", are highly respected by the local residents, similar to a traditional witch doctor or shaman who usually assists in childbirth in the community.

The Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra film participated in the Big Screen Competition for the 2025 Rotterdam International Film Festival. The film is based on a 2014 Kamasutra novel, "Nyai Gowok", by Budi Sardjono. Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra is set in an unknown village in Bumirejo, Central Java, with a 4-year period between the years of 1933, 1950, 1965, and 1985. The film was actually shot in Gamplong village, Sleman, Yogyakarta, which is more than 100 km away from Bumirejo.

The term "Gowok" is said to have originated from the name of a Chinese woman, Goo Wok Niang, who came to Java along with Admiral Cheng Ho's expedition fleets in the 15th century. The Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra film mostly used the Javanese language with the Tegal dialect, or Ngapak language, which I am also not familiar with.

Gowok as illustrated in the 2014 novel "Nyai Gowok" by Budi Sardjono.

Gowok - Official Trailer (Uncut Version 21+)
YouTube video is courtesy of MVP Pictures ID

Plot

A woman was running while carrying a baby and fell when a knife stabbed her in the back. She told Nyai Santi (Lola Amaria), a well-known Gowok in the village, to look after her baby named Ratri. Seventeen years later, young Ratri (Alika Jantinia) transforms into a gorgeous girl. As Nyai Santi's apprentices, along with Liyan (Aldy Bisl), a gay man who loves to dress as a woman, they both serve their master with their whole lives.

Young Ratri (Alika Jantinia).

When a noble family arrives at Nyai Santi's mansion asking for their son, young Jaya (Devano Danendra), to be "gowok" by Nyai Santi, both Ratri and Jaya fall in love at first sight. Jaya gives a promise to Ratri that he will marry her after graduating from his school in Semarang. Both of them then exchange letters after Jaya finishes the "gowok ritual".

However, Nyai Santi has another plan to separate both of them and is convinced that Jaya will never keep his promise to Ratri. Ratri's heart is broken after learning that Jaya is soon to be married to the daughter of the Sultan of Surakarta (Slamet Rahardjo Djarot) and will earn the title of Regent of Bumiarjo. Twenty-five years later, the adult Ratri (Raihaanun) finally succeeded Nyai Santi, inherited all her knowledge, and became a famous gowok in the district.

A surprise visit came from the Sultan of Surakarta to Nyai Santi's mansion, asking her to "gowok" his grandchildren, Bagas (Ali Fikry). But since Nyai Santi is already retired and succeeded by Ratri, who is now called Nyai Ratri, she will be the one to "gowok" Bagas. Without both Nyai Santi and Nyai Ratri knowing, adult Jaya (Reza Rahadian) enters the room and claims to be Bagas's father.

Bagas is unaware of his father's past relationship with Ratri, who successfully made him fall in love, just like his old man. Ratri used this opportunity as a weapon to take revenge for what Jaya did to her in the past.

The Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra film also features the Indonesian history of the 1965, 30 September Movement of PKI, Partai Komunis Indonesia (Indonesian Communist Party). The greatest mass slaughter involved millions of civilians suspected of affiliation with the PKI.

The Indonesian military displayed suspected PKI members and sympathizers, one of whom was Putmainah, a Gerwani figure in Blitar, East Java.
Image is courtesy of BBC Indonesia

My mother once told me about the events of 1965, when she was 9 years old. She and her entire family were forced to leave my grandparents' house in Grabag, Magelang. The village chief warned my late grandfather that his house would be burned down with them inside that night. My late grandfather was a civil service police officer. He was also a target for his suspected affiliation with the PKI.

The film ended with the scene in the year of 1985, 20 years later. A young man with his sister is negotiating with a village's chief to buy Nyai Santi's abandoned mansion, which was left damaged after the 1965 event. The chief also said that the owner of the mansion, Nyai Santi, had died by suicide in the mansion during the event. The young man then asks his sister to call their mom in the car. A woman steps out of the car and is shown as adult Ratri, who wants to buy the mansion to build a school for women.

Why You Should Not Have To Shave Your Newborn Baby's Hair Until Bald

Baby's Hair Cut Ceremony.
Photo credit: ummu uswah.

In Javanese culture, shaving a newborn baby's hair until bald, after the age of 35 days, is a common thing. Back then, I was experienced the same thing as in Javanese culture, had my hair shaved until bald by my late grandmother.

But, I was not doing it to both of my children. My first daughter had a thick and black hair when she was born. It seemed a little bit weird, if I had to shave her hair until bald. Unlike me when I was a baby, I only cut a little bit of my children's hair after they aged 35 days.

The Javanese Culture of Selapanan

The Javanese ritual of cutting newborn baby's hair aged 35 days, or called as selapan age, exactly at the baby's Javanese weton day of birth. For example: If a baby was born in Sabtu Legi, June 1, 2013. Then the baby's selapanan ceremony will be held in Sabtu Legi, July 6, 2013.

The second Javanese ritual is for a baby aged seven lapan, or 245 days is called tedak sinten, which means to get down in the ground ceremony. Based on the book of Primbon Betaljemur Adammakna by Kanjeng Pangeran Harya Tjakraningrat, the ritual ceremony may not only be held when the baby is at the age of 245 days, but also at the age of 70 days, 105 days, 140 days, 175 days and 210 days. The book is also not mentioned that the newborn baby's hair should be shaved until bald.

