Showing posts with label Central Java. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Central Java. Show all posts

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sepur Kluthuk Jaladara, Ancient Steam Train

Steam Train is made ​​in Germany in 1896. In the 1912's Steam Train Journey Dutch Airlines Operated By Destination Distance Asthe Jakarta and Surabaya. Looks at Transit Railway Station In Purwosari, Solo.

Steam Train or so-called gauge Kluthuk Jaladara municipal government brought in Surakarta and PT Kereta Api from theMuseum Ambarawa to turn the rail lines that pass along Jl Slamet Riyadi. Using fired boilers, tourist train will be passing from Station to Station Purwosari City (Sangkrah) or along the rail line 5.6 miles, to serve wisatawan Rencana original, namely the point of discharge gauge Solo Grand Mall, Loji Gandrung, Sriwedari, Radyapustaka Museum, Museum Batik, Ngarsapura Market, and Gladak or depending on orders. Germany made steam train locomotive 1896 with the number C1218 is capable of dragging the two carriages. While the capacity of the two carriages with the serial number of TR 144 and TR 16 can reach 76 passengers.
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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Solo Batik Carnival 2011


Carnival activity "Solo Batik Carnival" (SBC) annual event capable of siphoning tens of thousands of visitors who thronged along the way Slamet Riyadi city of Solo on Saturday night.

SBC held four nights or different from previous year taking the theme of characters who are well known legend of the Java community, namely the Queen of the South Coast, Roro Jonggrang, Ratu Kencana Wungu, and Ande-Ande Lumut.

Carnival which takes a route along Jalan Slamet Riyadi from front office to the City Hall Purwosari PLN Surakarta with a distance of about four kilometers starting at 19:00 until around 22:00 pm.

Tens of thousands of spectators already thronged along the main streets in the city of Solo, since at 18:30 pm, they were enthusiastically awaiting the passage of the carnival enlivened by Miss Indonesia Nadine Queen Alexandra, who wore a costume Côte Selata,

In fact, reisa Kartikasari Puteri Indonesia 2010 and Environment Khadija Alessandra Usman Miss Indonesia Tourism 2010 also enliven the SBC fourth in Solo.

Carnival begins with army soldiers Keraton Surakarta and then followed the traditional Javanese dress patterned batik spread in the days of empire.

Group of the sons and daughters who wore a figure-interest stories, legends Ande Ande Lumut already unpopular in the community took part in the carnival. 
SBC has internasinal class that glamorous look, but do not leave traditionality as depicted in the story-Ande Ande Lumut .

Batik style sprinkled with iridescent golden color all make the visitors were amazed that they want to wait with the spirit of the carnival troupe across the main road in Kotac Solo.

Afterwards, participants who took the theme Roro SBC Jonggrang featuring a combination of batik style with a visible symbol sprinkled golden stupa.

In fact, participants with the theme Kencono Wungu SBC featuring batik patterns are dominated by purple color enliven the carnival.

 
SBC terminated participants Queen of the South Coast featuring shades of slave machete Kusumo a light green color until the parents provide an atmosphere like in the sea.

Miss Indonesia who dressed the Queen of the South Coast with a carriage ride with his soldiers guarded around the main attraction for spectators who saw it.

Even Miss Indonesia Miss Indonesia Environment and Tourism who wore costumes of the Queen of the South Coast duke looks glamorous appearance
 
According to the Head of Culture and Tourism City of Surakarta, Purnomo Subagyo, SBC is able to suck up an estimated tens of thousands of visitors who thronged along Jalan Slamet Riyadi.

"SBC is in addition to introducing and developing the creativity of batik, also preserving the culture of the community," he said.

While Gunawan from Jakarta residents admitted, came to Solo with his family during this holiday, just wanted to see firsthand the SBC. Apparently, many batik patterns that vary greatly as shown princesses in this SBC.


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Monday, May 23, 2011

Bledug Kuwu, Unique Mub in Grobogan

Bledug Kuwu is one of tourist attractions in Wirosari area in Grobogan Region, Purwodadi, Central Java. Bledug Kuwu is a local name for something that burst in pool. This is rather strange pool that far from volcano. The vapor burst came from carbon dioxide release. The temperature is mild. Visitors might experience a stunning natural occurrence of small, frequent bursts from mud crate with a sound resembling a mount eruption. This natural phenomenon is resulted from geothermal motion inside the earth bed. Witness said that a big burst could even create small quakes that quiver the area.

