CENTRAL JAVA
Flanked by West and East Java, this province is centrally located on Java island with Semarang as its provincial capital situated on the northern coast. A network of good roads and highways in addition to solid railways linking its major cities and villages plus the accessibility to reach it by air through three main airports, all assure the visitor that he finds himself in a region with more than adequate communications.
GEREJA BLENDUK, is the eldest Christian Church in Central Java built by the Dutch community in 1753. It shows the Church architecture of the 18th century with its huge dome and a baroque organ inside the building. Nearby the Church, there are some buildings from the Dutch colonial time.
The land can be flat, hilly as well as mountainous, and is generally fertile and perhaps therefore, is also heavily populated by a people with age-old traditions as well as a rich culture. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity have all taken part in the evolution of what Central Java is today. Two major seaports are to be noted: one on its northern coast called Tanjung Emas on the Java Sea, and the other one called Cilacap, a natural oceanport in the Indian Ocean, in the southern part of the province. Both these ports function perfectly as outlets for the transport of the province’s agricultural and industrial products to the rest of Indonesia and to the world at large for its exports.
To most Indonesian visitors Central Java’s history and its social influence over the whole nation are relatively known. The very first Moslem kingdom on the island was founded in 1511 at Demak, about 40 km from Semarang, which became the beachhead from which Islam spread out throughout the island. Today Demak is a sleepy little town, however, its glory of the past is still visible from one of the major relics now still well preserved, the Grand Mosque, a quaint blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, still honored and worshipped by Javanese pilgrims.
Then there is Surakarta, better known as Solo, which is the cradle of Javanese culture, with two royal houses in one single city: the Kraton of Solo and the Mangkunegaran, a principality. Descendants of these two royal houses are still considered leaders of Javanese culture and traditions which are today still patterned after for their sophistication and bearing. Pre-Independence Heads of Regencies, functioning like small kingdoms throughout Java during the Dutch colonial era, were mostly descendants or relatives of the Solo royal houses which were at the time sufficiently cooperative with the colonial administration. Thus, during centuries of living feudalism it can still be felt and observed by watchful eyes in spite of almost half a century of the republican administration since Indonesia’s independence from the Dutch.
Majestic ceremonies and royal festivals are still held with great pomp nowadays.
Stasiun Balapan
The main railway station with colonial style building located around 2 km from the center of the town. Solo is in the main railway roads connecting Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. It has also connection with Bandung. There are frequent day and night trains of different classes.
The grave of Ki Ageng Enis
He was the great grand son of King Brawijaya V, the grand father of Panembahan Senopati (the First king of Mataram Kingdom II), many pilgrims visit his grave in Laweyan.
The Bengawan or River Solo
This longest river in Java flows along the eastern edge of the town from its source in the lime stones hill of the south, near East Java border to its mouth nearby Surabaya, on the Java sea.
Regretfully, the river is now shallow, it is not navigable anymore. But in the past It was an important link between Solo and the north cost of East Java. There is a well-known song ‘Bengawan Solo’ composed by Mr. Gesang.
THE NEW CITY
The main avenue is Jl. Slamet Riyadi, in the center of the city is the favorite thoroughfare of Solo. Many hotels, restaurants and offices are located along and around this avenue. This developing city has some places of interest among other :
Press Museum
The only press museum in the country. It has collections of newspapers, bulletins and magazines from the colonial time to present date.
Dullah Museum
Dullah is one of Indonesia’s famous painter and artist. This museum is located on Jl. DR. Cipto, displaying his painting and his collection of antiques, ceramics and crafts.
Open daily 08.00 am to noon, Monday is closed.
Sriwedari Park
It is a recreation park with gardens, theaters and restaurants, located in the center of the city. Locally known as ‘Kebon Rojo’, the king’s garden.
Bale Kambang
It is a shady tree park for entertainment.
Jurug Park
A recreation center on the bank of Bengawan Solo, with a zoo, children’s playground, etc.
Pasar Gede
It is the biggest traditional market in downtown selling all manner of produce.
Pasar Depok
It is an interesting outdoor market with many collections of colorful tropical birds located at the north west end of Jl. R.M. Said.
Mesjid Agung
Located on the westward of Alun-alun Lor (North Square), it is the largest mosque in Solo. The dominant architecture is Javanese.
Gereja (Church) St. Antonius
The biggest church in Purbayan, Solo.
Vihara Rahayu
It is a Chinese Buddhist Temple on Jl. Karaton, southward of Jl. Slamet Riyadi.
Pura Mandira Seta
A Hindu Shrine and a place of learning Yoga for local and foreign people at Jl. Sidikara 2, east of Karaton
Pasar Klewer
Off the west gate of Karaton’s North Square, this old market selling all kinds of fabrics, predominantly batik. Other traditional fabrics are lurik (hand-woven striped cotton cloth) and tenun ikat.
There are hundreds of shops jammed along narrow passageways. Visitors must be prepared to bargain.
