The Village of Krebet, Learning to Make Batik on Wooden Puppe

Puppet can originate from the idea of Sunan Kudus who spread Islam to Java Island, but current forms of puppet are not just based on the ones developed by the pioneer. Wayang klithik, for example, is a kind of puppet made from wood that was developed late after Sunan Kudus time.

Since 1970s, Krebet village becomes one of the pioneers that developed wooden handicrafts by adopting the form of wayang klithik. Not long after the time, around the year 1992, existed new innovation combining the puppet handicraft with classic batik pattern in the village. The surface of the puppet is not plain anymore, but is decorated a la Yogyakarta Kingdom.

Now, after more than ten years this batik puppet was developed in Krebet Village, the production can be learned. You can reserve tour ticket to visit the village that includes the package of learning the batik puppet making. Of course, you will learn the process of the batik making only, since it takes longer time to produce the puppet.

The process of batik making can be seen and learned in other places, but making batik on puppet will give you different sensation. The process of batik making on this medium requires carefulness since the pattern is made manually instead of printed like making batik on other media.

Other sensation, the patterns you learn while making batik in this village are classic Kingdom patterns such as parangrusak, parangbarong, kawung, garuda, sidomukti, sidorahayu and tens other patterns. Thanks to those patterns, the batik puppet handicraft in this village is famous in foreign markets.

In fact, the facilities of batik learning in this village are simple and no instructors who can speak foreign languages. Nonetheless, by observing the craftsmen who make puppet and batik will give you sufficient knowledge to start making batik. You can also choose the batik pattern you are going to make.

In order to enjoy the learning of puppet batik making, you should spend around IDR 200,000. Apparently, it seems expensive, but you enjoy other things in addition to puppet making. During your tour, you will stay a night in local people's house without additional charge.

To reach Krebet village, please take Jalan Bantul. There are some alternatives to take, for instance by passing Kasongan village or turn right after the Great Mosque of Bantul. You have to prepare your personal vehicle or contact your travel agent since there is no public transportation to reach this place.

In addition to learning making batik puppet, you can learn climbing coconut tree and taking the nira or the substance to make palm sugar. You will also enjoy a package of going around teakwood forest on a jeep. When you get tired, you can enjoy special menu of the village, namely lodeh (mixed vegetable curry), gudeg manggar (flowers of coconut trees cooked sweet), tempe garit (salt, fried soybean), peyek (crackers with peanuts on it) and wedang legen (beverage made from the substance of coconut flowers as main material to make palm sugar).

Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

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BAYWATCH PECEL - Eating Turi Flower Pecel by Mbah Warno "Anderson"

At first, I was confused by the name of Baywatch pecel owned by Mbah Warno eatery. Passing in my mind, a naughty imagination of a naughty waitress wearing bikini like what Pamela Anderson wore on Baywatch serials or at least it's located on seashore area.

Mbah Warno eatery is located at Kasongan, at the street heading to Sempu Mountain. This place was established 35 years ago and it has a very simple interior. The banner has 30 cm long and 20 cm width which can be easily skipped for those who don't pay attention to it. The interior is totally equipped by simple functional equipments. Only tables and wooden chairs. Behind the table, there're some braziers which always produce smokes. A peculiar position which accidentally designed like that because kitchen in javanese concept is always put at the back of the house but Mbah Warno put his kitchen in front of his eatery after the earthquake accident and he simply said due to the financial constraint he did it.

Mbah Warno serves main menu which is pecel accompanied by some meals starting from fried ell, bacem tofu, lele and mangut ell (ell with coconut milk and chili) and fried noodles. Yogyes ordered everything to taste all Mbah warno culinaries.

During the time of waiting, my mind flew to track down the origin of pecel which is as little known as soto. Many regions in Java have their own pecel with their own characteristic such as Madiun, Blitar, Madura, Slawi and etc. But for at least, a dutch historian enlighted with the fact when Ki Ageng Pamenahan undertook Sultan Hadiwijaya's instruction to proceed to a jungle named Alas Mentaok (now, Kota gede), his groups were welcomed by the opak river-side inhabitants and then they're given some foods including pecel.

My reverie was suddenly cut by the arrival of my pecel and some other meals on the table. A portion of pecel, fried lele and bacem tofu somehow challenged me to eat them as soon as possible. There are four kinds of vegetables which are spinach, papaya leaves, Turi flower (Sesbania grandiflora) and poured by nut sauce which is so yummy. We’ll have sweet flavor from nut sauce and bitter flavor from Turi flower making an unexplainable delicious mixture.

Pecel with Turi flower is the symbol of Ndeso pecel. In this age, it's hardly ever seen a pecel seller packages a kind of it. It's deemed that Turi flower has the benefits of alleviating high body temperature and headache. No wonder, some javanese, indian and Suriname (their ancestor is still javanese though, LOL) still consume young Turi flower as their vegetable.

Pecel will be more delicious by adding with fried lele or Bacem tofu. This lele is fried until very dry so that it's really crispy when you have a bite. And bacem tofu is quite big so you can eat it by combining with some small chilies. Apart from it, you can also have fried ell that has two different sizes and also you can have fried noodles and mangut ell for those who think that spicy is the best one. Smoke from brazier also adds more sensation to this place.

I don't know whether it's caused by my full stomach or effect of Turi flower, after eating, my head was way much smartier than usual. During the small conversation with Mbah Wartno and his assistant, i suddenly understood why pecel at this place is called Baywatch pecel. Apparently, Mbah Warno and his assistants always wear clothes called Kutang. These clothes are really comfortable to wear in the hot and dry weather of Kasongan village, Bantul.

Even though, many people sell pecel everywhere, Baywatch pecel still offers something new for you. A great combination of delish foods, strong village ambiance and hospitality of Mbah Warno "Anderson".

Copyright © 2008 YogYES.COM
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Alun-Alun kidul (The South Square), Finding Tranquility and Blessing

Those who had lived in Yogyakarta will never forget friendly nuance of the South Square. With your friends at college, you might have sat in one night on the mat spread close to stalls around the square while discussing your tasks or talking about popular juniors in campus. You might just have a chat with your neighbors or your colleagues when you stayed in Yogyakarta while enjoying the sweet, hot ronde or bajigur beverages.

YogYES invites you to recall your memories and to visit Yogyakarta again to greet your friends and to feel the nuance of the South Square. For those who have never been to Yogyakarta, this article will acquaint you with the warmth and friendliness of the area that is commonly shortened as Alkid that stands for Alun-alun Kidul in Javanese language meaning the South Square. You will notice that anyone of any social status may enjoy the nuance of the South Square and that it is getting busier later at a night.

The South Square is an area at the back part of the Sultan's Palace that you can reach southwards from Wijilan, the central place for purchasing of Gudeg as special food of Yogyakarta. Symbolized by a calm elephant, the South Square is the balance of the North Square that is so busy. For the reason, the South Square is considered the resting place for the gods. It is clear now that the area functions as the place for people to calm their hearts down.

The area begins to be busy at five o'clock in the afternoon. Food and drink sellers began to erect tents and to prepare their food and drink to be sold. When night comes, you can begin enjoying the food and beverages. You can try traditional beverage called ronde containing peanut, fruit of sugar palm, and rounded dough of rice flour filled with palm sugar that are poured with hot, light ginger-taste liquid. The price is quite cheap, only at 2,500 Indonesian Rupiah.

In addition to ronde, you can try the so-called bajigur beverage. It is similar to ronde with strong taste of ginger but its thick liquid is made from coconut milk, coffee and syrup of palm sugar. It contains slices of bread, coconut and fruit of sugar palm. These hot beverages are the best choices to expel the coldness of night while chatting with your friends.

When you are hungry, some choices of dishes are available. Baked corn, baked banana or baked bread are good companions for ronde or bajigur drinks. The corn is spread with margarine and chili sauce before it is baked while the banana is spread with chocolate that will melt when it is baked. Baked bread is available in various tastes. All of them are simply delicious!

If you want to eat rice, it will come with some side dishes such as fried chicken, grilled fish and fried tempe. Those are all common side dishes you can find in most restaurants in Indonesia. However, if you include the nuance of the South Square into its ingredients, the cuisine becomes so special. Served in cross-legged arrangement, most of the food and drink are offered at affordable prices. You will be satisfied with spending 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah only.

