In the course of duty in a solar power installation project, we passed a stretch of dry and barren land. We carry each 1 bottle of mineral water to quench our thirst. The distance between the village with other villages far enough. Along the stretch of road just met savanna forest and steppe with livestock of local people that just released. Livestock are left alone without fear of being stolen by other people. Yes indeed this area has a sizable income from  farm. Many cattle are sometimes suddenly cross the road without giving earlier warning. Great buffalo facing us in the middle of the road but it did not interfere  on our way until we drove off the highway.

Buffalo, horse and white beef  are most cattle commonly found along the way. Buffalo and horses left free by the owner and will be catched  when they are intended to be sold.

We continued the journey to a village called “Kiritana” which means the most basic ground ( valley ) . We stopped in a place where the atmosphere began to cool . It turned out a spring and surrounded by several large trees and old one.

The information we got from the people that we met that there are many springs on the island . Where there is no home in the land so it means no springs or fresh water and water as the origin of forming a village. Example the springs of “Mburukullu Villages”.

The water is very clear with enough water discharge. Local Government also has built this water resource management infrastructure . That is extraordinary natural phenomena.

We again went on a long journey through the streets of a hot and tiring. Along the way back we saw a stretch of dry and barren land. We entered the village Kiritana. Wow there is a river. Very beautiful river. But we have to be more careful because there are crocodiles available somewhere in the river .

We did not feel afraid of alligators, but we stunned by the activities of people and natural beauty. Really amazing that behind the barren and arid hills there is a large river that flows throughout the year.

People use the land along the river that crosses their village with gardening, farming and fishing streams. But during the flood season their gardens swept away by floods.

Certain seasons they can produce crops like chillies, black eggplant, papaya then they could sell in the local markets even to capital of the island.

It’s a wonderful life in this village, the government has donated motorboat to serve residents and school children to cross the river.

Other commodities produced is corn. But they use for their own good as seeds, animal feed and their own consumption. There is a unique way to store their corn is to tie it in the palm trees.This is done to secure their corn from birds and mice.

The village led by a chief and has  ability to manage all of its citizens in an orderly and prosperous. I am proud  having a chance  to do  installation of solar power projects in the village.

Water is the source of life. I hold on tight my mineral water. I will back crossing the dry and hot land.

 

Article and Picture by Ketut Rudi Utama