Central
Java Province
The Capital
City of Central Java Province
is “Semarang”
Nowhere on Java. Java Island is the past
influence of Hinduism and Buddhism as deeply imprinted as in Central Java.
Candis, the remains of old Hindu and Buddhist sanctuaries and monuments dating
from the 7th to the 10th century are virtually scattered
all over the province.Central Java is also the place where the first Moslem
Kingdom on the island of Java was eshtablished in 1511. Raden Patah founded the
sultanate of Demak on the north coast, thereby dealing the death blow to
Hinduism as a formal religion. Many aspects of it’s philosophical outlook,
however, have persisted to become together with some older indigenous
Indonesian customs and beliefs an underlayer for the new customs and
traditions.
Extensive mountain ranges and highlands are
found only in the western parts of the province. Further toward the east, the
isolated cones of volcanoes rise majestically from the plains. This is a land
of ancient temple ruins and monuments, of rituals and old traditions surviving
in a society on the move toward full modernity.Java is an incredible mosaic of
sights, sounds and impressions. A pleasurable form of sensory overload.
Brooding volcanoes and verdant ricefields. Regal splendour and captivating
danse. An endles tropical garden on the shore of an azure sea. These are the
romantic defictions by generations of writers who have visited the island of
Java. These impressions are also acurate. The largest man-made object in the
Southern Hemisphere, the massive Buddhist temple of Borobudur, the eerie temple
complex on the Dieng Plateau and the more than 50 Hindu and Buddhist temples
scattered over the Prambanan Plain draw visitors from all over the world. But
Central Java’s attraction lies not only in dead stone. The great traditional
art forms ; court dance, gamelan music, wayang shadow puppetry, are as vibrant
now in the cities and Surakarta as in centuries past.
The gamelan bronze gong orchestra is as much
a part of Java as rice fields and volcanoes. An ancient, sophisticated and
complex musical form, the gamelan accompanies avery ceremonial occation, from
the coronation of the Sultan to the arrival of a tourist group in a hotel loby.
And not art form captures the essence of
Java bether than the wayang, the shadow puppet theatre which summons forth
omniscient gods, heavenly nymphs, monthrous ogres, noble kings and skillful
warriors, in a magical, flickering display.Although the modern world has come
to Java, bringing with it efficient transportation and comfortable
accomodation, it has not congquered the Garden of the East. A view steps away
from any hotel lies all the charm and enchantment of a profoundly exotic land
and culture.
Traditional Costumes
The Central Java's men wear Jawi Jangkep
costume that contains of Atela shirt, Udeng, Sikepan, Timang belt, and Warangka
Ladrang Keris which is slipped at the Stangen (waist cloth).A headdress name
Blangkon made of Batik cloth with certainty pattern. Kebaya
shirt is put on by a woman complementary with Kemben (cloth belt), and Tapih
Pinjung cloth.The particulary Kebaya shirt looked at golden color and the
special broach, otherwise on their hair perched hair bun with jasmines and
other accessories.
Semarang
Central
Java’ provincial capital is Semarang. A port city on the Java Sea boasting many
ssplendid old colonial buildings. The city climbs from the sea toward the hills
to it’s south which provides for beautiful vistas. Semarang is despite it’s
tropical heat, one of the most pleasant cities of Java.
Semarang,
situated at the mouth of Semarang River, the port of Semarang was visited by
the Chinese in the 15th century then became an Moslem settlement
until it was taken over by the Dutch in the 17th century. Historic
sites worth a visit in Semarang include
the harbor district with it’s old warehouses and the Dutch built Blenduk
church. Chinese influence is still very much apparent in Semarang as a walk
through the Chinatown district will reveal. Tay Kak Sie, in Chinatown, is the
city’s largest Chinese Temple while the Gedung Batu Temple is the oldest. In
the vicinity of Semarang, visit a traditional jamu herbal medicine factory, the
temple complex of Gedung Songo, the Railway
Museum
at Ambarawa and the relaxing hill resort of Bandungan. Semarang has become busy
city which many activities. Most of the office buildings, business centers
industrial complexes are situated in the low land, whilw in the hilly side,
there are many houses with a beautiful sight right to the downtown or the sea. The
city is one of the business and trading city in Indonesia.There are still many
other places worth to visit such as Ronggowarsito Museum, which displaying
development of cultural historical of human life and short story about the
country. Puri Maerakaca which displaying the traditional houses and handicrafts
of Javanese. Tugu Muda or Youth Monument is stand as a remembrance of the
heroic fight for independent and commemorated on October 14 and 15 every year.