The Moslem Tradition of Akika

90% of Indonesian people are moslem, and shaving a newborn baby's hair until bald is a must thing to do, while performing aqiqah, or akika, within seven days after birth, according to the hadith of Ashabussunah (HR: Imam Ahmad, Ashhabus Sunan, and At Tirmidzi).

Is it true that shaving a newborn baby's hair until bald, will make the hair grows thicker?

Indonesian people, especially the Javanese believed that shaving a newborn baby's hair until bald, will make the hair grows thicker. Just like when grasses or leaves are cut, to grow them faster.

The fact, hair is different from grasses or leaves. Hair grows from the follicle beneath the surface of the scalp. The hair growth rates are different in every people. The genetics play a key role in the hair growth. The average rate is about one and a half inch per month. So, whatever we do to the hair on the outside, will have no effects on the hair that is growing in the follicle. Both my children's hair from they were born with, had lost all them, a little by litle, until the age of a year old.

Fontanel, The Door of The Soul

If the eyes are the window of soul, the Javanese people believed that human's ubun-ubun, or fontanel, the crown of the head, is the door of the soul. When a man die, his soul is came out from his fontanel to be taken by the death angel. And so is when a three months fetus in the uterus is given a life by The Lord through its fontanel.

Based on my children's experience, both of them were more immune to diseases, and only sufferred from a light cough, cold or fever, that should not have to stay in the hospital to receive intensive medication. I believed that their immunity had to do with their fontanel, in which was still covered with their hair.

My second son had a thin fontanel in his bald hair since birth. Until he was at the age of four months, his fontanel was still softer than his elder sister when she was at the same age. Because it, I grew my son hair until he was at the age of three years old, and only cut it once when he aged selapan, or 35 days old. Back then, everybody always thought that my son was a pretty girl, due to his long thin hair.

Why do I say that fontanel is the door of the soul? Have you ever been with a person who is at the end of his life? Did you notice the temperature of the his body? The cold of his body rise up from the feet to the head?

So, the Javanese ritual was different from the Moslem tradition, in doing the shaving of a newborn baby's hair. Nowadays, most Indonesian people are combined both ritual, not just in seven days, but after the baby aged 35 days old, whether it will be until the hair is bald, or just a little bit.

The Curse of Mpu Gandring

The Permission

After hearing Dang Hyang Lohgawe explaination, Ken Angrok then asked his father, Father Dang Hyang, I will kill the akuwu and claimed his wife. The akuwu will surely die by my hand if Father permits me.

Dang Hyang Lohgawe answered, Yes, Tunggul Ametung will surely die by your hand, my son. But, I am not appropriate on giving you the permission. Because it is not a brahmanian's act. The limit is your own will.

If so Father, may I have your permission to leave?, said Ken Angrok. The brahmanian answered, Where will you go, my son?

Ken Angrok answered, I will go to Karuman. There is a gambler named Bango Samparan who claimed me as his son. He really loved me. I will ask his consideration. Perhaps, he would agree. Dang Hyang Lohgawe then permitted Ken Angrok went to meet with his father.

In Karuman, Bango Samparan embraced Ken Angrok, because Ken Angrok never visited him for years. Ken Angrok told Bango Samparan about the nareswari of Ken Dedes, and his wish to marry Ken Dedes, after assassinating her husband, the akuwu of Tumapel, Tunggul Ametung.

The Kris of Mpu Gandring

Hearing the wish of his beloved son, Bango Samparan then said to Ken Angrok, I give you my permission, my son. But Angrok, the akuwu has a supernatural power. He would not get injured if you stab him with a normal kris.

I have a friend in Lulumbang, a famous blacksmith. His name is Mpu Gandring. His hand made kris is superb. There are no people with supernatural power who doubt the kris of Mpu Gandring.

I should go to Lulumbang then. Bless me Father!, said Ken Angrok.

In Lulumbang, Ken Angrok found Mpu Gandring was working in his smithy. He asked Mpu Gandring to make him a kris, in which should be finished within five months. Generally, to make a perfect kris, Mpu Gandring needed at least a year to finish it.

Because of Ken Angrok hesitation, Mpu Gandring finally agreed to finish it within five months.

The Curse of Mpu Gandring

Ken Angrok went home to Tumapel and met Dang Hyang Lohgawe. What took you so long in Karuman?, said Dang Hyang Lohgawe. I was stopping by to Lulumbang, Father, answered Ken Angrok.

Five months have passed, Ken Angrok remembered the deal he made with Mpu Gandring. He then went to Lulumbang to meet Mpu Gandring. Ken Angrok saw Mpu Gandring was still working with the kris that he was ordered.

Knowing that his kris was still being sharpened by Mpu Gandring, Ken Angrok became mad, grabbed the kris and suddenly stabbed Mpu Gandring. Ken Angrok put the kris on the stone basket, then the basket cracked into two pieces. He put the kris on the metal table, the table cracked into two pieces.

