Horizons

Episode 52

- Khanza

If Jakarta has Monas, Jogja has a monument, then Atambua has Tugu Pancasila. A tall building rises ten meters upward with a statue of Garuda Gold perched on its top. It was the icon of this border town. It is located in the middle of the intersection of five roads known as Simpang Lima. This is where the Atambua tourist crowd. Especially when the Tourism Office is holding a cross-border attraction centered on Simpang Lima Field. From traditional, contemporary, and modern music performances, penetrating the arts of the region, bazars and exhibitions of handicrafts, to horse races were presented to entertain more or less thousands of spectators who crowded the heart of this city. Gila. its human sea wants Jakarta Fair. No wonder, like all residents in all corners of the city in droves to enjoy the annual agenda held by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. When else would they get free folk entertainment like this.

"Never take your hand off me. This rame is so" ordered the army sir.

"Ashiaap" I replied excitedly.

In the middle of the field, there was a large stage. Vending stands crowded every corner of this place. Some sell food, NTT woven fabrics, handicrafts, and other accessories. From earlier my body was always fortified with a large and sturdy body Mas Girlfriend. With the crowd so swollen like this, he did not ngebiarain I was urged from various directions. He also holds me possessive, especially when passing with a group of other men who can not keep their eyes from the presence of my face and body.

This is exactly what we came up with. The new opening show is about to begin. With his tall and sturdy body, Kendra split the crowd of people who surrounded the stage, opening the access road for me to pass, enjoying the show in the front area of the stage. He made sure I was standing comfortably, his arms crossed in front of my chest, making my back really-attached to his chest. I could feel his chin leaning against the top of my head. In this position, I feel safer. Kendra really made sure no one could disturb my comfort.

The opening show begins. Start with a traditional dance performed by about a hundred dancers dressed typical of NTT. The male dancers carry long bamboo which is a manifestation of their traditional weapons while the women are carrying small drums called Tihar. They move very agilely following the music. Unlike the dances in Java whose movements are so soft and graceful, the dances in this area are more dynamic and expressive.

"This is called Likurai Dance" explained Kendra without me asking.

One of the famous war dances in Belu, NTT. It is said that this dance is displayed for the welcoming of heroes who obtained victory on the battlefield. This dance depicts the gratitude and joy of the people for the safe return of their heroes from the battlefield. Today, the Likurai dance is only performed at traditional ceremonies, the reception of important guests, or at art and cultural festivals.

"Do your teachers know?"

"Yes clear. The teacher is pinter"

"If you're not the other guys, too?"

"Ngajarin ah oh ah omegat faster deeper like that"

"Sstt. Look at that. Nice"

Likurai dance performances have ended, followed by traditional music games that characterize the pride of the local community.

"What's that, funny shape?" my finger pointed at one of the musical instruments I had never seen before. It is shaped like a very large onion slice with a bamboo tube in the middle.

"That's Sasando's name. Traditional musical instruments" explained Mas Girlfriend.

"Huh? Aliando?"

"SA.SAN.DO" Kendra raised her voice near my ears, clearly spelling out the name of that traditional musical instrument. "Inget, this mouth has me. Can't just say another guy's name."

"It looks like his name. My ears are tickled"

"Round of cute guys, the signal's chubby."

"He.he.but the best dad for me. Just relax"

Kendra smiled at my words. His hands ruffled my hair a little, crumpled up before bringing me back into his warm embrace. Of the various forms of hugging, back hug is one of my favorites. With his sturdy body behind me, Kendra seems to be the most solid backrest to hang my life and future.