Jogja Tourism

Bank Syariah Utamakan Marketing Plan

2009-01-15T23:38:00.000-08:00

Bank Syariah Utamakan Marketing Plan

JOGJA - As a business service organization based trust factor, the Bank Syariah always the marketing plan to spur development. For the industry as Bank Syariah new offer new products, the market varies, and have different management.
Head of Branch Bank Syariah Mandiri Yogyakarta, MA Suharto as the new industry, in marketing the Bank Syariah analyzing positioning, such as analysis of market share, the company strategy, distribution strategy, and analyze the benefits of various products issued Bank Syariah.
"Bank Syariah have any type of product-specific and varied products such as financing, sale and purchase, lease, receivables, mortgage loans and good," said Suharto, which explains the implementation of the marketing program in Bank Syariah Meansuring seminar Marketing Program Effectiveness, Monday (26/12) Integrated UMY on campus.
Suharto said market segmentation Bank Syariah manifold. There are a select Bank Syariah because emotional factors or religious factors, some are choosing rational Bank Syariah based on factors fortunately loss. Other market segments are retail and institutional.
"All must be able to serve banking sharia, because the market share bus Bank Syariah relatively small. In addition to the emotional volume of the market at this time is relatively small in the appeal that there are rational market," added Suharto said that the concept of the Bank Syariah not only Muslims only, but rahmatan lil alamin.
Management of Bank Syariah, Suharto is different from the more conventional bank. Human resources to manage at least sharia banking is a combination of professionalism and spirituality. Because, besides the banking operations in general and understand about tehnologi and informatics, human resources at Bank Syariah aspects of sharia are required to understand the science muamalah.
"Bank Syariah also have different standards of service berciri typical Sharia. With the system, through the features that is issued, the facilities outside the building, in buildings and facilities such as ATM, Mushola, and media campaigns as well as form," Suharto demolished. ( Radar Jogja )

Yogyakarta hotels Indonesia

2009-01-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

Yogyakarta hotels Indonesia
Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta, located in the south-central Java Island, is the second smallest province of Indonesia with a total area of 3,185.80 km². It is situated at a distance of 600 km from Jakarta and 1000 km from Bali. Being one of the foremost cultural centers of Java the city inherits a special charm and tradition, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Yogyakarta has numerous tourist attractions like beaches such as Baron, Kukup; Candi Temples such as Borobudur, Prambanan; and Museum and monuments such as Kekayon museum, Affandi museum. However, the key attraction of the place is 'Kraton' (the Sultan's Palace). It is a very lively city that always hosts art of theater, music, classical and contemporary dances and many more. Yogyakarta is also considered as shopper's delight. There are good range of hotels in Yogyakarta as per the taste and budget of every tourist. You can get detailed information on the Yogyakarta hotels and other hotels in Indonesia at AsiaRooms. We provide best hotels deal at favorable discounts. So without further delay make online reservation for the hotels in Yogyakarta with AsiaRooms now.

Modernize Traditional Market

2009-01-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

Modernize Traditional Market

12/01/2009 11:26:44 to protect traditional markets, the government could invest in large-scale to build and improve facilities in the markets, so it does not seem to make slums and markets as a competitor, modern shopping center. "Markets started tergeser traditional markets because of the construction of modern facilities and be less. I worry if the problem is not serious, the traditional market that was small object people will tergeser by modern markets. Before that happens if the local government would that modernize traditional markets, "said economic expert from Gadjah Mada University Revrisond Baswier. So that markets can exist for a more competitive competition, ideally limit the permission of the local government department. However, in practice if it can not be optimal, the government should optimize the development of traditional markets. This is important. Because in the era of globalization increasingly selective in determining consumer shopping. So in addition to cheap prices, facilities and comfort is also a priority. What about the attitude Market Traders Association of Indonesia (APPSI) maraknya the mall? According to the Chairman of APPSI DIY, GKR Pembayun, to anticipate maraknya mall-mall APPSI Management center is trying to set up a short distance through the provision at this time have started socialized. Nevertheless APPSI himself as an administrator still feel concerned with the mall. According Pembayun, there is a tendency for the price of goods at the hypermarket is lower than the traditional markets. To overcome that, besides the distance, the price should also be considered. Last year it was already applied for example, start at the price of eggs hypermarket / supermarket may not be lower than the traditional market. To protect the existence of the markets, he added, the association had objections over the mall-mall that the flare.

Modernize Traditional Market ( Part 2 )

2009-01-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

Modernize Traditional Market

Objection is submitted through the management of the center to be next or communicate in the Ministry of Trade. "I'm optimistic if the markets managed well, in addition to the consumers feel more comfortable when shopping, the traditional market can be one of the objects that have a tourism prospect is good," explained. Kabid of Trade of Industry, Trade and Cooperation (Disperindagkop) DIY, Riyadi Good explained, the existence of traditional and modern market can not dibenturkan. Both this market segment has its own. However Riyadi the importance of implementing the certainty of the traditional market price. Not because a few people who are reluctant to bid and select a more exact price, such as in the modern market. "If the traditional market traders to give an exact price will be better," he said. While the modern market, Riyadi add, have a particularly positive role in a product for small businesses small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including agricultural products.
Therefore, the role of the market should be able to absorb modern production MSMEs. However, he recognizes the need to distance or location of the modern market, not to each other collide. "The authority to manage the existence of modern markets are located in the district / city level," he said. Own party in support of the provincial level, as initiated by the Commission B DPRD DIY. The idea to create a Traditional Market regulation is necessary to further coordination with Pemkab / Pemkot in DIY. Vice Chairman of Commission B DPRD DIY, Nur Achmad Affandi out, support the protection of the traditional market of the development of modern markets. On the basis of that, the council then has the Raperda Traditional Market. "We want competition in the middle of this, the interests of small communities in the traditional markets still awake," he said. So far, the idea for the establishment of this Raperda hold dug. It is expected that the market can be a matter of a draft form. Meanwhile, Chairman of Kadin DIY, H Soekamto ask the government to increase attention to the provision of market for the community. In addition, the interests of small people into the government's attention. Self-Service Commissioner Pamella Drs H Sunardi Sahuri states, in addition to livelihood and help reduce high unemployment, with a modern shopping center to establish himself hope the community can make it easier to meet daily needs. Although the type of goods offered is not much different from the goods sold in traditional markets, but did not consider himself the traditional market as a competitor. Instead it is building togetherness (synergies) to provide the best service.

