Tag : Travelling - Asep Haryono | Unique Things in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Powered by Blogger

IDisclaimer

I visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 16 to 17, 2009. It was a really long time ago. I joined as an Indonesian young participant in the Youth Engagement Summit (YES) along with hundreds of youth participants from Southeast Asian countries, with Malaysia as the organizer. There are several tourism spots that are quite interesting to share here, including some unusual and unfamiliar things that you might find interesting. These are all the memories I have written here. 

 I hope you enjoy reading my travel notes. 

Thank you for visiting my blog

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I never imagined that I would have the chance to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November 2009. It has been quite a long time since then, but I still have many travel stories to share with all my blogging friends, including food experiences and many other interesting things. The trip happened very suddenly. 

What made it even more special was that my 2-day, 1-night visit to Kuala Lumpur was worth about Rp25,000,000 (around US$2,500 at the exchange rate of Rp10,000 per US dollar at that time). Just imagine how many klepon you could buy with that much money

It would not feel complete to visit Kuala Lumpur without seeing the famous Petronas Twin Towers, one of Malaysia's greatest landmarks. At that time, I went there with several other delegates from the Youth Engagement Summit (YES) Conference. We traveled by bus and left at around 10:00 a.m., oops, I almost said Indonesian time! It was Malaysia time, of course. 

We did not know the route very well, so we simply asked people for directions until we finally arrived. Unfortunately, we could not go up to the top of the Twin Towers because there was an emergency drill that day for fire safety and anti-terrorism training

For a moment, I remembered the exciting 1999 movie Entrapment, starring Sean Connery as Mac and the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones as Gin. Some scenes from the movie were filmed at the Petronas Twin Towers, so it was really exciting to stand there in person. Very cool! Then I started wondering what it would be like if a movie like that were filmed in Jakarta at the National Monument (Monas). Would that be possible? I think it could be, if someone really wanted to make it happen! Haha

AWESOME: The Petronas Twin Towers stand tall and impressive. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to go up to the top during this visit. Maybe next time. Photo by Asep Haryono

CLEAN: The streets were clean, well organized, and not very crowded. It was a working day, so I wondered where everyone was. Why were the roads so quiet?

Photo by Asep Haryono

Walking around Kuala Lumpur was a pleasant experience. The city was clean, and I hardly heard any car horns at all. According to some local people, using the horn is not encouraged there, and it may even be against the rules. 

I also noticed that public telephones for emergency services, such as the fire department and the police, could be used without inserting any coins first. They connected directly to the emergency services. The roads were busy with traffic, but everything was well organized. I think this is possible because the people of Kuala Lumpur have a good sense of responsibility and take pride in their city. At least, that was my impression.

For dinner, all of us wanted to enjoy local food from the street stalls. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of the food. I do have a short video, but I was worried it would take too long to upload to YouTube because the internet connection was not very fast at that time. One thing I still remember is trying Nasi Lemak with curry chicken. It was quite affordable, costing only about 5 Malaysian Ringgit, which was around Rp18,000–20,000 at that time.

FUN FACT. 

One of the street foods I tasted that night was satay, which was cooked in a different way from the way it is prepared in my country, Indonesia. Beef or chicken satay is usually grilled over charcoal and fanned by hand. However, this was not the case in Kuala Lumpur. Instead of grilling it over charcoal, they boiled it in hot water. The local people said it was healthier than grilling it over charcoal because the smoke could be harmful to our bodies. Hmmm... that makes sense. 

That was much cheaper than what I once saw on the internet about a Padang restaurant in Sydney. According to the menu I found online, just one corn fritter (perkedel jagung) cost about AUD 2, or around Rp20,000. And that's for only one corn fritter! Haha. (Have I ever been to Sydney? Not yet! So how do I know the prices? I looked them up on the internet. Haha!)

After remembering this trip, I really wanted to visit Kuala Lumpur again in futrue. In fact, I wanted to go there so much that I even created a new blog header featuring Kuala Lumpur. I had already started planning the trip, although I did not know which month I would be able to go. God willing (Insya Allah), I hoped it would happen. 

PROTEST: I asked a local resident in Kuala Lumpur about ISA. I was told that it stood for the Internal Security Act, a law that was said to restrict certain protests and activities against the government. It reminded me of Indonesia's anti-terrorism law, although the two are not exactly the same.