Pasar Triwindu
Located nearby Mangkunagaran Palace, it is Solo antique market where devotee of bric–a-brac, curiosities, crafts, etc should see. There are lamps of varied ornaments and sizes, dinner and tea sets, goblets, vases and various kinds of souvenirs with beautiful motifs. The buyers should know the technique of bargaining.
Jamu (Herbal Medicine) and Traditional Cosmetics
The Solonese is expert of jamu since ancient period. In the old days, the herb leaves were boiled in water before being drunk that’s why the name is jamu godog (boiled herbal medicine).
Nowadays, it is more practical, there are powder, pills and capsules. There are also some lotion and ointment for outside application.
For more detail information on jamu and traditional cosmetics manufacturers and sellers, click the related business section.
Art Shops and Craft Centers
As a fortress of culture and tradition, a traveler should see various traditional art and crafts such as wayang (leather puppets), gamelan, batik, keris, etc in every corner of the city. For more detail information of above subjects, kindly click the related articles, for seeing and purchasing click ‘Art Shops and Craft Centers’.
Solo Baru
A new modern city was born in Solo, it is Solo Baru, located southward of the city, in the regency of Sukoharjo, on the way to Wonogiri. It is a modern real estate compound complete with the necessary facilities, comfortable to live in.
Browsing
A leisure walk along Jl. Secoyudan, the ‘Gold Smith Street’ could be entertaining. The sound of Gamelan music from recorded cassette tapes could be enjoyed. A popular local music of Solo is the ‘Kroncong’ beat. Besides the specific beat, the words of the songs are important. The kroncong songs usually adore the natural beauty and the rare beauty of the Solo ladies like in the song of ‘Putri Solo’ - The Lady of Solo’.
Batik Course
For those who are interested in deeper knowledge of batik manufacturing, short batik courses are available, among other in a alley near Warung Baru and in Kauman, off Jl. Yos Sudarso.
Kindly note that Solo is also The City of Batik, with leading Batik Exporters in the country.
Gamelan
The workshop of gamelan is in Bekonang Village, Sukoharjo/Karanganyar or Hajar Satoto’s Place in Kartosuro.
Keris
Solo is also famous with its Keris collection, old and new makes. There are some experts of Keris for consultation among other Herri Sutrisno and Hajar Satoto, and the foundation of keris devotees of Solo (Bowo Roso), Fauzan and Harjonagoro.
Wayang Kulit (Leather Puppets)
It is possible for someone to choose or to order directly a specific wayang at the workshop (Please see the directory of Artshops and Crafts, which make wayang).
The MYSTIC
There are some mystical groups in Surakarta locally known as Kebatinan. Some well-known Piyayi Sepuh (high Language) or Wong Tuwo (common Javanese language) means wise persons live in this city. Usually they are ready to give spiritual consultation, to name few are :
- Princess G.R.Ay. Brotodiningrat (about 80 years old), a daughter of Sri PAkubuwono X.
- Pak A. Suyono, Jl. Ranggawarsito 60
- Pak Suwondo, Jl. Karatonan, Gang I.
- Some meditators which could be contacted at Joyokusuman guesthouse and others.
- K.R.H.T. Kusumotanoyo (spiritual advisor to Surakarta Palace)
- R.M. Adiarso and his wife, Jl. Kebangkitan Nasional 60
(Suryo S. Negoro)
Towering over Central Java is the smoking volcano of Mount Merapi along with a dozen other smaller mountains, making this province one the prettiest and greener provinces of all.
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PLACES OF INTEREST |
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For short trips out of Semarang within a radius of about 60 km, the following places are recommended :
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Some of the places of interest are for instance Tawangmangu, a mountain resort at an elevation of almost 1 km above sea level which promises you a cool escape from the city’s heat. Not far from here is the Sukuh Temple with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin and which is the only sample of an erotic temple in Java having the shape of a stepped pyramid like the ones in South America of the Maya culture. There are also a two-century old palace of King Pakubuwono, an art Gallery exhibiting Royal heirlooms, various Javanese weapons, antiques and other invaluable items. Another palace is the royal residence of Prince Mangkunegoro, featuring typical Javanese architecture, a complete collection of masks, heirlooms, wayang golek, handicrafts, Javanese musical instruments and superb antiques are exhibited here. |
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Jatijajar Jatijajar Cave is about 49 km west of Kebumen, or 20 km from Gombong. It is the most interesting cave in Central Java with its stalactite and stalagmite. Inside, there is Kamandaka statue which has its own legend. Krakal hot water-springs is located 13 km north-east of Kebumen. Bathing rooms are available. Like many other hot water-springs, it is an effective remedy for skin diseases. 3 km north of Gombong, is the Sempor Dam surrounded by hills ‘forming a nice mountain scenery. Recreational facilities are also provided here. |
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Bandungan and Gedong Songo Temple This is a holiday resort on the slope of Mt. Ungaran, about 900 meters above sea level. Gedong Songo (nine buildings), a group of small 8th century Hindu Javanese temples, can be reached either by car or on horseback from the town. Built at about the same time as the temples of the Dieng complex, Gedong Songo is one of the most beautifully sited temple complexes in Central Java and the views alone are worth the trip. |
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Ambarawa Railway Museum Fifty kms south of Semarang, Ambarawa is the home of Java’s antique locomotives, Established into a museum, it has locomotives of various types and ages, and it is still possible to ride on a cog railway between Ambarawa and Bedono, a village nearby. Prior arrangements should be made for groups. Also of interest are a collection of antique telephones and other instruments used for railway communication. |
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Sangiran, The Land of Mystery Located 15 km from Surakarta. It is fossilized land of prehistoric living things. Prof. Dr. Van Koenigswald in 1936 found more evidence about human evolution. He discovered some fossils that support the theory of human growth from an ape-man to be man as we are now. Other fossils, which include those of mammoths (prehistoric elephant) are now preserved in the Bandung Geological Museum. In mid 1980, scientists were startled by the finding of a complete 4 m tall elephant. |
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Baturaden Central Java’s outstanding resort is approximately 14 km north of Purwokerto. It occupies a fine site on the slope of Mount Slamet, at an elevation of 650 m above sea level. It has remarkable weather with a cool mountain breeze. The temperature ranges from 18 degree C to 25 degree C. |
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Tawangmangu Located 40 km east of Solo. It lies on the slope of mount Lawu, at an elevation of 1300 m above sea level. It is a recreational resort offering fresh weather, scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels and restaurants. |
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Taman Kyai Langgeng Kyai Langgeng Park located at the western part of Magelang, and occupying land of about 19 hectares, with the tranquillity of a rural atmosphere, is easily accessible as it lies only about 1 km from the center of the town. Convenient public transport brings you there, leaving town life behind to go back to nature. Built by the Local Government of the Magelang Municipality and opened its gate to the public in 1987, Kyai Langgeng Park now provides you with collection of many kinds of rare plants from all over Indonesia, collection of dinosaurs statues, fishing pond, traffic gardens, aquariums, green house, swimming pool, open air theater, large cages of various kinds of tropical birds, various kinds of animals from the bigger to the smaller ones, arena for go-carts, a river for canoeing and wild water surfing, restaurants, souvenir shops, tropical fruit market, indoor tennis court, hotel and many other things to see, to do and to enjoy. This park is named after one of the followers of Prince Diponegoro, one of the Indonesian heroes who fought bravely against the Colonialists during Diponegoro’s war (1825-1830). The late Kyai Langgeng was buried in this area and his burial can still be found here. |
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Dieng Plateau Four hours from Semarang is the Dieng Plateau. Here some of the oldest Hindu temples of Java are found. These small monuments, which are not more than 50 feet high stand on a crater floor amidst sulfurous fumes and underlined by the presence of a few of the starkest Shivaite temples at an elevation of more than 6.000 feet, are impressive. The road to the Dieng Plateau passes through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery. |
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Mendut Temple Located only three kilometers from Borobudur, Mendut is said to face toward Benares, India, where Buddha Gautama taught his five disciples the very first time. The smaller temple of Mendut, which houses the great statue of Buddha and the Pawon temple, form an integral part of the Borobudur complex. The three-meter tall Buddha together with the two Bodhisatva figures of Lokesvara and Vajrapani are in the view of some experts among the greatest manifestations of Buddhist thought and art. Through these smaller temple complexes the pilgrim must pass before ascending the great Borobudur monument |
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Borobudur Temple The name “Borobudur” is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words “Vihara Buddha Uhr” the Buddhist Monastery on the hill. The Borobudur Temple was built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty and is located at Magelang, 90 km southeast of Semarang, or 42 km northwest of Yogyakarta. Visitors have the option of going by taxi or public bus to reach this temple. One of the world’s most famous temples, it stands majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of gray andesite stone. It rises to seven terraces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculptured in bas-reliefs extending over a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relieves in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit, each scene an individual masterpiece. The monument has been completely restored and was officially opened by the President on 23rd February 1983. The restoration took eight years to complete, funded by the Government of Indonesia with aid from the UNESCO and donations from private citizens as well as from foreign governments. The Borobudur was in danger of collapsing as its stone statues and bas-reliefs was affected by stone cancer, moss and lichen. A large parking area is available not far from the monument, so private cars and buses can park in this area. During the Buddhist festival of Waisak in May, processions start from Mendut temple. Public transportation is available from the bus terminal. From that point visitors can hire becaks or horse carts, or walk the rest of the way to the monument. |
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Shopping Hints Batik cloths and garments, hand-woven fabrics, traditional and local jewelry, leather puppets, basketry, tortoise-shell accessories, trinkets, brass-ware and other decorative items, and all kinds of antiques are local specialties. Souvenir and art objects are available in all major towns of Central Java, mostly in the downtown areas and popular market places or shopping centers. |
source :www.indonesianmusic.com
Add comment November 1st, 2006