Central
Java is a heaven for cultural events. Many varieties of performance such as
ketoprak (traditional theatre), shadow puppet, could be seen at several public
theatre, namely Tinjomoyo, Taman Budaya Raden Saleh, Gedung Kebudayaan
(cultural center) and Governor’s office. On the beginning of the fasting month,
Semarang livened up with Dugderan festival, huge ceremonies of Chinese
communities with barongsai Ilion dance).
Borobudur
Temple
The countryside around Yogyakarta has
accommodated a lot of remains of the ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples such as
the world’s largest Buddhist temple of Borobudur an 7th century by
the rulers of the Syailendra dynasty, built by King Samaraturangga. Hailed as
the most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief in the world. As one of the
seventh wonders of the world magnificent Buddhist sanctuary that is also known
as one of the world wonders and Majestic is Borobudur Temple. Located about 42
kilometers Northwest of Yogyakarta near Mungkid in the Magelang Regency.
The walls of it’s seven terraces rising up to
the Great Stupa carved with bas reliefs of grey andest stone illustrate the
life of Buddhist. This massive stupa is the largest Buddhist monument in the
world. As the biggest Buddhist Temple Borobudur and one of the wonders
monuments in the world, was built around the year 78 – 850 AD. It was left to
ruin as the dynasty fell apart, and only recognized as a global treasure by
Stamford Raffles in 1814. It has subsequently been restored to it’s former
glory it’s 10 exquisitely carved levels reaching 42 meters in height.
Believed to have been built in the 7th
century A.D. Borobudur rises majestically on it’s hillock overlooking the green
plains and distant hills of what is known as the “Garden of Java”. Scholars
believe the monument to have been a mandala a structure built to assist in
meditation. It’s seven terraces rise toward the great stupa which crowns the
monument. Base reliefs depicting the life of Buddha adorn the black andesite
stone balustrades for a length of about six kilometers.
Borobudur
is a
9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The
monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms,
and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72
Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupa. Built in the 9th century during the
reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple's design in Gupta
architecture reflects India's influence on the region. It also depicts the gupta style from India
and shows influence of Buddhism as well as Hinduism. The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and
a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument
and follows a path around the monument and ascends to the top through three
levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu
(the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu
(the world of formlessness). The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive
system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the
walls and the balustrades.
Evidence suggest Borobudur
was constructed in the 9th century and abandoned following the 14th century
decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese
conversion to Islam. Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814
by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who
was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been
preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was
undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for
pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is
Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.
In Indonesian, ancient temples are referred to as candi; thus locals refer to "Borobudur
Temple" as Candi Borobudur. The term candi also loosely
describes ancient structures, for example gates and baths. The origins of the
name Borobudur however are unclear, although the original names of most
ancient Indonesian temples are no longer known. The name Borobudur was first
written in Sir Thomas Raffles' book on Javan history. Raffles wrote
about a monument called borobudur, but there are no older documents
suggesting the same name. The only old Javanese
manuscript that hints at the monument as a holy Buddhist sanctuary is Nagarakretagama,
written by Mpu Prapanca in 1365.
The name Bore-Budur,
and thus BoroBudur, is thought to have been written by Raffles in
English grammar to mean the nearby village of Bore; most candi are named
after a nearby village. If it followed Javanese language,
the monument should have been named 'Budur Boro'. Raffles also suggested that
'Budur' might correspond to the modern Javanese word Buda
("ancient") "ancient Boro" However, another archaeologist
suggest the second component of the name (Budur) comes from Javanese
term bhudhara (mountain). The construction and inauguration of a sacred
Buddhist building—possibly a reference to Borobudur—was mentioned in two
inscriptions, both discovered in Kedu, Temanggung Regency. The Karangtengah inscription, dated 824, mentioned a sacred
building named Jinalaya (the realm of those who have conquered worldly
desire and reached enlightenment), inaugurated by Pramodhawardhani,
daughter of Samaratungga. The Tri Tepusan inscription, dated 842, is mentioned in the sima,
the (tax-free) lands awarded by Çrī Kahulunnan (Pramodhawardhani) to ensure the
funding and maintenance of a Kamūlān called Bhūmisambhāra. Kamūlān
is from the word mula which means 'the place of origin', a sacred
building to honor the ancestors, probably those of the Sailendras.
Casparis suggested that Bhūmi Sambhāra Bhudhāra, which in Sanskrit means
"The mountain of combined virtues of the ten stages of Boddhisattvahood",
was the original name of Borobudur.
Since Borobudur and Prambanan are acclaimed
as one of the world’s wonders monument, it’s been the evidence of the great
achievement of our ancestor who have the spirit of strong leatdership and character.
Commitment, hardworking, persistence, never give up spirit, could do mentality,
responsibility, cooperation, etc.
The object of interests are
The
Elephant’s Borobudur, Demak, Kudus, Keraton
Kasunanan, Ambarawa Railway Museum, Gedong
Songo Temple, Sukuh Temple, The
Great Kraton Ratu Boko, Tawangmangu
Mountain Resort, Sangiran Fossils, Gajah Mungkur Reservoir, Handicraft
Manufacture, Batu Seribu Pools, etc.
Indonesian Batik
Kauman village has close links with the history of displacement palace
to Solo Kartosuro which later changed its name to Kasunanan. Kauman is a place
of scholars consisting of several layers of society ranging from the prince of
commentators anom, dime, muezzin, suronoto and people. The existence of the
majority population in the region is the basis for the selection of the name
"kauman".
During its development, the art of batik, which is in the village kauman
can be divided into three forms of classical batik motifs grip (batik), pure
batik stamp and model combination of written and stamped. Batik-patterned grip
that is heavily influenced by the art of batik is a product of superior court
Kasunanan kauman village of batik. These products are made using the batik
kampung kauman natural silk and silk weaving, cotton types premisima and
primed, rayon. Villages which have 20-30s home industry is a subscription from
the buyer that has existed for generations and tourists (Japan, Europe,
Southeast Asia and the United States). Uniqueness is offered to the tourists is
the ease of transactions, looking at the home venue for the activities of batik
production. That is, visitors have ample opportunity to learn the process of
making batik. Even to try it myself practicing batik activities.
Besides batik products, batik village atmosphere surrounded Kauman also
sites of historic buildings house building joglo, pyramid, colonial
architecture and a mix of Java and Colonial. The buildings in the past that has
remained firm amid towering modern architecture of shopping malls, financial
institutions (banks and foreign exchange), homestay and hotels are widely
available around the village kauman. Support facilities that exist around the
village is clearly kauman easiness special for all the tourists who visit in
meeting other needs outside of batik.
Kauman Village which has an area of 20.10 hectares is one of the old village downtown that has close links
with the Palace of Surakarta. Village together with the Grand Mosque, has a
specific character with old buildings are characterized by traditional Javanese
architecture, as well as the nuances of Islamic community in it. Kauman begin
to grow when Pakubuwono III built the Great Mosque in 1757 AD The King held up
as the prince of Tafsir Anom Great Mosque. In carrying out his daily duties,
the prince of the Great Mosque courtiers assisted by other scholars (among
others Ketib and Merbot). The courtiers of his scholars and students living
around the Great Mosque, which was developed and named the village Kauman which
means "The People".
At first the courtiers scholars only worked as servants in the palace
alone, she moonlighted making batik at home for consumption palace. Over time
household business is then transformed into a work of batik and duplicate it
succeeded in raising the economic level of society. This effort which, among
other causes Kauman community can build a magnificent house / beautiful in
early 1800 to mid-year 1900 (based on research results in authors did in
1998).The village became prosperous because of his batik business that
dominated public life in those days. In fact, according to research
Setyaningsih Mandy (2000), the success of this effort to attract immigrants
(teteko) to stay in the region and be subject dalem Kauman working to meet all
the needs of the palace such as sewing (Gerjen villages), bake (village Baladan),
embroidery (village Blodiran) and so on. There is the same social status and
religion has led to sibling marriage (which by Adaby Darban called endogamy),
thus forming Kauman society into a society that strengthens the bonds of blood
kinship / kinship concentrated.
Historical value; But the 1939-1970s batik business went bankrupt.
Therefore most of the occupants switched professions to other fields, the
former site of batik into neglected and unkempt. The number of active
entrepreneurs batik production and sell their business in the region is much
reduced from about 65, now only 22, the rest do the processing outside Kauman
batik. Kauman Village stems from Kawedanan Yogiswara / Kapengulon. Great Mosque
and the surrounding land is called Earth Pamijen Keraton Keraton or Kraton
Surakarta Domein. Kauman called Earth or Earth Mutihan Pamethakan the region
should only be inhabited by the people (subjects of the palace) are Muslim.
Lands autonomous / self-government, according to former Kepmendagri May 26,
1988 Number 593.82/1957/SJ according to the four letters A dictum BAL since 24
September 1960 have been removed and transferred to the state their rights, the
land became state land and can be requested by anyone was eligible to be
property rights (such information from Tondonegoro, Section Pasiten, 1998).
Name of villages in the region are given based on activity Kauman
inhabitants, the village headman Pangulon the residence palace, the home as a
residence Ketib Sememen Sememi, Modinan village is the abode of the muezzin. In
addition there is the teteko village (Kampung Baladan, Brodiran, Gerjen, etc.).
While the street names taken from the symbols of the greatness of Surakarta
Palace is considered to have the power of sacred / magical, including street
name and Kalimosodo Wijayakusuma, all have a sacred historical value, according
to PB Biwadanata X revealed by Mandy Setyaningsih, 2000.
Currently there are differences in social and economic life is quite
striking between Kauman people who live on the inside, with living on the edge
of the road. People living in the inner, largely indigenous to livelihood as a
trader or continuing batik parents. While people living on the edge of the road
is generally of Chinese descent. Their house used to store / office.The potential
of ancient buildings, batik and distinctive culture of the people who are not
visible from the outside, closed shops and offices. This is one of the causes
of Kauman less known by the public, efforts are needed to solve it so that
people may be attracted to enter into this region. Kauman is the Old Village
area that deserve to be preserved and developed into a religious and tourist
village of batik with, among other reasons, first, an old village historic
building complete with ancient artifacts, such as the Grand Mosque, Break,
House and Home Ulema Abdi Dalem Batik is partly Entrepreneur of pristine and
ready to be revived.
Second, people still adhere to the teachings of Islam. Tourism scholars
and courtiers village of batik, a potential hallmark Kauman are not found
elsewhere. Third, very closely related to the Surakarta palace. Development
efforts could strengthen the existence of this village palace and the old
villages around it.Fourth, located in the area of trade and commercial offices so as to have the possibility of economic
development easier and faster. Fifth, the fact that Kampung Kauman located in
Surakarta Cultural Corridor (Palace-Gedhe Mangkunegaran-Market), which is a
conservation area with priority handling. The sixth reason that the great
interest of local communities in empowering its territory. This is evidenced by
established / inducted Circle Kauman Batik Tourism Village on April 7, 2006.
Is a commendable effort and should be supported by all parties,
interests of local communities to "revive" the glory of its
territory. The idea is already getting positive response from the Government of
Surakarta. The handling of this region should be implemented so as not to
result in increasingly destroyed and the destruction of this region with huge
potential.