Photo by Asep Haryono

CLEAR: Taking the bus was easy because the fare was clearly displayed. There was no need to worry about having enough money. The bus fare was 1 Malaysian Ringgit. Can you guess how much that was in Indonesian Rupiah at the time?

Photo by Asep Haryono

NEAT: This is not a voting booth! It is the entrance to a public toilet in a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors paid a small fee by putting the money into a collection box before entering.

Photo by Asep Haryono

A few days earlier last May 2026, I had also received a package from the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Jakarta (through the Embassy of Malaysia). It contained a book, brochures, leaflets, and a Visit Malaysia 2026 tourist map. I was sure these travel materials would help me plan my next visit to Kuala Lumpur much better.

Well, it was still just a plan. God willing (Insya Allah), everything would go smoothly and I would be able to visit Kuala Lumpur again. 

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Keseharian, Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | WhatsApp Is Launching Usernames: A Big Step for Better Privacy - Powered by Blogger

Hello every one. First of all, I would like to say to all my fellow bloggers from the US , My most sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of the United States of America on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, July 4. Wishing you all success and a rewarding year ahead. 

Good news for WhatsApp users! 

WhatsApp is introducing a new feature called Usernames. This feature will allow people to contact you without seeing your phone number. For many years, anyone who wanted to chat with you on WhatsApp needed your phone number. With this new feature, that is going to change. 

It is important to know that you will still need a phone number to create and verify your WhatsApp account. However, after your account is set up, you will be able to choose a unique username.Instead of sharing your phone number, you can simply share your username. People can then find and message you using that username, while your phone number stays private. 

This is good news for people who care about privacy. It can also make it safer to chat with new people without giving them your personal phone number. 

Here are some important things to know about the new feature: 

1. You will still need a phone number to register your WhatsApp account. 
2. You can choose your own unique username. 
3. People can contact you using your username instead of your phone number. 
4. Your phone number will remain hidden from people who only know your username.
5.  There will not be a public directory where everyone can search for usernames.
6.  Usernames are expected to be between 3 and 35 characters long. 

This feature is similar to what Telegram and Signal already offer. It gives users more privacy and more control over their personal information.At the moment, WhatsApp is rolling out this feature gradually. 

This means not everyone will receive it at the same time. If you do not see it yet, you may need to wait until it becomes available in your country or for your account. Overall, this is a welcome update. It gives WhatsApp users better privacy while making it easier to connect with others. 

A smartphone with messages on the screen

Photo Asep Haryono

What do you think about this new feature?

Many people have been waiting for a feature like this, and it could make WhatsApp even more useful in the future. What do you think about WhatsApp usernames? Will you use a username instead of sharing your phone number? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. 

The new username feature is a positive step for WhatsApp users around the world. It gives people another way to stay connected while protecting their personal phone numbers. If you value your privacy, this is good news. 

As the feature becomes available, many users will likely choose to share their usernames instead of their phone numbers. It is another example of how messaging apps continue to improve both convenience and security. 

Will you use a WhatsApp username when it becomes available? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for reading. 

Please share this article with your friends if you found it useful. 

Thank you my friends.  

Happy Saturday. 

Happy Weekend

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Keseharian, Wisata Kuliner - Asep Haryono | Have You Ever Tried Klepon? Indonesia's Sweet Traditional Snack - Powered by Blogger

Hello everyone. How is it going. 

Have you ever tried Klepon, one of Indonesia's most popular traditional snacks? Although I don't know exactly which region of Indonesia it originally came from, Klepon is now enjoyed throughout the country. This small green rice cake may look simple, but it hides a delicious surprise inside that keeps people coming back for more. 

Although it is a simple traditional snack, it is especially tempting for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is loved not only by older generations but also by many young people.

A note 

Indonesia, we call it kue klepon. The word kue is often translated as cake, but Klepon is not like a birthday cake or sponge cake. It is a traditional Indonesian rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. Each ball is coated with fresh grated coconut and filled with melted palm sugar. When you take a bite, the sweet syrup flows into your mouth. Klepon is one of Indonesia's most popular traditional foods and can be found in many markets across the country. If you ever visit Indonesia, I hope you will have the chance to taste this delicious treat.. 

This delicious snack is made from glutinous rice flour and is coated with freshly grated coconut. Inside each soft, chewy ball is melted palm sugar. When you bite into it, the sweet syrup bursts into your mouth, making Klepon a truly delightful treat. It is perfect as a morning snack, an afternoon treat, or even something to serve to guests.