Analyze poverty with empowerment BMT ( Part 1 )

2009-01-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

Analyze poverty with empowerment BMT

Gejolak ekonomi yang terjadi di hampir seluruh belahan dunia akhir-akhir ini menjadi sebuah persoalan serius. Pertanyaan besar kita (baca: masyarakat) adalah kenapa hal ini bisa terjadi? Apakah ekonomi liberal sudah tidak sesuai dengan jaman? Atau memang karena sistem sesuai?
Seperti kita tahu, sistem ekonomi saat ini secara umum didasarkan pada mekanisme pasar, sehingga tuntutan pasar akan ditentukan kekuatan pemodal. Ekses lebih jauh adalah orang yang punya uang (modal) semakin bisa menciptakan (mendikte) pasar untuk menambah kekayaannya. Dengan kata lain ternyata sistem ekonomi sekarang lebih memperlebar jurang kemiskinan.
Salah satu alternatif yang bisa dilakukan untuk mengurangi kemiskinan adalah dengan gerakan pemberdayaan ekonomi. Seperti yang telah dilakukan oleh Muhammad Yunus dengan pola Gramend Bank-nya. Menurut dia, kemiskinan bukan karena ketidakmampuan seseorang dalam memperbaiki taraf hidupnya, tetapi lebih karena belum adanya kepercayaan terhadap kemampuan mereka. Hal ini telah dibuktikan M.Yunus, dengan uang stimulan yang tidak banyak (pribadi) bisa memberdayakan mereka. Dan yang lebih penting lagi adalah basis mereka adalah kalangan mikro, karena kalau kita cermati kalangan mikro adalah penyumbang terbesar dalam sistem ekonomi khususnya di Indonesia.
Berbicara gerakan ekonomi mikro tak salah jika sekarang menyebut peran salah lembaga mikro (syariah) yaitu BMT. Perkembangan dan sepak terjang BMT luar biasa.
Hal ini terlihat dari antusias masyarakat yang mulai menggunakan jasa layanan BMT. Selain itu juga terlihat dari banyaknya BMT yang muncul dan berkembang. Hal ini mungkin didorong oleh kesadaran masyarakat yang mulai timbul dan juga dipicu adanya kinerja positif, produk dan fasilitas yang diberikan. Menariknya, kini secara umum sudah terdapat sinyal-sinyal yang menunjukkan bahwa masyarakat lebih tertarik untuk bergabung dengan perbankan syariah (termasuk BMT) dan meninggalkan dunia perbankan konvensional dengan semakin baiknya kinerja dan persepsi masyarakat.
Gejolak ekonomi Nasional yang terjadi sejak tahun 1998 ternyata tidak membuat BMT goyah. Bahkan dalam satu dasawarsa terakhir semakin banyak tumbuh dan berkembang BMT. Karena sejalan dengan filosofinya, BMT adalah lembaga pemberdayaan dengan tujuan saling menguntungkan. Faktor inilah yang menjadikan BMT bisa digunakan sebagai alat mengurangi kemiskinan dengan model pemberdayaan.
Hal ini yang menjadi salah satu alasan para pelaku bisnis mulai tertarik mendalami dan terjun langsung di dunia BMT. Dengan proses yang tidak rumit, seorang pelaku bisnis yang mempunyai modal dapat dengan mudah mendirikan BMT. Namun, tidak semudah pendiriannya, proses pengembangan dan pengendalian BMT memerlukan sumber daya insani (SDI) yang berjiwa wirausaha dan ketelatenan serta keuletan yang tinggi. Hal itulah nampaknya yang kurang diperhatikan dalam pendirian BMT.
Muncul dan berkembangnya BMT memang tidak terlepas dari berbagai faktor. Pertama, bisnis ini pada masa awalnya terkesan mudah dan gampang dilakukan. Dengan modal seadanya orang bisa membuat BMT. Saking begitu gampangnya sehingga kadang banyak sebutan yang dialamatkan kepada BMT dengan nada miring, dari rentenir syariah, penagih syariah dan sebagainya. Selain dari sisi hukum juga masih dipertanyakan banyak orang.

HC Adi Kistoro
BMT Consultants, Living in Yogyakarta

Analyze poverty with empowerment BMT ( Part 2 )

2009-01-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

Analyze poverty with empowerment BMT

Second, the market is wide open. The majority of the perpetrators of our economy is actually the micro-economic actors. Traders traditional market average is mbok-mbok basket, cadger, food and other stalls. Prediksinya to future opportunities in this sector is still very wide.
Thirdly, the interest banks Fatwa unlawful. Fatwa effects make this clear the banking sector (read: conventional) slightly beaten. Slowly but surely people started to switch to the sharia. Conventional financial institutions and many of its own 'latah' implement the system Dual Bank. Competition to become competitive. This is reasonable because the growth of sharia banking assets predicted could reach 65%. How does not become a new market?
Along with its booming financial institutions, especially the sharia microfinance sector (read: BMT) was also noted that many issues must be resolved soon. There is no parent organization (such as BI) which is the reference for the BMT. Eksesnya spread to many things, The supervision and reporting of financial, operational standard raw materials, process development Resources Humanities (SDI) and other.
According to the author hemat factors SDI became the main focus pembenahan, although other factors also become a priority. Because the perpetrator (SDI) in this business that will make the BMT is big or 'bankrupt'. A large number of BMT appear, say, with roughly as much as 500 percent of the fruit, not a guarantee will continue to stand. Most only 40% are still 'breathing' (read: life), and function. Most of which live only itupun based on the spirit (ghirah). The nature and attitude have not become a professional culture of work. While professionalism is a competency that must be held to build an institution.
There are at least three factors that can be seen in the grip of professionalism. First, IQ (intelegent question). Is the IQ here is an ability that is required to think of an institution. Managing an organization requires thinking strategies and a reliable and accurate. Moreover, the number of institutions that appear BMT directly or will not become competitors. Too much friction is ideally will require new innovations so that these institutions and are still known.
Second, the skills (skills). The definition here is the managerial and operational capabilities. Skills that will make a workmanlike performance of a positive and productive.
Third, the attitude (attitude). This attitude reflects the behavior of an institution's management. BMT also should be able to be the best institution for the public.