Bledug Kuwu looks like just another muddy pond. But every one or two minutes, the placid water erupts in an explosion of mud, followed by a plume of white steam. The pond is located just off the alternative road connecting Purwodadi and Cepu in Central Java, on a site measuring some 4.5 hectares. Bledug Kuwu has become a tourist attraction in the area. The visitors can watch the geyser from a distance of between 10 meters and 20 meters. The eruptions of water and mud shift positions from time to time. But there are two spots where the geyser regularly erupts. The locals call the one in the east Mbah (Grandpa) Jokotua and the one in the west Mbah (Grandma) Rodenok. They have given the spots where the geyser erupts names, as they believe that the place is sacred.
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Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Beauty of Penyu Bay

Coastal area stretching from the north (Ocean Fishing Port of Cilacap), to the south (Nusakambangan Island) with a panoramicocean waves big enough, the tankers in and out of Port of TanjungIntan and traditional fishing boats are passing along the Gulf coast Penyu and Pertamina refineries and add the beautiful ambiance Nusakambangan Island beach.

although as a tourist attraction beach, Penyu bay not only offers the beauty of the sea alone, but also historical tour of Fort Pendem located opposite the Penyu Bay beach. This fortress is a fortress of the Dutch colonial era relics, called Fort Pendem because most of rooms are located in the ground (pendem: Java language)

Penyu Bay Seafood Cuisine Typical

Incomplete feel if we visited the Penyu Bay without sampling the culinary offerings. You can drop in to the cafes and restaurants ofmany located along the coast and you can select the fish, squid,shrimp or shellfish are cooked with spices typical of Cilacap.

A variety of seafood specialties and souvenirs can be found easily along the coast and can easily be found and always close to thetourists visiting the Penyu Bay beach all day until midnight.

Located in South Cilacap District with a distance of 2 km to the east of Cilacap Regency downtown and accessible by public transport and private.

Admission Price: Rp. 2500, - / person

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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Mangkunegaran Palace


Solo has many places other than culinary, also save the history and left a lot of historic buildings, and one of them is the Palace Mangkunegaran. Loss felt if we take a stroll to the city of Solo, but not stop or just passing in front of the Palace Mangkunegaran. Because when we see the shape of the building can imagine how grand and honorable Palace was in ancient times, even on this very day of pomp and dignity are still very guarded.

Puro Mangkunegaran built in 1757, the Treaty of Salatiga, who initiated the establishment of Praja Mangkunegaran and held talks two years after which it divides government Giyanti Java became the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and Surakarta Kasunanan. Surakarta kingdom apart after Raden Mas Said revolt and the support sunan establish their own kingdom. Raden Mas Said Mangkoenagoro I wear the title and establish territories on the west bank of the river pepe in the city center which is now named Solo. 

Like the main building in the palace of Surakarta and Yogyakarta palace, Puro Mangkunegaran experienced some changes during the peak period of Dutch colonial rule in Central Java. These changes appear on a popular feature European decor that time.

Puro Mangkunegaran which was originally called the place of residence rather than the prince's palace, was built following the model of the palace but its smaller. The building has architectural features in common with the court, namely the pamedan, pavilion, pringgitan, dalem, and kaputran, which is entirely surrounded by a solid wall. 


Section Palace Mangkunegaran
Once the main gate opened pamedan behold, the field training soldiers Mangkunegaran troops. Former central cavalry, cavalry building is on the east pamedan. The second gate to the courtyard in the Great Hall where the establishment of the size of 3500 square meters. Pavilion that can accommodate five to ten thousand people, for years regarded as the largest hall in Indonesia. Wooden pillars supporting the roof-shaped square joglo taken from trees growing in forests in the hills Mangkunegaran Wonogiri. The entire building was established without using nails.In this hall there are four sets of gamelan, one used routinely and the other three are used at special events. But the Great hall now requires special attention, given that some parts have been mengeropos due to weathering processes. On the west side of the pavilion, looks a few foundations have supported its roof bamboo buffer.

On the west side of Puro Mangkunegaran, the condition of other historic buildings, too. Panti Putro, for example. In ancient times, this building is where the future king / prince "secluded" ahead of Aqil baliq (adult) and bearing the title. Here and there, especially the main building, starting in disarray and no longer possible inhabited. The lack of maintenance funds to make the primary school "Siswo" which was famous in there now switch functions as an inventory storage warehouse Mangkunegaran.

Yellow and green colors dominate the color of the marquee is pari anom (young rice) colors typical Mangkunegaran family. Ornate ceiling light-colored marquee astrology symbolizes Hindu-Javanese and the ceiling was hanging rows of antique chandeliers.

Place behind the pavilion there is an open veranda, which is named pringgitan, which has stairs to the Dalem Ageng, a space of 1000 square meters, which is traditionally a royal wedding bedroom, sekarng serves as a museum. Besides showing off petanen (dwelling place Dewi Sri) which plated woven silk, which became the center of attention of visitors, the museum is also showing off jewelry, weapons, clothing, medals, equipment puppets, coins, pictures of kings and
Mangkunegaran objets d'art.

