Wonderful Indonesia

Semarang city of Central Java

2009-04-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

SEMARANG, as city and highway lbu city of Central Java, has a long history. The beginning of the mud flat, which later developed into rapidly progressive environment and appeared as an important city. As a big city, he absorbed a lot of newcomers. They, and explore life and live in the city of Semarang until the end of hayatnya. Then susul follow the life of the next generation. In the past, there's a prince of Demak Kingdom called Made with her son Raden Pandan Pandan Arang, Demak to leave the area where the West Disuatu then called Tirang Island, opening up a forest and boarding and adapt Islam. From time to time that the more fertile areas, from between the fertility of the tamarind tree muncullah charcoal (Javanese: Charcoal Asem), giving the title or the name of it Semarang.

Simpang Lima
One of the characteristics that give the city of Semarang Simpang Lima is. This place is a square which is located in the middle of the intersection of Jl. Pandanaran in the west, Jl. A. Yani, in the east, Jl. Gajahmada and Jl. Heroes in the east, while to the northeast have Jl.KH. Ahmad Dahlan. The development function Simpanglima a square is the first suggestion the President of the Republic of Indonesia, which suggests the square in Semarang instead of Kanjengan. Square of the period since the government Semarang Semarang Adipati the first that has changed the function to be shopping. Function as a place of ceremony, Simpanglima also the place of the recital, recreation places, even as market Tiban at certain times. Various types of food are good food and snacks sold at lesehan style taking place around the sidewalk and around the square. While itusouvenir, school equipment and household, sandals to hair decoration, also sold here

Tanjung Mas

Semarang has a large port of the famous since the Dutch colonial era Tanjung Mas, and many large ships moor. As a recreational harbor, located in the arterial road Yos Sudarso Semarang features: boat rental, swimming rod, artificial lake, arena grass track, jogging track.

Lele Taman / Kampoeng Tour
Recreational parks in the area Kecamatan Tugu is a reptile park equipped with facilities arena games and children's stage entertainment and restaurants. Here the show was held regularly in the form of stage entertainment snake dance, attraction, attractions such as wrestling with the crocodile or scorpion bath. Garden is open to the public every day.

Youth Gelanggang Manunggal Jati
Building was built to accommodate the various activities undertaken by organizations that have youth in the city of Semarang as well as the Secretariat of each organization. Gelanggang features

Goa Kreo
Kreo Goa is a small cave as a trusted petilasan at Sunan Kalijogo find teak wood to build the Great Mosque of Demak. Then according to legend Sunan Kalijogo meet sekawanan monkey, which was then ordered to keep the teak. The word "Kreo" is derived from the word "Mangreho" which means the guard or the guard. Then this is the word that makes this cave called Cave Kreo and since then the herd monkeys inhabit this area are considered as pennggu. Besides enjoying the beautiful natural scenery and the cool air and met the monkeys watchman this area, visitors can also enjoy the river cold and fresh on the bottom of this area.

SOLO - Culture City

2009-01-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

Surakarta or more famous as Solo is lying across in fertile plain terrain along the longest river in Java, Bengawan or River Solo. Flanked by mountain volcanoes Merapi and Merbabu in the north, and mount Lawu in the southeast border, is famous as a stronghold and center of Javanese culture and tradition.

The tranquil town of Solo with its charming and soft-spoken people has several amazing names as a sign of adoration, such as: the city that never sleeps, the center of culture and the city of pleasure. Some foreign travelers say that Solo is the least westernized town in Central Java.

Slametriadi Road
Slamet Riyadi Avenue

MEMORY OF THE OLD TIME

The history of Solo is unseparable with ancient time, with the discovery of 'Java man' in the village of Sangiran in Sragen Regency, Hindu – Buddhist Temples and the existence of old Palaces of Javanese Sultans.

In the down town of the city, along the wide green Slamet Riyadi Avenue, at the cross road of Sudirman, turn south cross the Alun-alun Utara (North Square), That is the Karaton Surakarta Hadiningrat, with the present king Sri Susuhunan Paku Buwono XII. It is opened daily at 08.30 am – 02.00 pm, Friday is closed.

In the middle of the town in the North of Slamet Riyadi Avenue is another palace, Puro Mangkunagaran. The present king is Sri Mangkunagoro IX. It is opened daily at 09.00 am – 02.00 pm, Sunday 09.00 am – 01.00 pm.

Both palaces have their own excellent programs to be adored by tourists, among other; court dance, gamelan music performance, museums, etc.