Analyze poverty with empowerment BMT ( Part 3 )

2009-01-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

Analyze poverty with empowerment BMT

Once again with the reality on the view, one important thing is to be a priority early pembenahan professional attitude insaninya resources. The establishment of the desired SDI is a step that is not easy and must be sustainable (sustainable). Development of the nature and professional attitude should be based on the positive values that have been recommended in the teachings of Islam. According Estentino (Republika: 2005) describes the steps - the development of professionalism in three ways:
First, the need to find a FAST SDI namely that nature has fatonah, trust, smart and Tabligh. Nature such as this will establish a culture of effective, skilled and quick service.

Second, a clear and SOP terimplementasi in practice. SOP will be limited in the rights and authority of each. These restrictions are intended to further optimize performance.
Third, the infra structure adequate for smooth operations BMT. With at least 3 pillars will establish a sustainable process (ongoing). Added by Coal (Capital: 61). That the three pillars that together in building a winning SDI is a professional and
First, the bank LKS as sharia, BPRS and BMT. This institution as a place to grind, formed in the practice of fact. Second, the institutions of formal education that print players (actors). Third is the location of the institution. In the system of soccer is the third pillar can dianalogkan as football, soccer players and the soccer fields. So pembenahan human resources other than internal factors, such as that described Estentio, must also be internal factors, including education institutions with a print SDI specifications department.
According to the author sparing third pillar is still one part can be added as the fourth pillar, namely the legality and support from the government. Government diibaratkan as referee. The government will blow the whistle if the warning in the implementation of an institution does not obey the rules of play apply.
If we are aware, the SDI should be anticipated since early, so that later in the day and not a serious obstacle. As the majority of the world's largest financial institution system should be both macro and micro can handle (signed). Financial institutions sharia ideally also can be a paradise for the growth of the banking system based on the Al-quran Assunah and as applied in the Prophet and Companions.
Electrical current issue of the SDI can increase socialization program sharia economic system to the public. Impressions from the arrested form of professional services that have not been added and the product that is not popular (read: hit the community). And that is usually difficult location (rural areas) also infra structure that is not yet complete. The many institutions of human resources that independent, especially BMT has become an alternative solution apart, although on average they also seemed to be forced (read: inconsistent). So there is a trend that seemed to obey, and finally back regularly, although there are also seriously to develop.
From the above description, a reflection of our resources that the issue of Humanities is a serious problem. If we do not respond since the early loss is the company itself as a company's success can be seen from the next generation. Finally, BMT can be expected for a small wagon Islamic economic system in order to empower communities. Not even the potential that can be diperdayai.

HC Adi Kistoro
BMT Consultants, Living in Yogyakarta

Welcome the New Year 2009

2009-01-03T23:12:00.000-08:00

welcome the New Year 2009 ( Part 1 )

By admin | January 1, 2009

Disuguhi procession, banquet to Tumbuk Rice
A number of tourist villages in Sleman resemble a variety of attractions and entertainment on the evening of New Year. How friendly atmosphere?
Error one location that were touring the village community is Trumpon Merdikorejo Paste. The tradition of this place for the night Wilujengan new year.
"This tradition is always held to welcome the beginning of the year," said Head of Tourism Ir Wahyudi Heru Santoso.

Shape, procession or uba rampe equipment syukuran. Procession departs from the village head home depot Trumpon view.

Then the wilujengan banquet or feast syukuran location. In the banquet, all the participants offer prayers. The goal is safety and ask God's blessing to the community in order to get around the village life and a good livelihood.

After the banquet, held a traditional arts and jathilan Badui. Meanwhile, the tourist village Sorowulan welcome the new year night debut ethnic or classical music and classical guitar reliji speculation.

Welcome the New Year 2009

2009-01-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

welcome the New Year 2009 ( Part 2 )

By admin | January 1, 2009
Village tour Plempoh Bokoharjo Prambanan the traditional art with the crash, along with the rice with gamelan accompaniment. Village tour Kembangarum Donokerto Turi dimeriahkan party rocket fireworks and water.

The event was held at 18:00 seconds until the turn of the year. In the course Donokerto also have a jazz blues, karaoke and film titled Arum flowers in Earth Pertiwi paper Kembangarum children.

Tlogoputri Kaliurang main point is the new year in Sleman. In this area held art reliji "Kuntulan" from Brajan Sendangagung Minggir, orchestra wither, parties and fireworks trumpet.

At the depot area Pandang Kaliurang dimeriahkan performance elekton, parties and fireworks trumpet. Kaliadem area disemarakkan jathilan Turonggo

Permata Syariah Funding of Foreign Affairs

2008-12-29T23:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 30 December 2008 | 11:24 WIB
Permata Syariah Melirik Funding of Foreign Affairs ( Part 2 )

As of the end of September, as many as 40 percent of the Permata Syariah financing flows to the retail sector, such as financing vehicles and housing. While 30 percent of the financing for the commercial sector, such as the Micro Business Small and Medium (MSMEs) and the other 30 percent of the financing for the corporation.

Throughout the first nine months, Permata Syariah menangguk fortunately Rp 33.7 billion, up far than in previous years in which they bear the loss of Rp 4.2 billion.

Adrian menuturkan, net income was derived from the activities of the business is a major bank. He cite, such as operating income muharabah transactions reached Rp 40.5 billion, soaring 307 percent from Rp 9.9 billion in the year ago.