In the middle of Puro Mangkunegaran behind Dalem Ageng, there Mangkunegaran family residence. This place, which still has a quiet atmosphere is like at a country house owned by the nobles, now used by the royal family. Overlooking the park is open Home Dalem, the angle of eight, where there are candles and beautiful European furniture.

Remnants that are still evident today is the library which was founded in 1867 by Mangkoenagoro IV.

LINEAGE:
SP. Mangkoenagoro I (February 24, 1757 - December 28, 1795)
SP. Mangkoenagoro II (December 28, 1795 - January 26, 1835) 
SP. Mangkoenagoro III (January 26, 1835 - January 6, 1853) 
SP. Mangkoenagoro IV (March 25, 1853 - September 2, 1881)
SP. Mangkoenagoro V (2 Sep1881 - October 2, 1896)
SP. Mangkoenagoro VI (October 2, 1896 - January 11, 1916) 
SP. Mangkoenagoro VII (January 11, 1916 - July 19, 1944)
SP. Mangkoenagoro VIII (July 19, 1944 - September 3, 1987) 
SP. Mangkoenagoro IX (September 3, 1987 - present)

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Prambanan, The Most Beautiful Hindu Temple

Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Soaring up to 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, among an area that now functions as beautiful park.
There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.
Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.
Entering Shiva temple, the highest temple and is located in the middle, you will find four rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other three rooms contain the statues of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga statue is said to be the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the above legend.
In Vishnu temple, to the north of Shiva temple, you will find only one room with Vishnu statue in it. In Brahma temple, to the south of Shiva temple, you find only room as well with Brahma statue in it.
Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located close to Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is of golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings similar to eagle's. It is assumed that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shines') that is associated with the god of the Sun or Re in Old Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods).
Its ability to save her mother made many people admire it to the present time and it is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as the symbol of the country. Other country using the same symbol is Thailand, with the same reason but different form adaptation and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known asKrut or Pha Krut.

Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that - in Hindu - the tree is considered tree of life, eternity and environment harmony. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking a lion. The presence of this tree makes experts consider that Javanese society in the ninth century had wisdom to manage its environment.
Just like Garuda, Kalpataru tree is also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru is used as the logo of Indonesian Environment Institution. Some intellectuals in Bali even develop "Tri Hita Karana" concept for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. This tree of life is also seen in the gunungan (the puppet used as an opening of traditional puppet show or wayang kulit). This proves that relief panels in Prambanan have been widely known throughout the world.
If you see the relief in detail, you will see many birds on them; they are real birds as we can see on the earth right now. Relief panels of such birds are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One of them is the relief of the Yellow-Crest Parrot (Cacatua sulphurea) that cites unanswered question. The reason is that the bird only exists in Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, did the bird exist in Yogyakarta? No body has succeeded in revealing the mystery.
You can discover many more things in Prambanan. You can see relief of Wiracarita Ramayana based on oral tradition. If you feel tired of enjoying the relief, you can take a rest in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since 18 September 2006, you can enter zone 1 area of Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being reconstructed. Please come and enjoy Prambanan temple.
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Monday, February 7, 2011

Borobudur, The Largest Buddhist Temple in Indonesia

Borobudur,  is a 9th century Mahayana Buddhist monument near Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.
The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the  orld of formlessness). During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.

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Thursday, February 3, 2011

Demak Great Mosque

Demak Great Mosque is the oldest mosque in Java that fouded by Nine of Wali Songo. The location Mosque located in the center of Demak, is + 26 km from the city of Semarang, + 25 km from Kudus, and + 35 km from Jepara. 
This mosque is the origin of the founding of the kingdom of Demak Bintoro Glagahwangi. The structure of the mosque building has historical value of traditional architecture built arts of Indonesia. His form majestic, graceful, beautiful, charismatic, charming and authoritative. Now the Great Mosque of Demak functioned as a place of worship and pilgrimage. 

Appearances pyramid pyramid roof of this mosque shows Aqidah Islamiyah which consists of three parts: (1) Faith, (2) Islam, and (3) Ihsan. In this mosque there is a "Door Bledeg", read "Condro Sengkolo", which reads Nogo Mulat Saliro Wani, with the meaning of the Saka year 1388 or 1466 AD, or 887 H. 

