Kelirumologi: Mati Lampu

Seiring dengan berkembangnya teknologi, manusia menjadi semakin membutuhkan tenaga listrik dalam kehidupan sehari-harinya. Tujuannya bermacam-macam, ada yang untuk bekerja, mengikuti berita, berkomunikasi, atau hanya sekedar bermain.

Namun, jika pasokan listrik tiba-tiba terhenti, kegiatan kita tentu akan sangat terganggu. Saya rasa kita semua pernah mengalami kejadian ini. Ya, kejadian yang sering kita sebut sebagai “mati lampu.”

phoenix.fanster.com

“Mati lampu” merujuk pada suatu keadaan di mana pasokan listrik terhenti di suatu wilayah (domestik atau regional) dalam jangka waktu tertentu. Penyebab “mati lampu” ada berbagai macam, mulai dari adanya kerusakan pada gardu listrik, kerusakan pada jaringan kabel, kelebihan muatan listrik, short-circuit (korsleting), dan hal lain yang umumnya bersifat teknis.

quickmeme.com

Membaca penjelasan di atas, anda mungkin sudah menyadari bahwa “mati lampu” terjadi karena adanya gangguan pada bagian-bagian tertentu dalam sistem distribusi listrik. Lalu, mengapa istilah “mati lampu” lebih sering digunakan ketimbang “mati listrik”, bahkan hingga sekarang? Padahal, sudah jelas bahwa istilah “mati lampu” memiliki unsur kekeliruan yang sangat besar.

Ketika ada gangguan pada sistem distribusinya, aliran listrik akan terhenti, baik dengan sendirinya (dengan alasan keamanan), atau memang karena kerusakan yang timbul sudah terlalu parah. Terhentinya arus listrik tersebut akan menyebabkan alat-alat yang menggunakan tenaga listrik (elektronik) dengan sumber terpusat akan berhenti bekerja. Salah satu alat elektronik yang sangat umum, yang dimiliki hampir semua orang adalah bola lampu.

Istilah “mati lampu” menjadi umum karena pada tahun-tahun awal setelah Indonesia merdeka, banyak orang yang memperoleh pasokan listrik terpusat dari PLN. Namun kebanyakan orang hanya memiliki bola lampu sebagai alat yang menggunakan tenaga listrik dari Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), karena harga barang-barang elektronik lain saat itu masih tergolong mahal. Oleh karenanya, jika pasokan listrik terhenti, kebanyakan orang pada jaman tersebut menyebutnya dengan istilah “mati lampu.”

akuinginhijau.files.wordpress.com

Di jaman sekarang, ketika sudah semakin banyak orang yang mampu membeli alat-alat elektronik lain selain bola lampu, istilah “mati lampu” bisa dianggap keliru. Karena pada dasarnya, ketika aliran listrik terputus, bukan bola lampu saja yang padam, tetapi juga alat-alat elektronik lain. “Mati lampu” secara harfiah juga bisa terjadi tanpa adanya kejadian terhentinya aliran listrik domestik. Ketika kita mematikan bola lampu saat hendak tidur di malam hari, atau saat meninggalkan kantor setelah bekerja, itu juga bisa disebut “mati lampu.”

Namun, tidak ada salahnya jika kita tetap menyebutnya sebagai “mati lampu.” Karena istilah tersebut bisa jadi merupakan warisan turun-temurun dari kakek-nenek-buyut kita di masa lalu, yang masih umum dan terus digunakan hingga sekarang. Kelirumologi “mati lampu” ini menjadi suatu hal yang langka di era globalisasi saat ini.

Salam,

Pramuaji “Ajay”

The Kanjuruhan Experience

Throughout my football loving life, I’ve never experienced supporting my beloved team away from home. After quite a long wait, I finally decided to attend Persija’s away match against Arema in Malang on June 30.

Actually I had the opportunities to watch Persija in Bandung during my college years there. But I was more concerned about my safety had I decided to come to Siliwangi or Si Jalak Harupat, considering Jakmania-Bobotoh/Viking rivalry. Security issue is one of my considerations beside fare and transportation on attending away match. That’s why I chose Arema and Malang to host my visit.

I took a train ride from Pasar Senen Station on June 28, destination: Malang Kota Baru station. I booked 2 economy class seats of Majapahit train for me and my ally Kiko for IDR 275.000 each. Considering the ticket price, the facilities inside the train were nice.