Karaton Kartosuro
Located 10 km west of Solo, the remnant of the palace is there. It was the center power of Mataram for 60 (sixty) years until 1745.

Karaton Pajang
Also located in Kartosuro, in the village of Makam Haji, Pajang. Some believe that it was the site of Karaton Pajang under Sultan Hadiwijaya who reigned between 1540 – 1580.

Museum Radya Pustaka
It was built in 1890, located at JL. Slamet Riyadi. The statue of Ronggowarsito, a Karaton poet of the past stands in the front yard. It has a good collection of antiquities, gamelan, keris, puppets, scroll of wayang beber, some Javanese and Dutch books. Open daily 08.00 AM - 01.00 PM, Friday 08.00 AM - 11.00 AM, Monday closed

Radya Pustaka Museum
Museum Radya Pustaka

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 Gede (Big Market)
Pasar Gede

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 Klewer (Klewer MArket)
Pasar Klewer

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.

Art Shop
Pasar Triwindu

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.
For further information about Batik, click here.

Gamelan
The workshop of gamelan is in Bekonang Village, Sukoharjo/Karanganyar or Hajar Satoto's Place in Kartosuro.
For further information about Gamelan, click here.

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.
For further information about keris, click here.

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).
For further information about Wayang, click here.

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

MEDAN - Gate Of Western Indonesia

2008-09-23T00:29:00.000-07:00

There are many old buildings in Medan that still retain their Dutch architecture. These include the old City Hall, the central Post Office, the Water Tower, which is Medan City's icon, and Titi Gantung (a bridge over the railway).

There are several historic places such as Mai mun Palace (Istana Maimun), where the Sultan of Deli still lives, and the Great Mosque (Masjid Raya) of Medan built in 1906.

One of the unique features of Medan are the motorized becaks that are found almost everywhere. Unlike traditional becaks, a motorized becak can take its passenger anywhere in the city. The fare of riding a 'becak' is relatively cheap and is usually negotiated beforehand.

There are also more common transport like taxis and minibuses, known as sudako.

Railroad tracks connect Medan to Binjai and Tanjungpura to the northwest, to port of Belawan to the north, and to Tebing Tinggi and Pematang Siantar to the southeast.

The seaport of Belawan is about 20 km to the north. Polonia International Airport is located in the heart of the city. Kuala Namu International Airport is a new airport under construction and is due to replace Polonia in 2009.

A toll highway connects Medan to Belawan and Tanjungmorawa. A plan for the extension of this highway to Tebing Tinggi and to Binjai has been completed, and the central government is currently seeking investors to build the extension.

2008-05-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

YOGYAKARTA - JOGJAKARTA

Yogyakarta Special Region (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, DIY) is officially one of Indonesia's 32 provinces. Yogyakarta is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. This region is located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram from which present day Yogyakarta has the best inherited of traditions. The city itself has a special charm, which seldom fails to captivate the visitor.

This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the Mataram division into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, wayang kulit (leather puppet), theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in arts such batiks, silver and leather works. Next to the traditional, contemporary art has found fertile soil in Yogya's culture oriented society. ASRI, the Academy of Fine Arts is the center of arts and Yogyakarta itself has given its name to an important school of modern painting in Indonesia, perhaps best personified by the famed Indonesian impressionist, the late Affandi.

Yogyakarta is often called the main gateway to the Central Java as where it is geographically located. It stretches from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean. There is daily air service to Yogya from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali as well as regular train service and easy accessibility by road. Yogyakarta is commonly considered as the modern cultural of Central Java. Although some may prefer Solo as a good runner up, Yogyakarta remains the clear front-runner for traditional dance, Wayang (traditional puppetry) and music.

Yogyakarta has more than just culture though. It is a very lively city and a shopper's delight. The main road, Malioboro Street, is always crowded and famous for its night street food-culture and street vendors. Many tourist shops and cheap hotels are concentrated along this street or in the adjoining tourist area such Sosrowijayan Street.

The key attraction of Yogyakarta is 'Kraton' (the Sultan's Palace). The Sultan's palace is the centre of Yogya's traditional life and despite the advance of modernity; it still emanates the spirit of refinement, which has been the hallmark of Yogya's art for centuries. This vast complex of decaying buildings was built in the 18th century, and is actually a walled city within the city with luxurious pavilions and in which the current Sultan still resides. Yogyakarta is also the only major city, which still has traditional 'Becak' (rickshaw-style) transport.

