"Gua"

Gua (pronounced goo-wah) is a betawinese word for I or Me. In indonesian it means Saya or Aku. Gua is commonly used by Indonesian people these days, no matter from what tribe they are. It even considered as the most comfortable word in conversation between friends, co-worker or even siblings. Some of the married couple also uses this word for daily conversation, even those who already have children. Not every couple, yes, but  some of them.

For some people, the word Gua is considered to be a kinda harsh word, that's why it only used between the people of the same range of age. Well, actually it's not harsh at all. it is just because, it is so frequently used by everyone, from kids, teenager, and adults. It almost used in every TV show, or movies dialogue these days, because of it's simplicity. And because it is more applicable, and believable to the viewers' mind of what it is a daily conversation people are having. But still, no matter how common that word are used, we still have to respect older people by not using the word Gua. It feels more polite to use the word saya or aku, when talking to older people.

These days, the word Gua is having a slight modification when used by teenagers. The word is pronouced Gue (goo-weh). I don't how it actually started, but some part of Jakarta are really using it. It because some parts of Jakarta have a different style of dialect.

Ondel-ondel Betawi

Ondel-ondel Betawi (Native tribe of Jakarta) is a form of folk performances which are often presented in the parties of the Betawinese people. Apparently ondel-ondel are the portray of the ancestors who protects their grandchildren or the people of a village.

Ondel-ondel are a form of a large doll that stands about 2.5 meters tall, with a diameter of ± 80 cm, made ​​of bamboo, which is prepared in such a way so a person can fit inside the doll and play it. The face of ondel ondel are usually painted in red for the men, while women’s ondel-onel are usually painted in white.

In Pasundan a similar type of this folk tradition is known as Badawang, in Central Java called Barongan Buncis, while in Bali is better known as Barong Landung.  It is estimated that these type of art had been performed since before the spread of Islam in Java.

Originally ondel-ondel serves as a repellent force to protect the people from ghosts. Today ondel-ondel typically used to add a festive folk festivals or for welcoming important guests, for example, at the opening of a new building. No matter how swift currents of modernization, ondel-ondel is still survive and provide a softer side of Jakarta.

Bung Karno's Quotes

1. “Men and women (in a marriage) are like the wings of a bird. If both equally strong, the bird can fly up to the top of the highest peak, If one of them is broken, the bird can’t fly at all. “

2. “If someone still feel ashamed and afraid to do something good, it is a guarantee that they are never going to have a progress (in their life), not even for a single step. “

3. “A nation that does not believe in their own power as a nation, can not stand as an independent nation.“