Inside Majapahit train

at Malang Kota Baru station

Upon arrival in Malang, our first objective was to secure the ticket for the game. Aremania is well-known for their fanaticism on supporting Arema at their home base, Kanjuruhan Stadium. In addition, meeting between Arema and Persija has always been a crowd attraction over the years, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

We were uncertain on when and where we can buy the ticket. We asked around and found that there would be a ticket booth open at 10.00 that sell First Class and VIP tickets in a building just in front of Malang Kota Baru station. Because it was still 09.00, means we had an hour to kill. So, we decided to go for jersey hunt.

Ultras store at Jl. Trunojoyo

Arema’s official jersey store, Ultras, is only 5 minutes walk away from the station. It is located in Jl. Trunojoyo. Turned out, they also sell pre-sale ticket, but only for economy class ticket. Without any second thought, we bought 2 ticket vouchers for IDR 30.000 each.

The Braceleticket

The ticket is unique. Rather than conventional printed paper, Arema officials use a thin paper in a form of a bracelet as ticket. It’s commonly called “braceleticket” (tiket gelang). From what I’ve learned, the idea of the concept is to avoid fake tickets, also to easily distinguish genuine ticket holders (or in this case, ticket wearers) from shoo-in-ers (enter the stadium stand without ticket). In my opinion, it’s a brilliant breakthrough idea that would be good to be implemented by other Indonesian clubs as well.

Ultras T-shirt

Arema away & third colors

I also bought Arema’s jersey for IDR 225.000 (no name and number). Unlike any other Indonesian club’s jersey, before you buy Arema’s Ultras jersey in their official store, they will give and let you try a plain jersey first. If you’re positive to buy the jersey, the staff will attach the patches on the jersey using heat pressure machine. Patches are including Arema’s official sponsors and logo, also the ISL logo. If you want to have the current Arema player name and number printed on the back side, you have to pay additional IDR 50.000. You can also customize the name and the number of your preferences with an additional IDR 75.000. With good quality and service, those prices are worth it.

Patches are being placed on the shirt

Patches on the shirt are being heated with a heat pressure machine

Heated patches rubbed for final touch

The store isn’t big. Beside Arema’s original jersey, they sell other products full with Arema’s identity like t-shirts, sandals, jackets, etc. The staffs there were very nice. They provided us with any kind of information we need regarding the match. For instance, they said that even though the kick off is at 19.00, the gate will be closed at 17.00. So, they suggested us to come earlier to the stadium.

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On the match day, we exchanged the vouchers with tickets. As middle-class-supporters, we used public transportation to reach the stadium, which is located in Malang Regency, just outside the city. We took an angkot to Gadang terminal. Whichever angkot with an initial G on its front side, it will take you to Gadang. That’s how the angkot system works in Malang.

From Gadang, we had to continue our trip to Kepanjen. There is no angkot route to Kepanjen, so we took one to Blitar and got off at Kepanjen. Again, there is no angkot from Kepanjen to Kanjuruhan stadium. The options were to walk, take ojek, or hitch hike other supporters going to Kanjuruhan. We decided to walk the 2 kilometers distance.

Official angkot fee in Malang, same price over distances, distinguished only for public and student

Along the road, there were ticket scalpers and scarf sellers. Frequently, a convoy of motorcycle passed the road towards the stadium. There were also pick-up cars filled with Arema supporters bringing percussions singing Arema’s chants. From the way they looked, the supporters were not only going with friends. Some of them even brought their family, with their spouses and children.

Ticket scalpers, classic

Some motorcycle convoy

As we got to the road leading towards the stadium, there were a lot of local people offering spaces of their belongings for parking, especially for motorcycle parking. I found it quite interesting that a single football match can ignite local (or precisely, domiciliary) economy.

Local people offering parking spaces

Motorcycle parking

Kanjuruhan Stadium

Energy drink, courtesy of the sponsor

We arrived at the stadium at 14.50, and entered the stand at 15.00. At the gate, the committee gave us 2 funny-packed energy drinks (from one of their sponsors, of course). It’s a good thing that they were concerned about the supporters’ stamina on giving their support.

 
It was still 4 hours before kickoff, but the stadium was already packed! Approximately over 30,000 people were there before us. It created such a festive atmosphere inside the stadium hours before the match should even be started.