Other operating income while Permata Syariah of Rp 17 billion, growing 162 percent compared to operating income years ago, the Rp 6.5 billion. Thus, the total revenue collected on a successful first nine months 2008 is Rp 57.5 billion meroket 250 percent of income in the same period tohun ago, the Rp 16.4 billion. (Cash)

Permata Syariah Funding of Foreign Affairs

2008-12-29T23:16:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 30 December 2008 | 11:24 WIB
Permata Syariah Funding of Foreign Affairs ( Part 1 )

JAKARTA, TUESDAY - Business Unit Manager-Sharia (UUS) Bank Permata Tbk. grin can end this year. By the end of the third quarter, the bank is a result of brisk. Of public funds accumulate, financing flows swift and more importantly, they reach Rp 33.7 billion profit.

Head of Business Unit of Bank Permata Syariah Adrian A Gunadi said, will invigorate acquisition of public funds. Currently, the service Permata Syariah available in about 300 branch offices of Bank Permata.

During this time of public funds is a standard that 100 percent financing UUS Permata Bank. "Focus on sources of funding in 2009 is still the same. But when there is a business expansion plan, most likely we explore alternative sources of funds," said Adrian Monday (29/12).

Alternative sources of funds is derived outside the country. Permata Syariah managers now exploring plans seek a loan from a bank abroad sharia. "But this is still the plan. Scheme details ma ih we jajaki," augment him.

For financing, Permata Syariah next year will still be the focus to retail and commercial sectors. While the financing sector to the corporation only as a supporter.

Economic rapid Yogyakarta: Bubble Economy, or fundamental? (Part 3)

2008-12-23T17:08:00.001-08:00

If this occurs, then 10 years into the future people will Jogja
bertransformasi very quickly. With changes in savings Rp 3 trillion / year,
Yogyakarta have the facilities of the 3-plus local TV. In Riau, which funds
weeks more than Rp 53 trillion, the human-human can not do anything. HR
it is much different. Yogyakarta people will go to the semi-era industry and technology
information.

Is this a change? Of course! Hopefully this is not Bubble economy, but
really fundamentally change because of the ability of Yogyakarta itself. Things
have been explained above. Be prepared to always change. Success for
Yogyakarta!

PS. Prospek2 new business in Yogyakarta: property, entertainment, coffee shops, boutiques (I
saturated), restaurant.

Economic rapid Yogyakarta: Bubble Economy, or fundamental? (Part 2)

2008-12-23T17:07:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately, Jogja does not have natural resources (mines) and a large industrial factory
means. This city should have a port that can be accessed in the south.

Jogja many smart people. See the Road Gejayan. All the mobile business, computer
and photography, all built by students with capital and otaknya
alone. Business-like cafe business, graphic design and script consultant
is the core competence is based on soft capital (human).
Capital-physical capital such as machinery in the factory is not needed. It
shows, in Yogyakarta will talented human resources, the brain is rich in nutrition, full of ideas
and creativity.

Lucas (1988), have interesting theory. If Solow (1956) Nobel Prize winners tend to
weighed on the technology as one pemacu accelerated growth
other than population and capital accumulation, Lucas more fundamental. Technology innovation
not happen if human beings do not have a brain. Lucas ago
develop a model that explains the math human possibility, content
his head and poured the time focused on the interests of production.
The result? Wonderful! Smart people can build a city survival in the wilderness
even.

This is the capital of Yogyakarta explain why so fast growing. Two shopping malls
will be a new front opened in 2005, and Saphir Ambarrukmo Plaza Square. In
Jogjatronik south of the city there. One site in the Plaza will hire Ambarrukmo
with a range of Rp 28-35 juta/m2 for 25 years. Back capital? Itung it's NPV.
Currently a new bus terminal in the Giwangan reportedly very smooth. I really can
entrance. Airport can also be accessed directly from the caves and under construction. Year
future, will reportedly also opened a route to Sydney, Australia.(hes)

Economic rapid Yogyakarta: Bubble Economy, or fundamental? (Part 1)

2008-12-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

BUBBLE ECONOMY OR fundamentals?
Anggoro Budi Nugroho (*)

I terperangah with the development of the economy last Jogjakarta. Data
DIJ statistics, Bank Indonesia (2004) shows, during the year 2003, savings
third-party funds in the banking sector DIJ increases as Rp 3 trillion! Of
Rp 6 trillion in 2002 to Rp 9 trillion in 2003. Fair? Of course,
to the size of Yogyakarta.

Again. Data Bank Indonesia (2004) in Indonesia 2003 Economic Report
shows, the GDP structure we no longer dominated by agriculture.
Growth has been shift from agriculture 1.7% (2001) to the industrial sector
manufacturing 3.1% (2001). The contribution of manufacturing to GDP is at most
compared to other sectors, namely 0.8%. While agriculture was 0.3%. Apparently,
agriculture began to be abandoned. We no longer agricultural communities.

We are being changed. Indonesia's Yogyakarta and in particular, will experience a transformation
quickly from the social to the semi-agricultural industries. People move from the market and
vegetables to technology and information. Survey Division Kebanksentralan Bank
Indonesia (2002) on the competitiveness of the economy of the region shows, Yogyakarta
in rank to-5 in terms of competitiveness in general. Domestic Products
Gross Regional (GDP) per capita only half the income of Jogja
Papua potential people per head per year. However, from the perspective of human resources, Yogyakarta
to sit in the rank-2 after Jakarta! Apparently, in terms of brain Jogja
defeat of East Java, West Java, East Kalimantan and Riau, which is much more rich two
times.(hes)

Finalists Hadirkan Putri Indonesia Yogyakarta

2008-12-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

Finalists Hadirkan Putri Indonesia Yogyakarta

By admin | December 21, 2008 | 26 at the time, read

RADAR JOGJA - Events Yamaha Funtastic Female (YFF) on the ground floor of the Galeria Mall Yogyakarta yesterday greeted rousing spectators. 93 Band able menggebrak with songs brothers. Spectators, which is not so concerned with the stage in front of the KFC outlets, brought directly to this event.
After 93, and then appear Sense Band, Jasmine Band, Ozora Dancer, and at the peak of the event are guests SKJ'94 Band. They entertain young children who dominate the spectators at the Galleria Mall.

