Movie Screening “99 Cahaya di Langit Eropa”

by Maulida Kusumaningsari

99 Cahaya di Langit Eropa adalah film drama religi yang diangkat dari novel berjudul sama karya Hanum Salsabiel Rais dan Rangga Almahendra. Film yang terdiri dari dua bagian ini menceritakan tentang kehidupan mahasiswa muslim asal Indonesia bernama Rangga Almahendra, bersama istrinya Hanum Salsabiela, saat menempuh studi untuk mendapatkan gelar PhD di Wirtschaftsuniversität, Vienna, Austria. Acha Septriasa dan Abimana Aryastya adalah dua pemeran utama di film yang disutradarai oleh Guntur Soeharjanto ini.

Setelah sukses di Indonesia, Rangga Almahendra sang penulis, ingin memperkenalkan film ini di Vienna, tempat di mana sebagian besar film ini dibuat. Bekerja sama dengan Austria Indonesia Society Vienna dan PPI Austria, movie screening 99 Cahaya di Negeri Eropa dilaksanakan pada tanggal 23 Oktober 2015 bertempat di OeAD Haus, Ebendorferstraße, Vienna. Acara ini diawali dengan pembukaan oleh ketua panitia, Sonya Luddin, Vice President of Austria Indonesia Society.

Acara ini dihadiri oleh Prof. Dr. Graninger Wolfgang, VP of Science and Education of Austria Indonesia Society, Dr. Denise Quistrop dari Ministry of European and International Affairs, Ibu WIna Retnosari dan Bapak Winko dari Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia di Vienna, Prof. Schlegelmilch dan Prof. Nell dari Wirtschaftsuniversität Vienna, ibu-ibu pengajian Vienna, grup Shivanata Bali Dance, dan pelajar baik dari Indonesia, maupun Eropa.

Movie screening ini diakhiri dengan diskusi terbuka yang langsung dipimpin sendiri oleh Dr. Rangga Almahendra. Salah satu feedback yang didapatkan dari audience adalah bahwa film ini harus ditonton secara masal di Eropa khususnya di Austria, karena film ini mampu menggambarkan perspektif yang berbeda dari Islam yang biasa diketahui oleh orang Eropa.

Carla: belanja barang bekas yang bukan di Flohmarkt

By: Rasmi Silasari

Siapa sih yang nggak suka jalan-jalan ke Flohmarkt? Walaupun adanya cuma di saat-saat tertentu, penuh sesak, barang jualannya suka aneh-aneh, dan sebenernya nggak ada yang ingin dibeli juga, muter-muter lihat dagangan di Flohmarkt selalu ada daya tariknya tersendiri. Meskipun rencananya cuma lihat-lihat pasti ada aja yang tiba-tiba menarik: buku, baju, sepatu, mebel, mainan, atau paling engga jajanannya yang bisa dimakan sambil jalan-jalan seperti es krim atau Lángos. Tapi gimana dong kalau lagi perlu sesuatu banget dan sayang beli baru? *gaya banget bilang 'sayang', ngaku aja 'ga ada duit'* Cari di Flohmarkt yang lagi ada mungkin nggak nemu barangnya, cari di willhaben juga nggak ada yang pas, kira-kira di mana lagi ya tempat nyari barang bekas yang lumayan lengkap dan nggak kucing-kucingan waktu bukanya?? Ini jawabannya: Carla.

Flohmarkt di Naschmarkt yang selalu ada hari Sabtu dan selalu ajaib barang-barangnya (sumber)

Cantik banget ya namanya~ Carla ini adalah toko barang bekas, salah satu bagian dari usaha Caritas, yang barang dagangnya berasal dari sumbangan orang-orang yang bisa langsung dibawa sendiri ke salah satu pusat Carla atau minta diambil oleh pihak Carla dengan membayar ongkos angkut. Kalau kalian suka nemu kotak baju bekas punya Caritas di area tempat sampah khusus, ini adalah salah satu sumber barang dagangan Carla. Tapi nggak seperti Humana (yang juga punya kotak barang bekas sendiri) yang hanya jualan baju, tas, dan sepatu, di Carla apa aja ada. Apa aja. 'Apa aja'-nya apa aja toh? Semuanya, kecuali barang-barang ini yang mereka tidak terima untuk alasan tertentu.