Inside Kanjuruhan, 4 hours before kickoff

Refreshments on the stands

Persija supporter, surrounded by Aremania

East stand, Yuli Soempil's stage

Curva sud, 2 hours before kickoff

The visiting JakManias were allocated on the right side of the VIP tribune. It was quite unfortunate for me that I was on the opposite stand from Persija fans. Nevertheless, I didn’t feel worry about my safety because there was no harm done to me or Kiko even if the people on our surroundings were Arema fans, and yet they knew that we are not from Malang nor Aremania. For me, it showed Malang people’s hospitality and the good relationship between JakMania and Aremania.

Before the warming up session began at around 18.15, the supporter’s representatives displayed a large Arema banner on the field. A while later, Arema players entered the field and greeted the supporters. The fans started singing, chanting, and waving flags while they were warming up. I saw Aremania’s conductor, Yuli Soempil at his platform leading a stand full with Aremania on songs and choreography.

Before warming up session

After the players finished warming up and went back to the dressing room, the stadium was almost at its full capacity. For the last 3,5 hours, I had been seating on the same position. It was quite painful, though, since we couldn’t go anywhere. Because if we did, our seats would most likely have been taken over by other people. But as the FIFA Anthem went on, we forgot about the pain and everybody started to get on their feet.

The match started with an upbeat pace. Arema had more ball possession while Persija put more focus on defense. Right at the 13^th minute, Arema took the lead when Cristian Gonzales turned Sukadana’s reckless long range effort to the net just inside Persija’s goal box. The fans went festive celebrating the goal. They waved their flags and scarves as they were singing and jumping.

Pyro from Aremania after Arema's first goal

Not even 3 minutes later, Beto Goncalves scored Arema’s second goal. He dummied Ismed Sofyan and placed a stinging ground shoot across towards Adritany’s bottom left corner. Arema 2-0 Persija, and the crowd became more alive with that scoreline. As the 1^st half went by, the scoreline stood still.

At the half time break, I saw Arema supporters opened their rice packets (nasi bungkus) complete with side dishes of tempe, some chicken, vegetables, and crackers (kerupuk) and started having dinner at the stand. It seemed like they have prepared the meal before they go to the stadium. I found it unique because in Jakarta, at the half time break, most of the attending supporters usually only have light snacks not an actual meal. I also found it quite troublesome because it’s hard to eat with low lighting without table and cutlery while being on a stand! But regardless the inconvenience, I could say that they’re enjoying their meal.

Half time meal: nasi bungkus!

As the second half began, Persija went all out attack to score and equalize. Their offensive play created some chances but without positive result. Worse, Beto netted another goal to make it 3-0 at 66^th minute.

That goal brought Aremania again jumping and singing. But now, as they were so sure Arema would win the match, they started to blast red flares and fireworks. At some part of the stadium, red lights illuminated the stands along with hazardous smoke moving towards the field. The referee had to stop the match for more than 20 minutes for the smoke to stop invading the field and endangering the players’ lungs.

Smoke from flares invading the field

Match stopped to wait for the smoke to diminish

After the smoke went out, the match restarted. Arema seemed comfortable with the score line and thought of just keeping it until the end. But at the 83^rd minute, Emmanuel Kenmogne finally scored for Persija and reduce Arema’s trail to only 2 goals. However, for the remainder of the match, Persija failed to add more goals and the game ended 3-1 for the home team. As the final whistle blew, happy yet exhausted Arema fans applauded to the players on the field before starting to move towards the exit gate.

Me and Kiko after the match

A couple of minutes later, the committee turned off the floodlights. We took a couple of photos before leaving. Outside the stadium, thousands of people occupied the road. At first, we were worried about our commute back to our lodging because it was too crowded and we knew that we had to walk 2 kilometers to Kepanjen before continuing to Gadang and then to Lowok Waru, where we stayed. Fortunately, just outside Kanjuruhan entrance gate, we found an angkot with initial A, which means that angkot is heading to Argosari through Lowok Waru. Without further ado, we took that angkot.

Outside Kanjuruhan after the match

It was an exciting experience for me and my friend. Regardless the pain caused by sitting at the exact same place for almost 7 hours, and also the fact that Persija lost the match, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the new experience and the fun moment in Kanjuruhan. Also, even if it was only for 3 days, I enjoyed my stay in Malang.

Thank you Malang. Thank you Arema.

Pramuaji "Ajay"


My Malang Trip photos on my Facebook:
Malang Trip: The City and the Travelling 
Malang Trip: The Kanjuruhan Experience 

The Baggies’ Great Escape

English Premier League competition of 2004/2005 season marked several highlights in the history of British football. After 50 years of waiting, Chelsea finally topped the league table at the end of the season. It was a quite of an achievement for The London Blues under José Mourinho on his first season in English football. A couple of weeks before claiming the league title, they won the league cup.

