Spirit of Majapahit to Sail to Eight Countries in Pride-Building Sea Voyage

Jakarta - Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik on Sunday saw off the expedition cruise ship Spirit of Majapahit as it departed from the Batavia Marina in North Jakarta for its eight-country tour.

“The expedition cruise of the Spirit of Majapahit ship reflects the maritime spirit of Indonesia that continues to surge. This maritime spirit has become the character of Indonesia,” Jero said.

The Spirit of Majapahit, a reconstruction of a 13th-century Majapahit-era merchant ship copied from the relief panels at Borobudur, will visit Brunei, the Philippines, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

The ship, built by 15 craftsmen in Madura, is unique because of its oval shape with two sharp ends designed to break through waves of up to five meters.

Made from old and dry teak, petung bamboo, and a type of wood from Sumenep, East Java, the vessel, Indonesia’s largest traditional ship, is 20 meters long, 4.5 wide and two meters tall.

It has two wooden steering wheels at the stern and an outrigger on both sides that serves as a counterweight.

The sails are attached to poles forming an equilateral triangle, and the stern of the vessel is higher than the front porch.

But unlike the traditional ship on which it was modeled, this modern-day version is equipped with state-of -the art navigation equipment, including Global Positioning System, Nav-Tex and a marine radar.

The reconstruction was the result of advice and recommendations from the “Discovering Majapahit Ship Design” seminar held by the Majapahit Japan Association, a group of entrepreneurs in Japan who pay tribute to the history and culture of the Majapahit Empire .

The association is a vehicle for developing cooperation and researching the history of the Majapahit Empire more thoroughly so that it can be admired by Indonesians and the international community.

Jero said he hoped the expedition would encourage the younger generation of Indonesians to appreciate the spirit of Majapahit Empire, which flourished on Java from 1293 to about 1500. He said he hoped the greatness and glory of the empire could be enjoyed, appreciated and regarded as a source of pride by young Indonesians.

The Spirit of Majapahit is skippered by two officers, Major (Navy) Deni Eko Hartono and Risky Prayudi, with three Japanese crew members, including Yoshiyuki Yamamoto from the Majapahit Japan Association, who is the leader of the expedition.

There are also some young Indonesians aboard the vessel and five crew members from the Bajo tribe of Sumenep.

The Spirit of Majapahit will be preserved in a museum and turned into a tourist attraction after it returns to Indonesia from its journey.

Antara News Agency

via The Jakarta Globe

via Java ship seeks ancient Japan ties | The Japan Times Online.

via Ancient ship replica helps fund Java dig | The Japan Times Online.

Editor - BAJA was contacted by the ship's organizers regarding a souvenir, but due to some error on our part, we never did get to meet up with them when the ship was in Brunei on Friday 30th July until it left port at 4pm on Saturday 31st July 2010.  We sincerely apologise to the ship's organizers and hope them safe seas and favourable winds on their onward journey.

Application For Japanese Language Test

Application for the 3rd Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be accepted from August 2 to September 15, 2010 at the Embassy of Japan.

On Sunday, December 5, the Embassy of Japan in cooperation with the Japan Foundation will conduct the 3rd Japanese Language Proficiency Test under the theme "The Gateway to Japan!" at the Chancellor Hall of UBD, according to a press release from the Embassy of Japan in Brunei.

"This JLPT is the world's largest Japanese language test which is conducted annually in Japan and 53 countries to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers. More than 770,000 people have made the most of the test for their further studies in Japan, businesses opportunities or hobbies to enjoy the Japanese culture such as music and Mime.

"Moreover, the test has been made even more useful for Bruneian examinees after the Embassy started conducting the JLPT in Brunei Darussalam two years ago prior to which they had to go to Sabah University, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to take the JLPT.

"The JLPT was reformed in order to enhance the quality of test, and now provides 5 levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5) instead of 4 ranging from N1 as the most advanced level to N5 as the beginner's one. The N3 level is newly established which is comparable to a level between Level 2 and Level 3 in the old test. Increasing the number of levels allows examinees to choose a more precise level based on their ability.

"The details are available on the website of the Embassy, http://www.bn.emb-japan.go.jp.

"Application forms which cost B$5 are now available at the cultural section of the Embassy and need to be registered before September 15, 2010. An application fee of B$30 will be charged for each test grade.

"The Embassy of Japan hopes that many Bruneians will take this opportunity to try the test and make it their gateway to Japan," said the press release.

For further inquiries, contact: Mr Akira Sato, Embassy of Japan at tel: 2229265, fax: 2229481 or email: embassy@japan.com.bn or http://www.bn.emb-japan.go.jp

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Via BruDirect

2 Gain Insight Into Disaster Control

Armed with new methods and techniques on disaster prevention and control, two representatives from the Ministry of Education (MoE) returned from their 12-day trip in Japan under the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (Jenesys) Programme.

