Archive for October, 2006
Kayangan Api merupakan salah satu tempat wisata yang ada di Bojonegoro. selain mengeluarkan api abadi yang terbesar se-asia tenggara, tempat wisata ini juga mengeluarkan semburan api bercampur air yang sering disebut masyarakat sebagai ” air blukuthuk”.
tempat wisata ini berada di desa sendang harjo kecamatan ngasem yang berada ditengah - tengah hutan jati dan terletak 15 kilometer selatan kabupaten Bojonegoro Jawa timur.
Menurut sejarah dari masyarakat setempat,kayangan api merupakan petilasan seorang mpu pembuat keris pada jaman kerajaan Mojopahit.
Jalan menuju kayangan kata lain dari kayangan api merupakan tempat pengasingan seorang mpu yang bernama KI Kriya Kusuma. sebelum mengasingkan diri mpu tersebut bernama mpu supagati. Dia adalah seorang mpu pembuat keris yang terkenal dijaman Mojopahit.
Ditempat pengasingannya inilah ki kriya kusuma melakukan tapa sambil menekuni profesinya sebagai ahli pembuat keris. Didalam pengasingannya, mpu supagati berhasil membuat sebuah keris yang diberi nama “Dapur Jakung luk telu Blong pok Gonjo”
Selain terdapat sumber api abadi, disekitar lokasi tersebut juga terdapat semburan air bercampur lumpur yang mengandung belerang. Namun semburan tersebut tidak membahayakan masyarakat maupun daerah yang berada disekitar lokasi tersebut.
Air blukutuk ini dulunya untuk mencuci atau merendam keris yang dibuat Mpu Supagati” Kata juru kunci khayangan api Pak Juli.
Bahkan oleh masyarakat sekitar maupun pengunjung lokasi wisata tersebut, air blukutuk tersebut dianggap membawa berkah. Karena selain dapat mengobati penyakit juga dianggap dapat membawa keberuntungan bagi mereka yang datang untuk meminta keberuntungan.
Selain memintakesembuhan dari air blukuthuk, masyakarat yang datang kesini juga melakukan tirakat dengan bertapa didekat lokasi api abadi, “ujur pak juli
Hingga saat ini lokasi wisata yang berada di tengah hutan jati ini masih banyak meninggalkan misteri. karena selain mengeluarkan semburan api bercampur lumpur yang tidak membahayakan, tempat tersebut diyakini juga oleh masyarakat setempat dijaga oleh dua orang anak gadis ki kriya kusuma yang bernama Sri wulan dan Siti Sundari.  ÂÂ
October 31st, 2006
Spanning from east to west over 3.9 kilometers, with beaches that are aligned with steep and lime caved cliffs. That is, at a glance, the picture of Pulau Sempu located in the eastern part of Java Island.
Pulau (island) Sempu is located about 70 kilometers south of the centre of Malang city, East Java. Technically, this island is a nature reservation under the jurisdiction of the BKSDA IV (natural resources conservation station) in Malang. While from a government administrative point of view the area is included in the Biru Settlement. Tambakrejo Village, Sumbermanjing Wetan Sub-District, Regency of Malang, of East Java.
The area of the island stretches 3.9 kilometers from east to west, and 3.6 kilometers from north to south. The topography of the island is for almost 50% made up of hilly plains, with slopes ranging from average to steep, at altitudes of 50 to 100 metres above sea level. The larger part of the beaches aligned with steep lime rock cliffs, which is is the characteristic of the islands along the Indian Ocean.
This character is also specific for the islands along the south and east of Java Island. Certainly, such terrain makes it difficult for the fishermen to moor their boats. But, such a condition also decides that the Sendang Biru Beach, which is located north of Sempu isalnd, has quiet waves. because of that, this beach is the safest harbour along the southern stretch of the Indian Ocean, and is the largest fish landing spot along the southern beach of Java Island.
The merits of Pulau Sempu for the fishermen of Sendang Biru Beach are indeed invaluable. Its sturdy shape with steep cliffs, neutralize the vicious waves of the southern seas. So it is not surprising to sometimes find fishermen performing the slalom test on this 3.9 kilometers long beach with its quiet waters.