On the other side of London, Arsenal had to face the fact that not only had they failed to defend their title, but also that Man. United broke their 49 unbeaten run from the previous season. But at least they managed to secure the FA Cup title (which is still their last ever major silverware to date) by beating the same unbeaten-record-breaking side at the final, which led to a title-less season for Sir Alex’s boys.

But the most interesting part of that season for me, was the story of “The Great Escape.”

tower.com

For the first time in Premier League history, there were no teams yet mathematically relegated on the last fixtures of the season. It was a battle royale for 4 teams at the bottom part of the table, whereas only 1 team could survive the relegation. At week 38, Norwich City was on the 17th spot (the last safe spot from relegation) with 33 points, followed by Southampton and Crystal Palace with 32 points on 18th and 19th accordingly, while West Bromwich Albion was on the least advantaged position, 20th with only 31 points.

Norwich had to face Fulham away to Craven Cottage; Crystal Palace went to The Valley against Charlton Athletic. Compared with other contenders, Southampton had the toughest challenge at St. Mary’s to face Man. United, while West Brom’s chance to survive was only to beat Portsmouth at their ground The Hawthorns. With those fixtures, each contending teams relied on each other’s results to survive. The matches were being held simultaneously, which made it more exciting to follow. 

On the last 90 minutes of the season, the bottom table had a lot of up-and-down movements. Surprisingly, Southampton took the holeshot and went to the safe zone on the 10th minute following John O’shea’s own goal. At almost the same time, Norwich went down 0-1.

10’
17. Southampton (35 points, GD -19)
18. Norwich (33 points, GD -30)
19. Crystal Palace (32 points, GD -21)
20. West Brom (31 points, GD -23)

Southampton’s lead didn’t last long, though. Darren Fletcher scored the equalizer at 19th minute. At The Valley, Charlton went ahead of Crystal Palace with a goal by Bryan Hughes. While at Craven Cottage, Papa Bouba Diop made it more difficult for Norwich as he scored the second goal for Fulham at 35th minute. At the first half break, by the preferred regulation of goal difference in English Premier League, Southampton led the survival.

45’
17. Southampton (33 points, GD -20)
18. Norwich (33 points, GD -31)
19. Crystal Palace (32 points, GD -21)
20. West Brom (31 points, GD -27)

Along came the second half, the contest had gotten more exciting. Zat Knight made the situation worse for Norwich as he scored the third goal for Fulham at 54th minute. West Brom’s hope was raised at 58th minute when Geoff Horsfield took The Baggies to lead. Dougie Hall scored an equalizer for Crystal Palace at almost the same minute with Horsfield's goal and aligned 3 teams with 33 points at the bottom three, while West Brom jumped over them to the safe zone.

58’
17. West Brom (34 points, GD -26)
18. Southampton (33 points, GD -19)
19. Crystal Palace (33 points, GD -21)
20. Norwich (33 points, GD -32)

At the 63rd minute, Ruud van Nistelrooy brought United ahead of Southampton and made the Saints’ task even more difficult. Destiny turned its face to the Eagles at 71st minute. Andy Johnson netted his 21st goal of the season from the spot and took Crystal Palace ahead of Charlton. Down by 3 goals made Norwich’s spirit broke down even deeper. At 72nd minute, they suffered another goal from Steed Malbranque and made it 0-4 for the Canaries. At this point, Southampton bumped into the bottom of the table, while Crystal Palace would had survived.

72’
17. Crystal Palace (35 points, GD -20)
18. West Brom (34 points, GD -26)
19. Norwich (33 points, GD -33)
20. Southampton (32 points, GD -21)

bbc.co.uk

The last 15 minutes of the season was a heart pumping moment for Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Brom. Kieran Richardson scored another goal for The Baggies and brought a seemingly-comfortable 2-0 lead against Portsmouth. At St. Mary’s, Southampton went all out and put an all-offensive formation. Crystal Palace lost their focus and let Jonathan Fortune equalized for Charlton at 82nd minute. While Norwich seemed to raise the white flag after Fulham’s fifth goal put the Canaries into their cage.