Geographically
Yogyakarta Special Region is geographically located almost equidistant from Indonesia's two most important international gateways, about 600 km from Jakarta and 1000 km from Bali. Yogyakarta also has excellent transport connections by bus, train or plane to the rest of Java, Sumatra, Bali and Lombok. Yogyakarta's Adisucipto Airport is in the process of changing its status in order to receive not only domestics' flights from Bali and Jakarta, but also direct charter and scheduled flights from other countries.

Geographically, Yogyakarta Special Province is situated in the Southern part of Central Java and lies between 7 degree 33' and 8 degree 12', South altitude between 110 degree and 50' East longitude. Some regencies of central Java Province surround the administrative boundaries of this region:
Southern East: Wonogiri Regency
Eastern: Klaten Regency
Northwestern: Magelang Regency
Western: Purworejo Regency
The Indonesian Ocean borders the Southern part of Yogyakarta. The borderline of the seashore stretches from West to East of which the length is around 100 km, started from Congot Beach in Kulon Progo Regency and ended at Sadeng Beach in Gunung Kidul Regency.

Because of its location, Yogyakarta is strategically positioned for the economic activity network in Java as well as for the tourist destination area. The special region of Yogyakarta lies midway on the axis of several main tourist destination areas, Jakarta and West Java westward, Central Java northward, East Java and Bali eastward. It is linked by regular rail, road and air services to other parts of Indonesian archipelago.

Climate and Weather in Yogyakarta
The average daily temperature range between 26 degree and 28 degree Celsius with its minimum 18 degree C and maximum 35 degree C respectively. Average humidity is 74% with its minimum of 65% and maximum 84% respectively. The Yogyakarta Special Region lays approximately 7 South of the equator line and is bathed in tropical; sunshine along the year. This region has a tropic climate the daily atmosphere feels a little bit hot and humid. These are only two seasons along the year, the wet or rainy seasons and dry monsoon. Usually the wet seasons begin at September and lasts about August. Generally there is no rainfalls from may to August and there fore the atmosphere feels hot and humid on the day and cool in the night and early morning. The monthly rain falling Yogyakarta varies between 3mm and 496mm in which those above 300mm take place during the month of January up to April. The heaviest rainfall usually occurs in February while the lowest commonly happens between May and October Average annually rainfall is about 1,900mm.

Populations of Yogyakarta
Based on 2000, the total population of Yogyakarta special Region amounted to 3.311.812. Yogyakarta Municipality that has 461,800 inhabitants spread over 32,50 kilometers or the average population density is thus over 14,200 persons per square kilometer. The least densely populated districts is in Gunung Kidul regency which has 720.643 inhabitants and cover 1,485 square kilometers or the density rate is 485 persons per square kilometer. Since a very long time ago the Provincial territory of Yogyakarta Special Region and its surrounding has been decently populated.
The majority residents of Yogyakarta Special Region are Javanese whose language derives from ancient Sanskrit. However, as Yogyakarta is considered to be "Indonesia's academic city" due to the numerous centers for higher learning, many of the inhabitants are student who come from all over Indonesia to study.

Culture of Yogyakarta
The culture Yogyakarta province with its status as a special region lies in the Southern part of Central Java, in the heartland of Javanese culture. As the former capital and the center of several kingdoms in the past, this region and its people are very rich in a variety of cultures. It is widely known from to historical records that the civilization, art and culture had developed well in the center of those kingdoms respectively in the Ancient Mataram Kingdom (8th - 10th Century) era, the second Mataram Kingdom (17th - 18th Century) and Sultanate Ngayogyokarto from the mid of 18th Century up today.

It should be noted that the cultural heritage from the past includes the magnificent temples, the ruins of palaces and monasteries, the various kind of traditions, cultural events, traditional folk and performing arts, architecture and other traditional activities. It is important to note that this is all part of the living culture of Yogyakarta, color of daily activities of live and the local inhabitants behavior, particularly the Javanese community with its traditional way of life and customs. Therefore, because of its culture richness and heritage, Yogyakarta has long been known as the cradle of Javanese culture.

The other legendary name for Yogyakarta City, among the elders as well as the youth generation that is the City of Art and Culture. Traditional and modern exhibition are held almost every day and night about the art of theater, pantomime, music, classic and contemporary dances, poems, etc. Those are flow in the heart of the city. Even more, there are abundant of cultural ceremony, such as Sekaten, Gunungan, Labuhan, Malioboro Fair, etc, which make the city has high value of tradition, art, and culture.