In dying, Mpu Gandring cast a spell on Ken Angrok, Hei Angrok! Soon, you will also die by the kris. Your son and grandson will also die by the kris. Seven kings will die by the kris. Ken Angrok felt sad after killing Mpu Gandring. If I become a king, may my glory also be the glory for all blacksmith's descendants in Lulumbang, prayed Ken Angrok in front of Mpu Gandring's dead body.

The Assassination of Tunggul Ametung

Arriving to Tumapel, Ken Angrok met with Kebo Ijo, another Tunggul Ametung's trusted servant. Ken Angrok and Kebo Ijo are a close friend. Kebo Ijo saw Ken Angrok carried an unfinished kris. He then asked Ken Angrok to lend him his new blunt kris.

Ken Angrok gave the kris to Kebo Ijo. The kris was always used by Kebo Ijo, because he loved to wear it on his waist. No one in Tumapel never saw Kebo Ijo left home without his new kris.

That night, Ken Angrok stole the kris from Kebo Ijo. By the will of the gods, Ken Angrok easily sneaked into the akuwu's bedroom and managed to assassinate Tunggul Ametung. Ken Angrok stabbed Tunggul Ametung and left the akuwu's dead body with the kris on his heart.

Early in the morning, the akuwu's guard found his master died with the kris stabbed on his heart. They looked at the kris and knew that it was Kebo Ijo's new kris. Kebo Ijo was then captured and stabbed also with the kris of Mpu Gandring by the guard. Kebo Ijo died.

The Singasari

The gods had already wished that Ken Angrok will become Ken Dedes soul mate. Infact both of them were felt in love to each other for so long. Everybody in Tumapel had no dare to talk about the affair between Ken Angrok and Ken Dedes.

Finally Ken Angrok married Ken Dedes, after the birth of Tunggul Ametung's son named Anusapati. From the marriage with Ken Angrok, Ken Dedes had given him four children. Three sons, Mahisa Wongateleng, Panji Saprang, and Agnibaya. The last child, a daughter named Dewi Rimba.

Ken Angrok was also had another wife named Ken Umang who had given him also four children. Three sons, Panji Tohjaya, Panji Sudatu, and Twan Wregola. The last child was also a daughter named Dewi Rambi.

Ken Angrok was no longer became the akuwu of Tumapel anymore since the county had rebelled to the kingdom of Daha. The people of Tumapel had risen Ken Angrok as the new King, in which the new kingdom's name of Tumapel was changed into Singasari

Ken Angrok became the first king of Singasari with the title of Sri Rajasa Batara Sang Amurwabumi. Ken Angrok finally defeated the kingdom of Daha and became the king of all the land in Java in 1144 Saka (1222 AD).

The Death of Ken Angrok

After Anusapati, Ken Angrok step-son, was grown up, he realized that he had many differences with his father. Anusapati asked to his mother, Ken Dedes, about it. Ken Dedes then explained all to Anusapati, including the death of his real father, Tunggul Ametung, by the kris of Mpu Gandring.

Anusapati asked his mother permission to give him the kris of Mpu Gandring. Ken Dedes then handed over the kris to Anusapati. In his room, Anusapati planned the assassination of the Amurwabumi with his loyal servant, a man from Batil. Anusapati gave his servant the kris of Mpu Gandring to assassinate the Amurwabumi.

In the palace, Ken Angrok, the Amurwabumi, was having a dinner when the man from Batil arrived, and stabbed him with the kris of Mpu Gandring. The man was managed to escape to see his master, Anusapati with the news of successful assassination.

The man from Batil handed the bloody kris of Mpu Gandring to Anusapati. Without any hesitation, Anusapati then killed his servant with the bloody kris.

Ken Angrok, the Sri Rajasa Batara Sang Amurwabumi died in 1168 Saka (1247 AD). The people of Singasari built a temple in Kagenengan to honour Ken Angrok.

The Ended of Mpu Gandring's Curse

The last used of the kris of Mpu Gandring was for the assassination of Anusapati by his step-brother Panji Tohjaya after becoming the second king of Singasari. Anusapati crowned as the king of Singasari in 1170 Saka (1249 AD). Anusapati died in Panji Tohjaya's hand, also stabbed using the kris of Mpu Gandring in 1171 Saka (1250 AD). It was the last seen and written about the use of the kris of Mpu Gandring.

The curse of Mpu Gandring on Ken Angrok's descendants ended after the assassination of Anusapati by his step-brother Panji Tohjaya. Because Panji Tohjaya died by a spear in the anarchy in Lumbangkatang in 1172 Saka (1251 AD).

So, the kris of Mpu Gandring only killed Mpu Gandring himself, Tunggul Ametung, Kebo Ijo, Ken Angrok, Anusapati's servant (a man from Batil), and Anusapati himself.

The Legend of Ken Angrok Chapter 2

Sources:

The Legend of Ken Angrok

The Unwanted Son

Brahmā, the Hindu god of creation, was looking for the one who deserved to be his maid. He saw a new married couple, Gajahpara and his wife Ken Endok. Both of them worked as farmer for living.

Brahmā went down to meet Ken Endok and made a deal with her. From now on, you should not sleep with your husband anymore. If you do it, then your husband will die. And my son is mixed with him. What you should know, my son's name is Ken Angrok. Soon, he will become the ruler of the land of Java. Brahmā then disappeared after delivering the message.