Then, you can try an attraction called Masangin, namely walking through two banyan trees in the middle of the square with your eyes being closed with black cloth that is available for rent at 3,000 Rupiah. The belief says that those who successfully do it will get unlimited blessing. However, do not try to peep since you will enter to other world so that it is difficult for you to return to the real world!

Please ask the person who has been renting the black cloth for thirty years, namely Mr. Albertus Harjo Suwito, anything about Masangin. He will explain that renting black cloth is not merely a business for him but it is an effort to preserve the culture and belief of the past community. The ritual of going through between two banyan trees is not mystical but it is means of saying our prayer to God. The answering of the prayer will depend on one's belief.

At certain occasion, you can see leather puppet performance in Sasono Hinggil Dwi Abad, the building that is located adjacent to the South Square. You have to prepare yourself to enjoy the nightlong performance. You can also see the troops of Yogyakarta Kingdom are preparing themselves before joining the Grebeg ceremony (to commemorate the birth of Muhammad). They gather in this square before the ceremony and then march to the North Square at the ceremonial day.

At day, you can also enjoy different situation of the South Square. You can see the elephants of the Kingdom in its stall or children playing football in the afternoon. Antique things are also sold around the square.

Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Making Silver Handicraft, Learning from Craftsmen of Kotagede

Kotagede undeniably becomes the biggest center of silver handicrafts in Indonesia, surpassing Bali, Lombok and Kendari. Different silver handicrafts in various forms are made through many stages in a place that is located around 10 kilometers of Yogyakarta city center. Since 70s, silver handicrafts from Kotagede either in the form of jewelry, household utensils or accessories have attracted foreign tourists.

Now, Kotagede does not only offer the luxury of its silver handicrafts, but also an opportunity to learn the process of its making. A short course as long as three hours to a couple of days offers your alternative tour package including designing silver handicraft, making it and finally bringing the product you made yourself home. One of the places you can enjoy such a tour package is Studio 76.

Preliminary step of the course is designing the jewelry. You are free to choose the kind of jewelry and its design. After determining the design, the process is continued by transferring the design to the mould and forging it. After being forged, the sheet of brass or bronze as the raw material is forged using soft tin. Afterwards, the material is set as you wish and is polished with silver through plating process.

If you have more time, you may choose to learn making silver jewelries that is even more beautiful. In order to make it, you must learn to carve the metal sheet as the raw material before you polish it. If you like, you can choose to make jewelries of which forms resemble woven wires with silver coating at the outer part. In fact, the more beautiful and detailed of the jewelries, the more valuable they are in other people's eyes.

All processes of design and manufacture are your right. During manufacturing process, instructor will only guide and fix some less beautiful details. The experienced instructor will help you learn quickly. Supported by foreign language competence of the instructor, it will help you much.

During the course, you will also get explanation on silver handicrafts and Kotagede. For example, an explanation on silver handicrafts in Kotagede and explanation on some techniques of making silver. You can also walk around the location of handicraft and to see craftsmen working, in addition to watching ready-to-sell products.

If you choose the tour package of making silver handicraft in Studio 76, there are choices of time and duration as you wish. If you have only little time, you may choose the Short Course with the duration of 3 hours, but if you have much spare time you may choose the Full Day Course lasting from morning to evening. If you are satisfied yet, you may prefer to join the Arranged Course of which time length adapts your target and wish.

The fee of the courses ranges from IDR 100,000 to IDR 2,000,000 per person, depending on the course. The longer the course time, the more expensive the fee is. Nevertheless, you do not have to worry, since you will have more time to learn in detail and the silver jewelry you make weighs higher gram. Maximum gram of jewelry you make at a Short Course is just 5 grams, but at a Full Day Course it reaches 10 grams.

To take part in this course, you have to make an appointment first with the galleries or course providers in order for them to prepare both the instructor and equipments. If you are going to go to Studio 76, please go to Kotagede and take Jalan Purbayan. The studio provides an instructor with English and French language competence. Are you interested in making silver jewelries yourself?

STUDIO 76
Jl. Purbayan KG 3 / 1190
Kotagede Yogyakarta
Phone:
+62 274 7147676
+62 81 2278 2279 (Agus)
Fax: +62 +62 81 2278 2279

Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Wayang Kulit, Masterpiece of Java Art Performance

Night in Yogyakarta will feel alive if you miss it by looking at the shadow puppets. The dynamic rhythm of the gamelan blends with the melodious voice sinden will not let you fall in sleepiness. The story that brought the mastermind will bring you go in to be dissolved if one of the characters in the story that was delivered. You will soon realize how great of Javanese culture in the past.

Wayang kulit is performance art that has been aged for more than half a millennium. Appearance has its own story, related to the influx of Javanese Islam. One member of the Wali Songo created by adopting Wayang Beber that developed in the heyday of Hindu-Buddhist. Adoption was done because the puppet already attached to the Java so that it becomes an excellent medium for spreading propaganda of Islam, while Islam forbids visual art form. As a result, created shadow puppets where one can only see shadows.

Leather puppet show performed by a man who would be called the greatest public entertainer in the world. How not, during the night, the mastermind behind the whole character actor plays a leather puppet which represents the puppets made from buffalo leather with decorated motif carving handicraft decoration (carving the skin). He had to change the voice character, changing intonation, issued jokes and even singing. To turn the atmosphere, the puppeteer who is assisted by musicians playing the gamelan and the sinden who sing songs of Java.

Puppet characters in total amounted to hundreds. People not puppets being played is placed in banana stems that are near the mastermind. When played, the puppets will appear as shadows on the white screen in front of the puppeteer. The shadow is created because each puppet show using oil lamps as lighting that helps the puppets being played.

Each leather puppet show or play presents a different story. Variety of play is divided into 4 categories namely grip play, play carangan, play spin-off and the play yard. The play grip has a story based entirely on library puppet plays while in outline only carangan only sourced in puppet library. The play does not stem from the spin-off puppet story but wearing the appropriate places in the library of the puppet, while the play is entirely written by freelance.

Puppet story originated from some old manuscripts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Pustaka Raja Purwa and Purwakanda. Now, there are also books containing the story and essay composition which for hundreds of years has been appreciated by the public Abhimanyu Kerem, Doraweca, Suryatmaja Burglar and so forth. Among all the old books are used, the Book Purwakanda is the most frequently used by puppeteers from the Sultan Palace. Leather puppet show begins when the puppeteer has issued mountains. An all-night wayang performance Yogyakarta style is divided into 3 rounds which has 7 lined (scene) and 7 scenes of war. First round, called pathet lasem, has 3 lined and 2 scenes of war that accompanied gising-gising pathet lasem. Pathet Sanga who became the second half has 2 lined and 2 scenes of war, while the Pathet Manura the third round has 2 lined and 3 scenes of war. One of the most anticipated part of many people at every wayang performance is because of the joke-joke presents typical Java.

Sasono Hinggil located in the northern town of South Square is the most frequent events held all-night wayang performances, usually held every second and fourth week began at 21.00 pm. Other places are Sri Maganti ward located in the Sultan's Palace. Wayang Kulit in the ward was performed for 2 hours starting at 10:00 am every Saturday with a ticket Rp. 5000.00.

from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Sosrowijayan, Kampung Tourists in Yogyakarta City Center

Walk about 200 meters from Tugu Station, you will find Sosrowijayan region characterized by a small road to the west of the same name. Linking Road and Jalan Malioboro Jogonegaran, Sosrowijayan divided into two regions, namely Sosrowijayan Wetan and Sosrowijayan Kulon. Regional Sosrowijayan Wetan who later became known as the second tourist village in Yogyakarta after Prawirotaman.

Once arrived at the fork in the road which was formerly named after the ruler (Sosrowijoyo), you'll be greeted by friendly greetings paddle rickshaw. Usually, they offer you to look for lodging, traveling to the Malioboro, or buy bakpia Pathuk. Because the tourist village, there are many guides if requested would drive you to show your own lodgings. They will also tell you about tourist attractions in Yogyakarta and uniqueness.

Stepping into Sosrowijayan, you'll see an old building which is used as an inn, the Hotel Aziatic. The building that stood since the Dutch had a distinctive European architecture. The building has white walls and three doors with several pillars as a buffer at the very front, while writing the name of the hotel directly on the walls streaked with black paint. Although apparently not used again, the hotel was once used as a location filming the movie 'The leaves in the Upper Pillow' which has been screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Two such bookshop in Prawirotaman will find when you enter the first alley. Most of the books sold in the bookshop is a novel written in English and a small portion of books in Indonesian language. In the bookshop, you can choose books freely and see its contents at a glance because there is no book that sealed plastic. Though used books, physical quality of books is still awake so it is still used as a collection worthy. About the price varies greatly, but certainly cheaper than at the bookstore.