Raden Fattah Mosque with Wali Songo established Supreme timeless masterpiece that is by making a charismatic bald pictorial inscriptions. In this mosque there is a "Door Bledeg", read "Condro Sengkolo", which reads Nogo Mulat Saliro Wani, with the meaning of the Saka year 1388 or 1466 AD, or 887 H. 
Soko Majapahit
This amounted to eight pole pieces located in the foyer of the mosque. Archaeological objects gifts from the King of UB V Kertabumi Raden Raden Fattah was given to when the Duke of Demak Bintoro Glagahwangi Notoprojo in 1475 AD 

Pawestren
A building specifically designed for women jama'ah prayer. Created using teak wood construction, with a shingle roof forms Limasan (tile from wood) teak. The building is supported by eight pillars, in which 4 of them are decorated with carved motifs of Majapahit. Floor area stretching to the mecca of size 15 x 7.30 m.Pawestren was made at the time of KRMAArya Purbaningrat, reflected in the shapes and motifs carved Maksurah or Kholwat which to apply in 1866 AD 

Surya Majapahit
 A decorative image in terms of 8, which is very popular during the Majapahit. The ancient experts interpret this picture as a symbol of the Kingdom of Majapahit. Surya Majapahit in Demak Great Mosque built in 1401 Saka year, or 1479 AD 

Maksurah
An ornate building artifacts relics of the past who have unique and beautiful aesthetic value. This artwork dominates the beauty of space in the mosque. Artifacts Maksurah therein berukirkan Arabic writing that essentially memulyakan the Oneness of God Allah SWT. Inscriptions in the figures refer to year 1287 Maksurah H or 1866 AD, in which at that time occupied by the Duke of Demak KRMA Aryo Purbaningrat. 

Lawang Bledheg
Doors that supposedly believed to be able to ward off lightning is a creation of Ki Ageng Selo in the days of Mayor. This relic is the inscription "Condro Sengkolo" which reads Nogo Mulat Saliro Wani, meaningful Saka year 1388 or 1466 AD, or 887 H. 

Mihrab
There is a decorative image that struck the inscription "Condro Sengkolo." This inscription meaning "Quiet Sariro Kiblating Gusti", meaning in 1401 or 1479 Saka M (the formulation of Ijtihad). In front there right Mihrab pulpit for sermons. Archaeologists object is known as Dampar Kencono legacy of Majapahit. 

Dampar Kencana
Archaeological objects is a legacy of Majapahit XV century, as a gift to Sultan's Raden Fattah Demak I of the father of King Brawijaya to V Raden Kertabumi. Since the throne of Demak Sultanate led by Raden Trenggono 1521 - 1560 AD, universally united and famous archipelago, as if to repeat the triumph Patih Gajah Mada. 

Soko Tatal / Soko Guru
That consists of 4, this is the main pillar supporting the roof frame of a composite of three mosques. Each pillar has a height 1630 cm. Formation of the layout of the four pillars anchored on the four corners of the compass. Located in the northwest was established Sunan Bonang, southwest of the work of Sunan Gunung Jati, in the southeastern part of Sunan Ampel artificial, and which stood in the northeast of the work of Sunan Kalijaga Demak. Society named the Sunan Kalijaga artificial pole as Soko shavings. 

Situs Kolam Wudlu
This site is built to accompany the beginning of the Great Mosque of Demak as a place for berwudlu. Until now the site of this pool are still in place even though it is not used anymore. 

Menara
The building as a place of prayer was established with steel construction. Selection of steel construction while answering the demands of modernization of the twentieth century.
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Batik

Batik is a cloth that traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique.
Javanese traditional batik, especially from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, has notable meanings rooted to the Javanese conceptualization of the universe. Traditional colours include indigo, dark brown, and white, which represent the three major Hindu Gods (Brahmā, Visnu, and Śiva). This is related to the fact that natural dyes are most commonly available in indigo and brown. Certain patterns can only be worn by nobility; traditionally, wider stripes or wavy lines of greater width indicated higher rank. Consequently, during Javanese ceremonies, one could determine the royal lineage of a person by the cloth he or she was wearing.

Other regions of Indonesia have their own unique patterns that normally take themes from everyday lives, incorporating patterns such as flowers, nature, animals, folklore or people. The colours of pesisir batik, from the coastal cities of northern Java, is especially vibrant, and it absorbs influence from the Javanese, Arab, Chinese and Dutch culture. In the colonial times pesisir batik was a favorite of the PeranakanChinese, Dutch and Eurasians.

UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009. As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that Indonesia preserve their heritage. And currently batik is not only applied on the objects made of fabric such as clothes, jacketsbags and others but also on accessories such as bracelets and belts even in sculpture and engraving.

Solo Batik Carnival
Solo Batik Carnival (SBC) is a carnival using costume based on Batik with various creations and models. SBC is already held in 2008, 2009 and 2010. On 19-20 February 2010, SBC successfully followed the Chingay Festival in Singapore and also appeared on the Tong-Tong culture of party in Den Haag, Netherlands, on mid-April 2010. By joining international events, SBC is expected to promote Solo potential so that tourists will be attracted to come to Solo and enjoy the beauty of art and culture in the city.

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