Show Director of Peace Production Jogjakarta Rev. Aji Wibowo said, this event is a pre-heating and the peak event was held today. "This event is a tribute to Mother's Day and Yamaha consumers, especially women," said the Rev. sidelines of the event.

Many live music performances, as the producer of Peace also provides free meals at KFC Galeria Mall and the thousands Johny Andrean in the same location in the building.

"This is a special woman who has a Yamaha products. We provide 100 free food and 50 to thousands. This is two days, since today (20/12) and tomorrow (today, Red), "said Wahyu.

To this day, the event started in the morning. Events Healthy Way with the first start and finish at the Galeria Mall. The event starts at 06.00 and melihatkan more than 1,000 women. They also had the opportunity to win doorprize electronic products and food.

In addition, there is also touring the social will be followed 50 pairs of female users Yamaha to the orphanage. They get a voucher each Rp 100 thousand to spend in the Galeria Mall free and jackets from Yamaha.

"Ladies treatment of women will spoil the user Yamaha. Also given free parking, free t-shirt, beautiful, eat and take a talkshow Finalists will be invited Putri of Indonesia from Yogyakarta Cindy Mahesti. Cindy will reveal the secret world of beauty and women, "he said.

Male Funtastic activities in the Galeria Mall is also dividing the share of fuel-free 3 liters for women Yamaha rider in 4 Yogyakarta area retail outlets. The women who have children, can have the opportunity to race drawing and coloring category kindergartens and primary schools.

There is also competition for children's fashion show, band performances, magic attraction, Dance Competition, Dj Perform, Perform Live Band Fun and Games, which lasted from morning until night. (hes)

Sleman Reach Manggala Karya Bhakti Husada 2008

2008-12-20T21:25:00.000-08:00

Sleman Reach Manggala Karya Bhakti Husada 2008

By admin | December 20, 2008 | 527 at the time, read

HARIAN JOGJA - SLEMAN: Government District (Pemkab) of Sleman accept the award best health sector development at the national level institutions for the category. Awards Manggala Karya Bhakti Husada 2008, submitted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Menkes) Indonesia, Siti Fadilah Supari, and received by the Vice Regent of Sleman, Sri Purnomo. Menyerahan awards on the night of the award made in the framework of the National Health Day, Thursday (18/12) night, in Jakarta.

The Head of Public Relations (Head of Public Relations) Regional Secretariat (Setda) Sleman, Endah Sri Widiastuti said, Pemkab Sleman Kartika receive the award. Manggala paper Bhakti Husada have three levels, namely, the highest ranking is Kathy, and then Kartika, and the next Aratula. He said, this year none of the local governments that receive the award Aditya. In addition Pemkab Sleman, Kartika is the recipient Pemkab Bandung City Metro and Government. "Vice Regent, Sri Purnomo directly receive the award from Menkes RI. He once represented Pemkab Bandung municipal government and Metro, "he said, Friday (19/12) yesterday.
According to him, Pemkab Sleman also received similar awards in 2005. However, he added, when the award was based on proposals from Sleman Regency administration to evaluate the health infrastructure in the district. Now, the award is based on research conducted by the Department of Health (Ministry) of Indonesia.
"So we not receive the award on our proposals, but research conducted by the Ministry of Finance. Years ago, we received the personal health category. Mr. Regent [Ibnu Subiyanto] receive Ksatria Bhakti Husada to Ksatria level. But this year we did not receive the award for the category of personal health, "said he.
He said, the success of the development of a basic health assessment, among others, participation and empowerment of communities in the areas of health, health services, facilities and health infrastructure and a number of indicators of the level of public health.
Meanwhile, Regent Ibnu Subiyanto said, the award shows that the health programs and activities that have been formulated for people with good progress. He also said, though the recipient of the award is Pemkab parties, but indeed all the people of Sleman entitled to enjoy the award. "I on behalf of Sleman Pemkab to thank the people of Sleman. The success of this is not another paper from the entire community of Sleman, not only from government agencies only, "he said.
Previously, Pemkab also received awards for groups of farmers of water users (P3A) and six awards field of food security at the national level. Endah said, P3A The Hamlet, Village Girikerto, Turi Sub-District, which is capable of P3A awarded the Minister of Public Works.
"They P3A is the winner of the best aspects of financial competition in the society of farmers and the Joint Water Users society Farmer Water Users [GP3A], the parent P3A the national level in 2008, which was held in July 2008. Meanwhile, the six areas of food security is the most awards achieved by the district in Yogyakarta. Overall awards to be in the district and the city of Yogyakarta as many as 10 awards, "added he.

By Budi Cahyana

ADB Sediakan US$200 Juta untuk Indonesia

2008-12-16T22:10:00.001-08:00

Selasa, 16 Desember 2008 17:39 WIB
ADB Sediakan US$200 Juta untuk Indonesia
Penulis : Irana Shalindra
JAKARTA--MI: Bank Pembangunan Asia (Asian Development Bank/ADB) menyediakan pinjaman US$200 juta untuk Indonesia. Fasilitas tersebut ditujukan untuk mendukung usaha pemerintah Indonesia mempertahankan pertumbuhan ekonomi dan mengurangi angka kemiskinan.

Dalam siaran pers yang diterima Media Indonesia, Selasa (16/12)n, pihak ADB menyatakan bahwa pinjaman tersebut termaktub dalam program pengembangan kebijakan (Development Policy Support Program) keempat. Program tersebut merupakan bagian dari reformasi sektor keuangan, perbaikan iklim investasi maupun pelayanan publik.

Adapun pinjaman program ini akan melengkapi serangkaian pendanaan lain dari Bank Dunia dan pemerintah Jepang yang juga ditujukan bagi reformasi kebijakan yang sama.
Menurut Principal Country Specialist ADB Purnima Rajapakse, pemerintah Indonesia telah melakukan sejumlah langkah penting untuk memperbaiki keuangan, menarik investasi asing dan menangani kebutuhan pembangunan. Namun, reformasi perlu terus dilakukan untuk mencapai tujuan pembangunan millennium (Millennium Development Goals) pada 2015.