The other thing is a course offered by the village Sosrowijayan batik offered by one of the inns in the second alley. Now, the course was being quiet so you can use to learn batik is more intensive. Not far from the inn, there are also the batik studio run by a citizen Sosrowijayan. Type batik studio is tilled in batik painting, as found in the village of Park, next to the Water Castle Complex. More value batik painting is a more varied color and patterned today.

As a tourist village, there are also certainly in Sosrowijayan lodging. Others with at Prawirotaman, lodging in the village were more integrated with the population because most are located in the alley. Sure it gives advantages because you can interact with the locals. However, if you want a more private lodging, you can choose the hotel which is on the edge of the road Sosrowijayan. Rental rate in the village inn located south of Flower Market area is not much different in Prawirotaman.

When the afternoon, while relaxing after a tired around Yogyakarta, you can see the lives of children Sosrowijayan. Usually, a few girls playing jump rope or any other kid Dolanan while boys just talk in one house. While many teenagers these villages that sit back while playing guitar while singing songs hits Indonesia. Teenagers are also incorporated in the Community Art Malioboro is sometimes performing when there is a specific event, eg birthday Yogyakarta.

Tourism services are also easily found in Sosrowijayan. On the roadside there are many money changers, cafe and kiosks, motorcycle and car rental, travel agents, and so forth. When hungry, you can go to shops that opened this village residents. At the end of the alley the first instance, there is a stall that simple though many foreign tourists used to fill the stomach. Cooking of sorts oseng-sour, fried noodles, and delicious side dishes. Some restaurants also provide this type of cuisine such as steak with low prices.

Stepping night, Sosrowijayan increasingly widespread. Many young people gathered on the roadside while several cafes provide live music as an alternative entertainment. Combined with the atmosphere of Malioboro, Sosrowijayan be alive. A small shop opposite the orange so-called citizens of Yogyakarta as a famous place to be visited for a fun place. While talking, you can enjoy hot tea with fragrant jasmine, ginger wedang, up to a delicious satay intestine.

Note:
Please be careful of the bid cycle rickshaw to drive you travel around the city for a fee of Rp. 5000 alone (let alone less than that). Many incidents of tourists who carried around at once "forced" to buy souvenirs in the shops because the person served by such pedicab drivers will get a commission of 50% of the transaction. Another incident was unilaterally raised rates in the middle of the journey. When you experience the above events, ask for help at the Police Tourism.

from: http://www.yogyes.com 

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Tugu Jogja

Tugu Jogja is a landmark of the most famous city of Yogyakarta. This monument is located right in the middle of Princes Street intersection Mangkubumi, Jalan General Sudirman, Jalan PM Sangaji and Jalan Diponegoro. Tugu Jogja nearly 3 centuries-old have deep meaning as well save some recording history of the city of Yogyakarta.

Tugu Jogja established approximately a year after the sultan's palace stood. At the time of its inception, the building is expressly depict subjects manunggaling Gusti, a spirit of unity of the people and rulers to fight the occupation. The spirit of unity, or so-called golong gilig was clearly illustrated in building the monument, its pillar-shaped gilig (cylinder) and a peak-shaped golong (round), so-called Monument golong-gilig.

In detail, the building was built at the beginning of Tugu Jogja cylindrical cone-shaped pile up. The bottom is a circular fence that while the peak is round. Height of building the monument was originally reached 25 meters.

Everything changed on 10 June 1867. The earthquake that rocked Yogyakarta when it makes the building collapsed pillar. That said, when the monument is a transition state collapses, before the meaning of unity is really not reflected in building the monument.

The situation is completely changed in 1889, when the Dutch government renovated the building the monument. The monument is made with a square shape with each side decorated with a kind of inscription that shows anyone who is involved in the renovation. The top monument was no longer round, but a pointy cone-shaped. The height of buildings also be lower, just as high as 15 meters or 10 meters lower than the original building. Since then, this monument is also known as De Witt Paal or monument the White Pal.

Overhaul of the building was actually a Dutch tactics to erode the unity between the people and the king. However, seeing the struggle of the people and the king of Yogyakarta, which took place thereafter, we know that the efforts were unsuccessful.

If you want to look at Tugu Jogja as much as he recalled its philosophical meaning, there is a bench overlooking the monument at the corner of Jl. Prince Mangkubumi. At 05:00 to 06:00 am is the right day, when the air is still fresh and has not been a lot of passing vehicles. Occasionally you may be greeted with a friendly smile newspaper deliveryman who was heading the office daily circulation of People's Sovereignty.

Afternoon until midnight, there are sellers gudeg (Yogyakarta cuisine) at the corner of Jl. Diponegoro. Famous delicious warm here and the price is reasonable. You can dine while enjoying the scenery Lesbian towards Tugu Yogyakarta which was bathed in light.

Once identical Tugu Jogja Yogyakarta, making many students expressed a sense of excitement after the nomads passed by hugging or kissing college Tugu Jogja. Perhaps it also as an expression of affection to the city of Yogyakarta which will soon be left behind, as well as promise that someday he would visit this lovely city again.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Kaliurang

At the beginning of the 19th century, a Dutch geologist who lives in Yogyakarta, intends to seek a retreat for his family. They are along the northern highlands. Arriving at Kaliurang located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, the "meneers" were enchanted by the beauty and natural coolness at the foot of the mountain. They eventually built bungalows and decide the region as their resting place.

The trip to Kaliurang from the direction of Yogyakarta will remind us of landscape painting while still in kindergarten. A mountain with a road in the middle and the green expanse that stretches on both sides are decorated with people's houses, would eliminate fatigue in the frame of nature painting.

Covered with the breeze, even when the sun directly overhead, the coolness is still felt. The air is dancing through the trees and down with supple, fresh flavor when it hits the body.

Views of Mount Merapi give sensation in this region. Just as a village girl who shut their face when we deliberately considered, this mountain will be covered with fog as if ashamed when we come to see.

Along the west side of Bukit Plawangan as 1,100 meters, traveling cross country, through a dirt road flanked by trees and lush slopes, a row of 22 cave relics of Japan became one of the unique natural attractions Ground.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kaliurang also has some heritage buildings. Among them are House Kaliurang and Pesanggrahan Ngeksigondo Dalem's Sultan Palace that used as the venue for the Three Nation Commission. Or Ullen Sentalu that part of the building is below ground. This museum reveals the mysteries of culture and values ​​of Javanese history, especially relating to the daughter of Sultan of Yogyakarta and Surakarta in the 19th century.
Family Recreation Area

Located 28 kilometers from the city center, Kaliurang now become an area of ​​natural and cultural attractions that lure, as well as being a fun place for family recreation.

Relax with the family, parents can relax while watching the kids play on the Ground. In an area of ​​10,000 square meters children can play swing, sliding, or swimming in mini pool. Besides, in the garden is decorated by a statue of a genie-style story of 1001 nights and some types of animals, children can also play mini cars or entering the mouth of a dragon statue and exiting at the tail.

About 300 meters northeast of the park there are recreational Park Plawangan Turgo. In the area theme parks have swimming pools Tlogo Princess whose waters come from springs on the slopes of Mount Plawangan. Playing swing or joking with family in the playground which was in the garden tour, fatigue will melt in a crowded park perhutani.

Stroll along the east side, saw some monkeys are jumping and swinging on branches, enjoying the chirping of birds in the rocky paths and stairs flat terraces on the road as far as 900 meters uphill; may be a little tiring, but a view of Mount Merapi in sunny weather from the Mount Pronojiwo , will replace the tiredness with admiration. On the way to the top Pronojiwo, YogYES contest run by a British tourist named Nick (47 years). Despite winning the race to run, but the feeling one with the atmosphere alamlah the happiest. Drinking water is sold by the drink on top Pronojiwo can quench your thirst while enjoying Merapi that stands amidst the green carpet. Every day the Merapi can be seen through binoculars is rent for Rp.3000 for 30 minutes.

Arriving back to the playground, relax in Tlogo Muncar. Relieves tired while enjoying the waterfall at the sidelines of the rocks. Usually, water will flow profusely in the rainy season.