Kotak baju bekas Caritas yang menarik hati karena warna-warni (sumber)

Di Wien pusat Carla ada dua: di pusat kota di distrik 5, dan di daerah utara di distrik 21. Ada juga Carla yang lebih kecil di daerah selatan di distrik 10 yang tidak menjual mebel dan peralatan elektronik berukuran besar. Barang-barang di Carla kondisinya beragam (tergantung hoki yang belanja) tapi untuk barang elektroniknya sudah dijamin berfungsi dengan baik (bahkan ada yang bergaransi), sedangkan mebelnya semua dalam kondisi layak. Yang pasti mainan anak-anaknya semuanya bikin kepingin (terutama boneka-bonekanya, beruang empuk yang enak dipeluk-peluk CUMA 5€ *kasus langka di mana duit cukup tapi tempat nyimpennya engga*), dan buku-bukunya bikin terharu karena cuma 0.50 - 2€ dan ADA BAHASA INGGRIS PULA. Sudahlah, biar nggak penasaran silakan disimak foto-foto berikut yang diambil di Carla distrik 5 yang terbagi dalam empat gudang besar dan luasnya mencapai 4000 m². 

Yang nggak tahu kalau ini toko barang bekas pasti ngira garasi dari depannya

Koleksi bajunya lumayan lengkap: mulai dari topi sampai sepatu, untuk cowok maupun cewek!

 Perlu matras doang? Ada! Cuma perlu Lattenrost-nya? Juga ada! Tempat tidur kemahalan, tidur di karpet? Ok juga!

 Ruang keluarga, ruang tamu, dapur, kantor; ruang apapun ada mebelnya di sini

 Barang elektroniknya bergaransi! Iya termasuk televisi yang jadul ituh

 Pilihan buku-bukunya banyak dan murah, mau cari CD yang besar (laser disk) atau kecil tinggal pilih

 Kalau bawa anak jangan kelewatan bagian Kinder yang ada area bermainnya juga!

 Kalau bosen pakai set alat makan atau panci+tutup yang seragam, silakan cari yang beda-beda

 

Semakin ke dalem barangnya semakin menarik: lampu gantung antik, alat-alat kantor, peralatan ski, bahkan ada piano juga!

Seru kan~ Bagi yang berminat, langsung aja samperin cabang-cabang Carla berikut:

carla mittersteig
Mittersteig 10
1050 Wien
Mo-Fr 09.00-18.00
Sa 09.00-13.00

carla nord
Steinheilgasse 3
1210 Wien
Mo-Fr 09.00-18.00
Sa 09.00-13.00

carla ankerbrotfabrik (lebih kecil)
Absberggasse 27 / Objekt 19
1100 Wien
Mo-Fr 10.00-18.00

Kunjungan Dikti ke Austria

Selama seminggu (27/9-2/10), Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi (Dikti) Kemenristekdikti melakukan kunjungan kerja dan evaluasi ke Wina, Graz dan Linz. Dalam kesempatan kali pertama ini, Dikti diwakili Dr. John Pariwono dan Fine Resyalia ke Austria untuk melihat lebih dekat perkembangan kemajuan masing-masing karyasiswa di bawah naungan Dikti. 

Pada hari kedua (29/9), diorganisir oleh Prof. A Min Tjoa, National Coordinator of Asea-Uninet Austria, diadakan pertemuan dengan enam mahasiswa doktorat untuk ‘hearing’ permasalahan yang menghambat masing-masing karyasiswa Dikti di Wina. Dari pertemuan ini pula, tersarikan beberapa poin penting terutama berkaitan dengan akademis dan urusan birokrasi pra keberangkatan yang dialami oleh semua calon mahasiswa doktorat tujuan Austria. Sorenya, tim Dikti berkunjung ke Institut Sejarah Arsitektur TUW bertemu Prof. Erich Lehner yang kebetulan saat ini sedang membimbing dua mahasiswa Dikti. 

Keesokan harinya, tim Dikti bertolak ke Linz untuk mengevaluasi satu mahasiswa Dikti di sana sekaligus bertemu dengan Koordinator Regional OeAD Linz. Sekembalinya dari Linz, tim Dikti dijamu makan malam oleh OeAD dan mengundang seluruh mahasiswa doktorat Indonesia se-Austria. Acara ini sendiri manjadi ajang silaturahim antar mahasiswa Indonesia di Austria yang selama ini belum pernah bertemu muka. Tercatat empat mahasiswa dari Innsbruck, dua dari Leoben, satu dari Linz, tiga dari Graz dan tentu saja dari Wina meramaikan acara makan malam ini. Turut pula dalam undangan dari KBRI, Bapak Febrian Ruddyard selaku DCM, Mas Doddy dan Mbak Wina dari Pensosbud. Esoknya (1/10), tim Dikti melakukan evaluasi di Graz bertemu dengan tiga supervisor dari tiga mahasiswa Dikti di sana. 