"Tertinggalnya Indonesia dalam indikator pembangunan manusia seperti tingginya angka kematian yang berkaitan dengan kelahiran, angka kekurangan gizi dan rendahnya angka anak-anak yang melanjutkan pendidikan ke tingkat SMP harus diatasi dengan memperbaiki kualitas pelayanan," kata Purnima di kantor perwakilan ADB di Indonesia.

Adapun Development Policy Support Program bagian ke empat akan melanjutkan bantuan untuk reformasi yang menjadi agenda pemerintah dalam berbagai bidang. Antara lain, menghilangkan ketidakpastian peraturan bagi investor, menerapkan kebijakan satu pintu untuk pengurusan kargo, serta mengurangi biaya pajak.

Program serupa juga akan memperbaiki persiapan dan pelaksanaan anggaran, mengurangi biaya pengadaan di sektor publik, dan memperkuat kapasitas pemerintah daerah untuk memberikan layanan publik kepada warga miskin. Dalam jangka panjang, program tersebut diharapkan menciptakan lingkungan makro ekonomi yang lebih stabil, iklim investasi yang lebih sehat, berkurangnya korupsi dan hambatan birokrasi, dan makin kuatnya lembaga-lembaga pemerintah.

Sebagai catatan, Indonesia merupakan salah satu pendiri ADB pada 1966. Pada akhir 2007, Indonesia menerima 291 pinjaman senilai US$22,56 miliar dan 491 proyek technical assistance senilai US$253,66 juta. Berdasarkan besar persetujuan pinjaman, Indonesia adalah klien terbesar ADB. (Sha/OL-02)

Bank Sentral Arab Saudi Pangkas Suku Bunga 0,5 Poin

2008-12-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

Rabu, 17 Desember 2008 09:58 WIB
Bank Sentral Arab Saudi Pangkas Suku Bunga 0,5 Poin

RIYADH--MI: Bank Sentral Arab Saudi pada Selasa (16/12), memangkas suku bunga utamanya 0,5 poin, karena eksportir minyak terbesar dunia itu merasakan tolakan ke belakang dari pelambatan ekonomi global, kata bankir.

Badan Moneter Arab Saudi (SAMA) menurunkan tingkat suku bunga repo menjadi 2,5% dari 3,0%, penurunan kali keempat sejak Oktober.

Langkah itu dilakukan jelang akhir pertemuan Federal Reserve AS yang duperkirakan akan menurunkan suku bunganya lagi dan karena ekonomi Arab Saudi melambat di belakang penurunan tajam harga minyak.

SAMA bereaksi atas ketatnya pasar antar bank karena para peminjam korporasi mencari lebih banyak dana dari bank-bank, sehubungan sumber modal lainnya kering, kata ekonom National Commercial Bank Tamer el-Zayat.

"Di sana tidak diuntungkan dari penurunan suku bunga pertama, kedua dan ketiga dalam membawa suku bunga antar bank turun," katanya kepada AFP. (Ant/OL-01)

Tiga Jurus Strategi Bisnis

2008-12-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

Tiga Jurus Strategi Bisnis

jurus-bisnis.jpgApa sebenarnya yang membuat Microsoft terus berjaya? Lalu mengapa Nokia mampu menjadi produk cell phone yang paling banyak dicintai para konsumen? Dan apa yang membuat BMW selama puluhan tahun terus menjadi ikon kemakmuran yang terus diburu orang? Belajar dari kisah sukses perusahaan-perusahaan berskala global terkemuka dalam melayani pelanggan, tampaknya ada sejumlah wisdom yang bisa dipetik. Pelajaran utama yang bisa diambil adalah ini : bahwa proses melayani pelanggan ternyata mesti diawali dengan pilihan strategi yang benar. Dengan kata lain, proses melayani kebutuhan pelanggan ternyata tidak sekonyong-konyong muncul dari langit, namun mesti diselaraskan dengan pilihan strategi perusahaan (corporate strategy) yang telah diputuskan.

Dalam konteks ini terdapat tiga jurus strategi yang acapkali diaplikasikan oleh perusahaan-perusahaan kelas dunia. Jurus yang pertama adalah pilihan strategi yang berorientasi pada product leadership (keunggulan produk). Perusahaan pada kategori ini selalu berupaya menciptakan produk-produk dengan kualitas premium, dan selalu one step ahead dibanding produk kompetitor. Mereka tak segan-segan mengeluarkan dana besar untuk bagian R & D-nya demi terciptanya produk yang ciamik. Intel yang terkenal dengan seri Pentium-nya mungkin contoh yang paling sempurna untuk kategori ini. Atau juga perusahaan-perusahaan adibusana seperti Louis Vuitton yang tenar dengan produk tas-nya. Dan tentu saja, kita mesti menunjuk BMW dan Ferarri, dua produsen otomotif yang selalu menciptakan produk-produk legendaris nan menawan.

Jurus strategi yang kedua adalah pilihan yang berorientasi pada operational excellence (keunggulan operasional). Bagi perusahaan dalam kategori ini, yang paling utama adalah membangun proses bisnis yang super efisien. Harapannya, dengan efisiensi proses ini, mereka mampu menekan ongkos produksi, dan ujung-ujungnya bakal mampu menjual produknya dengan harga yang lebih kompetitif. Dell, perusahaan komputer asal Texas itu, merupakan sampel yang layak disebut dalam kategori ini. Dengan model dan proses bisnis yang amat efisien, mereka mampu menciptakan produk-produk desktop dengan harga yang lebih komptetitif dibanding para pesaingnya, semacam IBM dan HP.

Jurus yang terakhir adalah pilihan strategi yang mengacu pada customer intimacy (keintiman dengan pelanggan). Bagi perusahaan dalam kategori ini, yang paling utama adalah membangun hubungan yang intim dengan para pelanggannya; dengan harapan akan tercipta relasi yang langgeng. Banyak perusahaan di bidang perhotelan dan juga penerbangan yang melakoni strategi ini demi membangun loyalitas para pelangggannya. Harley Davidson juga amat terkenal memiliki hubungan yang luar biasa intim dengan para pemakainya; sehingga mereka bisa membangun fanatisme yang amat intens dengan jutaan penggemarnya di seluruh jagat.