Dk Siti Ummikalthum Pg Hj Muhammad, assistant Public Relations officer and Mas Diana Abdul Samat, deputy Principal (Academic) at Sayyidina Othman Secondary School, both said that the programme had given them new experiences as well as opened their eyes to all the different methods used in disaster prevention. "I learned and gained a lot of new experiences. It really taught me how to be prepared," said Dk Siti Ummikalthum.

Asked of what systems or drills she had learnt that may be implemented in the Sultanate, she said "We learnt about the 5 Flood Control - the five preventative - measures that the Japanese government is implementing in flood prone areas."

Mas Diana explained that the system was quite technical in nature as it involved the actual restructuring of rivers and the widening of river banks, which she added, "Brunei is doing as well (the widening of river banks) in response to the heavy flooding that we experienced last year."

Aside from that, Mas Diana said, "We also learnt about Hazard Mapping which basically tells people what areas are safe or unsafe in that given area."

She added that she will try to introduce this practice in Sayyidina Othman Secondary School.

Though the 5 Flood Control system was only mentioned briefly in a lecture, as were other precautionary measures, Dk Siti explained, "We have coordinated with the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) so that they can utilise these systems if necessary."

When asked about the most valuable knowledge that they gained and wished to see implemented here, the two said that witnessing the community in Japan work together to help themselves was the prize of the trip.

Mas Diana said, "What fascinated me the most was the community; how they helped each other to better organise and protect their community against natural disasters."

"They don't simply rely on the government for help. Instead they take the initiative and fund themselves; they just asked the government to teach them how to better protect themselves," added Dk Siti Ummikalthum.

The two shared that the experiences they gained when visiting Maiko High School in Kobe (a natural disaster prevention school for "A" Level students) were exceptionally touching; especially, watching the students' efforts and dedication in spreading awareness and the solutions to disaster that were top notch.

Meanwhile, two local students from Jerudong International School (JIS) are expected to leave for Japan under the same Jenesys programme for the purpose of developing human resources and to offer Asian youth the opportunity to cultivate their innovative spirit, as stated in a press statement issued by the Japan Embassy.

The programme which will be held in Okinawa, will focus primarily on environmental issues, and specifically, water problems.

Badi Lattif, 16, and Nicole Yau, 17, will be in Japan for three weeks where they will be attending various lectures on environmental issues and working with people from around the world to come up with ideas on how to combat water problems. The two have highlighted overuse, lack of water conservation initiative, and water quality as the main water problems in the Sultanate.

Asked what they hoped to gain from the trip, Yau said 'Better cultural exchange, and more knowledge on environmental problems." Meanwhile, Badi said he hoped to "learn more about the Japanese culture, and more modern ways of dealing with water problems." About 75 students will be taking part in the Jenesys programme.

--Courtesy of The Brunei Times

via BruDirect

Seven Japanese Med Students Join 4th ISMS Exchange Programme

Dk Dr Nurolaini said participants will also experience nature in Brunei, with extra-curricular activities to be held at the Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD) in the Temburong District.

Several recreational visits have also been arranged to famous landmarks in Brunei such as Kampong Ayer, the Royal Regalia Museum and the famous oil and gas district in Seria.

In addition, participants will also experience and learn Brunei culture through homestay programme with foster families organised by the Brunei Japan Friendship Association (BJFA).

Participants will be seven Japanese medical students are currently in Brunei for the 4th International Summer Medical School Programme 2010, an exchange programme organised annually by the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

The programme is the result of a collaboration between the PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) and Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Japan that began in 2006.

The programme was launched yesterday by the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Mr Hirose Noriki, in a ceremony held at the institute.

In her welcoming speech, the Acting Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Dk Dr Nurolaini Pg Hj Muhd Kifli said participants of the programme will experience life as a medical student at UBD for a period of five weeks until August 21, 2010.

The Japanese medical students will also be taught by experienced lecturers through lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) sessions, large group sessions as well as tutorials.

Participants will also have a chance to gain knowledge and hands-on experience from clinical placements and clinical and communication skills sessions.

All sessions will be conducted in English, thus giving the opportunity for Japanese students .to enhance their English language proficiency while on the programme.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

via BruDirect

Mohammad Raymie In Japan On AYF Scholarship

Education officer Mohammad Raymie Hj Othman from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College left for Japan yesterday after being granted a scholarship under the Asian Youth Fellowship (AYF) Programme from the Embassy of Japan in Brunei.

A seven-month programme is set to introduce Mohammad Raymie to a preparatory course at the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai, which constitutes the learning of the Japanese language and other subjects. In addition, he will sit for an entrance exam for graduate school.

Once he has completed the seven-month course, he will proceed to a Japanese graduate school as "Monbukagakusho" (Japanese Government Scholarship Student). The AYF is a scholarship provided by the Japan Foundation to Asian university graduates who wish to enter a Japanese graduate school.