Natural Cave
Pulau Sempu is separated from Java Island only by a 800 metres wide strait, which is also used as the gate to the open sea. Its waves are relatively quiet, appropriate for fishing, rowing, or swimming. As according to the land maps, the type of soil in the area of this island is of a litosol compound and reddish brown mediteran, and includes even the main limestone formation.
The only natural cave found on Pulau Sempu has its own specialty. The cave that is located around 2.5 kilometers from the Teluk (bay) Sumber Beach line is 25 metres above sea level and holds sources of sweet water. The cave is 20 metres long and 3 metres wide with a dry surface. It is highly strategic place for those who like to meditate, or just seek solitude.
Along the even steeper south side, there are also some sea caves. The sea caves along the east and southeast sides have become the settlements of numerous swallows. But, because of irs highly steep location, none of the local fishermen dare to pick the birds nests.
Safari Park
A visit to Pulau Sempu feels like being at the Bogor Safari Park. Wildlife like deers, black monkeys, boars, and panthers often teasingly cross the visitors paths. It is not surprising then that this area often provokes the hunter to cleave into its forests. According to the data at the Forest Office of East Java, the area still holds 12 species of mammals, 36 species of fowls, and 3 species of reptiles. With this variety of flora and fauna the management of the island, i.e. BKSDA IV in Malang, has developed the area into a tourist destination.
The other uniquenesses that can be found on this island, is the existence of two lakes, the lake Lele and Segara Anakan. At lake Lele a variety of colorful decorative fish can be found in abundance. While from Segara Anakan one can freely enjoy a view of the open sea.
You won’t encounter any problems getting to these lakes, because the Malang BKSDA IV has built footpaths from Teluk Semut. While to get to lake Lele, a 2.3 kilometers long footpaths has been built from Teluk Waru and Pantai Pasir Putih, which can be covered on foot in 2 hours.
Besides all those uniquenesses, Pulau Sempu also holds other tourist attractions like Pantai Pasir Putih, which is the gate to this island. The natural scenery at Pantai Pasir Putih is also not less fascinating. From here you can see clearly all of the fishermen’s activities. A variety of boats with its range of decorations can be seen coming and going to the open sea. And when dusk falls, the process of the sun setting into the horizon, can also be seen from this bright white sand beach. It is also along Pantai Pasir Putih that the visitor’s boats are moored before they continue the journey to Pulau Sempu.
Although its status is a nature reservation, the management of Pulau Sempu has changed this into an eco-tourist destination of East Java. This is in line indeed with the condition which holds feasible tourism potential to be offered to tourists. And when compared to the other eco-tourist destinations, Pulau Sempu indeed still feels natural. But, it is that genuinity that leaves this island feasible as an ecotourist destination, at the same time a place to preserve the wildlife in it.
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 30th, 2006
Within 2,5 hours drive from Surabaya, are country retreats where people can withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the day.
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Batu, the beauty of nature providing the inspiration for things to do. We can examine local flora and to the roadside markets which sell particularly good apples, Hotel Kartika Wijaya Batu, three stared Hotel can be described as an exotic, fantastic and the most comfortably furnished Hotel in Batu and Malang. The Hotel offers a wide range: A coffee shop faces a beautiful swimming pool and the mountains in the back ground provide the perfect setting for relaxation restaurant, a fitness centre with multigym, horse riding, tennis court, jogging track, children’s play ground and a small zoo.
Twenty km. pass the town of Malang on the southern flank of Mt. Arjuna, Selecta & Songgoriti are popular hill resorts. Be sure to visit Songgoriti Temple close to the luxurious inns with the hot spring.
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 30th, 2006
Malang is the second largest city in East Java province, Indonesia with an ancient history dating back to the Mataram Kingdom. During the period of Dutch colonization, it was a popular destination for European residents. The city is famous for its cool air and the surrounding country regions of Tumpang, Batu, Singosari, and Turen. People in East Java sometimes call it “Paris van East Java.” Malang was spared many of the effects of the Asian financial crisis, and since that time it has been marked by steady economic and population growth.
History
Hundreds, even thousands of years ago before Malang became the second biggest city in East Java, Malang used to be the centre of government of the Kanjuruhan and Singosari Kingdom. In the following era, Malang regency became an important place when the government of Mataram Kingdom took hold of the area, making it the largest regency in East Java and since then the development of Malang regency has increased well.