Affordable and Easy to Find 

One of the reasons Klepon is so popular is that it is both affordable and easy to find. It is widely sold in traditional markets across Indonesia. Here in Pontianak, West Kalimantan where I live, you can buy Klepon from market stalls, roadside vendors, and even mobile carts. 

Klepon comes in different sizes, although most are small enough to be eaten in one or two bites. Unlike meatballs, which sometimes come in giant sizes, I have never seen a giant Klepon! 

The largest ones I have seen are about the size of a golf ball.  OMG

KLEPON :  This is a piece of Klepon that tempts anyone who likes it. Klepon delicious and delicious for those who like. Photo of Asep Haryono

A regular-sized 

Klepon usually costs around Rp1,000 (one thousand Indonesian Rupiah) each, making it an inexpensive snack that almost everyone can enjoy. It is often sold together with other traditional cakes, especially Putu, another favorite Indonesian snack. If you ever visit Indonesia, don't miss the chance to try Klepon. 

FUNNY FACTS. As of today, July 2, 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 US Dollar (USD) = 17,985.4 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Exchange rates change throughout the day due to market activity, so the exact rate may vary slightly depending on your bank or money exchange service.  

At today's exchange rate of 1 USD = Rp17,985.4, a Rp1,000 klepon costs about 5.56% of one U.S. dollar. In other words, US$1 can buy approximately 17 klepon, with a small amount of rupiah remaining. 

It may look simple, but its sweet surprise inside makes it one of Indonesia's most unforgettable traditional treats. What makes klepon so special is the warm liquid palm sugar hidden inside. In Indonesia, some people jokingly call it "Bursting Klepon" because when you bite into a medium or large klepon, the hot palm sugar syrup can suddenly burst into your mouth. 

If you're not careful, it may even splatter onto your shirt!. LoL

That sweet surprise is exactly what makes Klepon so enjoyable. The combination of its soft, chewy texture, freshly grated coconut coating, and warm melted palm sugar creates a delicious experience that keeps people coming back for more. 

Making perfect Klepon is not as easy as it looks. Experienced cooks know that the cooking time is very important. If the Klepon is boiled for too long, it can become too soft and lose its chewy texture. When cooked just right, however, each bite is soft, chewy, and filled with rich, sweet palm sugar. 

I hope you'll have the chance to enjoy this delicious Indonesian traditional snack someday

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Opinion - Asep Haryono | Did America Exist Because of the Jewish People?- My Opinion - Powered by Blogger

Disclaimer

This article reflects my personal views and understanding based on publicly available information. To be honest, I am not a historian, political analyst, journalist, or international relations expert, so some information or opinions may be incomplete or open to different interpretations.

I shared this article to encourage respectful discussion and the free exchange of ideas, not to promote any political, religious, or ideological agenda. I welcome constructive comments and different perspectives, provided they are expressed with courtesy and mutual respect. Please don't be hesiate to share your ideas, suggestion, and comments here

Thank you one more time my friend for reading. 

Happy reading

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The U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that without the United States, Israel would not survive. There is no doubt that the United States has been Israel's strongest ally, providing unwavering extensive military aid, diplomatic support, intelligence cooperation, and advanced defense technology for many decades. Moreover, while the U.S. is Israel's largest ally, it is not the only country that has supported Israel in various ways.

Recently, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee made a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that attracted worldwide attention. He wrote:"Without the Jewish people, America would never have existed."  I have enclosed herewith a copy or screenshoot of the topic that I would like to discuss with

Source GBX

Many people agreed with his statement, while others strongly disagreed. This raises an important question: Is this statement historically true, or is it simply a personal belief? To answer this question fairly, we need to look at history, facts, and evidence instead of emotions or political opinions.

Who is Mike Huckabee 
To understand the statement, it is helpful to know Mike Huckabee's background. Before becoming a politician, Huckabee was a Baptist pastor. Many evangelical Christians believe that Christianity cannot exist without Judaism because Jesus, the apostles, and the earliest followers of Christianity were Jewish.

They also believe the Old Testament forms the foundation of Christian faith. From this religious viewpoint, someone might argue that America's Christian heritage ultimately began with the Jewish people. This is a theological or religious belief.

America Was Founded by Many Different Influences
The United States of America did not suddenly appear overnight. It was created through many events that happened over hundreds of years.

