SKEHE METUAKAN IN KARANGASEM

Karangasem is the biggest producer tuak in Bali. Almost, in every village in Karangasem, we can meet the citizen who as the tuak producer or the seller like in Merita village, Kubu village, and the other place in Karangasem. A lot of palm wine there makes the people in Karangasem possible to make the tuak in big quantity. Besides, producing the tuak, the people in karangasem also like consuming their own tuak. Their happiness to drink tuak makes them want to drink together with their friends. So they make a group which is well known as sekehe metuakan.

Sekehe metuakan is kind of grouping which have the same interest which is to drink the tuak together. Sekehe metuakan can be easy to be found in the corners along the village street in Karangasem     especially in Kubu, or Merita village. This tradition has been exists for many years. The group is based on the friendship that has known the characteristics of each other and the level of their friends drunk. They avoid inviting the drunker who like making a vandalism or disruption. The new comer is usually difficult to join this group because he should be able to adapt and understand the character of the group. The group of metuakan is also based on the age. Rarely, we can find the older people join with the youth because if they are mixed, they will have different topic each other. The topic of the youth is different with the older people which will make the irrelevance.

Sekehe metuakan has their own rule which have been agreed by the members. This role is not-written but need to be obeyed by the members. The role of each group is usually different with the other group. There is a role which the members need to bring their own tuak based on how many they are able to bring. If they gather in tuak seller, the member usually joint venture, they call it “ngecuk”. Sometimes, there is a member who treats their friends to drink.

During metuakan, it is lead by the Bandar. Bandar is people who pour the tuak into the glass and divide it passes through cycles. In passing though cycles, the Bandar only uses one glass. The member is not allowed to bring their own glass. Moreover, the new comer brings his own glass. The others will assume that he is selfish and dishonor. The uses of one glass symbolize the togetherness. The Bandar also has a job to be a moderator. When discussing about one topic and happens a conflict, the Bandar needs to handle it in order to avoid the disagreement.

In the other event, they drink tuak while megenjekan. Megenjekan is a kind of dance and art. The role of the tuak is important in this dance. The members drink tuak and make a cycle. While drinking the tuak, they sing a song together and dance in the central of the cycle. They sing loudly and dance freely, forgetting the problem in their mind and to have fun with their friends.

Sekehe metuakan in Karangasem has become no formal forum by the people there to say their feeling and problem. More than that, this group also aims to make the togetherness and unity tighter each other.

THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL

The existence of alcohol in our society can’t be detached. There are so many kinds of the alcohol beverages sold freely in the store whether it is legal or illegal such as Beer, Jack Daniels, GGH, and many more. How easy this beverage is gotten, it will make the people easily to get it and the price still can be bought by the consumer. It will give the people more chances to drink it. People think that the alcohol can give the positive effect for them. By consuming the alcohol they can lose their problem, increase their confidence, and can have fun with their friends whereas behind of those enjoyment is hidden so many effects made by consuming the alcohol. The effect can appear in the short term effect and also long term effect.

The effect of consuming alcohol in short time may show how danger the alcohol in short period of time. It just differentiates from the consumer behavior. The consumer will be confidence, more talk active, Acts and feels self-confident, Judgment and movement impaired, Inhibitions reduced and unstable emotions and lose their consciousness. The changing of the behavior here can make the consumer more aggressive. In this term, the consumers are in dangerous when driving the car/motorcycle because they lose their consciousness and focus. In fact, there are so many accidents happen because of drunk. Moreover, the effect of this short term occur the dispute in society even there are some murders happens because of the influence of the alcohol because they cant detain their emotion and under the alcohol control.

The other effect is long term effect. The long term effect occur so many effect in the consumer health. Alcohol can demolish the organs. It directly affects the brain cells. Unclear thinking, staggering and slurred speech may result. Large amounts of alcohol may cause unconsciousness or death. Alcohol causes blurred vision and alcohol risk cause the blindness. The other effect, Alcohol can increase the workload of the heart. Irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure can result. Alcohol can poison the liver.  Prolonged use causes extensive damage and failure. Alcohol irritates the digestive system. Vomiting and ulcers may result. Alcohol can stop the kidneys from maintaining a proper balance of body fluids and minerals. Alcohol widens blood vessels causing headaches and loss of body heat. Alcohol reduces your body's ability to produce blood cells resulting in anemia or infections. Alcohol also can cause muscle weakness, including the heart muscle.

The alcohol is very dangerous in our health and also our life. Consuming the alcohol can affect in two kinds of period of time which are short term and long term. Short term affect the consumer for moment but it can be dangerous if the consumer can’t control themselves. And the long term effect can demolish the consumer health by affecting the organs inside the body.

