Water Scarcity Problem Faced by Batik Artisans in Sragen

Here I want to present my field note written when I had gathered data for RAPID-Dikti research in 2004-2005. This field note described water scarcity problem faced by batik artisans in Sragen batik sub-cluster. In Sragen batik sub-cluster, water used to fulfill household and industrial necessaries is taken from wells. The wells water level is 11-12 meters in approximate. During dry season, the batik artisans have been forced to face water scarcity problem. Everyday each batik artisan needs 5 m3 clean water in approximate, to fulfill his household and industrial needs. But during dry season in 2004 and 2005, there was no sufficient clean water to fulfill their necessaries. To solve this problem, traditionally they used several ways, i.e. 1. Using water more efficiently. For example, cooking and production needs were considered have priorities over bathing, so that they took bath only once per three days. 2. Using water from Bengawan Solo River to wash batik products, even though the quality of that water was bad. This way will decrease the quality of those washed batik products. 3. Shifting batik dyeing process to Sukoharjo Regency that locates about 30 km from Sragen. This shifting, of course, will increase the batik production costs. 4. Making a new well. At long dry season in 2005, one of CGRS-SWCU’s respondents had to make a new well, because his well was dry. After digging 4 different locations, finally he could make a new well. Why he had to dig 4 different locations? Because the quality of water in the three previous wells was bad, as seen from its color and smell, so that it could not be consumed. In 2005 CGRS-SWCU had reported that the bad quality of that water was caused by batik wastewater pollution (CGRS-SWCU & RAPID-Dikti, 2004-2005). Source: field note PPSG-UKSW & RAPID-Dikti 2004-2005.

Practicing Easter's Songs

Every Monday afternoon, at 4 p.m to 6 p.m., I, who joined the Block Cungkup's Voice, must practice singing in our church (GKJ Diponegoro 55). This afternoon we must practice 2 Easter's Songs. Oo, the both songs seem rather difficult for us. Although we have been practicing those songs for 3 weeks, we have not able to sing them well yet. So, no choice but to practice hard and practice hard! Because on the first Sunday of March, at 5 a.m. service, we will sing these songs. Besides, our Voice also invited to service at pepanthan Gedhong in Semarang Regency, in March 2008. I hope this afternoon all Voice members could come and practice together. Last week there were only 13 of 20 members coming to practice.

A Happy Day

I'm very very happy today. My dream comes true! After a long browsing about how to make a blog, finally I could make my own blog by myself! Although this is a very simple blog, but I hope here I can share my experiences with many new friends. Thanks Google for your very easy-made blog!