Some of the most important influences were:

• British colonization beginning in 1607.
• English law and political traditions.
• The ideas of the European Enlightenment.
• The American Revolution against Great Britain.
• The writing of the U.S. Constitution.

Historians agree that America was built from many different cultural, political, and philosophical traditions. No single group or nation can claim full credit for creating the United States.

You may read - JEWS, ARABS, and Zionism. clearing up the confusion

Israel and the US flag side by side.

The Influence of England
Perhaps the biggest influence on early America was England.

The thirteen colonies that later became the United States were British colonies. The colonists spoke English, followed English laws, and inherited English political traditions.

Important English documents helped shape American democracy. These included the Magna Carta (1215) and the English Bill of Rights (1689). Both documents limited the power of the king and protected certain rights of the people.

The American legal system still reflects many principles from English common law today. Without England, historians generally agree that American history would have looked very different.

The Enlightenment Played a Major Role
Another important influence was the European Enlightenment during the 17th and 18th centuries. Thinkers such as John Locke, Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote about freedom, equality, natural rights, and government by the people.

Their ideas greatly influenced the Founding Fathers of the United States. For example, Thomas Jefferson used many Enlightenment ideas when writing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. One famous sentence says: "All men are created equal."

This idea came mainly from Enlightenment philosophy rather than from religious teachings.


The Founding Fathers
The United States was founded by leaders such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams.

None of these men were Jewish.

They came from different Christian backgrounds, although some were more religious than others.

Their writings show that they were influenced by several sources:

• The Bible
• Greek philosophy
• Roman government
• English law
• Enlightenment thinkers

Instead of depending on one single source, they combined many ideas into a new system of government.


Did Judaism Influence America?
The answer is yes, however only in certain ways.

Many early American settlers were Christians, especially the Puritans. The Puritans loved reading the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. They often compared themselves with the ancient Israelites.

You may read- Judaism vs. Zionism: Why They're Not the Same and Why It Matters

For example, they believed they were leaving oppression in Europe just as Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Some American leaders also admired biblical ideas about justice, morality, and freedom. Therefore, Judaism influenced America mainly through the Bible that Christians also consider sacred. However, this does not mean the Jewish people themselves created America.

How Many Jewish People Lived in Colonial America?
Historical records show that the Jewish population in colonial America was very small. By the time of the American Revolution in 1776, only about 2,000 to 3,000 Jews lived among a colonial population of roughly 2.5 million people.

That means Jewish people made up around one-tenth of one percent of the population. Most Jewish communities lived in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, Newport, and Savannah. They contributed to local business and trade, but they were not the main political leaders during the founding of the United States.

Jewish Contributions to America Are Very Important
Although Jewish people were a small minority during America's founding, their later contributions to American society have been enormous.

In science, medicine, law, business, education, entertainment, and technology, Jewish Americans have helped shape the modern United States.

Some famous examples include:

• Albert Einstein, whose scientific work changed modern physics.
• Jonas Salk, who developed one of the first successful polio vaccines.
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who became one of the most respected justices on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Many Jewish immigrants also helped build businesses, universities, hospitals, and charitable organizations across America.

These achievements deserve recognition and respect.

However, most of these contributions happened long after the United States became an independent nation in 1776. It is not the same as saying that historians have proved America would never have existed without Jewish people.


What Do Historians Say?
Professional historians generally explain America's founding using several major causes.

These include:

• British colonial history.
• English constitutional traditions.
• Enlightenment philosophy.
• Economic conflicts with Britain.
• The American Revolution.
• The leadership of the Founding Fathers.

These are supported by thousands of historical documents, letters, government records, and academic studies. Mainstream historians do not argue that America would never have existed without the Jewish people. Instead, they describe America's birth as the result of many different historical forces working together.


Is Huckabee's Statement really True?

I would not say that what he stated was correct or wrong. The answer depends on how people interpret it.

If the statement is understood literally as a historical claim, the available evidence does not support it. History shows that America was founded through the combined influence of England, Europe, Christianity, classical philosophy, and the political decisions of its founders.

The Jewish people certainly influenced Western civilization and Christianity, but historians do not identify them as the sole or indispensable reason for America's existence. If Huckabee meant his statement in a religious or symbolic sense, then many evangelical Christians would understand what he meant. In that case, the statement reflects a theological opinion rather than a historical conclusion.


My perspective and opinions
History is often more complex than political slogans or social media posts.