The history of Malang Regency could be revealed through the Dinoyo inscription 760 AD as the primary official document to support the birth of Malang before a new inscription was discovered in 1986, which is so far not yet revealed. According to the inscription, it was concluded that the 8 th century was the beginning of the existence of Malang Regency’s government due to the birth of King Gajayana’s ruling of his kingdom in Malang. From the Dinoyo inscriptions, it is noted that the inscription used the “Candra Sengkala” or ‘Cronogram” Calendar, and stated that the birth date of Malang Regency was on Jum’at Legi (sweet Friday) November 28, 760 AD. (L. Damaes: “Studed’ Epigraphy d’Indonesia IV. 1952″).
The city was incorporated into Mataram in 1614, then transferred to Dutch colonial rule. Malang was transformed under the Dutch; its cool climate as a result of its elevation, along with its proximity to the major port of Surabaya, made it a popular destination for Dutch and other Europeans. In 1879, Malang was connected to Java’s railroad network, further increasing development and leading to increased industrialization.
Along with growth is urbanization. The government could not satisfy the population’s needs for affordable housing, which leads to the building of shanty towns along the rivers and rail tracks. Until this day, the shanty towns still exist, although some transformed into “better” housing.
GeographyMalang has a total area of 124,456 km². It shares its borders with Pasuruan (North), Lumajang (East), and Batu (West). Mount Bromo, one of Java’s largest volcanoes and a major tourist attraction, is located just to the east of the city.
Malang has a total area of 124,456 . It shares its borders with Pasuruan (North), Lumajang (East), and Batu (West). , one of Java’s largest volcanoes and a major tourist attraction, is located just to the east of the city.Demographics
There are roughly 780,000 people living in Malang. The population density is 5,000 – 12,000/km², with population growth of 3.9% per year.
Ethnic backgrounds
The racial makeup of the city is mainly of Javanese and Madura, with a small percentage of the Arabic and Chinese descendants. The people of Malang are known for their spirituality, dynamism, hard-work and particularly proud to be Arek Malang (AREMA).
ReligionLike most of Java, a large majority of Malang residents are Muslim; there are small minorities of Catholics, Hindus, and Buddhists. Many of buildings of worship still stand from their construction in the colonial era. For example, Jami Mosque (or Agung Mosque), Sacred Heart Church (Gereja Hati Kudus Yesus) in Kayutangan, Saint Therese Cathedral (Gereja Ijen or Katedral Santa Theresia) in Ijen Street, Eng An Kiong Buddhist Temple in Laksamana Martadinata Street. Malang is also famous for being the centre of religious education the many Islamic schools (pesantren) and bible seminars.
Like most of Java, a large majority of Malang residents are Muslim; there are small minorities of Catholics, Hindus, and Buddhists. Many of buildings of worship still stand from their construction in the colonial era. For example, Jami Mosque (or Agung Mosque), Sacred Heart Church () in Kayutangan, Saint Therese Cathedral ( or ) in Ijen Street, Eng An Kiong Buddhist Temple in Laksamana Martadinata Street. Malang is also famous for being the centre of religious education the many Islamic schools () and bible seminars.
Language
Javanese language and Madura language is the day-to-day language used by Malang people. Many of the native Malang youths adopt a dialect that is called ‘boso walikan’, it is simply done by reversing the pronunciation of the words, an example of this is by pronouncing “Malang” as “Ngalam” instead.
Art & Culture
As a centre of tourism, Malang has a lot of places of interest which can be classified into local, regional, national and international standards, including traditional dance performances such as Tari Topeng (Mask dance), Jaran Pegon, Tari Beskalan (Beskalan Dance), etc. There are also ‘Topeng’ or Mask handicraft at the villages of Jabung and Kedungmonggo which have become a familiar landmark in Malang Regency
Non-residents
Temporary residents to Malang are mostly for educational reasons. They come from other islands especially from East of Indonesia, which includes Bali, Nusa Tenggara, East Timor, Papua, Maluku, Sulawesi dan Kalimantan.