Dieng
Plateau
We could visit to Dieng Plateau. This 2,091 meter high plateau southwest of
Semarang is the site of some of Java’s oldest and starkest Shivaite temples.
The temples and what remains of a drainage system, scattered over a wide area ,
are believed to have been part of a big monastery.The Dieng Plateau is actually
a huge crater floor filled with dubbling mud pools and furning cracks. The
rugged majestry of the area 6.000 meters high in the sky is most impressive.
The road to the plateau leads to tobacco plantations and bucolic fields.
An ancient pilgrim’s retreat, the Dieng
Plateau is the geographic center of Java as well as the highest inhabitable
region. The plateau was formed by the eruption of a huge volcano many millenia
ago but remains active until today. Dotted with Hindu-Buddhist Temple ruins and
lying in the caldera of an extinct volcano, Dieng is charged with mystic
significance for the Javanese. Surrounded by jagged, mist-shrouded mountains
and with temperatures falling to single figures, Dieng is more like Peru or
Tibet than tropical Java.
The hardly inhabitants of the plateau,
drapped in heavy cloting, carry loads of firewood and farm produce up
precipitous mountain tracks. The remarkable Dieng temples, which lie among the
plateau’s lush vegetable and flower fields, could be visited on foot. Dieng, a
silent mountain plateau with it’s eerie strangeness and proximity to the
heavens is aptly called the Abode of the Gods. Dramatic mountain scenery,
tobacco and tea plantation, beauty of Lame Warna in Dieng. And also Dvaravati
Temple, Semar Temple, Arjuna Temple, Pantadewa Temple, Srikandi Temple,
Sembrada Temple, Gatutkaca Temple, and Bima temple.
Surakarta
The city of Surakarta rose in 1754, which was
the year in which Sunan Pakubuwono II, ruler of Mataram, built himself a new
place at the spot where the village Solo stood. The kraton, or Sultan’s Palace,
although since long depreived of all power, is still at the center of many old
rituals and festivals.Recently burned down, the palace a vast complex of
couryards and pavilions built in the traditional Javanese style of architecture
was rebuilt and opened to visitors.Surakarta’s second court is that of
Mangkunegaran, the residence of Prince Mangkunegoro, which was built in 1775.
Visitors are welcome to see the court jewels, leather puppets, arms and other
heirlooms, displayed in showcases in the grand open front pavilion or pendopo.
Exhibits of local crafts, ornaments and
treasures are on exhibits at the Museum Radyopustoko, not far from the Sunan’s
Palace.Surakarta is a good place to shop for batik, leatherwork, lurik
handwoven textiles, and other souvenirs. We could find pleasant accommodation
in the cool mountain resort of Tawangmangu. Transportation about an hour’s
driving distance away.
Karimun Jawa Island National Park
This
region is located in the Java sea, 83 km from Jepara City to the north. This
object is defined as an island national park Karimunjawa sea. 7120 Ha broad
land of 27 islands, but only 5 of uninhabited. That is Karimunjawa, Kemujan,
Parang, Nyamuk dan Genting. with the overlay in the scene between the islands,
white sand that extends along the beach with a coconut tree. There are 242
kinds of ornamental fish, and aquatic fauna 133 genera. With the motor ship,
Karimun Java can be in about 5 minutes from the dock Jepara. National Park area
in the sea has also built "Kura-Kura Resort" which is the area of
health facilities with the lux, which is owned by foreign investors.
In general fauna of the Islands
Karimunjawa consists of two (2) groups, namely:
1.
Mainland:
Deer, Trenggiling, Landak, Snake, Bangau Tong tong, Bangau Gray, Elang and
sea-Wedi Wedi. Sea eagle is a rare animal that can be found in this
archipelago.
2.
The
water: Coral reefs, spons, soft coral, roots Bahar, red shells, turtle and
ornamental fish. Beaches in Karimunjawa mostly white sand, therefore, suitable
for sunbathing, diving and fishing.