Dalam rangkaian kunjungan ini, banyak catatan penting yang didapatkan tim Dikti guna meningkatkan pelayanan bagi karyasiswa dan calon karyasiswa ke Austria nantinya. Selain masalah birokrasi, ke depan, upaya-upaya kerjasama akan lebih ditingkatkan lagi oleh OeAD dan Dikti serta universitas-universitas di Indonesia.  

What is Third Culture Kid (TCK)? (Interview with a TCK below in English)

http://st.depositphotos.com/1454655/1262/v/950/depositphotos_12628861-Multicultural-children-on-planet-earth.jpg

Pernahkah Anda mendengar istilah TCK (Third Culture Kid)? Mungkin bagi yang memiliki educational background Psikologi atau Sosiologi, istilah ini sudah tidak asing lagi.

TCK adalah term untuk mereka yang memiliki budaya ketiga karena hasil dari pengalaman hidup di budaya yang berbeda dari orangtua. Budaya ketiga ini hasil dari pemcampuran budaya yang dialaminya ketika dalam masa childhood atau developmental years.

Sebagai contoh, kedua orangtua dari Indonesia, tapi besar di luar negeri selama masa kanaknya. Budaya dia ketika besar dapat terbentuk dari budaya yang diajarkan di rumah oleh orangtuanya dan juga dari luar rumah, yaitu lingkungan sekitar (sekolah, pertemanan, kehidupan sosial, dan lain-lain).

Contoh lain adalah seseorang dari hasil pernikahan orangtua yang berasal dari budaya yang berbeda, misalnya interracial marriage Austria dan Indonesia. Anak dari hasil pernikahan ini akan mendapatkan budaya dari Austria, Indonesia, dan terbentuklah budaya ketiga dari hasil percampuran ini.

Sering sekali ketika seorang TCK ditanya, "Kamu lebih merasa seperti orang (Indonesia) atau (Austria)?" atau "Kamu lebih suka negara yang mana?" jawabannya adalah, "Enggak tahu", karena dia merasa memiliki dua atau tiga budaya tapi tidak 100% karena sebagian besar masa kecilnya yang sangat multiculture dan mobile.

Manusia adalah makhluk sosial yang perlu suatu komunitas yang dapat menerimanya dan dia pun merasa diterima dan dimengerti, tapi tantangan seorang TCK adalah menentukan komunitasnya. The fact is, they are not only from one culture but all the cultures they have lived in. It is just who they are as a global citizen.

Hal ini menjadi menarik untuk diteliti lebih lanjut dari segi pembentukan karakter, pandangan hidup, bagaimana orangtua mendidik anak TCK, sense of belonging and identity, dan masa depan (settling down and career).

Mungkin diantara kita ada yang TCK atau yang merasa TCK atau bahkan akan menjadi orangtua dengan anak-anak TCK. Di era globalisasi ini, semakin banyak kesempatan studi dan kerja di luar negeri dan di masa yang akan datang, akan semakin banyak anak-anak TCK. Menurut kami, awareness tentang TCK ini penting untuk diberikan kepada masyarakat--untuk orangtua dan anak.

Salah satu hal yang menarik bagi kami adalah bagaimana para orangtua memiliki planning dan pandangan yang berbeda dalam mendidik anak mereka yang TCK. As a parent, you have the choice on how to raise your multicultural kids and it's fun as well as challenging.

Contohnya mengenai bahasa, ada yang ingin anaknya hanya fokus ke satu bahasa saja, dan ada juga, di rumah bahasa Indonesia, di sekolah bahasa Jerman dan Inggris. Ada yang membuat jadwal: Senin bahasa Inggris, Selasa bahasa Jerman, Rabu bahasa Indonesia dan seterusnya. Ada juga yang dengan ibunya, mereka hanya berbicara bahasa Indonesia dan dengan ayahnya hanya berbahasa Jerman. What may sound easier, ada juga semua kosakata dari berbagai bahasa dipakai dalam satu statement.