If you want to enjoy the scenery Kaliurang, visitors can get around by train rabbits most popularly called sepoer. These vehicles are usually hung in front of the tourist park that is filled with stalls selling food. Track its path around the tourist area of ​​Kaliurang from east to west. Past the viewing post located on the west, Merapi will be obvious when the weather is nice. Rates for this vehicle climb Rp.3.000 per person if a minimum of seven people. For exclusive trips, 20,000 would make the trip as a nobleman.

If you want to feel the cool breeze and the quietness of the night on the Ground, a variety of villas, bungalows, inns could be an option. Transit is also diverse, ranging from 25 thousand to 200 thousand. Some of the inn you can enjoy, among others: Bukit Surya (most recommended), Puri Indah Inn (3 star), Wisma Sejahtera, etc..

Before you leave make sure to bring some souvenirs are sold. Starting from the fruits of local farmers to food production that is typical sweet, marinated tofu and tempeh and misbegotten (food made from glutinous rice and grated coconut).

Green carpet at the foot of the mountain, the air is cool and all natural luxury package, will relieve fatigue and provide all the freshness from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.

Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Gabusan Art Market

There are other ways to enjoy the artwork without having exhausted residents of Bantul explore every hamlet who produce it, namely by visiting Gabusan Art Market. The market is located at km 9 this Parangtritis during the last 2 years has become a center of sale and purchase crafts from around Bantul. Not just a market, Gabusan also equipped with other facilities, such as a snack, access to information technology to store their daily needs.

Since the beginning of construction, Gabusan craftsmen designed to open access to international markets. Therefore, unlike other markets, market design which holds about 444 craftsmen is also international. The design of the market building is not only involve the architect in the country but also abroad, with the highlight the local architecture. Divided into 16 stalls, Gabusan sells handicrafts from various materials, ranging from leather, metal, wood, clay until the water hyacinth.

Arrive in the area Gabusan art market, you will be greeted by a gate which was designed very interesting. At the gate, available restaurant will spoil the tongue, where the crossing and ramp. Dine in the restaurant that, besides enjoying the delicious dishes you can also see the sights across the region Gabusan from above. Not far from the region, there is a shop as well as the central information service needs of tourists. The design was deliberately made artistic shop that has a special attraction.

Entering the first los, you can enjoy a craft bag made of similar material rattan. Wicker bag which strongly suggests a very neat and blend cloth as an accessory would be a significant added value. Variety of unique designs at once elegant bag makes it multifunctional and can be used everywhere. Other types of craft stalls are available at the box made of woven bamboo. Although simple in design and function, the box still have the uniqueness, let alone available in a variety of bright colors.

If you want to shop decoration on the coffee table in the form of a candle, you can visit los eight. Various candle from different bases in the stalls there are stalls. There is a candle holder shaped like a small brown bowl with rope decoration around it. There is also a candle holder made of bamboo split some sides are therefore used as an ornament of the legs with the rope too. Besides having a function as a container candle lights sources, naturally beautiful design will captivate your guests at home.

Is still ranging about home decoration, can be found in los six masks interesting variation. Some masks made of leather inlaid with very nice with interesting color. Also, if pleased with artificial ornamental plants such as wood flower, of course urns contained in los 13 very alluring. Made of wood and clay, usually the outer surface of the jar is decorated by certain motives. If it is not like that pattern, available jar of plain surface with a design that is no less interesting.

Small trinkets that functional for you and the family was also present in this market. Of course with a more artistic designs that have added value in addition to its main function. A frame, for example, many are designed to draw even with the standard form. There are certain motifs decorated the edges, such as a dragon motif, further beautify. Other artifacts such as a pencil also available in different variations. There is a pencil-shaped people are sitting with white hair ornaments in the head, while the hole where the pencil is at the front. There will be more knick-knacks to the citizens of Bantul creativity that can be found, such as tray (presenter tools beverages) with a variety of designs.

A central information contained in the shop which is located in this area will help you find the product desired craft. At the center of that information, you can view product details and pricing and the kiosk where the order. Connected to the Internet network, the existence of this information center and to provide more clues bagia you that all the goods available at the Art Market Gabusan can be ordered online. Gradually, as well as art market information center will accommodate 8015 Gabusan existing craft units throughout Bantul. You who live far from Yogyakarta would not have to bother anymore. Although this market is affected by the earthquake in Yogyakarta on 27 May 2006, but the damage is being repaired. On 26 October, scheduled to be held an exhibition of art in this market which followed about 270 artisans.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Stage Krapyak, Kings Place Hunting

Once Krapyak region, which is now in the south of Yogyakarta Palace, once a dense forest. Various species of wild animals found here, one deer or in Javanese called deer. No wonder when this region was widely used as a hunting ground by the Kings of Mataram.

Who bear the title Raden Mas Jolang Hanyokrowati King, the second king of the Kingdom of Mataram Islam and son Panembahan Senopati, is one of the king who utilize Krapyak Forest as a place to hunt. In 1613, he had an accident in the hunt and eventually died here. He was buried in Kotagede and given the title Panembahan Krapyak Seda (mean king who died at Forest Krapyak).

Another king who likes to hunt in the Forest Krapyak was Prince Mangkubumi (lane I). He was the one who founded the Stage Krapyak more than 140 years after the death of King Hanyokrowati in this forest. Krapyak stage is an indication that the region's history Krapyak never be used as a hunting area. If interested, you can come with a drive to the south of the South Square, past the Plengkung Ivory and Jalan DI Panjaitan. Krapyak stage will be found after driving about 3 miles, located right in the middle of the road.

Building Stage Krapyak rectangular area of ​​17.6 mx 15 m. The walls are made of red brick covered with cement cast and arranged upward as high as 10 m. Wall sections now appear black, indicating the age of almost equal age of Yogyakarta, a quarter millennium. The building appears to be still strong, although some parts were damaged by the earthquake on 27 May 2006.

The architecture is quite unique stage. Each side of the building has a door and two windows. Doors and windows it just be a hole, without a cover. The bottom of the door and the window is square but the top curved, like the design of doors and windows in the mosque-masijd.

The building stage is divided into two floors. The first floor has 4 rooms and a short hallway that connects the door from each side. When the sun shines bright, the light will penetrate into the first floor of the building through doors and windows. The presence of sunlight to make parents feel created by the condition of the building and the air is more humid and cooler will be immediately ambushed.

If to one room in the southeast and southwest of the building and look up, you can see a hole wide enough. From the hole that the kings who wanted to hunt heading into the second floor (which is useful as a hunting ground) with the help of a wooden ladder now could not be found anymore. By looking up too, you can know that there is a roof to shade the hole that now has collapsed, may be useful to prevent water entry.

At first glance, this building illustrates the comfort obtained by the king, even when hunting. The height of buildings to make the king hunting with a sense of comfort and safety, free spy without worrying attacked by wild animals when hunting. Second floor of this place was quite comfortable, in the form of ample open space and bordered by a fence with a height being perforated.

The height of this building is causing some people suspect that the Stage Krapyak also used as a defense post. Perhaps, from this place the enemy movement from the south can be monitored so that it can provide early warning to the Sultan's Palace in case of attack. The soldiers were alternately assigned to guard in this place, as well as practicing hunting and sporting kanuragan (ability to fight).

Stage Krapyak including building situated on the imaginary axis of Yogyakarta city, connecting Mount Merapi, Tugu Jogja, Kraton Yogyakarta, Stage Krapyak and the South Seas. Axis Stage Krapyak up to the Palace described the human journey from birth to adulthood. Areas around the stage symbolizes human life while still in the womb, characterized by the village to the north of Stage Mijen Krapyak as a symbol of human seed.

Visiting Stage Krapyak, meaning visiting one of the buildings important to the Sultan's Palace.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Tamansari

Castle is a royal park or rest house Yogya Sultan and his family. Actually, in addition to Taman Sari, the Sultanate has some pesanggrahan Yogyakata like Warungboto, Manukberi, Ambarbinangun and Ambarukmo. All of them function as a place to rest and meditate Sultan and their families. Besides the components shown as a resting place, rest house, rest house is always a component of the defense. So is just the Castle.

Location of the Castle is only about 0.5 km south of Sultan Palace. The architect of this building is Portuguese, so fleeting as if this building has the art of European architecture which is very powerful, symbolic meanings in addition to Java will be retained. But if we observe, meaning more dominant element of building Java in here. Castle built during the first lane or around the end of XVII century AD Castle is not just a royal park, but this building is a complex consisting of swimming baths, water canals, special rooms and a large pool (when open water canals).