Shortly after, Ken Endok asked Gajahpara to divorce her, because she was afraid of the Sang Hyang's message. Ken Endok went home to Pangkur in the North, after Gajahpara agreed to divorce her. A week later, Gajahpara died.

When the time came for the delivery, Ken Endok bore a baby boy, then put him in the children's cemetery.

The Gambler

A thief named Lembong saw a shiny thing in the children's cemetery. He also heard a baby's cry. After Lembong came closer, clear for him, the shiny thing was a baby who just cried. He took the baby and brought home. He claimed the baby as his own son.

Later Ken Endok knew that her baby was adopted by Lembong. Ken Endok told Lembong that the baby is her son, his name is Ken Angrok, son of the god Brahmā.

Young Ken Angrok became in love of gambling which made Ken Endok's and Lembong's treasures ran out.

Ken Angrok left Lembong's house to go for a journey. He met with Bango Samparan, a casino owner, who took Ken Angrok as his son. Bango Samparan was defeated in gambling by other casino owner in Karuman, and had many debts.

Before meeting with Ken Angrok, Bango Samparan heard a sound from the sky told him, that Ken Angrok was the one who will save him from all his debts. Bango Samparan then took Ken Angrok to play with the casino owner and brought winning to Bango Samparan.

The Rebel

He left Bango Samparan's house because of bad relationship he had with other Bango Samparan's children. He went to Kapundungan and met with Tita, son of the chief of Sagenggeng village. The meeting with Tita had made them became most wanted rebel in the land of Kadiri.

After Ken Angrok and Tita gained enough knowledges from a well known teacher in Kapundungan for few months, they started their journey together. They built small house in Sanja, in the East of Sagenggeng, and robbed every people who passed by.

The duet of Ken Angrok and Tita became a threat for the akuwu (Sherrif) of Tumapel, Tunggul Ametung. The akuwu then gave the order to capture Ken Angrok dead or alive.

The Vishnu Incarnation

In his run, Ken Angrok was given a message by Brahmā to meet with a brahmanian named Dang Hyang Lohgawe who just came from Jambudwipa (India) in Taloka.

Mean while, Dang Hyang Lohgawe also received a message from Brahmā to look for a boy, Vishnu incarnate in Java. The boy's name is Ken Angrok, who had chakra in his right line palm and shankha in his left line palm.

In Taloka, Dang Hyang Lohgawe met with Ken Angrok in a casino. He embraced Ken Angrok and claimed him as a son. Dang Hyang Lohgawe then brought Ken Angrok to serve the akuwu of Tunggul Ametung in Tumapel.

The Nareswari of Ken Dedes

Ken Dedes, daughter of Mpu Purwa, a Buddhist priest of Panawijen. Ken Dedes was widely known as the most beautiful woman ever lived in the land of Java. Tunggul Ametung heard about it and wanted to make her to be his wife.

By the time Mpu Purwa left the house for private meditation, Tunggul Ametung kidnapped her beautiful daughter. Tunggul Ametung brought Ken Dedes to Tumapel to make her to be his wife.

When Ken Dedes was pregnant, she asked Tunggul Ametung to take her to Boboji park. Tunggul Ametung then took Ken Dedes to Boboji park accompanied by Ken Angrok as his guard.

Arriving at the park, Ken Dedes stepped down from the horse cart, revealing her calf, and moreover, showing her most secret which looked shiny to Ken Angrok.

Saw the most secret thing from a beautiful lady, in which it shone, had made Ken Angrok felt in love with Ken Dedes. Ken Angrok then told to Dang Hyang Lohgawe about what happened.

What you just saw is called nareswari. Ken Dedes is the nareswari, the main woman. Even for a sinner, if he able to make her to be his wife, he will become great king, said Dang Hyang Lohgawe.

Continue reading....

Semar Philosophy: The Javanese True Ways of Life Quotes

Painting of Semar on a Javanese wayang kulit

Javanese poets in their literary works had been described that Semar was not just an ordinary commoner, but Semar was known as Batara Ismaya, the brother of Batara Guru, the king of the gods. Although on Javanese traditional Wayang Kulit performance, Semar often played the role as a servant with his 3 sons, Gareng, Petruk and Bagong.

Punokawan (clown), from left to right: Semar, Gareng, Petruk and Bagong

Kris (Kris = Keris = Cross, traditional Javanese sword) of Semar Mesem, a really small kris, not bigger than an adult palm of hand, and easily be put into your pocket, was often believed by lots of Javanese people used to gain loves and respects from others (by adding with some spells and rituals). So, that others will kneel before him, or to be fear of. But, Kris of Semar Mesem was not an ordinary kris. Only paranormals or a person who received premonition can get the kris. In other words, it was a magic kris, but also real (I've seen it by myself).

Kris of Semar Mesem

Sorry! That was out of topic. OK then! Some Javanese people had already known that Semar was our guide to understand the meaning of the true lifes itself. Some ancient Javanese quotes was known labelled under the pictures or paintings of Semar who always breast naked, and only wears Batik sheet with Parang Kusumorojo pattern. Below are some of the Javanese true ways of life quotes, that was believed Semar had been said to his 3 sons, and often performed on Wayang Kulit, from generations through generations.