Tentu saja, banyak perusahaan yang juga mengkombinasikan beragam jurus itu, dan tidak hanya berfokus pada satu jurus. Honda misalnya, selain dikenal memiliki produk-produk yang unggul, juga dikenal memiliki proses bisnis yang amat efisien. Demikian juga, Singapore Airline. Selain memiliki produk penerbangan yang ciamik, mereka juga memiliki keahlian dalam membangun hubungan yang intim dengan para pelanggannya.

Demikianlah, tiga jurus strategi bisnis yang layak dikedepankan. Deretan jurus yang bila dipentaskan dengan presisi yang tinggi dijamin akan menghantarkan sang pemainnya dalam bahtera keunggulan.

Tips Bisnis Toko Online

2008-12-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

Beberapa tips bagi kamu yang akan ataupun sudah membuka bisnis online khususnya TOKO ONLINE

1. Yang terpenting dalam usaha ini adalah menumbuhkan kepercayaan pada toko online kita. Ada dua hal yang harus dilakukan oleh para pelaku usaha online(shooping online), pertama, tunjuk-kan indentitas dengan jelas. Sebaiknya mencantumkan nama, alamat lengkap bah-kan foto pelaku usaha dalam toko online-nya(cth butik online), Kedua, jadilah orang yang gaul di internet dengan cara aktif dalam mills ataupun blog-blog sehingga makin dikenal

2. Rajin memberi tips dan trik. Jangan hanya mengisi toko(mis toko baju) dengan pajangan produk jualan saja(misl hiasan natal dan lainya) tetapi juga dengan newsletter unik dan bermanfaat yang berkaitan dengan produk jualan yang ditawarkan

3. Bergaul akrab dengan Google, dengan cara sering meng-up-date data-data dalam toko online kita(cth butik online dan hiasan natal). Dengan sering-nya mengupdate data, maka Google juga akan sering meng-update data kita secara otomatis.

4. Bangunlah kredibilitas dengan cara tidak hanya menjadi penjual produk(shooping online) tetapi juga seorang ahli dari produk kita. Contohnya bila toko online kita menjual baju maka se-baiknya juga menyediakan, newsletter yang berkaitan tips! memadumadankan baju.

5. Tampilkan testimoni dari pembeli, ada baiknya menampil kan testimoni pembeli untuk! menggambarkan bahwa banyak yang menyukai toko online kita cth toko baju dan toko fashion lainya.

6. Buatlah pengunjung dan permbeli toko online kita nyaman(shooping online), dengan nilai lebih dari toko online seperti newsletter yang menarik, isi yang sering di-update dan situs yang interaktif terhadap pengunjung cth toko jaket dan toko fashion.

7. Bangunlah komunitas(mis butik online komunitas), karena dengan menciptakan pelanggan yang loyal, ke depan-nya bila menjual produk lain maka pembeli akan langsung percaya.

8. Membangun sistem afiliasi, dengan membiarkan orang lain menjadi salah satu agen kita.

9. Hindari spam yaitu mengirim email yang mengenalkan toko kita ke sembarangan email orang lain tanpa diminta. Hal ini hanya akan menurunkan kredibilitas toko online tersebut

10. Beriklan lewat artikel. Dalam arti buatlah bahasa iklan seperti membaca artikel karena tidak ada satu pun orang suka membaca iklan.

Lima Ratus Anak TK Ikuti Manasik Haji Kecil

2008-12-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

Sabtu, 13 Desember 2008

Sekitar 500 anak dari berbagai Taman Kanak-Kanak Islam Terpadu (TKIT) di Kota Yogyakarta mengikuti manasik haji kecil di Halaman Balaikota Yogyakarta, Sabtu (13/12) Manasik haji kecil yang diselenggarakan oleh TK Muadz bin Jabbal Kotagede.

Dengan pakaian serba putih laksana melakasanakan ibadah haji sesungguhnya, mereka mengikuti semua tahapan ibadah haji dengan antusias dan tertib dengan bimbingan pada ustadzah. Walikota Yogyakarta Herry Zudianto yang hadir dalam kesempatan itu dalam sambutannya mengatakan, pelaksanaan manasik haji kecil ini sangat bermanfaat sekali dan banyak sekali hikmah yang bisa diambil dari acara ini.

“ Dengan manasik haji kecil ini banyak hikmah yang bisa diambil, contohnya pakaian ihrom yang serba putih memberikan hikmah bahwa di hadapan Allah tidak membedakan satu sama lain, baik itu pangkat, kekayaan, golongan, kaya, miskin” Kata Herry Zudianto. Ditambahkan, latihan melaksanaan za’i, yaitu lari-lari kecil antara Shofa dan Marwah memberikan hikmah untuk selalu berusaha dan tidak putus asa dalam mengejar cita-cita, kalaupun ada kegagalan itu merupakan takdir dari Allah.

“Tidak ada yang disebut kegagalan hanya takdir Allah yang menentukan itu, jadi dalam latihan ini mengilhami untuk selalu berusaha dan tidak mudah putus asa dalam mengejar cita-cita” tambah Herry Zudianto. Sementara itu, Kepala Sekolah TK Muadz bin Jabbal, Indah Wiyanti SAG mengatakan, program manasik haji ini merupakan program tahunan dari TK Muadz bin Jabbal, dengan tujuan untuk meningkatkan ukhuwah islamiyah antar TK, memotivasi anak untuk bercita-cita melaksanakan ibadah haji sebagai rukun Islam yang ke lima.