Section - the Castle:

1.Part Sacred
Castle sacred part of a building is shown with a somewhat aloof. This room consists of a building to function as a place of hermitage Sultan and his family.

2.Section Swimming Baths
This section is the part that is used for the Sultan and his family have fun. This section consists of two ponds are separated by a terraced building. Pool water out of a typical animal-shaped shower. Building this pool is very unique with large pots therein.

3.Sections Boxwood Island
This section consists of several buildings of the island of Pulau Kenanga or whip, Gemuling wells, and underground passageways.


Island or Pulau Kenanga whip is a tall building that serves as a place to rest, as well as a lookout. This is the only building that will be visible if the open water canals and water commemorate this Kenanga Island region. Mentioned that when viewed from above, the building as if a lotus flower in the middle of a very large pond.

Wells Gemuling is a circular building is shaped like a well in which there are rooms that reputedly formerly functioned as a place of prayer.

Meanwhile alleys in this area before it is said to function as a secret passageway that connects the Castle to the Palace of Yogyakarta. There's even a legend that says that this passage through to the south coast and is a way for the Sultan of Yogyakarta to meet with Nyai Roro Kidul is said to be wives for kings Yogayakarta Sultanate. This section is a part that serves as a place of defense or protection for the family of Sultan if at any time there is an attack from the enemy.


Castle is a pretty interesting place to visit. Besides the location is not too far from the Sultan's Palace which is the main attractions of this city, Castle has several features. Castle among other specialty lies in building itself is relatively intact and well maintained environment that strongly supports its existence as a tourist attraction.

In the neighborhood mosque Castle can be found Saka Tunggal which has one pole. Although the mosque was built in XX century, but its uniqueness can still be an asset to this dikompleks. In addition, Castle district with its Tamam village is very famous for his batik craft. We can shop and saw firsthand the making of batik-batik in the form of paintings or convection. Castle Village is well known that a lot of requests from both foreign tourists and tourist archipelago. Not far from the Castle, can be found Ngasem market which is a traditional market and the biggest bird market in Yogyakarta. Some supporters of the attraction is what makes Castle became one of the tourist destination of Yogyakarta Sultan's Palace.

from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Kraton Jogja

It lies between the northern boundary and the monument as Stage Krapyak the south border, between Code River in the east and west Winongo River. Between Mount Merapi and the South Sea, Palace in the mind of the Javanese society, defined as the center of the world which is described as the center of the universe.

After the Treaty Giyanti, Prince Mangkubumi given region of Yogyakarta. To run his reign, Prince Mangkubumi build a palace in 1755 in the Forest Beringan. This land was considered quite good because flanked by two rivers that protect it from possible flooding. The first king in the Sultanate of Yogyakarta is the title of Prince Mangkubumi lane I (HB I).

Naming and Meaning Layout

Palace, Palace or Kraton, derived from the word ka-queen's, which means a place to live queen / king. Broader meaning is, is described simply, that all structures and buildings in the Kraton area have significant meaning related to essential Javanese philosophy of life, namely Sangkan Paraning Dumadi (where it comes from humans and where eventually humans after death).

Outlines, in the Kraton area extending 5 km to the south until Krapyak and 2 km to the north end of Monument. On this line there is a linear line dualism inverted, so that could be read symbolically philosophical. From south to north, as the birth of human beings from on high to the mortal nature, and vice versa as the return man to the side Dumadi (God in view of Java). Meanwhile, a physical with the king's palace as a symbol of true soul that comes into the physical body.

Palace to Tugu also be interpreted as a way of life full of temptation. Beringharjo market symbolizes women temptation. While the temptation for power is symbolized by House Kepatihan. Both are located on the right. Straight road itself as a human symbol close to the Creator (impressive Paraning Dumadi).

Put simply, the monument symbolism Linga (male) and Krapyak as Yoni (female). And the Palace as the physical origin of the two.

Spatial meaning Kraton

Hit by the earthquake in 1867, the Palace was severely damaged. At the time of HB VII in 1889, the building is refurbished. The lay still retained, but the shape of the building changed as it looks now

Monument and Ward or Ward Manguntur Tangkil Kencana (where the king's throne), located in a straight line, this means, when the Sultan sat on his throne and looking toward the Tugu, then he will always remember the people (subjects manunggaling gusti).

Kraton Kraton same order as the Mataram dynasty in general. Kencana ward which became the king's reign, together with Ward Prabayeksa as a place to store weapons Palace heritage (in this room there Wiji Kyai oil lamp, which is always guarded to prevent outages courtiers), serves as a center. The ward is covered by the court Kedhaton, so to reach the center, pass through a page that resembles a series of layered bewa (waves) above the ocean.

Special arrangement of the Palace is very similar to the constellation of mountains and plains Cashew Dwipa, seen as a continent of its center of the universe.

From north to south of the palace there are successive North Square, North Hinggil Siti, North Kemandhungan, Srimanganti, Kedhaton, Kemagangan, South Kemandhungan, Siti Hinggil Square South and South (the sheltered courtyard wall height).

While the door to go through to get to each place of nine, called Regol. From there north gate, pangurukan, Tarub great, brajanala, srimanganti, kemagangan, gadhung Mlati, kemandhungan and ivory.

Brongtodiningrat looked at these numbers is important, as the highest number that describes perfection. This corresponds to nine holes in human beings, commonly called babahan hawa sanga.

The sacredness of each Palace building is indicated by the frequency and intensity of the Sultan at the venue.

Square, Exhibition, and Siti Hinggil, in place of Sultan only comes three times a year, namely during the events of Pisowan Ageng Grebeg Maulud, Sawal and Besar. And the opportunities so incidental a very special example when the coronation of the Emperor and Crown Prince or Princess Coronation Duke Anom.

Sultan's Palace is an old building that was once damaged and restored. Looks like other Kingdom buildings. But if we explore the sultan's palace, which is the largest and most beautiful examples with symbolic meaning, a philosophy of life, human nature, how nature works and human beings live their lives and various symbols of life existence in them.


Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Loji-Loji Jogja

For hundreds of years living in Indonesia, including Yogyakarta, the Netherlands leaving a number of historic buildings. The buildings were by residents of Yogyakarta is often called Loji because of their large size with a large yard. Some Loji relic is now able to enjoy its beauty with little cost, just down the area of ​​the city center, starting from the intersection of Grand Post Office or the kilometer 0.

Loji oldest in Yogyakarta is located right across from Post Office, which is a building that is now called Fort Vredeburg. Building the castle which is often called the Great or Loji Loji Gede was built in 1776 - 1778, just two years ago after founding Ngayogyakarta Palace, one of the fractions of Mataram Kingdom. Castle which was originally named Rustenburg was allegedly deliberately incorporated in the shaft Palace - Monument to be able to monitor the movements of the Palace.

As a fortress, Great Loji area equipped with a variety of building support, such as reconnaissance until resting place for the soldiers. During the Great Loji still used as a fortress, there is a cannon that accidentally directed to the Palace in the standby position shot making it easier to attack. This was done for the Kingdom to admit that the Dutch have the power.

Now, you can down every corner of the Great Loji because the region has opened to the public. In addition to building the fort which has a typical European design, you can also see a diorama Indonesia won independence struggle. One who is awkward from this fort was the name that did not fit the description of a castle, Rust means the rest, Vrede means peace, while Burg means fortress. Rustenberg which means fortress resting or Vredeburg which means fortress of peace is clearly not a proper name.

From Vredeburg, a Loji the most visible is Loji Kebon, now known as the Great House. European-style building which also was founded in 1824 and used as the Residency Building. Page Loji Kebon very spacious and decorated statues gathered by Dutch officials from around the city of Yogyakarta. In 1912, the complex is equipped with a building Loji Kebon Societeit de Vereniging, where the Dutch authorities to dance to the accompaniment of a violin.

Like Big Loji, Kebon Loji was also a witness to history. A building designed this Payen had stopped because of the Diponegoro War years 1825 - 1830 which almost makes the Dutch government went bankrupt. In the period of Japan, it became the residence of Japanese officers named Koochi Zimmukyoku Tyookan. Similarly, since the capital moved to Yogyakarta, Indonesia January 6, 1946, this building became the presidential palace. Until now, despite Indonesia's capital moved back to Jakarta, this building remains the status of the presidential palace.