Sugih tanpa bandha, digdaya tanpa aji. Nglurug tanpa bala, menang tanpa ngasorake

Meaning:
Being rich eventhough didn't own any properties, being the mighty withouth any magic spells. Fighting alone without the necessity to bring masses, and gain winning without humiliating, or degrade the defeated.

Datan serik lamun ketaman, datan susah lamun kelangan

Meaning:
Do not easily get an heartache or even trying to hurt yourself when you feel sorrow. Sorrow for a day is enough for a day, because tomorrow has it own sorrow. Do not feel sad (drown into sadness) when you lost something.

Sepi ing pamrih, rame ing gawe. Banter tan mbancangi, dhuwur tan ngungkuli

Meaning:
Working hard together without expecting on any tendencies as in return. Be quick without precede, heighten without exceeding.

Aja gumunan, aja getunan. Aja kagetan, aja aleman

Meaning:
Do not easily be surprised, do not easily regret. Do not get easily surprised by surprise, do not be a spoiled person.

Aja ketungkul marang kalungguhan, kadonyan lan kemareman

Meaning:
Do not be obsessed or trapped by the desire to gain status, material things and worldly satisfaction.

Aja kuminter, mundak keblinger. Aja cidra, mundak cilaka. Sing was - was tiwas

Meaning:
Do not feel that you are the most intelligent,so that you might lose your way of life. Do not like to cheat on other, so that other will not harm you. Anyone who hesitated are lost or lose.

Aja milik barang kang melok, aja mangro mundak kendo

Meaning:
Do not be tempted by things that look fancy, beautiful, or luxury. Do not be ambiguous, so that you don't loosen your intentions and courages.

Aja adigang, adigung, adiguna

Meaning:
Do not be arrogant of being the only one of such powerful, bigger, or useful person.

Sing sabar lan ngalah dadi kekasihe Gusti Pangeran

Meaning:
Anyone who patient and yield towards other will become the lover of the Lord.

Sing prihatin bakal mimpin

Meaning:
Anyone who would live in sorrowful life, will lead.

Sing resik uripe bakal mulya

Meaning:
Anyone who would live a clean life will live happiness.

Urip iku urup

Meaning:
Life is a flame. Your life should benefit towards others. No matter how small our contributions, we shouldn't be a useless person in our society.

Sura dira jayaningrat, lebur dening pangastuti

Meaning:
All the hatred properties of hard-hearted, narrow-minded, and insolence, could only be defeated by wise manner, soft-hearted and patience.

Memayu hayuning bawana, ambrasta dur hangkara

Meaning:

All people live in this world should pursue peacefulness, happiness, prosperity, and fight against the nature of insolence, and greed.

Jer basuki mawa beya

Meaning:
No pain no gain. Successful can only be obtained by sacrifice. It also become the motto of my born city of Surabaya.

Ajining dhiri dumunung ing kedhaling lathi. Ajining sarira dumunung ing busana

Meaning:

The value of a person lies on his tongue movement, in other words, your mouth is your tiger. Others will judge you from what you are wearing, or you might say, the book is judged by its cover.

Sepiro duwurmu ngudi kawruh, sepiro jeromu ngilmu, mburine mung arep ketemu marang sejatine awake dewe

Meaning:
How high you are hanging your hopes? How deep are the knowledges that you seek? When in the end, it just a desire to know who you really are.

And for anyone who had managed to meet with his 4 soul brothers, kakang kawah, adi ari - ari, sedulur papat, kelima pancer, means that, your elder brother of the amniotic fluid, your younger brother of the placenta, four brothers and the five (you) as the center, means that he has found his true teacher/master.

I had already met them, their faces are just like me. My 4 soul brothers sometimes helped me when I needed them.

How did I call them?

I used this spell, kakang kawah, adi ari - ari, sedulur papat, kelima pancer added with my wishes, such as rewangono aku nyambut gawe, means, help me with my work, or tambanono laraku, means, heal my wounds. It really works on me.

Sorry, but this spell, kakang kawah, adi ari - ari, sedulur papat, kelima pancer, was wrong. According to my new friend that I just met recently, in that spell, I only mentioned 2 out of my 4 brothers. My elder and my younger brother. So, who was the other two? My new friend said that it was getih (blood) and puser (belly button), my second and third brother. So, the spell should be cast as, kakang kawah, adi ari - ari, getih lan puser, sedulurku papat, kelima pancer.

But, before we are going to cast the spell, we should also mention our Dear Lord of God. Any God or Goddess in your believes or faith. It's kind of permission for your 4 soul brothers to be able to be seen by you, in their original color of their aura. Kawah (the amniotic fluid) is white, getih (blood) is red, puser (belly button) is black and the last ari - ari (placenta) is blue. Their 4 aura colors is as the same as the color of their clothes they are wearing. That was what my new friend was experiencing.

In my own experience, I met my 4 soul brothers only by shadows of 4 colors, not wearing any clothes or even wanted to talk with me. Not what my new friend was experincing, he could even talked with them with the same voice as his, just like we talk to ourselves.

They are always beside you until you die, kawah (the amniotic fluid) is in front of you, getih (blood) is on your right side, puser (belly button) is behind you, and ari - ari (placenta) is on your left side, added my new friend ending our chat that day.

Last updated July 9, 2023.