The United States owes much to many peoples and traditions. England gave America its language and legal system. The Enlightenment inspired ideas about liberty and democracy. Christianity influenced moral thinking. Greek and Roman civilizations shaped political philosophy. Immigrants from every continent later strengthened the nation through their work and talents.

Jewish people have made remarkable contributions to the United States and continue to do so today. Their role in American science, medicine, business, education, and public life is widely respected.

However, based on historical evidence, it is not accurate to say that America would never have existed without the Jewish people.

Such a statement expresses a religious or political belief rather than a conclusion supported by mainstream historical scholarship.

When discussing history, it is important to distinguish between faith, opinion, and verifiable evidence. Respecting every community's contributions while remaining faithful to the historical record allows us to better understand how the United States truly came into existence

I need your own opinion my friends

What do you think about Mike Huckabee's statement?
Do you agree that the Jewish people were essential to the creation of America, or do you believe the nation's founding was shaped by many different historical influences? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Please share your opinion in the comments below. Let's keep our discussion respectful, constructive, and based on facts, history, and mutual understanding. Every thoughtful perspective is welcome..

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Indonesia - Asep Haryono | Indonesia's Own 'Titanic' Tragedy: The Sinking of KMP Tampomas II (1981) - Powered by Blogger

Hello everyone. I would like to say hi to Madam Mary Kirkland from the US, Mrs. Ananka from Scotland, and Mrs. Irina from Russia in particular. Hello too to every one. How is it going Today, I would like to tell you about one of the darkest memories in the history of local marine transportation in Indonesia. 

Do you like watching the movie Titanic, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet? I do, and I sometimes watch it again and again because of its romantic story and historical tragedy. However, Indonesia also has a similar story: Indonesia's Own "Titanic" Tragedy: Tampomas II. 

I am sorry once again that this story is written in Bahasa Indonesia because I originally intended it for Indonesian readers. However, to my international readers, would you kindly use any translation tool to understand the story? All images and photographs featured in this blog do not belong to me, and, as usual, I always mention the sources of those materials. 

Happy reading

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Indonesia's Own "Titanic" Tragedy: Tampomas II 

KMP Tampomas II adalah sebuah kapal motor penumpang milik PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PELNI) yang dikenang karena musibah tragis yang dikenal sebagai Tragedi Tampomas 1981. Kapal tersebut terbakar dan tenggelam di sekitar Kepulauan Masalembu, yang terletak pada koordinat 114°25′60″ BT — 5°30′0″ LS di Laut Jawa (secara administratif termasuk wilayah Provinsi Jawa Timur). Singkatan KMP berarti Kapal Motor Penumpang. 

Di bawah komando Kapten Abdul Rivai, kapal ini sedang berlayar dari Jakarta menuju Sulawesi ketika akhirnya tenggelam pada 27 Januari 1981, mengakibatkan ratusan penumpang kehilangan nyawa. 

Tampomas II berangkat dari Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok pada Sabtu, 24 Januari 1981, pukul 19.00 WIB, dengan tujuan Ujungpandang (kini Makassar). Perjalanan diperkirakan memakan waktu sekitar dua hari dua malam, sehingga kapal dijadwalkan tiba pada Senin, 26 Januari 1981, pukul 10.00 pagi. Menurut salah satu panduan atau catatan kapal, salah satu mesin utama sebenarnya telah mengalami gangguan sebelum kapal diberangkatkan. 

Kapal ini mengangkut puluhan kendaraan bermotor, termasuk sebuah mesin penggiling (milling machine) merek SAKAI dan sejumlah sepeda motor Vespa, yang semuanya ditempatkan di dek kendaraan (car deck). Manifest kapal mencatat terdapat 191 mobil dan 200 sepeda motor di atas kapal. Selain itu, kapal membawa 1.055 penumpang resmi serta 82 awak kapal. Namun, jumlah orang yang sebenarnya berada di atas kapal diperkirakan mencapai 1.442 orang, termasuk penumpang yang tidak terdaftar (penumpang gelap). 

Pada malam 24 Januari, suasana di atas kapal berlangsung tenang dan tidak ada tanda-tanda yang mencurigakan, selain indahnya matahari terbenam dan tenangnya permukaan Laut Jawa. Namun demikian, gelombang laut pada bulan Januari memang dikenal lebih ganas dibandingkan bulan-bulan lainnya. Tinggi ombak dapat mencapai 7–10 meter, dengan kecepatan angin sekitar 15 knot, kondisi yang cukup umum terjadi pada musim tersebut.