THE FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE TEENAGER TO CONSUME ALCOHOL

Today we can usually find that there are so many teenagers like drinking alcohol. Eventhough they haven’t been allowed yet to consume this kind of beverage because their age which is still below the criteria. The tendency of the teenagers drink alcohol, I think it is caused by some factors. They are environment factor, social factor, and personal factor.

            The first factor is environment factor. In my opinion, the tendencies of the teenagers consume alcohol is how way alcohol can be easy to found. As we know that, especially in Singaraja almost every village has their own alcohol seller. It will make the teenager easy to buy it. In addition, alcohol cost in Singaraja is quite cheap. By capitalizing 60.000, they can find 4 bottles of alcohols. More than that, the advertisement in the TV also shows how delicious alcohol so they want to try it.

            The other factor which supports the teenager to consume the alcohol is social factors. Social factors influence the teenagers very much because the teenagers cannot be detached from social relationship. In here, the teenager is forced to drink this beverage because of their friend invitation. They may refuse the invitation but they will be discriminated in their group. So, they prefer to follow what their friends offer. Other cause of social factor is the family. The teenager will be easy to be drunker if their family has drunker background. The teenager tends to follow what their parents do. For the example, if their father is drunker. It will affect to the children surely.

            Personal factor also influences the tendency why the teenagers drink alcohol. They think that by consuming alcohol they will be more confidence and braver. For the example, the teenager who is so quiet, shy, closed. He wants to reduce it by consuming alcohol to be more confidence and braver. Then by consuming alcohol can lose their problem and forget it. Alcohol is a kind of way by the teenager to leave their problem because one effect of alcohol is unconsciousness which is wanted by the teenager to lose thir problem. For example the teenager today often have problem with his girlfriend. Alcohol is used to an alternative ways to leave the problem and forget for a moment.

In conclusion, there are some factors which influence the teenager to consume alcohol which looks at from environment factors, social factors, and personal factors. I think the government needs to prevent the alcohol consuming of the teenager by losing the alcohol seller and increase the taxes of this beverage and also the role of the parents also take important place in order to keep their children away from this bad beverage.

Water Flow: a poem for a sincerely man

WATER FLOW

Water flow from high to lowlands

Pure and holy

Flows with certain dreams

To write their own story freely

They don’t know at all

The world will change night

Turn the direction of each of all

To separate them in their own fight

 Flow may take the longer one

The others take the shorter one

Which one is better? None

In the end, they will meet in ocean

By: Arta Dhana

FATE

8 years, they have plaited together their relationship to be faithful each other. 8 years they have been passing so many challenge which try to shack their belief. And the serious step is going to be kept by them.

Woman: honey, I hope that you are the last man which stops in my heart. We have been together for 8 years.

Man: Yes, my honey. I will be with you now, tomorrow, and forever.

Woman: Do you promise not to move to the other heart?

Man: I promise

These words are always remembered by Dewi. She is waiting when she will be proposed to marry by Dewa. Dewi and Dewa have been couple since they were in junior high school. At that time, growing to puberty nobody knew that they would be together till they are in University. All of their friends thought it was monkey love at that time. However, who knows they are tight till right now.

A lot of challenges come one by one and try to break their relationship. It has ever happened when they were in first grade of senior high school, the jealous problem which usually happened in every couple. In that time, Dewa was jealous because Dewi was often sent SMS by their friends named Putra. Actually Putra got feeling to Dewi whereas she had had a boyfriend. It provoked Dewa’s emotion. He thought that Dewi tried to find the other boy. And he wanted to beat up Putra. Dewi was so afraid at that time; she didn’t want her boyfriend misunderstanding because of the small problem. Then, Dewi told him what the exactly this problem and wanted to clear it. Dewa understood about it, and he was so angry at that time, because at fist his eyes were closed by emotion.

The serious problem which had tried to break their relationship is when Dewi wanted to introduce Dewa in her family. Dewi’s father disagreed about their relationship. The reason is because her father wanted Dewi to focus on his study. At that time, Dewi was going to get final examination.

”I am sorry …my daughter needs to pass the final examination. I don’t want my daughter are disturbed by you!!! Let her focus on her study to pass this examination. And I think you also the same age as my daughter, and your parents think so. I hope you understand,” her father said.

”But, pa….” Dewi tried to explain,”

Directly his father scold”, No, you have to pass this examination with the good mark, so listens what Papa say. Study and study. No time for dating anymore,”

Listening to Dewi’s father disagreement, Dewa turned over about the decision. Dewa receive what her father said. Dewi was so sad; she had to break their relationship. Starting from that, they are loss contact and focus on their study each other to pass the examination.