How to Get Rid of Being Sleepy

Drowsiness, or being sleepy is the enemy for those who have tight schedules. And when it suddenly attacks, not only you will feel lazy, but also will lead to difficulty on concentrating. Especially in this month, when Europhoria comes to attack on those who like to stay up late at night, watching live football match (just like me). Also for those of you who like to hang out until late at night, whereas in the morning, you have to go to work.

Well, below tips will help you to overcome the drowsiness that often attacking your activity.

Quick Nap

Some people suggested that sleeping less than 30 minutes during the day, can make the body will feel more tired than not taking a nap at all. But according to Barry Krakow, M.D, author of Sound Sleep, Sound Mind: 7 Keys to Sleeping Through the Night, he suggested that you should not take a nap more than once. Take a nap for 5 to 25 minutes, said Barry.

Try to take your rest hour of work for a nap! At least wait for 15 minutes after having your lunch, just like I used to do. Eventhough I'm only slept for about 5 to 15 minutes, I feel more fresh after wake up from a quick nap. How? First, I had to give a suggestion on myself, by casting this Javanese spell Saking kersaning Gusti Allah, niat ingsun turu limang menit, rasane kaya limang jam, which translate as Wishing to the almighty God, willing to sleep for five minutes, feels like five hours. It was surely worked on me. One thing you should remember when you are using this spell, is that not to raise, or change the number 5 with 8 or 10. I've done it, and it makes me feel more lazy, because it is like you just wake up from 8 or 10 hour of sleeping.

Drink

When drowsiness suddenly attacks you, it means that your body is dehydrated. You must have a drink. It will be better if you drink water than coffee. Though drinking coffee might be the best sollution to stay awake, due to the active compounds in coffee can increase the body's energy metabolism.

But If you're drinking too much coffee to make you stay awake. You will get tremors, have sleeping problems and often getting insomnia, feeling stressed and uncomfortable. On the other hand, drinking water may also help your body stay awake, due to your blood will fill with lots of oxygen that you get from water. Too much drinking water like I did, help me stay awake, by going to the toilet for every half an hour.

Keep Your Mouth Busy

When you chewing on something, whether it's a bubble gum, candy, or a snack, indirectly will strengthen your muscles and stimulate your body, so that you don't feel sleepy. Talking with your friend while still focussing on your job, might distract the drowsiness that is attacking you.

Energy Saving

Make your body comfortable while you are working. Whether you are working by sitting or standing, your body posture is determined. Poor posture will tire your muscles, ligaments, and joints. You have to work harder than when the body is straight as appropriate. Your body will feel more tired, due to the blood and oxygen, that flows to your brain, are reducing to 30%.

Time Management

Working on a shift work, makes your body unable to distinguish whether it's a day or night. So, you must manage your daily schedule. What time do you have to sleep, eat or doing any routine activity. Try to stay on your schedule! For example:

Shift 1 (8 am to 4 pm)
Work hour from 8 to 4 is the basic hour of daily work. You may wake up at 5 am, breakfast at 6.30 am, lunch at 12 am, dinner at 7 pm, and night sleep starts at 9 pm. Your sleeping time must at least 8 hour a day.

Shift 2 (4 pm to 12 pm)
You should try to stay breakfast at 6.30 am and having lunch at 12 am. You may have your dinner while on the rest hour of work at 7 pm. You can manage your sleeping time between 2 am to 5 am, 8 am to 12 am, and 1 pm to 2 pm. It's really difficult to manage sleeping time on the 2nd shift, because mostly it is your hours of being awake, and gathering with your family.

Shift 3 (12 pm to 8 am)
This shift work is the hardest one, because many work accidents happened on the night shift. Where people are generally using the hour of working to get a night sleep. Try to not to eat at your rest hour of work at 3 am. Use it to get a nap for an hour.

Your breakfast time may disrupted by the night shift work, because you might get home at 9 to 10 am. If you are having late breakfast, then you might also miss your lunch, but you must keep on dinner at 7 pm. The hours of having at home are plenty, especially when you have a day off after the night shift. So, use your time wisely!

Just like a battery, your sleeping time is like a battery's charging time. When a battery is overcharged, it will damage the battery's cells and lower its lifetime. But in human body is different, a baby spent its day by sleeping to grow. After getting older, the sleeping time may have decreased.

When you are sleeping, your body also activated the process of absorbing food nutrients. That's why your eating time schedule will also determine, how valuable is your sleeping time. So, avoid of eating on a different time everyday!

And when you are spending on a straight 10 to 12 hours of sleeping, you may wake up with more tired body, feel lazy to do anything. It's just like an overcharged battery. One thing you should keep in mind is that, your body is not a machine, in which you can turn it on constantly.

Sound Sleep, Sound Mind: 7 Keys to Sleeping Through the Night by Barry Krakow, M.D.

Dream or Hallucination?

Have you been experienced a condition where your soul leaves your body? A real dream and not Déjà vu. The Javanese paranormal called it ajian ragasukma, or the act of body and soul. Although it was really dangerous things to do, but I have done it for several times. I'm not mastered on that such Javanese's paranormal expertise, due to I did it only for some purposes.

Do I have a 6th sense? Yes I do. Some people can master their 6th sense by studying, just like a magician, especially an illusionist. But you need an expert to guide you, if not, it will turn your mind to be unstable, or I may say crazy.

The 1st time I did this ajian ragasukma, was when I worked in Jakarta. My mom back home in Sidoarjo was having diarrhea for two days, and didn't get better after taking several medication. That night I talked with my mom by phone, I asked my mom to put a glass of warm water on the dining table. Shortly after, I place a glass of water in front of me. I sat on the floor and begun to meditate, closed my eyes and placed my right palm covered the glass. I imagined myself that I had already arrived at my home, and went to dining table and done exactly the same thing as I did with the glass in front of me. Cast a spell on the glass with a pray for God to give healing for my mom's illness.

Minutes later when I woke from my meditation, I felt that my body had already covered in sweat. Then I took my phone and told my mom to start drinking the water. In the next morning I called my mom by phone to ask what was she felt. She told me that it was getting better. I was not actually believed it for the 1st time, that what I'd done was really healed my mom. Perhaps it's God's will that healed my mom.

But what was happened with my 2nd experienced opened my eyes. I visited my cousin who just had a motorcycle accident, in his bedroom, in Magelang, Central Java, while I was actually in Sidoarjo, East Java. My cousin told me that he saw my arrival in his room, in the night after he got that accident, by phone couple days later. I was doing the visit in my bed just before I went to sleep.

Was it just my dream, or hallucination?

But then again back in 2004, when I was still in dating with my wife, we both were promised to meet again in dream after we have a dinner that night. What happened then was just really surprised me. The next day we both met, we were telling the same dream that we both had last night. What have I done? Before went to bed, I'm only pray to God, that if the Lord permits us, we will meet each other in our dreams.

So, what exactly a dream is?

Dreams, a series of images, thoughts, or emotions occuring in the mind during sleep, or daydreaming. In many primitive societies the dream state is considered a sojourn of the soul outside the body during sleep.

Fantasy and dreams may be considered irrational symbolic ways of dealing with reality, comparable to the use of myth and legend by societies. According to Sigmund Freud's book The Interpretation of Dreams, published in 1900, the confused, illogical, and contradictory features of the dream represent the attempt of a cencoring mechanism, to disguise and symbolize the unconscious contents, thus allowing sleep to continue.

Without this censoring mechanism, controversial thoughts and ideas might wake the dreamer, since direct confrontation with unconscious material can't normally be tolerated, and must be suppressed in the waking state. The loss of contact with reality, as experienced in the dream, resembles that occurring in psychosis, but the sane person realizes that he is dreaming, whereas the insane accepts his hallucinations as real.

You can plan your future, but you can not plan your dream before you went to bed

I never get used to remember the dream I had, after I woke up from my sleep, due to I'm a forgetful person. I had broke my own motto above, cause I can plan my own dream. A dream, in which me and my former girlfriend (my wife) had already planned before. Be careful with your dream! Cause it might be come true. Never stop dreaming! Cause nothing is impossible, if it's the will of God.

Click here to read the book on Amazon.com.

The term dream above is taken from Encyclopedia International by Aristide Henri Esser, M.D., Rockland State Hospital, Orangesburg, New York.
Image is courtesy of toonpool.com.

The Curse of Bandung Bandawasa

Do you believe that this statue of Durga was not made by any human beings? Was it really Rara Jonggrang who turned to stone?

Javanese people really believe in mystical legend that have been told by generations over generations for century. In this case, the legend about The Temple of Thousands (Sewu temple, or Prambanan temple), in which connected with the curse upon Rara Jonggrang. I'm not telling you the story here, because you may find the whole legend of Rara Jonggrang in wikipedia, here.

Rara Jonggrang AI version

I do believe. It was really Rara Jonggrang who was cursed in turning to stone by the mighty Prince Bandung Bandawasa, a Prince who has powerful supernatural power. You should try to see and touch the statue for yourself! I have already done it, and I believed it.

The Sewu temple, also known as Prambanan temple, or Rara Jonggrang temple is located in the village of Prambanan, which its territory is divided between the district of Sleman and Klaten. I used to make fun of this two districts by saying them with an english spelling, the district of Slaymen and Clayton.

Km.16 Yogya-Solo St., Prambanan, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Just remember one thing! Do not ever visit the Prambanan temple with your love-mate! Even if you have already engaged with your partner, the another curse of Bandung Bandawasa may affect on you and your partner. Your engagement will be broken shortly after you leave the temple. If you eventually manage to get married, your marriage will not last long.

You must be a marriage couple or alone to be able to see the statue without having a curse spells on you! You may have believed it or not, it's all yours to decide. Because Prince Bandung Bandawasa also cursed all girls who lived around Prambanan, that they would not be married with a man who also lived around Prambanan.

The girls will be getting marry with a man who born and lived outside Prambanan. If a couple, both from Prambanan were managed to get married, their marriage will not last long. There will be a divorced, or creating an unhappy living family. Such a horrible curse for the girls who helped Rara Jonggrang, cheated on her impossible requests to Prince Bandung Bandawasa's proposal. A curse which should be carried by generations over generations.

*This post is dedicated to Prambanan's Kartini.

Happy Kartini's Day!!

