Yogyakarta, Places of Interest

The Keraton or literally palace compound of the Sultan, comprises an area of over 14.000 square meters, enclosed by stick stone walls. Lying at the Southern end of the centre of the city, the Keraton was founded by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1755 and reached completion in 1792.

The main buildings of the compound are a compendium of traditional Javanese style and have changed little since their initial completion. Facing a large square of grass called the Alun-Alun, the main gateway of the Keratonis guarded by two silver painted guardians the inner most group of building called “Proboyekso” is still the private domain of the Sultan and his family and is also the house where the revered “Pusaka” or sacred heirlooms are kept. In the old days “Sitinggil” and “Pagelaran”, two pavillions facing the Alun-Alun North Square, once were lent to the Gadjah Mada University. The splendid reception hall known as “Bangsal Kencono” or Golden Pavillion is the crowning glory of the Keraton and is used only for state functions and family ceremonies. 

On the Southern part of the Keraton complex, facing the Magangan court yard is an ancient clock and two venerable retainers sitting cross-legged as though sipping tea. The ancient clock still keeps time but no longer chimes. To help the clock with its task, the two gentlemen dutifully sound a small gong at the appropriate times. A further extension of the Keraton is the recently restored “Pendopo”, a country retreat built in 1890 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII and now the luxurious Grand Hotel Ambarrukmo Palace.

Pictures :

North Alun-Alun, Yogyakarta

Sitinggil, Yogyakarta

Bangsal Kencono, Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta and Vicinity (2)

Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) is referred to as a Special Region within the Republic of Indonesia. The reason of this is explained partly by its long history of self rule under the Dutch and Javanese regimes and further explained by the active role that Yogyakarta played in the struggle for national independence. This special status of Yogyakarta has been explicitly recognized by the Republic government ever since. 

In Yogyakarta, more so then most other Javanese cities the presence of an older more highly developed culture can still be left the strong influence of the high Javanese culture with its aristocratic is still preserved today within the Kraton walls. Though much less subtle is the boisterous vitality of the market and the villager, who are living in the surrounding area have come to Yogyakarta to sell their wares, these contrasting elements patrician and plebeian, constantly meeting and blending give Yogyakarta its vitality. Perhaps, this contrast of elements reflected in its arts and life styles is the reason why so many visitors become enamored with Yogyakarta.

One of the most rewarding delights of the city if those things are always happening in quiet and subtle way. You might spend hours browsing through the markets or watching young students practice their lessons at one of the many dance schools in the city. New and different experiences await the visitor, whether it be young children are practicing Gamelan (Javanese orchestra), a batik artist at his work or a skillful Dalang (master puppeter) operating the shadow puppets. For Yogyakarta is not just a site of previous cultures but still very much a centre of culture alive with the continual perfecting of its arts.

Situated 25 kilometers to the North of the city is the semi volcano, Merapi. Seen clearly on cloudless days, this loftily neighbor is both companionable and ominous at the same. For the Yogyakarta, this strange “friend” to the North of the city is consistent reminder of the time lessness of life. Like all of Java, Yogyakarta reflects this tranquil feeling amongst the hustle and bustle of the 20th century. Yogyakarta will need time to discover but given that trance will certainly capture the hearts of many. 

Yogyakarta and Vicinity

Peaceful and gentle, prosperous and unique, these are the words that city of Yogyakarta evokes. As the ancient capital of Java and the former capital of the new nation, this city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.

The city, rich in Javanese culture and steeped in the traditional way of life, presents a people with an air of quiet, dignity, a people proud of the aristocratic influences of the Sultanate court, throughout its history. Yogyakarta has been a progressive leader in both national liberty and education.  The name of the Sultan holds a special significance for all Yogyanese, evoking both the traditional Javanese aristocrat, as well as the progressive founder of the Indonesian Republic. 

The earliest historical records of Yogyakarta can be traced back as the early 8th century with the emergence of the Hindu kingdom of Sanjaya and later the Buddhist dynasty of Syailendra. But already by the 10th century, the centre of those kingdoms had shifted to East Java, and Yogyakarta would seemingly disappear from historical record until the 16th century and the emergence of the Islamic Kingdom of Mataram. Founded by Panembahan Senopati, the Mataram’s seat of government was first in Kotagede. As the Dutch began to make commercial inroads and finally assuming the role of colonial rulers, the centre of the kingdom shifted to Kartosuro and then finally to Surakarta (Solo). But in the year 1755 the Mataram Kingdoms was split permanently into two kingdoms, Yogyakarta and Surakarta, with Prince Mangkubumi assuming the title of Sultan of Yogyakarta. Later be set with fractionalism, in 1816 Yogyakarta was split once again under the sanction of the British led by Thomas Raffles. At this time, the lesser house of Paku Alam was established. Eventually, the original house of Mataram would be permanently divided into four Kratons (courts). Kraton Ngayogyakarto , Kraton Paku Alaman, Kraton Kasunanan (Solo) and Kraton Mangkunegaran (Solo).