***

Final examination had been held by them. In the end, they were success to pass and continue to the university. Then, Dewa wanted to invite dewi back. Every time he called him, every time he listened “…tut…tut…tut…the number you are calling isn’t defined, please check again in few minutes. He was so difficult to contact Dewi

***

Fortunately, in the farewell party of their school, Dewa expressed his willingness to invite Dewi back.

”I know we are not agreed by your father. But, give me another chance. I love you” Dewa persuade.

Dewi replied” Dewa, I also love you. But, my father disagree with our relationship,”

Dewa tried to entrust. ” Who decides our relationship? Your father? No, we decide our relation,”

”But….I can’t hurt my father, because my father exactly wants me serious in my study,” Dewi clarified.

“I think you can’t focus on your study if you are always forced by your father,” Dewa tried to persuade Dewi.

Dewi requested” Give me time for thinking Dewa. I am faced with two difficult choices,” “I give you time for thinking Dewi, and I hope you will want to be back to our relationship,” accept Dewi request.

Dewi was so under pressured at that time. She was faced by two difficult choices between her feeling which still loved Dewa and the other side she had to follow what her father said. So stressful, she shared with her friend.

” How are you, Wik? You’re looked so pale,” asked Dewi’s friend.

“I am okay, Yul,” Dewi replied. “Don’t pretend me. You are not like usual. Tell me your problem, maybe I can help you,” Yuli tried to make Dewi tell the problem.

Then, Dewi told her problem to yuli,” what must I do, Yul? Do I have to listened what my father said to focus on my study or listened my feeling which still wants to be with Dewa?”

“I understand your feeling, Wik. I know you still love Dewa very much, but you don’t want to disobey what your father wants to you,” Yuli empathy with Dewi.

Dewi is just silent. Yuli gave solution,” maybe you are able to follow your feeling all at once you do what your father wants,”

“By doing what Yul. I can’t think anymore,” Dewi asked. Yuli suggested,” how if you do backstreet relationship. It is famous right now for the couple who disagreed by their family, isn’t it?”

“But I am afraid my father will knows it,” Dewi said.

“You don’t want Dewa with someone else, do you? So do it, but you also must concern with your study to keep the secret in front of your father,” Yuli added.

“Ok yuli, I will do it thank you,” Dewi followed

After long persuasion, Dewi and Dewa were back with one thing; they were in backstreet relationship. Their relation was growing again. They decided to college in the same University. In college, their relationship was tight firmly. Dewi chose the management course because of the advice of his father. Dewa chose to college in Electro department.

Time is passing time. They are in the last semester. 8 years together in happiness and sadness, they passed all of the challenge together in faithful. Now, they want to keep their relationship to the serious level.

Dewi: honey, I hope that you are the last man which stops in my heart. We have been together for 8 years.

Dewa: Yes, my honey. I will be with you now, tomorrow, and forever.

Dewi: Do you promise not to move to the other heart?

Dewa: I promise.

However, they are in backstreet situation. Dewi can’t always hide their relation with her father. Dewi wants to tell her father about their relationship.  Dewi states that they make relationship each other seriously not just to get happy. They have completed in each other in happiness or sorrow; showing that they want to go to the serious stage. They can’t leave each other. Listening to what her daughter said, Dewi’s father is finally sympathy and accept their relationship with one reason, they have to focus on their thesis first, graduate, and getting work. They will have just been allowed to the serious level. Dewi and Dewa are very happy listening to what Dewi’s father say. Then, Dewa introduces Dewi to his family. And Dewi is welcomed very well by Dewa’s family and they are accepted to go the serious one. Both of their family have agreed and know each other, going to the serious level is waiting

Keeping their family belief they do their thesis seriously. They don’t want to broke their parents belief which is given to them .At the end of the announced, they are noted to graduate. The hard-work done produces satisfying result. Graduating in the university, they search for the job; Dewa applies for job in PLN, and Dewi applies in the bank. Getting hard, they are accepted to work there. The job has been achieved by them, now it is just waiting Dewa to propose Dewi to marriage.

***

One day, Dewi goes out with her friends to the mall.  She wants to buy some fruit for her mother with Yuli. After some moment, she looks a fortune stand. Appearing in her mind to ask about her future and when she will be proposed by Dewa and about their relationship in the future.

“Put, there is a fortune stand. I want to go there to ask my future with Dewa,” Dewi tells.

“Where is it?” Yuli replies. “Over there,” while pointing to the stand.

“Are you sure to ask your future with Dewa, Wik?” Yuli asks.

Dewi says,” ehhmm actually, I am doubt, but it is not foul, is it?”

“It is not fault, but you will be haunted by that fortune,” Yuli tries to remember her.

Dewi ignores,” No, I will ask my future. I am so curious to know when I will be proposed. Let me ask that.