Pusing enggak? Hehe.

Kimberley Grimsditch adalah seorang TCK yang sering menjawab "I don't know" jika ditanya "Where are you from?"

Seorang TCK juga sering merasa kesulitan jika ditanya "Where is your hometown?" karena "where you were born or where your parents are from or where you grew up" memiliki jawaban yang berbeda-beda bagi mereka.

"I have never lived in either of my parent's countries. My Mom is from Chile and my Dad is from England. I grew up in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I have lived in Netherlands, Vietnam, and Spain. So, usually, my answer usually is 'I don't know'. Actually, I did live in England (which is my passport country) but only moved there when I was 17. And I only lived there for 2 years out of my 25 years of life," begitu kata Kimberley.

Mungkin bagi TCK lain, seperti Hashem Galal, seorang Egyptian TCK, tidak terlalu sulit untuk menjawab pertanyaan 'Where are you from?" karena kedua orangtuanya berasal dari Egypt dan dia lahir di Egypt, walaupun besar di beberapa negara seperti Austria, Jordan, Indonesia, Benin, dan Egypt.

Berikut adalah perbincangan kami dengan Kimberley dan Hashem tentang bagaimana rasanya menjadi TCK, dan juga pendapatnya tentang pentingnya memiliki identitas dan 'roots'.


1. So when did you know the term TCK and that you are one?

Kimberley: "When people asked me 'Where are you from?' and I felt uneasy and didn't know what to say. I knew there must be others who felt like me. So when I was 15 and my friend sent me an article...I think it was when I was about 15 or 16. A friend sent me a link to an article called 'You know you're a TCK when....' and I could identify with every single point written. That was the first time I had ever heard the term 'TCK'. I then bought the book Third Culture Kids by David Pollock to learn more."

Hashem: "I first became familiar with that around 8-9 years ago, my friend, who is also a TCK, explained it to me and told me about the TCK book." 

2. How did you feel when you found out you were a TCK?

Kimberley: "I felt a sense of amazement - knowing that there's a whole group of people just like me! People who can relate to me and know exactly how I feel! I felt a sense of relief and excitement to learn more and meet other TCKs."

Hashem: "It was a positive response. It made me understand myself a bit better, and some things started to make more sense, like why I feel different from other people in my home country and why I feel that I belong nowhere and everywhere at the same time."

3. Do you think it is important to know one's identity as a TCK? 

Kimberly: "I think it's important if you feel the need for that sense of identity. It can really help  if you are experiencing a sense of disconnection (along with the other problems commonly felt by TCKs) and wondering why...I think knowing the term 'TCK' and knowing that's what you 'are' can help you feel like you belong to some kind of community, when you're normally an outsider and not quite, in my case, British/Chilean enough among your 'native' peers and family."

Hashem: "I think it is important to know one's identity as a TCK, because it helps TCKs themselves better and to identify themselves as a subgroup within society."

4. What are some good and bad sides of being a TCK or multicultural person?

Kimberley: "Being able to blend in pretty much anywhere I go is definitely one of the best things. Not being phased by other cultures, adapting super quickly, being able to be friends with anyone and everyone, being able to relate to anyone and everyone and being exposed to so many wonderful multicultural experiences. Having friends from totally different countries and being able to pick up languages fairly easily. Feeling like a citizen of the world.

As for bad things, I'd say lack of identity (even if I can identify myself as a TCK), not being British/Chilean enough (my parent's countries), always having to make new friends as a kid (and as an adult actually, as the transient nature of being a TCK has continued on in ATCK life), having no 'home' or 'roots' and feeling like I have to continue moving place to place as there is nowhere to return to.  Other bad thing is having family and friends scattered around seeing them very rarely."

Hashem: "You have seen a lot more than the average. You are more likely to accept other cultures. You had an interesting childhood. You are used to interacting with foreigners from a very early age and by the time you are 18 would have made an intensive group of international friends. The bad things are no stability, losing friends every time you move, although nowadays the internet makes this problem much less significant, not having a place you can call 'home'".

5. Did your parents know you are a TCK?

Kimberley: "I don't think so. I'm not sure if they are aware of the term. My father might be as he is actually an ATCK (British, born in Peru and raised in Chile and has now lived in the UAE for 24 years)."

Hashem: "My parents did not know about it, although they do understand that I have had difficulties moving back to my passport country."

6. Do your parents understand you or do you have some conflicting views on life?

Kimberley: "They have never opposed or questioned me as to why I keep moving from country to country, if anything they embrace it. Although my mother is not a TCK (Chilean, born and raised in Chile) she has also been living in the UAE for the last 24 years (so  a long term 'expat' - very different from TCK, annoys me when people confuse the two!) so I think that helps her to understand me to an extent, but she still has her Chilean roots, culture and language so I feel like she'll never 100% 'get' what it's like. "

Hashem: "I think we have some conflicting views on life. For example, when I tell them that I would like to live abroad again in the future, they tell me it is not going to be the same enjoyable experience I had when I was a kid."

7. How did your parents raise you in terms of adopting different cultures and languages?

Kimberley: "Unfortunately, I was not raised bilingual. English was the only language used at home. Honestly, I think I still hold resentment towards my parents about that - I often think what a shame it was they didn't make the effort to also speak to me in Spanish and how many doors that could have opened. I feel embarrassed around other Chileans or native Spanish speakers when they find out I'm half Chilean but can't speak Spanish. 

However, I understand a lot of Spanish (much more than my parents think, actually), so now as an adult, my mother will often speak to me in Spanish (and I will understand fully), but reply in English. I can also watch movies in Spanish, but because I have never actually 'used' the language, my grammar is pretty poor and I can't speak it well. It's hard to explain. Basically my receptive skills are fluent, but productive skills are not. 

As for culturally, I feel a huge sense of lacking towards the Chilean side; I have been to Chile and seen family there only twice; the last time was 20 years ago! We did not celebrate Chilean holidays nor eat Chilean food. As for the British side, I visited my family in England once a year in the summertime - it wasn't really enough to forge very close relationships with my relatives there, but possibly enough that I can say I felt slightly more 'connected' to England than Chile. 

I didn't eat British food growing up, probably watched more American TV than British as a kid, didn't have many British friends (maybe a handful) and also didn't do 'traditionally' British things at home. When I was 18 and went to live in England for the first time, for university, I felt like an outsider and couldn't relate to the culture or people there. Most of my friends were other international students. 

That is why I definitely feel like I have my own 'third culture' - I don't fit into/ have full ownership of either the first culture (Chile & England), nor the second culture (UAE). My third culture is a mix of all of them, plus the countries I have lived in since as an adult."

Hashem: "My parents sent me to international schools throughout my whole school life. At home we talk in Arabic the whole time, which is my mother tongue." 

8. Do you have an idea or plan of how you want to raise your children in the future? Do you wish to settle down or keep moving?

"I have always told myself I don't want to raise my kids the way I was raised - that I want them to have roots, stability, a sense of connection to a community and sense of belonging.

However, because of the nature of my ATCK life (I have also lived in the Netherlands, Spain and Vietnam - and will soon be moving to Japan), I realise that is quite inevitable my kids will have the same TCK upbringing I have - for starters, as an English/Chilean woman who grew up in the Middle East, it unlikely I will meet an English/Chilean man who also grew up in the UAE - my future husband will likely be from Japan, Vietnam, Germany...who knows! So there already I would have the issue of having a multicultural/racial kid.

 Let's say I marry a Japanese guy. Our hypothetical children would be Japanese/Chilean/British (and there I thought I have an identity crisis). Now let's say my hypothetical Japanese husband, is 100% born and raised Japaneseband was not prepared to leave Japan, therefore the kids would be born and raised in Japan. I'd actually feel really happy about that. Then at least my kids could feel some ownership of ONE of their 'native' cultures -  I would be so happy if they could speak Japanese fluently, go to a Japanese school and feel part of the culture. I know it's hard for multicultural kids to be fully accepted in Japanese society, but so long as my kids felt culturally Japanese, I'd be happy. That's the thing, I've never felt culturally 'anything'! What I really wouldn't  like is if my hypothetical Japanese husband said 'hey, let's go live in Kenya/Russia/Sweden etc' and my kids spent their developmental years there. I would want them to have SOME kind of tie to one of their countries. 

It probably wouldn't be to Chile or England, because I myself cannot identify myself as culturally Chilean or English, so I don't have any traditions or culture to pass onto them - except for the English language, which yes, I would definitely use with them. I would definitely want to speak both Japanese and English, as I still have resentment about not being raised bilingual. However, I would definitely try to raise my kids with the experience and knowledge I have gained  as a TCK - I would definitely want my hypothetical family to travel whenever possible, expose them to different cultures, teach them values of tolerance and diversity, encourage them to interact with people and make friends of different cultures  (maybe put them in a bilingual Japanese school or an international school) and  learn new languages."