Sebagai hiburan bagi para penumpang, sebuah pertunjukan musik langsung dijadwalkan berlangsung di bar kapal dengan menampilkan penyanyi Ida Farida bersama grup musik kapal. Salah satu momen yang kemudian dikenang sebagai pertanda buruk terjadi ketika seorang bernama Ferry menyanyikan sebuah lagu perpisahan. Setelah itu, ia tidak pernah terlihat. 

The tragedy of the sinking of the Tampomas II Ship is one of the most heartbreaking maritime disasters in Indonesian history. This incident occurred on January 27, 1981 in the waters of Masalembo, East Java.  

Photo taken fromTeluk Bone Youtube channel

Bagaimana Kejadian Sesungguhnya

Pada 25 Januari 1981, sepanjang hari pelayaran berlangsung tanpa insiden. Namun, pada malam harinya, sekitar pukul 20.00 WITA, di tengah badai hebat yang menerjang Laut Jawa, terjadi kebocoran bahan bakar di ruang mesin. Sebuah puntung rokok yang diduga dibuang melalui lubang ventilasi dilaporkan memicu percikan api yang kemudian menyebabkan kebakaran. 

Awak kapal segera berusaha memadamkan api menggunakan alat pemadam api ringan (APAR), tetapi usaha tersebut tidak berhasil. Api dengan cepat menjalar ke ruang mesin melalui pintu dek yang terbuka. Mesin utama kapal berhenti beroperasi selama sekitar dua jam, generator darurat juga mengalami kegagalan, dan upaya pemadaman akhirnya dihentikan karena kondisi yang semakin memburuk. 

Bahan bakar yang terdapat di dalam kendaraan-kendaraan di dek mobil membuat kobaran api semakin cepat membesar hingga melalap hampir seluruh bagian dek kapal. 

Sekitar 30 menit setelah kebakaran mulai terjadi, para penumpang diperintahkan untuk menuju dek atas dan bersiap menaiki sekoci penyelamat. Namun, proses evakuasi berlangsung sangat lambat karena hanya terdapat satu jalur akses menuju dek atas. Setelah berhasil sampai di sana, banyak penumpang tidak mendapatkan petunjuk dari awak kapal mengenai lokasi sekoci penyelamat. 

Dalam situasi yang kacau, beberapa awak kapal bahkan dilaporkan menurunkan sekoci penyelamat hanya untuk menyelamatkan diri mereka sendiri. Dari enam sekoci yang tersedia, masing-masing hanya mampu menampung sekitar 50 orang. Kepanikan pun tidak terhindarkan. Sebagian penumpang memilih melompat ke laut, sementara yang lainnya tetap bertahan di atas kapal, menunggu dengan penuh kebingungan dan ketakutan.

Kapal-Kapal Penolong Pertama

Kapal pertama yang datang memberikan pertolongan adalah KM Sangihe, yang dinakhodai oleh Kapten Agus K. Sumirat, teman seangkatan Kapten Abdul Rivai di Akademi Ilmu Pelayaran Indonesia (angkatan 1959). Saat itu, KM Sangihe sedang berlayar dari Parepare menuju Surabaya untuk menjalani perbaikan mesin.

Mualim I J. Bilalu dari KM Sangihe pertama kali melihat kepulan asap. Awalnya, ia mengira asap tersebut berasal dari salah satu anjungan pengeboran minyak lepas pantai milik Pertamina. Pada pukul 08.15 WITA, operator radio Abubakar segera mengirimkan sinyal darurat SOS menggunakan kode Morse.

Beberapa kapal lain kemudian bergabung dalam operasi penyelamatan, di antaranya KM Ilmamui, kapal tanker Istana VI, KM Adhiguna Karunia, dan KM Sengata milik PT Porodisa Lines.


Ledakan dan Tenggelamnya Tampomas II
Pada 26 Januari 1981, hujan deras mengguyur kawasan Laut Jawa. Api terus menjalar hingga mencapai ruang mesin yang masih menyimpan bahan bakar yang belum diisolasi. Kondisi tersebut memicu ledakan hebat pada pagi hari 27 Januari 1981.