 “Ok…if that you want I can’t say anything. Promises to me if you will not be haunted by the fortune later,” Yuli give up.

“It is easy. I will ask for the good one not to the bad one, easy, right,”Dewi says.

Yuli shows her sympathy,” Ok…I don’t want something happen to you”

“Steady, Yul. Now let’s go there,” Dewi says.

Dewi immediately go to the fortune stand without thinking anything. She is so curious. There, she asks about her relationship with Dewa and when she will be proposed. But, she asks to be predicted about the good things in the future not the bad one. Dewi is afraid about what Yuli said just now.

 “Excuse me,” Dewi asks permission. “

Yes, please come. What can I do for you miss? Fortune-teller offers.

”I want to be predicted about my future. I have boy friend and we have been 7 years. But, I haven’t proposed yet. Could you tell me when I will be proposed?” Dewi telling her wants.

”Ok give me your hands,” Fortune-teller asks.

Trying to remember Dewi says,” But…Wait…Wait a minute. Please tell me the good one, not the bad one”

“I understand what you mean,” fortune teller replies.  Fortune-teller is reading Dewi’s palm…..”Ehmmm…….I think you will be proposed soon. After that you will get married, and you will have two children, one son, and one daughter. The economy, ehhmm looking from your palm, I think you will not have a financial problem later,” Fortune-teller tells Dewi’s future.

“Are you sure?” Dewi tries to make sure

“That is according to what I see on your palm,” Fortune-teller says.

”thank you Mr. Fortune-teller,” Dewi says.

“You are welcome. Remember, all the things is on the Gods hands,” Fortune-teller advices.

Dewi is so happy listening the fortune. In the end, she is proposed by Dewa and gets married. 4 years they get married, they have had two children, one son names Dewantara and one daughter names Apsari. They are so funny, and clever like what the fortune-teller said. They have been given what every family wants to have, job, children, faithfulness. They don’t want to lose them.

In one day, Dewi gets sick. She is diagnosed to get cancer in her womb. After long treatment in hospital, at the eleventh hour, she passes away. Leaving her husband and her lovely children. Dewa is so sad, down, and shocked. Sometime, we can’t do anything to change about what has been written in our palm. They are separated by fate, and this fate also brought Dewi not to ask the bad fortune at that time to fortune-teller

THE ANALYSIS OF THIS PROSE:

1.      Title                      : Fate ( Melamar Tentang Dilamar)

2.      Theme                  : Our life has been arranged, we can’t change it

3.      Background         : Dewi’s house, in the mall.

4.      Time                     : In this short story, the writer tries to describe Dewa temptation in few years ago, and his time now.

5.      Character:

There are some characters in this prose which are Dewi, Dewa, Dewi’s father, Putra, Yuli, Fortune-teller, Dewantara, and Apsari

6.      Characterization:

Dewi                     : She is curious girl, faithful, obedient with his father. She is in the last semester right now who colleges in management course.

Dewa                     : He is Dewi girlfriend, he is so faithful. He is easier to be angry if someone tries to break his relationship with Dewi. He is also in the last semester who chooses Electro department.

Dewi’s father        : He is so idealist. Force his daughter to focus on her study first and doesn’t let her have boyfriend.

Yuli                       : She is Dewi’s friend; very kind friend. Yuli is a good listener and clever to give solution to her friend, especially Dewi

Fortune teller         : Someone who tells fortune to Dewi

Dewantara             : He is Dewi’s son who is funny and clever

Apsari                    : She is Dewi’s daughter

7.      Plot

·         Introduction: There is a couple who have been plaiting their relationship for 8 years. They started his relationship since they were in senior high school till they were in the last semester in University.

·         Point of attack: when Dewi is so curious about when she will be proposed to marriage by Dewa. She wants to ask to the fortune-teller

·         Conflict: when Dewi wants to ask to the fortune teller, Yuli try to remind her because the fortune will haunt Dewi’s life later.

·         Climax: Dewi asks her fortune fortune-teller about her future and when she will be proposed to marriage by Dewa with one reason Dewi need to ask about the good fortune not the bad one based on Yulis’s advice

·         Resolution: Dewi is finally proposed by Dewa and they have married based on the fortune at that time. After some years married, they have two children, one son names Dewantara and one daughter names Apsari. They live peacefully and happy.

·         Anticlimax: One day, Dewi gets sick. Dewi has cancer in her womb. In the end, she passes a way leaving her children and her husband who loves her very much

8.      Moral instruction:

·         “Trying to be faithful with your couple,

·         We can’t change our fate, but we only can do our best in this life before we are picked up to the origin”

9.      Point of view        : In this story uses third person point of view/omniscient point of view