References:

www.tckworld.com,

denizenmag.com,

tckid.com, 

http://www.theeducatorsspinonit.com/2013/09/tips-on-raising-multicultural-child.html
Tedx Talk by Ruth Van Reken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrVWHfEQz6A

Let's Plant a Tree in a Unique Way

One might not appreciate the importance of a tree until he realizes the beauty of it.

http://www.lushland.co.uk/content/image/love-tree.jpg

We all know that the very well known living thing called ‘tree’ has great benefits both for the world and all that exist on this earth. But we do not need to mention the irresponsible actions that humans do to worsen the conditions of tress and forests.

You might say, “At least I’m not the one who does it or who cuts trees illegally.”

True. Well, at least, you are using things that are composed of tree substances—which involves (the cutting of) trees.

Here, you are not expected to make a campaign to stop illegal logging, or to suddenly stop buying products that are made of wood, or even telling sellers of wood products to stop creating things from wood. Simply, using your belongings wisely and effectively will already help conserve the environment. By understanding the importance of forests, we are hoped to be more aware of our own everyday actions.

Who doesn’t agree that trees are very vital in our lives? They absorb rain water and carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen. But the fact is, ‘actions speak louder than words’. Although humans are aware of the importance of conserving forests, their actions do not show their appreciation of them and the environment. Conservation is somehow forgotten.

Forests have mainly been used to produce materials for houses, papers, and tissues. Woods are extracted to produce papers for writing, printing, packaging and other uses. If we use 20 papers/day, we will use 600 papers/month, which means 7200 papers/year. A ream of paper is equivalent to a 5-year-old tree. For each ton of pulp requires 4.6 cubic meters of wood. One hectare of forest can produce approximately 160 cubic meters of wood. According to World Wide Fund (WWF), the use of a ream of paper has sacrificed two square meters of natural forest. 

Humans, animals, and plants need the functions of forests for their survival. Besides its role as water soil and oxygen source, forests also function to absorb carbon dioxide, which is needed by plants to complete the photosinthesis process. Not only that, its existence as part of the environment also functions to prevent floods and landslides. But deforestation has caused environmental damage. High paper production has devastated forests. High use of paper has led to high paper waste.

Indonesia has been facing many losses on forest lands in which many of them are caused by illegal logging. The effect of this are natural disasters like flood and erosion. The government has actually made laws controlling the illegal logging and forest fire, but perhaps, “laws are really made to be broken”. Another effect that we can feel in our daily lives is the changing weather which can be said as ‘extreme’.

The quality function of forests decreases. Forest lands are diminishing because they are used for the building of shopping malls, new living homes, and office buildings.  Another case about the damage of the forests area and the decreasing of forests function is the illegal logging, that still happens in Indonesian forests. This causes disturbance to the existence of living things.

Years ago, Indonesia used to be the world's top 3 largest forest. It was believed that 84% of Indonesian land is forest. Today, Indonesian forests are suffering severe damage. It has become the country with a high rate of forest destruction. Forests in Indonesia are reduced the width of 500 times the size of a football field, everyday-, according to Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO). 

Some interesting facts about Trees that can make us appreciate them more!

-          Longest living organisms and one of the earth’s greates natural resources

-          Functions:

-       Keep the air supply clean

-       Reduce noise pollution

-       Improve water quality

-       Help prevent erosion

-       Provide food and building materials

-       Make the landscape look beautiful!

-        Their shade and wind can reduce annual heating

-        A single tree produces about 260 pounds of oxygen per year

-    Water from national forests can provide drinking water for over 3400 communities and about 60 million individuals

-        A single tree can absorb as much carbon as a car produces for driving for 26,000 miles

-       Forests cover one third of the earth surface and play a vital role in our lives

-    1.6 billion people depend on forests, to prevent climate change, release oxygen, and store carbon dioxide

Now, the question is, how can we conserve if there are more people today and there is an increase in consumption? Besides from our simple everyday actions that we could also educate to others, there is one way you can contribute in conserving the environment by planting a tree in Indonesia. 

How?

http://greenleafindonesia.co.id/  This is by far what we have found in Indonesia. Simply, one chooses the number of trees on a certain amount of area and pays for that category and the company will do all the job. It is quite unique way of investing as well as conserving the environment, and moreover, you help upgrade the farmers' lives.

http://greenleafindonesia.co.id/produk-kami/

Maybe you are inspired to be involved or you are inspired to do such business yourself in the future :)

(Note: This is purely for an editorial content.)

A Day in Linz

by Rafika Nurulhuda

Hey PPIers!

Are you wondering what to plan for your next traveling destination?

If you haven’t yet already, it is recommended that you visit Linz for a few hours and then continue your trip to Salzburg to stay a night there and then adding Innsbruck to your travel list to stay another night there. Voila! You are almost halfway to exploring the whole Austria!

Autumn may not be as bright and warm as summer but when the sun does shine, Linz offers you the beautiful turquoise Danube and a heart-gripping view from above the Pöstlingberg  and in just a few hours, you are able to put that big check mark on your list of the main sites in Linz.

So the city, the old city, and the main sites are close to one another and are just 10 to 15 minutes walk from the main train station. Once you pass a small park, you will already enter the city. From there, you can try the public transportation or simply walk :)

What I did was simply follow the path in the city which led me to the old city and the city centre. It is very simple and no worries of getting a little bit lost, because you can always check Google Map or any other map apps in your smartphone by using the free wifi provided in the city area.

So what arre the main sites that I visited in Linz in just a few hours?

If you keep walking, you will be at Linzer Landstrasse, and on the left area, you will see Mariendom or what they called the Neuer Dom. 

From there, you continue following the path and in a few minutes also on the left side of the road, you will see a somewhat steep road to Schlossmuseum Linz.

After that, you keep following the previous street and then you will enter the Altstadt or Old City. Not far from the old city, you will come to the city centre of Linz or Hauptplatz. 

In Hauptplatz, there is a tram station where you can buy a ticket for Erlebniswelt Pöstlingberg. The ticket costs EUR 6 (includes the return ticket) and the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

The tram is an old wagon uniquely designed so everyone can differentiate it from the others. Hop in, enjoy the view, and it might be a little scary at first going up the hill, it reminds me of getting on a rollercoaster, but it is worth the visit.

You will definitely love the beautiful view of Linz from above.

After going back down, I got off at a station right before the station at the city centre to see the museum Ars Electronica. So, if you plan to stay a few hours longer in Linz or stay a night, this museum is a famous museum that you should visit (do not forget to check the latest train if you do not plan to stay in Linz).

From there, I continued my journey back by crossing the bridge and all the way back to the centre and train station—but wait! You must try the famous Linzer Torte before you leave, which you will pass by in any cake stores.

Make sure you enjoy your visit, keep your tummy happy, and leave Linz with a smile!

Have a fun trip!

More information on the tickets to the public transportation, fun facts of Linz, and other sites: http://www.linz.at/english/tourism/1007.asp

Phd Story: Nur Ainun Pulungan (Innsbruck)

Nur Ainun Pulungan adalah mahasiswi Geografi dari Leopold-Franzens Universitaet Innsbruck dan  akan menyelesaikan program Phd-nya pada November 2015. Perempuan kelahiran 21 Agustus ini akan berbagi cerita mengenai studinya yang ia tekuni selama beberapa tahun.

1.      Bisa dijelaskan program Phd-nya tentang apa?

Riset PhD saya adalah tentang genesis tanah atau yang dikenal dengan nama pedogenesis. Pedogenesis merupakan salah satu kajian dalam ilmu tanah yang membahas tentang asal-usul terbentuknya tanah di suatu area. Kenapa asal-usul tanah perlu dikaji? Karena sebenarnya tanah yang membalut permukaan Bumi kita ini tidak hanya berasal dari 1 proses tertentu saja - seperti yang pernah kita pelajari waktu SD bahwa “tanah berasal dari proses pelapukan mekanik pada batuan”. Faktanya, asal-usul terbentuknya tanah sangatlah bervariasi, apalagi untuk daerah tropis dan daerah yang dikelilingi oleh jejeran gunung api seperti Indonesia. Adanya proses dari dalam Bumi (seperti letusan gunung api, proses pengangkatan daratan akibat patahan lempeng ) maupun proses di permukaan Bumi (seperti longsor, erosi, dan banjir) akan mempengaruhi  asal-usul tanah disuatu area. Walaupun secara kasat mata tanah terlihat hampir sama disemua area, namun secara detail belum tentu tanah tersebut memiliki asal-usul pembentukan yang sama. Dampaknya, berbeda asal-usul pembentukan tanah maka akan menghasilkan karakteristik tanah yang berbeda pula, yang mana artinya hal ini akan berpengaruh pada kapabilitas tanah tersebut untuk diolah ataupun dijadikan objek aplikasi.