Another area is Loji Small Loji located on the east Vredeburg now, fixed region until almost the intersection Gondomanan Shopping. Unlike the Great Loji that serves as a fortress and Small Loji who serves as government buildings, Loji Small serves as a residential area. Now, despite living a few, you can still enjoy some old buildings that, including complex is located in Taman Pintar. In that area there are also Societet Militair building formerly used as a place to relax Dutch military soldiers.

Regions small Loji is central residential area of ​​the first Dutch in Yogyakarta. A number of support facilities are also still able to enjoy its beauty, for example Protestansche Kerk church that stood in 1857 (now the Christian Church Marga Mulya, located in the north of the Great House) and Kudul Loji Francis Xavier Church (old building) which was established in 1870, located next Small Loji southern region.

One other Loji region that is not less interesting is Loji Satan. So named because the building that up to now unknown in the building was known haunted. Many people say, in the east room and the hall was often heard voices of people for help and the sound of dance music. The building which now serves as the office of parliament, according to a story once called on the Governor-General of the Raffles on May 15, 1812, when the Netherlands was in power in Yogyakarta.

Loji Satan since some time has a variety of functions. In the past, the building was often used for meditation and as a place of exhibition space, such as exhibitions by Luch Bescherming Dienst in 1940. Post-Independence, the building that was originally named Loji Marlborough is used as the office of the National Committee of Indonesia (1945 - 1949), the office of the State Defense Council and the implementation of Cabinet meeting (1948).

Kelilingilah every Loji, piece by piece the story gained insights will enrich your history.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Pawon Template

Pawon located 1.5 km to the west of Mendut and eastward from Borobudur Temple, also a Buddhist temple. When examined in detail in relief, turned out to be the beginning of the reliefs of Borobudur temple.

Many people think Pawon is a tomb, but after investigation proved to be a place to store weapons named King Indera Vajranala. This temple is made of volcanic stone. Judging from the art of building art building is a combination of ancient Javanese Hindu and Indian. Pawon located right on the axis line connecting the Borobudur and Mendut.

The possibility of this temple was built to Kubera. This temple is above the terrace and the stairs are quite wide. All parts are decorated with effigies (dagoba) and outer walls with symbolic images.
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Mendut Temple

Mendut located 3 km to the east of the Borobudur Temple, a Buddhist temple which was built in 824 AD by King Indera of the dynasty dynasty. Inside Mendut there are 3 (three) big statue.
          1. Cakyamuni who was sitting cross-legged with your hands turn the wheel of dharma.
          2. Awalokiteswara as Bodhi Satwa help mankind
              Awalokiteswara is a statue of Amitabha who is above the crown, Vajrapani. She is holding    
              a red lotus flower is placed on the palm of the hand.
         3.  Maitreya as the savior of the future human

There are stories for children on the walls. This temple is often used to celebrate the Vesak ceremony every May on the night of full moon and visited by pilgrims from Indonesia and foreign countries.

This temple is older than Borobudur temple. Architecture and has a rectangular entrance on the ladder. The roof is also square and terraced, there is a stupa on top.

from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Kedulan Temple

Kedulan Temple is a Hindu-style temple located in the hamlet Kedulan, approximately 3 kilometers from the Temple Kalasan. This temple was accidentally discovered by the sand miners on 24 November 1993. Distinct pleasure will be obtained when visiting this temple, because you can enjoy the process of reconstruction of the temple which is very complicated.

The location of the excavation as deep as 7 meters will be directly met on arrival in this temple complex. Excavation site that contains the temple stones scattered in all directions and the foot of the main temple that looks still intact. In this excavation site Kedulan temple complex consisting of a main temple and 3 of chapel (companion) originally stood. Now, the foot of the main temple being tested can be boarded kekokohannya for other stones in the next step.

Surrounding the area around the excavation site, will be found the stones of the temple that was reconstructed stone by matching one with another stone. Stones that have been successfully matched are certain symbols that are written using chalk. Looks temporary construction fencing hall building of the temple, roof, temple and some other parts of the body temple. Also visible phallus and yoni who allegedly is a component that fills the temple.

Some of the ornaments that decorate the temple has its beauty can be enjoyed even though the temple itself is still under reconstruction. For example, relief under the dragon yoni which is expected to fill the main chamber of the main temple, a different figure with an ornamental dragon yoni temple in Central Java, other causes appear to have jaw. There are also reliefs of gods in some parts of the temple walls, ornate tendrils, rosette, as well as relief motif.

Done around, YogYES had talked with one of his staff named Hary. He told me how difficult it is to reconstruct the buildings that have been torn down. There are hundreds of stone which can be matched to the temple could stand again, but to match them no clues at all. Because of the difficulty, a worker sometimes only able to match one another with one stone stone within a week. Yes, like put together a giant puzzle.

When entering the information on the excavation site, you can determine the approximate design Kedulan Temple. From the results expected, the main temple has a height of 8 meters, divided into the legs, body and roof. The body of the temple consists of 10 layers of stone with a height 2.4 meters, has several niche containing a statue of Ganesha (son of Lord Shiva), Agastya, Durga (the wife of Lord Shiva), Nandaka and Nandiswara (vehicle goddess Durga), and has a narrow corridor which allegedly only accessible to certain people. The roof of the temple consists of 13 layers of andesite stone. From the above information can be estimated that the overall architecture similar to Sambisari.

In the room the same information, you can see the rubble rubble pottery bowl decorated and goods suspected to be used in ritual worship in this temple. In addition, there are also wood comes from trees that grew during this temple stood. Haryono told YogYES that one tree wood chips were never brought someone to be carved, but returned again because the person who took it experienced disastrous.

Some photos of other objects found during excavation can be seen in the information space. There are photos from bronze statues of gods and images and Sumudul Pananggaran inscriptions found in 2003. On the walls of the room, there is a picture of the soil layer where the temple stones are found, and photographs that illustrate the process of excavation that lasted for years.

On June 12, 2003, 2 pieces of inscriptions found at the excavation site. Inscriptions written in Sanskrit letters Pallawa and has been successfully read by two epigraphical from the Department of Archaeology, Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, namely Dr Riboet Darmoseotopo and Tjahjono Prasodjo MA. Numbered from the year 791 Saka (869 AD, or about 10 years after the Prambanan temple stood), the contents of the estate tax exemption at the Village Pananggaran and Parhyangan, making dams for irrigation, establishment of sacred buildings named Tiwaharyyan and the threat of condemnation for those who do not obey the rules.

Some archaeologists suspect that the inscription relating to the establishment Kedulan Temple. Tiwaharyyan shrine believed to be the Temple Kedulan itself. Village Pananggaran described in the inscription believed to be in the area around the temple, as well as the dam in question. But until now have not found traces of an ancient dam in question. Perhaps the dam was built on the River, a distance Opak ± 4 km from the location of the temple, or perhaps also in the river which is now no longer exists as it is covered lava eruption of Mount Merapi, a thousand years ago.

The number puzzle waiting to be solved along with the charm component of the temple to make a trip to Temple Kedulan interesting to do. The condition of the temple which is still in the reconstruction phase would add pleasure when visiting.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Gampingan Temple

Not all temples have beautiful reliefs typical because generally only decorated by statues and reliefs that are common in almost all temples. One of the beautiful relief of the temple was typical that is, a temple which was accidentally discovered by a brick craftsman in Gampingan Village, Piyungan, Bantul in 1995. Despite its small size and incomplete, the temple was still rich in dazzling relief.

One of the reliefs that can be found in this temple are reliefs of animals on the foot of the temple. Animal relief in looks so natural that can be known types of animals are depicted. The temple is quite rare to have such relief, at least only Prambanan and Mendut have similar relief. All the reliefs that decorated with tendrils background, namely padmamula (lotus roots) are believed to be the source of life.

When YogYES around, looking kind of animal is a bird that dominates. There are reliefs crow that seemed to have half of a large, sturdy body, the wing inflates upward and fan-shaped tail. There are also reliefs depicted woodpecker has a crest on its head, beak, which is rather long and pointy and wings that do not expand. In addition, there is also a rooster who has breasts and wings expand downward.

Making bird reliefs in the temple in large quantities is related to community belief in transcendental power of the bird. It is believed, the bird is a manifestation of the gods as well as natural messengers of the gods or nirvana. Birds are also associated with human absolute freedom achieved after successfully left the world, the symbol of human soul separated from his body.

Relief of other animals that is often described is a frog. The community believed that frogs have supernatural powers that can bring rain, so the frog is also believed to increase productivity, because water rain will be able to increase crop yields. Frogs are often emerge from the water also symbolizes the renewal of life and resurrection to a better direction.

Until now, the relief was still leaves the question of whether a fable (story didongengkan animals in children) as in Mendut or description of the animals that deliberately to show specific intent. The question arises because the description of the animals in the temple was not found in books containing fables, such as the Jataka, Sukasaptati, Pancatantra and its derivative versions.

The temple was expected to be built between the years 730-850 AD believed to be a place for worshiping Jambhala (God of fortune, the son of Lord Shiva). It was based on the discovery Arca Jambhala when excavation. Jambhala described being in a state of meditation, his eyes closed while sitting cross-legged. The body was decorated by iconographic elements (asanas) in the form of a lotus with 8 pieces of leaves as a symbol of chakra in the human body.

Figure Jambhala in this temple is different from those in other temples. Generally, Jambhala other temples depicted with wide eyes that looked at the devotees along with a variety of decorations that symbolize prosperity and luxury. It is believed, is different depiction is based on the motivation of worship, not to invoke prosperity but guidance in order to achieve true happiness.

Visiting the temple was going to take us to remembering the path we have taken to achieve happiness and prosperity. Relief that is dominated by animals that live in the surrounding environment could be the realization of the local community's wisdom by that time in representing a message from nirvana: to live in prosperity and avoid disaster, people should maintain harmony with nature.

Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Tara Temple

Many people always mention when talking about building Borobudur Buddhist temple. In fact, there are many Buddhist temples that have figured in Yogyakarta, one of which is closely related to Borobudur Temple Tara. The temple is located in Kalibening, Kalasan was built by the same drafter with Borobudur, namely Rakai Panangkaran. Because of its location in the area Kalasan, the temple is more commonly known by the name Kalasan.

Completed in 778 AD, Tara Temple became the oldest Buddhist temple in Yogyakarta. The temple that stood not far from Yogya Solo Road was built as a reward for marriage Pancapana of Sanjaya dynasty with Dyah Pramudya Ward of the dynasty dynasty. Besides as a wedding gift, the temple was also a response to the king's proposal to build one more building sacred to the goddess Tara and monasteries for the priests.

Tara Temple is a building shaped square base with each side measuring 45 meters and 34 meters high. Building vertically temple consists of three parts, the foot of the temple, the temple of the body and roof of the temple. The foot part of the temple is a building that stood on the stone base of a square and a large stone. In that section there are stairs with makara ornament on the end. Meanwhile, around the foot of the temple there is ornate tendrils coming out of a pot.

The body of the temple has the appearance that juts out in the middle. On the outer surface of the body temple there is a niche decorated with the figure of the god who holds a lotus flower with a standing position. Part tenggaranya have a booth where there is a throne decorated with motifs backed lion standing on elephant back. These chambers can be entered from the viewer that there is room on the east side.

The roof of the octagonal temple and consists of two levels. A Buddhist statue that depicts humans found on the first level while the second level there are statues depicting Buddhist Yaniv. The top of the temple form a square symbolizing the peak Semeru with ornate stupas. On the border of the body temple with ornate roof of the temple there is interest being Khayangan bodied dwarf called Gana.

If you look at detail of the temple, you will also find beautiful reliefs on its surface. For example, relief of the tree and its resident gods and clouds Khayangan who was playing the sounds. The residents Khayangan took fiddle, shellfish and camara. There is also a picture of flower buds, leaves and tendrils. Relief at the Temple Tara is distinctive because it is coated with ancient cement called Brajalepha, made from the sap of certain trees.

Around the temple there are stupas with about 4.6 m high 52 numbered pieces. Although stupas were no longer intact because it was impossible assembled parts intact, you can still enjoy. Visiting temples known history of the establishment based on a lettered inscription Panagari this temple, you will increasingly recognize the greatness of Rakai Panangkaran who even had time to build a sacred building in Thailand.

The temple is also a proof that in the past has been no attempt to reconcile the religious adherent to each other. Evidently, Panangkaran Hindu temple built on a proposal Tara Buddhist monks and dedicated to the well Pancapana Buddhist. This temple is also the one that inspired shrine Atisha, a Buddhist from India who had visited Borobudur and spread Buddhism to Tibet.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Plaosan Temple

You do not need to rush back to the inn after a visit to Prambanan Temple, because not far from the beautiful Hindu temple in the world that you will also find other temples are just as entertaining. Headed north as far as 1 km, you will see Plaosan, a temple constructed by Rakai Pikatan for the empress, Pramudyawardani. Located in District Bugisan Prambanan temple architecture is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist.

Plaosan complex is divided into 2 groups, namely Plaosan and Plaosan Lor Kidul. Both the temples have a rectangular-shaped terrace surrounded by a wall, where meditation shaped substation in western and stupas on the other. Because of the similarities, the appearance Plaosan Lor and South nearly identical when viewed from a distance so that until now Plaosan also often called the twin temples.

Building Plaosan Lor has a central courtyard surrounded by a wall with the entrance on the west. At the center of the courtyard there is the marquee size 21.62 mx 19 m. In the eastern part of the pavilion there are 3 pieces of the altar, the altar of the north, east and south. Preview Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, and there at the altar Aksobya east. Stupa Samantabadhara and Ksitigarbha figure is on the north aisle, while Manjusri picture there at the altar west.

South Plaosan temple also has a pavilion in the center surrounded by 8 small temples are divided into 2 levels and each level consists of 4 temples. There is also a picture of the Tathagata Amitbha, Vajrapani with vajra attribute on utpala and Prajnaparamita is considered the "mother of all Buddha." Some other pictures can still be found but not at the place of the original. Manujri figure which, according to a Dutch scientist named Krom is significant also found.

Part Bas reliefs of this temple has a unique picture of men and women. There is a man who was sitting bersila digambarkan by hand worship and male figure with hands vara mudra and vases in kaki surrounded by six smaller male. A woman is depicted standing with his hands vara mudra, while all around there are books, pallets and vase. Krom argued that the male figure is a picture of the woman patron supporter of the two monasteries.

The entire complex has 116 Plaosan ancillary stupas and 50 ancillary temples. Ancillary stupas can be seen on all sides of the main temple, chapel likewise smaller. When walking to the north, you can see the open structure called Mandapa. Two inscriptions can also be found, the inscription on the gold chip on the north side of the main temple and the inscriptions written on stone in the first line of ancillary temples.

One peculiarity is Plaosan terrace surface is smooth. Krom temple terrace opinion is different to other temples built terrace in the same period. According to him, it is related to function of the temple was then suspected to save the canonical texts of Buddhist monks. Other allegations that come from Dutch scientists, if the number of priests in the region small this may be the terrace was used as a wihara (Buddhist worship places).

If you look around the temple, you will know that Plaosan is a vast temple complex. It can be seen from the fence along the 460 m from north to south and 290 m from west to east, also interior fence consisting of a trench along the 440 m from north to south and 270 m from west to east. Trenches that make up the interior of the fence can be seen by walking eastwards through the middle of this historic building.

Yunanto Wiji Utomo
from: http://www.yogyes.com

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Sambi sari

Nothing strange feeling Karyowinangun descend on a morning in 1966. But a rare event experienced in the field at the time, when you're swinging the spade into the ground. Hoe who swung to the ground hitting a large rock that once seen as having carved on its surface. Karyowinangun and people around were surprised by the presence of chunks of rock.

Department aware of any archaeological findings come too soon and then set the area as a sanctuary of ancient Karyowinangun field. Carved stone, found it supposed to be part of the temple that may be buried under paddy fields. Excavation was then executed to find hundreds of other boulders and ancient statues. And indeed, the stones were indeed is a component of a temple.

Lapse of 21 years later, finally able to enjoy the beauty of the temple. The temple building was named Sambisari Sambisari stands majestically in the hamlet, village Purwomartani, Kalasan District, Sleman, 10 kilometers from the city center. You can reach by driving through the cross streets of Yogya-Solo to find signposts towards this temple. Next, you just turn left following the line.

YogYES was surprised when it arrived at the temple area. When direct views into the middle area of ​​the temple, just looks as though the roof stone structure plays only a few feet above the ground. YogYES wondering, what's really Sambisari just that small? After the close, then we get the answer. Apparently, Sambisari temple is 6.5 meters lower than the surrounding region.