Ledakan itu menyebabkan ruang mesin, ruang baling-baling (propeller), dan ruang generator terendam air, sehingga kapal mulai miring hingga mencapai kemiringan sekitar 45 derajat. Akhirnya, pada 27 Januari 1981 pukul 12.45 WIB (atau 13.45 WITA), sekitar 30 jam setelah kebakaran pertama kali terjadi, KMP Tampomas II tenggelam ke dasar Laut Jawa, membawa sekitar 288 penumpang yang masih terjebak di dek bawah.

Kapten Abdul Rivai menjadi salah seorang yang terakhir meninggalkan kapal. Sebelum benar-benar meninggalkan kapalnya, ia sempat mengirimkan pesan terakhir kepada KM Sangihe

"Tolong kirimkan saya air dan makanan, karena saya akan tetap bersama kapal ini sampai saat-saat terakhir."

Pesan tersebut disampaikan melalui salah seorang awak kapal yang selamat, Bakaila. Namun, dengan sangat menyesal, Kapten Agus K. Sumirat tidak dapat memenuhi permintaan tersebut.

News of the Sinking of KMP Tampomas II.The KMP Tampomas II was a Pelni passenger ship that caught fire and sank near the Masalembo Islands in the Java Sea on January 27, 1981.

Source: SIB, January 28, 1981.
Salemba Rare Newspaper Collection – National Library of Indonesia (SKALA-Team)

Abdul Rivai, Captain of the Tampomas II Who Died Because of His Loyalty to DutyAbdul Rivai, Captain of the Tampomas II Who Died Because of His Loyalty to Duty
Photo from BOOMBASTIS Website

Video from TELUK BONE CHANNEL

Korban dan Operasi Penyelamatan
Menurut data resmi, kapal mengangkut 2.174 penumpang dan 107 awak kapal. Namun, jika termasuk penumpang yang tidak terdaftar (penumpang gelap), jumlah orang di atas kapal diperkirakan mencapai sekitar 2.812 orang. Salah satu sumber bahkan memperkirakan terdapat sekitar 307 penumpang yang tidak tercatat dalam manifest.

Tim penyelamat memperkirakan sekitar 1.217 orang meninggal dunia, yang terdiri atas 612 jenazah berhasil ditemukan, sementara 411 orang dinyatakan hilang. Sebanyak 703 orang berhasil selamat dari tragedi tersebut.

Dalam operasi penyelamatan:

• Tanker Istana VI berhasil menyelamatkan 144 orang dan mengevakuasi 4 jenazah. 
• KM Sengata menyelamatkan 169 orang serta menemukan 2 jenazah. 
• KM Sonne mengevakuasi 29 jenazah, termasuk jenazah Kapten Abdul Rivai.

Salah seorang penyintas adalah operator radio Odang Kusdinar, yang ditemukan bersama 62 orang lainnya di atas sebuah sekoci penyelamat di sekitar Pulau Duang-Duang Besar, sekitar 240 kilometer di sebelah timur lokasi tenggelamnya kapal, pada Jumat, 30 Januari 1981, pukul 05.00 pagi.

Penyelidikan
Menteri Perhubungan saat itu, Roesmin Nurjadin, menyatakan bahwa hasil pemeriksaan tidak menemukan adanya kelainan pada ruang mesin kapal. Menurut hasil investigasi pemerintah, kebakaran diduga justru bermula dari dek kendaraan, khususnya di area tempat sepeda motor disimpan di bagian belakang kapal.

Gelombang laut yang sangat tinggi diduga menyebabkan kebocoran bahan bakar yang kemudian memicu terjadinya kebakaran.

Sementara itu, Wishardi Hamzah, yang menjabat sebagai masinis III, mengakui bahwa KMP Tampomas II tidak dilengkapi dengan sistem pendeteksi asap (smoke detection system).

Penyelidikan yang dipimpin oleh jaksa Bob Rusli Efendi Nasution pada akhirnya tidak menghasilkan kesimpulan yang memuaskan. Hampir seluruh tanggung jawab dibebankan kepada awak kapal. 

Namun, banyak pihak menduga adanya upaya untuk menutupi fakta (cover-up) oleh pemerintah. Kecurigaan tersebut muncul karena, meskipun banyak anggota parlemen mendesak agar dilakukan penyelidikan yang menyeluruh dan transparan, hasil investigasi dianggap tidak mampu mengungkap penyebab sebenarnya dari tragedi tersebut.

Artikel ini disusun berdasarkan berbagai sumber sejarah dan dokumentasi yang tersedia mengenai Tragedi KMP Tampomas II, di Indonesia.

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