82’
17. West Brom (34 points, GD -25)
18. Crystal Palace (33 points, GD -21)
19. Norwich (33 points, GD -33)
20. Southampton (32 points, GD -21)

West Brom were only trying to secure the 2-0 result. Southampton and Crystal Palace were struggling and called an all-out attack on their opponents to score more goals. At the last minute of the season, the results at The Hawthorns, The Valley, and St. Mary’s stood still, while Craven Cottage celebrated one last goal for 6-0 victory.

Full time
17. West Brom (34 points, GD -25)
18. Crystal Palace (33 points, GD -21)
19. Norwich (33 points, GD -35)
20. Southampton (32 points, GD -21)

It was a joyful moment at The Hawthorns. West Bromwich fans massively invaded the pitch as if they were the league’s champions! Mission impossible became mission accomplished for Bryan Robson’s boys. Their desperation has turned into delight after 90 minutes of football.

The Great Escape called for massive pitch invasion
commons.wikimedia.org

Before the referee blows the final whistle, anything can happen in football. Joy can turn into sorrow, and vice versa. The point is, we should not lose hope if the situation is not on our advantage. Pull the best out of us to turn disadvantage into a memorable moment.

And that’s the story of the 2005 Baggies’ Great Escape.

2013: Troublesome Season for Persija

Throughout the history of Indonesian football, Persija is one of the most decorated club in the country. They're the club of the nation's capital, and yes, they do have had their times of success back in the day. On the Indonesian League era, they won the 2001 edition and for a couple of times they came close to add more silverware in their trophy case. Along came the Indonesian Super League (ISL) era, their success story has been put on a break. On the first 4 editions, the Kemayoran Tigers had never been on the top-two, and it's getting worse on the current season (2013).

www.bolanews.com

Halfway through the 2013 season, Persija is still struggling at the bottom of the table with only 12 points collected from 17 matches. Compared with the previous seasons, it's obviously a signal that they're having a serious problem. In my opinion, it's not merely caused by the lack of character and mentality when they play the game on the pitch.

bola.kompas.com

Before the season began, there were several players refused to continue their stay in the club. They were questioning about their payments in which the club's management has failed to fulfill. Some of them are key players like Ismed Sofyan and the iconic Bambang Pamungkas. They managed to convince Ismed to stay, though, but the same spell did not work on Bambang and other promising young players like Hasim Kipuw and Ramdhani Lestaluhu.

Players' payroll is one of the major problem in Indonesian football. When the All Indonesian Football Union (PSSI) decided to "go-pro" with ISL, the participating clubs seemed unprepared, especially in terms of financial independence. Some clubs survived the initial test, though, but unfortunately not for Persija.

Regarding this matter, first question surfaces: what's wrong with Persija?

As I stated before, Jakarta is the capital of the Republic of Indonesia. It is the central of governmental, business and industrial activities of the country. There are so many local and multinational corporations reside in Jakarta. But it seems that Persija's management failed to take advantage from the fact. Compared to their archrival Persib, Persija has more space on their jersey, which means they have less sponsors than their nemesis. But that's only one thing.

For a couple of times, Persija had to play their home game outside Jakarta. Some of the ridiculous reasons are because of governmental or political activities coincide with the matchday, or the matchday itself coincides with other occasion that takes place in their home base, the sacred Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Recently they had to play 2 home matches away in Central Java just because the stadium was booked for a South Korean boy band concert *true story. Instead of playing in their traditional home base at Lebak Bulus stadium, they preffered to wander hundred of kilometers away, which obviously means more expenses on transportation and logistics, and less revenue from ticketing. Even worse, when they have the chance to play in their home stadium, the local authorities put a restriction to the fans to come to the stadium!

Then how the hell can they get income?? How are they going to pay their players and staff with so little sponsor, no revenue from matchday ticketing and without any subsidized funding from local government??

timnasgaruda.com

For me, it's all about management. A club can survive and continue their existence if it's built under a strong and professional management. See the likes of Persib, Persipura, Sriwijaya, Persisam, and Arema. Their management know how to maximize their fans' fanaticism and convert it into additional number on their 'income' column. I'm sure Persija's management can do the same. As long as they can see the advantages right in front of their nose, and put more effort to pursue them.

tribunnews.com

From what I've been learning, as a Persija fan (not a registered JakMania, though), is that Persija's management seems to pay less attention to their fans. I can see that JakMania is a loyal and fanatic group of supporters. It seems like there's no good communication pipeline established between the management and the fans, which causes difficulties to the fans to contribute more.



Pramuaji "Ajay"