The AYA has been established within the framework of the Peace and Friendship Initiative started by the Japanese Government in 1995, aimed at nurturing human resources for the regional cooperation and development of the area, as well as to enhance and promote friendship and mutual understanding among Asian countries.

To date, 10 Bruneians have been accepted into the annual programme, which gives priority to students who have not studied the Japanese language.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

via BruDirect

New Horizons Await Six Brunei Students Bound For Japan APCC

Six form one students from Brunei, three boys and three girls, have been selected to attend the Asian Pacific Children's Convention (APCC) in Fukuoka.

They leave for Japan on July 16 and return on July 27. The six will be accompanied by two officers or two teachers to monitor the APCC objectives for students to cooperate, learn and respect local customs and cultural life of nations as well as establishing friendship and goodwill among participants from 57 countries.

Yesterday, a recital of the "al-fatihah" and a reading of the "doa selamat" was held at at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) College, to bless the auspicious occasion, aside from performances from the delegation and a video presentation.

Assistant Director of Secondary Schools (Ministry of Education) Mr Cheong Huat Joo said the APCC is a program organized by the regional committee of Fukuoka since the 1990s.

He said the program began with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, submitting a total of 64 students under age 12 to the Department of Schools. Some 11 MoE officers were involved in the selection process.

Mr Cheong also urged the six students to learn positive attitudes and values that make Japanese society a progressive nation. One of the six chosen, Hajah Dina from SM Lambak Kiri, was spokesman in a warm speech, "My fellow Junior Ambassadors Malek-san, Wazif-san, Vernon-san, Amal-san and Fathen-san, we hope you all feel proud to be part of this great programme the 22nd Asian Pacific Children's Convention.

We feel honoured to be nominated by our schools and finally selected by the Ministry of Education through an interview and essay-writing.

To prepare ourselves, our chaperones or `sense had planned training schedules for every Friday from 8.30am to 11am and at times on Sundays."

Dina added that "In the past weeks, we've learned about each other through ice-breaking activities, aerobics and games. All of us never danced before... so through this programme, we learned traditional dance which was tough but we survived.

Some of us actually lost weight through the physical training. To their parents, she said, "Don't worry about us when we are in Japan, "Insya Allah", we will be fine under the guidance of our chaperones, Radzuan sensei and Norlina sensei.

In Fukuoka, we home-stay with foster parents. We have received information and even got replies and e-mail from our foster parents. We will try our best to learn the Japanese way of life."

Hajah Dina added that the six will be attending Mirai Village Camp to interact with 218 participants from 57 countries. "We will also promote Brunei as a peaceful and unique country.

We will be on our best behaviour, be friendly, not to criticize others for their beliefs and try new things and as Muslims, we also learned "Jama" & "Qasar" prayers and 'doa' for our stay in Japan," Hajah Dina concluded.

This year's APCC slogan is: "We are the Bridge: we connect dreams around the world. To learn about each other's country, religion and culture, through exchange. To promote mutual understanding amongst youths in Asia and the Pacific and to nurture an international perspective in youth and foster a supportive environment."

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

via BruDirect

Showcase of three Japanese martial arts on July 7

BruDirect.com link

Bandar Seri Begawan - In a first of its kind performance three types of Japanese Martial Arts will be showcased on July 7 at 7pm at the Cesar Ballroom of Orchid Garden Hotel. This event is organised under the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme which is coordinated by the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE) and Brunei Japan Friendship Association (BJFA).

The three types of Japanese Martial Arts to be exhibited in the event are Kendo, Aikido and Karate.

The event will be presented to the general public for free as part of the planned activities for the Brunei Japan Friendship Association.

Apart from the Japanese martial artists, there- will also be a performance from local martial arts association namely Persekutuan Aikido, Kendo Alliance and Wadokai Karatedo Brunei Darussalam.

A total of 24 performers will be showcasing their martial arts skills.

Nine famous Japanese martial arts (Kendo, Aikido, Karate) performers are now in the country until July 9.

Martial art is a popular form of sport in Japan not only for self-defence but also for the harmonious development of body and mind.

This festival has taken more than three months for BJFA to plan and organise with the collaboration of JICE and also with the Embassy of Japan. BJFA hopes that this festival will showcase Japanese Martial Arts as a popular form of sports and leisure, hence strengthening the relation between the two countries.

It is the mission and vision of BJFA to achieve and expose both Brunei and Japanese culture, tourism and business interests to the community of both countries.

During their stay in Brunei Darussalam, the Japanese delegation will visit Kendo Alliance, Persekutuan Aikido and Wadokai Karatedo and conduct several training sessions and workshops. All these performers are experts in their own field of martial arts holding high-ranking positions.

Special martial art outfits and equipment have been brought in from Japan specifically for this event.

For more information, contact BJFA Secretariat at 8996884 or e-mail brunei.japan@gmail.com . -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin