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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.
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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.
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| STASIUN TAWANG, the main railways station with its "Old Time" architecture located also in this area. |
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.
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| GOMBEL, A favorite place on the hill with its fresh air and picturesque landscape. In the evening, people like to be here to relax while enjoying the panoramic vista to the city and the harbor. |
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.
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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 |
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
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
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.
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.
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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1. |
Jepara,
northeast of Semarang, is a town with white sandy
beaches around it, and is also famous for its wood
carving industry. Most artists of this sophisticated art
come from around this area. It is also the birthplace of
Indonesia's heroine of the national women's liberation
movement.
An ancient Portuguese Fort can be found
to the east of Jepara. Along the road from Semarang to
this town are many sights and curiosities worthy of
seeing. |
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2. |
Kudus,
about halfway between Jepara and Semarang, could be
taken in on the same trip, as well as Demak. So, Kudus
and Demak are two towns having the same directions as to
Jepara, and both have historical significance. Kudus has
the Minaret Mosque which was built in the 15th century,
whereas Demak has the oldest mosque in Central Java,
both of them very interesting structures from the
architectural point of
view. |
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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.
In 1891, Eugene Dubois, a French anthropologist
discovered fossils of Phitecantropus Erectus, the oldest Java
man known. Again in 1930 and 193 1, Ngandong Village,
Trinil-Mojokerto, was marked with the discovery of fossils of
a man that belonged to the Pleistocene Period. It revealed
human history from many centuries ago.
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.
The resort area is surrounded by nice gardens,
hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels. Other features
include 200 ha of pine forest, a nearby market and marvelous
views. |
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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.
Other features include nearby temples in
ruins, a national park and the 40 m high waterfall of Grojogan
Sewu. |
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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.
For now and the future the Local Government
of Magelang Municipality will move on to invest in new
recreational facilities for all levels of the
community |
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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.
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