Sambisari could have been built between the years 812-838 AD, probably during the reign of Rakai Garung. Temple complex consists of 1 main temple and 3 supporting temples. There are 2 fences surrounding the temple complex, a fence has been completely refurbished, while one other fence revealed only slightly to the east of the temple. Still as a barrier, there are 8 pieces scattered phallus stakes in each direction of the wind.

Main temple building is unique because it does not have a mat like other temples in Java. The foot of the temple also functions as a base so that parallel to the ground. The foot part of the temple left plain, without reliefs or decorations. Various decoration Simbar most of which are found on the body to the top of the temple exterior. The ornaments glance like batik motifs.

Stepping up the stairs of the entrance of the main temple, you can see an ornament of a lion in the open mouth of makara (the magical animal in Hindu mythology) are dropped. The figure of makara in Sambisari is an evolution of the makara form in India that can be a blend of elephant with a fish or a crocodile with a curved tail.

1 meter wide corridor will be found after passing the last stair of the main temple entrance. Passing through this, you will see three niches, each of which contains a statue. On the north side, there is a statue of Goddess Durga (the wife of Lord Shiva) with 8 hands each holding a weapon. While on the eastern side there are statues of Ganesha (son of Goddess Durga). On the south side, there is a statue of Agastya with aksamala (prayer beads) are worn around the neck.

Entering the primary compartment of the temple, can be seen phallus and the yoni is large enough, approximately 1.5 meters. Its existence shows that this temple was built as a place to worship Lord Shiva. Phallus and yoni in the main temple room is also used to make holy water. Typically, water diguyurkan the phallus and allowed to flow through a small ditch on the yoni, then housed in a container.

Exit from the main temple and heading west, you can see the third chapel (companion) is facing the opposite direction. There are allegations that the chapel was intentionally built without a roof because when the excavation was found in the stones of the roof. The interior of the chapel center has a square pedestal decorated with dragon and Padmasana (lotus flower) spherical convex on it. Possibly, Padmasana and mat used as a statue or offerings.

When you are satisfied with enjoying the beauty of the temple, you can go into space information. Some of the photographs that illustrate the environmental field Karyowinangun before the excavation and initial conditions of the temple when the discovery. There are also photographs of the excavation and reconstruction of the temple that lasted for tens of years, including pictures of other objects found during excavation, bronze statues that are kept at the Institute for Preservation of Archaeological Heritage.

The beauty of the temple Sambisari now we can enjoy is the result of the hard work of archaeologists for 21 years. The temple that initially looked like a giant puzzle, piece by piece was reconstructed for the sake of sustainability is one more great cultural heritage of the past.



INDONESIAN:
Tak ada perasaan aneh yang menghinggapi Karyowinangun pada sebuah pagi di tahun 1966. Tapi sebuah kejadian langka dialaminya di sawah kala itu, ketika sedang mengayunkan cangkulnya ke tanah. Cangkul yang diayunkan ke tanah membentur sebuah batu besar yang setelah dilihat memiliki pahatan pada permukaannya. Karyowinangun dan warga sekitar pun merasa heran dengan keberadaan bongkahan batu itu.

Dinas kepurbakalaan yang mengetahui adanya temuan itu pun segera datang dan selanjutnya menetapkan areal sawah Karyowinangun sebagai suaka purbakala. Batu berpahat yang ditemukan itu diduga merupakan bagian dari candi yang mungkin terkubur di bawah areal sawah. Penggalian akhirnya dilakukan hingga menemukan ratusan bongkahan batu lain beserta arca-arca kuno. Dan benar, batu-batu itu memang merupakan komponen sebuah candi.

Selang 21 tahun sesudahnya, keindahan candi akhirnya bisa dinikmati. Bangunan candi yang dinamai Sambisari itu berdiri megah di Dusun Sambisari, Kelurahan Purwomartani, Kecamatan Kalasan, Sleman, 10 kilometer dari pusat kota Yogyakarta. Anda bisa menjangkau dengan berkendara melewati lintas jalan Yogya-Solo hingga menemukan papan penunjuk menuju candi ini. Selanjutnya, anda tinggal berbelok ke kiri mengikuti alur jalan.

YogYES sempat kaget ketika sampai di areal candi. Saat mengarahkan pandangan ke tengah areal candi, hanya tampak susunan batu atap yang seolah hanya bertinggi beberapa meter di atas tanah. YogYES bertanya-tanya, apa benar Candi Sambisari hanya sekecil itu? Setelah mendekat, barulah kami mendapat jawabannya. Ternyata, Candi Sambisari berada 6,5 meter lebih rendah dari wilayah sekitarnya.

Candi Sambisari diperkirakan dibangun antara tahun 812 - 838 M, kemungkinan pada masa pemerintahan Rakai Garung. Kompleks candi terdiri dari 1 buah candi induk dan 3 buah candi pendamping. Terdapat 2 pagar yang mengelilingi kompleks candi, satu pagar telah dipugar sempurna, sementara satu pagar lainnya hanya ditampakkan sedikit di sebelah timur candi. Masih sebagai pembatas, terdapat 8 buah lingga patok yang tersebar di setiap arah mata angin.

Bangunan candi induk cukup unik karena tidak mempunyai alas seperti candi di Jawa lainnya. Kaki candi sekaligus berfungsi sebagai alas sehingga sejajar dengan tanah. Bagian kaki candi dibiarkan polos, tanpa relief atau hiasan apapun. Beragam hiasan yang umumnya berupa simbar baru dijumpai pada bagian tubuh hingga puncak candi bagian luar. Hiasan itu sekilas seperti motif-motif batik.

Menaiki tangga pintu masuk candi induk, anda bisa menjumpai hiasan berupa seekor singa yang berada dalam mulut makara (hewan ajaib dalam mitologi Hindu) yang menganga. Figur makara di Sambisari dan merupakan evolusi dari bentuk makara di India yang bisa berupa perpaduan gajah dengan ikan atau buaya dengan ekor yang membengkok.

Selasar selebar 1 meter akan dijumpai setelah melewati anak tangga terakhir pintu masuk candi induk. Mengelilinginya, anda akan menjumpai 3 relung yang masing-masing berisi sebuah arca. Di sisi utara, terdapat arca Dewi Durga (isteri Dewa Siwa) dengan 8 tangan yang masing-masing menggenggam senjata. Sementara di sisi timur terdapat Arca Ganesha (anak Dewi Durga). Di sisi selatan, terdapat arca Agastya dengan aksamala (tasbih) yang dikalungkan di lehernya.

Memasuki bilik utama candi induk, bisa dilihat lingga dan yoni berukuran cukup besar, kira-kira 1,5 meter. Keberadaannya menunjukkan bahwa candi ini dibangun sebagai tempat pemujaan Dewa Siwa. Lingga dan yoni di bilik candi induk ini juga dipakai untuk membuat air suci. Biasanya, air diguyurkan pada lingga dan dibiarkan mengalir melewati parit kecil pada yoni, kemudian ditampung dalam sebuah wadah.

Keluar dari candi induk dan menuju ke barat, anda bisa melihat ketiga candi perwara (pendamping) yang menghadap ke arah berlawanan. Ada dugaan bahwa candi perwara ini sengaja dibangun tanpa atap sebab ketika penggalian tak ditemukan batu-batu bagian atap. Bagian dalam candi perwara tengah memiliki lapik bujur sangkar yang berhias naga dan padmasana (bunga teratai) berbentuk bulat cembung di atasnya. Kemungkinan, padmasana dan lapik dipakai sebagai tempat arca atau sesajen.

Bila telah puas menikmati keindahan candi, anda bisa menuju ke ruang informasi. Beberapa foto yang menggambarkan lingkungan sawah Karyowinangun sebelum digali dan kondisi awal candi ketika ditemukan bisa ditemui. Ada pula foto-foto tentang proses penggalian dan rekonstruksi candi yang berjalan puluhan tahun, termasuk foto benda-benda lain yang ditemukan selama penggalian, berupa arca dari perunggu yang kini disimpan di Balai Pelestarian Peninggalan Purbakala.

Keindahan Candi Sambisari yang kini bisa kita nikmati merupakan hasil kerja keras para arkeolog selama 21 tahun. Candi yang semula mirip puzzle raksasa, sepotong demi sepotong disusun kembali demi lestarinya satu lagi warisan kebudayaan agung di masa silam.
Naskah: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

from: http://www.yogyes.com 

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