2.      Bagaimana proses penelitian atau proyekny?

Karena penelitian saya ini termasuk ke dalam lingkup geografi fisik/lingkungan maka penelitian ini bersifat induktif, yaitu berbasis pada pencarian objek permasalahan di lapangan – lain halnya dengan lingkup geografi manusia yang melakukan penelitian bersifat deduktif, yaitu penelitian diawali dengan studi literature/konsep.

Survey lapangan menjadi kegiatan dasar dalam penelitian ini. Penentuan topik genesis dalam penelitian tanah ini, baru didapat setelah dilakukan beberapa kali survey lapangan untuk menggali permasalahan tanah yang unik untuk dikaji. Berdasarkan survey lapangan, saya mendapati bahwa tanah di lereng Gunung Api Sumbing-Jawa Tengah, memberikan variasi morfologi tanah yang spesifik. Kemudian, dilanjutkan dengan pengambilan sampel tanah berdasarkan analisis spasial dari peta ataupun citra satelit. FYI, analisis spasial adalah pendekatan yang menganalisis pola fenomena alam secara keruangan (space), yang mana pendekatan ini merupakan pendekatan andalan yang biasa digunakan dalam kajian geografi ataupun kajian kebumian lainnya. Penelitian dilanjutkan dengan analisis laboratorium untuk mengidentifikasi properti fisik, kimia, maupun mineralogi tanah. Sebagai tahap akhir dalam penelitian induktif ini, pembandingan teori/konsep terdahulu dilakukan untuk melihat pembaruan apa yang telah kita hasilkan. 

3.      Apa saja tantangannya?

Tantangannya salah satumya adalah meng-sinkron-kan pemikiran dengan para supervisor disini. Karena saya membawa topik baru bagi mereka (kajian tanah vulkanik di daerah  tropis) yang berbeda dengan kajian tanah disini sehingga membutuhkan extra-effort dalam diskusi. Disisi lain, pemikiran-pemikiran mereka yang maju dan taktis membuat “conventional thinking” yang terbawa dari negara asal harus bisa saya ubah   

4.      Suka duka dan pengalaman menarik dalam menekuni program ini?

Sukanya: dapat teman baru, ilmu baru, pengalaman baru terutama dalam menyikapi “scientific problem”, dan tentunya dapat menyalurkan hobi jalan-jalan karena Austria memiliki banyak tanggal merah hehee

Dukanya adalah pada saat crosscheck hasil tentative laboratorium. Apabila data hasil laboratorium bias atau tidak sesuai dengan karakteristik tanah yang sy temukan di lapangan maka saya harus menunggu sampai semester berakhir untuk melakukan survey tambahan ke Indonesia.

5.      Hasil dari proyek? Sudah sejauh apa penelitiannya?

Bahwa genesis tanah di DAS Bogowonto secara umum berasal dari empat macam pembentukan: (1) tanah residu material Tersier, (2) tanah residu abu vulkanik Quarter, (3) tanah deposit akibat tertransport oleh longsor, (4) tanah terusik akibat aktivitas manusia. Keempat macam genesis tanah ini kemudian saya integrasikan secara spasial dengan pendekatan “soil-landscape system” dengan harapan dapat dijadikan acuan bagi penelitian genesis tanah di daerah lain yang memiliki karakteristik serupa – yaitu area vulkanik.       

5.      Rencana ke depan? 

Ingin rehat sejenak dari yang namanya “sekolah”. Kembali dulu ke negara tercinta untuk mengaplikasi ilmu yang sudah diperoleh, beberapa tahun yang akan datang baru memikirkan untuk Post Doc.

6.      Kegiatan lain selain Phd?

Kegiatan lain biasanya pengajian Wapinn 2 minggu sekali, kumpul bareng teman-teman PPI-Innsbruck di rumah ibu asuh kami atau bahkan piknik bareng. Kalau untuk kerja sampingan tidak ada karena tidak diperbolehkan dari pemberi beasiswa.