Tourism
activities that can be done in Karimunjawa:
1.
Sports
suit, diving for the hobbyist can distribute their hobby in Tanjung Gelam (in
Karimunjawa), Pulau Menjangan Island Cemara Small and Small.
2.
Bathing
and fishing on the beach, match made on the island of Menjangan Besar island of
white sand and Cemara Small.
3.
Snorkeling,
various spots in the bottom of the sea to give attention.
4.
Fishing,
the hobiist can deliver the boat to rent.
5.
Glass
bottom boat, for those who can not swim can enjoy the beauty beneath the sea
dng glass bottom boat.
6.
Jetski
and banana boat, for the water sports like this, can do so at
Karimunjawa.
7.
Shark, trying to
feel the fear factor here, with the tease sharks.
8.
Go
by boat to visit the islands, many islands are beautiful, you can visit with
the boat.
9.
Dive
into the life of fishermen tradition Bugis and Madura with its typical “
panggung”home.
Some locations / objects of interest to visit:
Menjangan Kecil island,
Menjangan Besar, Tanjung Gelam, Legon Lele, Genting, Twin, Parang, and Cemara
Krakal. Maritime tourism such as sailing, water surfing, water skiing,
swimming, sunbathing on the white sand beach, camping, cultural tours, bird and
deer observation and diving / snorkeling. Package tours to visit the islands
can contact the travel agency in Semarang / Jepara (one tour to seven
days).Cultural attractions outside the national parks and Lomban Durian
Festival in January / March in Jepara.
Go Karimunjawa can be quick
with the boat from Semarang I Kartini Every Saturday and Monday every 2 weeks,
every day from Monday Jepara 2 weeks. With KM Muria from Jepara every Wednesday
and Saturday, can also do with the flight path from the airport, A. Yani Semarang
charter plane with 212 types of Cassa approximately 30 minutes to the airport
Dewadaru Karimunjawa.
Nyamplungan
Legend
Name Karimun the folklore
of the local loop is Nyamplung Sunan, who called the original Syech Amir Hasan,
the son of Sunan Muria. Since small, he lived so spoiled when adults go, he
tends to be brassy. Sunan Muria are trying to educate his son to become better,
but always failed. Finally, Sunan Muria’s son to commend Sunan Kudus, with the
hope to become better. Under the guidance of Sunan Kudus, Amir Hasan
indeed become a more private good and obedient, so he returned to his family.
But once again gather with their families, behavior Amir Hasan back as they
are.
Sunan Muria was concerned,
and finally ordered his son to descend the mountain Muria science and practice
religion in the island seems "kremun-kremun" (not clear) when viewed
from the Mount Muria. Sunan Muria and also said that the Amir Hasan could not
return to the island before its work is completed. Seeing the fruit
with 2 seeds Nyamplung to be planted on the island of destination, and mustaka
mosque (still in the tomb complex of Sunan Nyamplungan), and accompanied by 2
people servant, Amir Hasan was finally starting perjalannya. After up to and
find a suitable place for deposited, Amir Hasan and fruit planting 2 seeds
Nyamplung who brought from Java. Plants that grow from the seeds of Nyamplung
this is now known as tree Nyamplung, given the location and name of hamlet
Nyamplung.
Accommodation
Central Java’s better jotels are concentrated
in Semarang and Solo (Surakarta). The four star hotels are available. The
hotels have deluxe facilities, swimming pool, convension halls and others. The
star hotels have air conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms. TV sets and
telephones, room service and restaurants.
Transportation
The provincial capital Semarang is linked
with Jakarta by a seven-times a day aircrafts, air shuttle service and trains.
Air and sea services also link the city to other destinations all over
Indonesia. For travel inside the province, take the intercity bus or hire a
car. Take city bus for trips in the city, or
a pedicab for short distance.
Sumber Investigasi:
F. I. Fatrick &
www.guidingtoindonesia.blogspot.com