Points of interest
- Sendangbiru beach is one of the beach resorts in the southern part of Malang Regency, which is free from tumultuous waves of Indonesian Ocean due to the existence of a wildlife island named ‘Sempu’, 300 metres offshore. The beach of Sendangbiru is about 70 km to the South of Malang, at Tambakrejo, a village belonging to the Sub-district of Sumbermanjing wetan. [1]
- Singosari Temple, also known as Ken Dedes Temple, was founded in honour to King Kertanegara, the last king of Singosari dynasty who died in 1292 AD. It was erected in 1300 AD. Situated at Singosari Sub-district, the temple lies approximately 9 km to the North of Malang.
- Jajaghu or Jago Temple was constructed in 1275 - 1300 AD. It is believed as the burial place of King Wisnuwardhana’s ashes, the fourth king of Singosari Kingdom. It lies at the village of Jago, Tumpang Sub-district, 22 km to the East of Malang.
- Wonosari tea plantation is situated at the area on the slope of Lawang Sub-district, 30 km to the North of Malang. Visitors can appreciate the beauty of Mount Arjuna, while taking part in the picking of the leaves to processing them into ready-to-drink tea.
- Batu is a small town near Malang, famous for its apples. The local flora and fauna are still preserved, unaffected by the industrial advancement of Malang. Batu is surrounded by mountainous regions, which makes its weather cooler than Malang. There are also myriads of hotels, resorts, villas, bungalows in Batu.
- Mount Bromo is included in the sand mountain ranges that spans from Tengger to Bromo. On the way to the top of the mountain, you can find the mountain flowers Edelweiss. The main religion in Bromo is Hinduism. They celebrate Kasodo, which involved preparing of food, vegetables and cattles that is then pushed down the crater of Mount Bromo as a symbol of gratitude to their gods. This tradition is taken from the legend of ‘Roro Anteng and Joko Seger’, a story about a couple (Roro Anteng and Joko Seger) who got married for many years without being blessed with a child. They prayed everyday on Bromo, and the Gods finally gave them 12 kids. With one condition, they had to give the youngest kid to the Gods in the crater. [2]
- Tugu Monument is a monument erected in the Dutch colonial era. It is surrounded by giant Trembesi trees, whereas the monument itself is surrounded by a pond that contains lotus flowers.
- Majapahit is the name of the streets with book stalls that sell old books. Nearby there is also a bird market, which sells not only birds but also other exotic South-East-Asian animals.
- Malang Town Square (MATOS) is a newly-built shopping centre situated in Veteran Street.
- On Sundays, go to the Stadium near Jalan Bromo where there will lots of activities and food stalls.
Shopping
Kayutangan, old shopping complex where the infamous ice cream shop “Toko Oen” resides
Newer malls at the City Square (Alun-alun): Hero, Sarinah, Ramayana, Mitra
Matahari Plasa, in the City
Plasa Araya, in Blimbing
Plasa Dieng, in Dieng
Malang Town Square (MATOS), jalan VeteranTitles
Paris of East Java, due to its cool climate, clean streets, quiet environment and beautiful scenery.
City of Relaxation, due to the peaceful nature of the city, Malang is suitable for a resting place for people from outer towns.
City of Education, due to its quiet environment, friendly people, reasonably priced food and excellent educational facilities, Malang is the place to go for students. There are at least five public universities in Malang, many polytechnic colleges, public schools and many good private schools. One of such private schools is a Catholic school called Saint Joseph College, Malang. Recently, two international schools were also built, one available only for non-Indonesians and the other available for those who wants to use English as its medium of instruction.
Military City, Malang has a lot of military training camps and residences used for military purposes. In the Japanese occupation period, a military air-base “Sundeng” is built in the Perumnas area of the city.
Historic Town, Malang hides the secret of the origins of empires in Indonesia such as Singosari, Kediri, Mojopahit, Demak and Mataram. Malang was also nominated to be the country’s capital city.
Flower City, or affectionately called as Kota Bunga, due to the many flowers that has been planted around the city of Malangsource :www.answers.com
October 30th, 2006
This package tour is similar to the exploration by mountain climbers who are tracing winding paths to the top of the mountain. This package tour is still being tried out to be offered to younger executives, and they seem to like it very much.
Being united with the nature has long become a new trend in tourism. There are many package tours carried out to take tourists to play with the waves by surfing in the sea with huge waves, or to sail the fast current of the rivers. The same thing happens if one day we explore the mountain, and cross dense forest for a few days.Ă‚Â
Surabaya Hotel School and Vanda Garden Villa Estate pioneer to have a tour package to explore the mountains. This package tour is similar to the exploration by mountain climbers who are tracing winding paths to the top of the mountain. At present they have this new kind of package tour to Mount Welirang, which is situated in the borders of Mojokerto regency, Trawas and Malang regency. This package tour is also intended to trace the narrow path leading to Embul Tuk cave in Blitar regency and Karangkates dam which is located in Malang regency.
The package tour takes two-days. During the tour you should not expect to spend the night in a luxurious hotel on the forested mountain slopes. On the first day the tourist taking the tour can enjoy staying in a luxurious hotel in Trawas before starting the mountain exploration early the following day. The tour starts very early in the morning. The tourists walk through the pine forest, following the narrow and winding paths with their many branches.
A guide shows the way so that the tourists do not get lost. A team of foregoers are in charge of opening the way, making sure that the paths are safe. If somebody is left behind, there is another team who follows the tourists group of behind. This team is in charge of seeing that no one is left behind, and providing any assistance to the tourists in need. In this way the tourists group are not hindered from continuing their tour.
When the night comes, the guide and the foregoers erect some tents in the opening of the forest. This may remind the tourists, who used to be boy scouts or girl scouts, of their past experience during their scouthood, when they were camping and gathered merrily around a bonfire. Similarly, the guide and the foregoers make a bonfire, and with some games they entertain the tourists in very friendly atmosphere.
The tour starts again the following morning in the early dawn, heading for the unique Umbul tuk cave in Blitar regency. It takes a few hours on foot to get there. Before midday the group get to the cave, and then continue the tour to Karangkates dam in a specially provided vehicle.
This package tour is still being tried out to be offered to younger executives, and they seem to like it very much. In general, they are strong enough to make some adventurous exploration in wild areas. If they are getting bored with luxurious entertainment in hotels in the evenings, and if they want to have exquisite panorama of the landscape but they don’t have the nerves of surfing or sailing the fast current of the river, the tour being united with the nature is another execellent alternative for them to enjoy nature and to get refreshed.
This package tour is not so suitable for older tourists, because not only do they have to walk to climb up the mountain and to climb down to the valley, but they also have to spend the night in the tent in the open air, which might deteriorate their health. Therefore, another alternative of package tour can be designed for them.
At present, Trawas is well-known as a rest resort that is still developing. New villas or bungalows emerge either on the slopes or on the tops of the hills in the region.
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 30th, 2006
If you, as a tourist, prefer to spend your time in a mountain resort rather than in a coastal area or escaping the hustle-bustle of a crowded city, then Malang is the best choice.
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Located approximately 90 km South of Surabaya (two hours by bus or train), it is the hub of tourist destinations : Selecta, Wendit, Sengkaling, and Batu.
The Malang region with a population of around 500.000 people is wellknown as a holiday resort since the Dutch colonial time.
The town of Malang was known since the 18th century when its coffee plantations yielded cash crops. Today tobacco and kretek clove cigarette factories add to the prosperity of its population.
The town is also a center of educational activities concentrating around the stateowned Brawijaya University.
The flower markets in the town are full of Bonsay and orchid flowers. Other objects in town worth visiting are Brawijaya Museum, The Catholic Cathedral, The Chinese temple.
Visiting the village of Batu, 17 km up to the Northwest, is really enjoyable. Among foreigners it is known as Little Switzerland, due to its natural beauty.
The village is also famous for its apple fruits and cabbage vegetable. Close to Batu (10 km) is Selecta with its swimming pool and colorful roses.
Then, Songgoriti with its curative, thermal springs and temperatures between 17 and 20 sentrigrade. The spring water contains sulphur, calsium, and salt. It may have a remedial effect for many physical illnesses.
In the historical field, the Malang area has a number of temples : Badut, Singosari, Kidal, and Jago. Badut located 5 km Southeast of the town, was built in the 18th century in honor of King Gajayana. The word ‘Badut’ means a joker, clown, comedian.
The Kidal is a tiny showing West Java style. It is located in the village of Reokidal, Tumpang, 24 km East of Malang. Constructed in 1260 AD the temple represents as the Penataran temple in Blitar.
The Kawi mountain, northwest of Malang, is particularly wellknown among pilgrims from Singapore and Hongkong, visiting the tomb of mbah Jugo, and requesting for blessings.
In the coastal area, South of Malang, beach of Balekambang is used for religious rite by Hindus.
Ngliyep, 62 km from Malang, is a magnificient rocky beach where the annual Labuhan (sea offering) is held.
For souvenirs, the ceramic wares and mask handicrafts at HREF =”dinoyo.htm”>Dinoyo and Kedungmonggo villages are the right places to remind you of an unforgettable trip to the Malang region.
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 30th, 2006
MERU BETIRI PRESERVATION corns at the end of 30 kilometers of pot-holed road that crossed a half dozen rivers and wound up through dense jungle and rubber plantation. It is 58,000 hectare and located about 97 km to the south of Banyuwangi. It was here, on the south eastern tip of the province, that the last of the Javanese tigers had sought refuge.
A hundred and fifty years ago Panther tigris sondaica covered most of Java Island and was even considered nuisance in some populated areas. But through the 1800s and early 1900s it was hunted mercilessly and its habitat was destroyed by plantation builders. By the beginning of the Second World War it survived only in the most remote mountains and forests and today, the last four of live line on the brink of extinction in a remote region near the southern coast.
The Indonesian Government and the world wild Life Fund have mounted a determined effort to save the tiger and his environment. And to do so, the authorities are even prepared to relocate a few thousand humans.
But Meru Betiri is not a simply tiger reserve, but also wild life of all kinds abounds, black panthers, leopards, wild pigs, deers, monkeys, several kinds of birds, even four species of turtles which often lay eggs in the night.
There are many fascinating attractions around Meru Betiri, such as: Rajegwesi beach, Green bay, and feeding ground grown over by vegetation as lushly tropical.
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 17th, 2006
To guard the preservation of this national park, tourists have to apply first at the office of Baluran National Park, at Jl. A. Yani, No. 108, Banyuwangi, or at the Batangan Post, which is the entrance post to the Baluran National Park.
To reach this area is not too difficult. If you use public transportation from Surabaya, board the Patas Bus Surabaya-Banyuwangi via Situbondo, and get off at the Baluran National Park. From Batangan to the Bekol Post is still another 12 kilometres, which can be covered by ojek (motorbike taxi).
source : www.petra.ac.d
October 17th, 2006
Other tourist attraction in this area is the Marine Park at Bama Beach, around 3.5 kilometres East of the Bekol Post. Besides enjoying the stretches of white sand along the beach, one can watch a variety of decorative fish, corals, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and diving equipment.
Around at 2 kilometres from Bama Beach, which can be covered by trail-bike in 45 kilometres, one can find the Manting water spring. This water spring never dries up throughout the year. It is believed that this water causes one to stay young. If one then continues on foot along the trail path, around 1 kilometre from Manting, we’ll arrive at a pier. Here we can witness a  beautiful scenery with mangrove forests. Along the pierwith its quiet waves, one can cano around, while watching the variety of decorative fish.
To enjoy the tourism potentials of the Baluran National Park indeed takes time. At least 2 days/ night. That’s why the management has also prepared facilities to stay overnight. The Pesanggrahan Bekol at Bekol, and the Pesanggrahan Bama on Bama Beach. While the camping grounds are at Wonorejo, around 500 metres East, before the entrance to the Baluran National Park.
source : ptra.ac.id
October 17th, 2006
Beside fauna, the Baluran National Park also accomodates a variety of flora that are preserved, and protected by law. In this area, there are 422 species of flora, from 87 familia. One of these, and a specific local plant, is the “Blue Dadap” that grows around the Talpat spring. This beautiful Dadap bears a blue flower that is 1.5 metres in diameter, and can attain a height of almost 17 metres.
Besides the Blue Dadap, the other species of flora are pokem, alang-alang, rumput lamuran, pilang, and the kesambi-which is specify dry area plant, that grows around savana deserts. Besides that, there is also a lot of kempo, asam, walukukun, and kemiri growing here.
source : www.petra.ac.id
October 17th, 2006
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