Update: July 23, 2024

When Jaka Tarub Met Nawang Wulan

Lake Sarangan
Image is courtesy of Bintang Bintung

Back in 2004, when I went to Beny's home town, Magetan, East Java, for the 1st time. After spent a night at Beny's parent house, in the morning, we both went to Lake Sarangan on motor-bike. Lake Sarangan is one of famous tourism in Magetan. Before we reached Lake Sarangan, we passed by Lake Urung, a lake below Lake Sarangan. From that moment I felt something weird, for me, Lake Urung seems to be superstitious.

Some folks myth said that if a young couple that is going to get married, is passing by Lake Urung, their marriage will be cancelled. Because Urung in Javanese language means not yet, or cancel. Anyway, Lake Urung and Lake Sarangan are in the valley of sacred Mt. Lawu, another famous tourism for mount climbing in Magetan.

Mt. Lawu
Image from wikimedia

After we arrived at Lake Sarangan, my first sight is pointed me to the small island in the middle of Lake Sarangan. I sensed a lot of electromagnetic energies laid there. Beny told me that in some night, there were paranormal activities occured in that island, as also on Mt. Lawu National Park, especially on Saka's New Year eve. Many mount climbers are often get lost when climbed to Mt. Lawu for some unexplain reason without an expert guide.

After that, me and Beny took the ride to Cemoro Sewu, the entrance to Mt. Lawu from East Java side. It was a hard ride with motor-bike. I often jump off Beny's bike, due to the road is to high to climb. After arrived at Cemoro Sewu, we both took a coffee break at a small shop.

I don't have guts to enter Mt. Lawu, due to the high of electromagnetic energy I have sensed. Mt. Lawu was believed to be the center of paranormal activities in Java Island, since the Javanese ancestor, especially for His Majesty Sultans of Solo and Jogjakarta.

I don't know exactly why have I started to remember the story about Goddess Nawang Wulan, when I arrived with Beny at Cemoro Sewu. Perhaps due to lots of sacred watershed pool or small lake at Mt. Lawu, 'Sendang Panguripan' or 'Lake of Life' for instance. Couple days ago, I saw a FTV movie adapted from the legend, which was combined with modern culture. It makes me eager to write about the legend.

The Legend of Jaka Tarub & Nawang Wulan

Painting of Jaka Tarub with 7 Goddess
Image from wikimedia

Jaka Tarub is a handsome young man who has supernatural powers. He often went out into the woods to hunt and gain knowledge. When a full moon day in the evening, he entered a forest, from a distance he heard the faint sound of women who were joking.

Curious, Jaka Tarub goes looking for direction toward the voices. Finally he found a beautiful lake in the middle of the woods, along with 7 beautiful naked women were taking a bath and teased each other. While he was hiding, he found those women's scarfs were lying scattered. Then, he stole one of them and hide it.

A moment later, they seem were about to finnish their bathe. 6 of them were wearing their long scarfs, then flew up into the night sky. Jaka Tarub later noticed that these women were the Goddess from Nirvana. But a Goddess was left alone in the lake. Since she has lost her scarfs, she couldn't return to the sky, and then she burst into tears.

If anyone finds my scarf, if a man, I'll make him to be my husband, and if a woman, I'll make her to be my sister, vowed the Goddess. Jaka Tarub then revealed himself and entertained the Goddess. He gave her a piece of cloth to wear, but he still hid her scarf, so that she couldn't fly.

The Goddess then fulfill her vow and is married to Jaka Tarub. Nawang Wulan is the Goddess name. Since married her, Jaka Tarub were wealthy. Large amount of harvest and his granaries are always filled with rice without ever lack. Nawang Wulan's scarf was hidden by Jaka Tarub, in a barn that is always full. They were blessed with a child and live happily.

But after a long married life, Jaka Tarub was curious. Every day, his family always eat rice, but the barn was never reduced as there is no rice that used to eat them. One day, Nawang Wulan went out. She advised her husband to keep the fire stove in the kitchen, but forbade him to unscrew the pot. Nawang Wulan also prohibit Jaka Tarub to go into the kitchen, while she was cooking. Jaka Tarub was doing what his wife told him to do, but his curiosity made him disobeyed his wife orders. He opened the lid on the pot and it turned out there was only one grain of rice.

Apparently, Nawang Wulan requires only a grain of rice to meet the rice needs of the family in a day. When Nawang Wulan went home and opened the lid of a pot, there was only a grain of rice in it. Nawang Wulan angry because her husband had disobeyed her orders.

Nawang Wulan became sad, because since then she had to cook the rice as a human being. Consequently it was used continuously. Slowly but surely, their rice was depleted, while the harvest season was still not yet arrived. When one day, Nawang Wulan was going to take the grain, she saw a piece of scarf sticking out behind a pile of rice. When drawn and cared for, Nawang Wulan remembered if it was her Goddess scarf.

Apparently all this time you are the one who hid my scarf. And because of the barn's contents continued to decrease, in the end I could find it again. It would have to be the will of the Above, she said to Jaka Tarub. Nawang Wulan then said goodbye and asked him to care for their children well.

Jaka Tarub asked her not to leave, but Nawang Wulan has already wore her scarf. Remember me when you saw a full moon. I'll comfort you from up there, said Nawang Wulan. She was later flown to the sky towards Nirvana, leaving Jaka Tarub who cried in remorse.

Such an ending! The ending that I saw on FTV movie is a happy ending.