KELURAHAN KEPARAKAN JOGJA MAJU TINGKAT PROPINSI HKG KB-Kes 2008

2008-12-12T22:28:00.000-08:00

Jum'at, 12 Desember 2008

Kelurahan Keparakan Kota Yogyakarta berhasil terpilih sebagai lokasi terbaik monitoring HKG PKK KB-Kes tingkat Kota Yogyakarta tahun 2008 dan berhak maju ke tingkat Propinsi DIY. Kamis (11/12), Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas, Ketua TP PKK Propinsi DIY bersama tim penilai melakukan kunjungan penilaian ke Kelurahan Keparakan. Kegiatan yang dipusatkan di Pendopo Balai Kajian Sejarah ini tidak hanya mengevaluasi Kesatuan Gerak PKK KB-Kes tetapi juga mengevaluasi kegiatan posyandu, lingkungan bersih dan sehat, juga kegiatan PHBS (perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat) pada tataran rumah tangga.

Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas pada kesempatan itu mengatakan, Gerakan pemberdayaan keluarga (PKK) dengan sepuluh program pokoknya bertujuan untuk memberdayakan keluarga dan mencapai kesejahteraan keluarga. Untuk mewujudkan hal tersebut Gerakan PKK masih perlu meningkatkan perannya dalam memberdayakan keluarga dalam program keluarga berencana dan pembangunan kesehatan nasional sebagai wawasan untuk membangun keluarga kecil yang sehat dan berkualitas. Kegiatan yang telah dimulai sejak tahun 1994 ini merupakan rangkaian kegiatan dalam rangka menyambut Hari Kesatuan Gerak PKK tanggal 27 Desember 2008. Dengan dukungan keterpaduan lintas sektor kegiatan ini akan bertumpu pada kegiatan kelompok swadaya masyarakat, PKK dan institusi KB di desa, dengan kader-kader sebagai ujung tombak serta keluarga sebagai fokus utama sasaran.

Dijelaskan oleh Ibu Tri Kirana Muslidatun, Wakil Ketua TP PKK Kota Yogyakarta, Pada evaluasi ini Kelurahan Keparakan menyajikan berbagai program unggulan wilayah, antara lain : Program Kampanye Anti Tembakau, Program pengolahan sampah dengan sistem komposter, gosok gigi, cuci tangan dan kesenian dari anak-anak PAUD. Serta simbolis penanaman pohon rambutan dan mangga sebagai ikon pohon di Kelurahan Keparakan.

Dalam mendukung kegiatan ini TP PKK Kota Yogyakarta juga telah melakukan berbagai kegiatan, yaitu : Lomba ketertiban Pondokan, Sosialisasi UU Pemilu bagi kader PKK, Monitoring kelompok lansia, Gebyar PAUD, Sosialisasi Pengolahan Sampah dan Biopori, Lomba Menu Balita Sehat, dan desiminasi perawatan selama kehamilan dalam acara sarasehan kiat sehat bagi ibu hamil, imbuh Ibu yang akrab disapa Bu Anna Haryadi ini.

Mengangkat tema ‘Dengan Kesatuan Gerak PKK KB-Kes kita lakukan Aksi Nyata untuk Mewujudkan Keluarga Kecil Sehat Bahagia’ kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pemberdayaan masyarakat dan kerjasama lintas sektor dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan kesatuan Gerak PKK KB Kesehatan. Diharapkan dengan kegiatan ini akan meningkatkan jumlah kelompok dasawisma dan posyandu dengan kader yang memadai, meningkatkan cakupan layanan kesehatan dan KB bagi keluarga pra sejahtera, meningkatkan jumlah rumah tangga ber PHBS dan meningkatkan kualitas pemberdayaan dan ketahanan keluarga. Dalam kunjungannya ke wilayah kampung Keparakan Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas berkesempatan melakukan simbolis program penanaman pohon rambutan dan mangga.

Kegiatan HKG KB Kes ini nantinya akan dipilih Pelaksana Terbaik Posyandu, Pelaksana Terbaik Lingkungan Bersih dan Sehat, serta Pelaksana Terbaik PHBS di rumah tangga. Masing-masing kategori terpilih dari Kabupaten/Kota akan mewakili propinsi dalam penilaian di tingkat pusat.

Amankan Natal dan Tahun Baru

2008-12-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

AmaNkan Natal dan Tahun Baru; Polda DIY Gelar Operasi Lilin Progo 2008
13/12/2008

Polda DIY menerjunkan 1.900 personel atau 2/3 kekuatan yang ada diseluruh Polres maupun Poltabes Yogya, untuk mendukung pelaksanaan Operasi Lilin Progo 2008. Keseluruhan personel tersebut, akan diterjunkan H-7 sebelum Natal hingga H+7 setelah Tahun Baru. "Tujuan digelarnya operasi ini adalah untuk memberikan rasa aman bagi masyarakat yang merayakan Natal maupun perayaan Tahun Baru,"ujar Kabid Humas Polda DIY AKBP Hj Anny Pudjiastuti dalam keterangan persnya, Jumat (12/12).
Disamping itu, lanjut Anny, operasi tersebut juga bertujuan untuk mengoptimalkan berbagai operasi pengamanan rutin lainnya seperti operasi pencurian dengan pemberatan (curat), pencurian kendaraan bermotor (curanmor), pencurian dengan kekerasan (curas), narkoba maupun operasi rutin lainnya yang dilaksanakan untuk menekan angka kriminalitas. Tempat ibadah seperti gereja, merupakan salah satu prioritas polisi, dalam melakukan pengamanan.
"Selain tempat ibadah, pusat keramaian seperti halnya pusat perbelanjaan, tempat wisata dan tempat umum lainnya juga menjadi prioritas dalam pengamanan,"paparnya.
Dalam melakukan pengamanan, keseluruhan personel itu akan dibagi perwilayah sesuai dengan wilayah hukum masing-masing. Dari Polda akan diturunkan 500 personel, Poltabes 400 personel, Polres Sleman 350, Bantul 250, sementara Polres Gunungkidul dan Kulonprogo masing-masing 200 personel.
Namun demikian, Polda DIY mengaku masih akan menunggu kepastian dari Mabes Polri, mengenai kepastian operasi tersebut digelar. "Berangkat dari pengalaman tahun sebelumnya, kemungkinan besar operasi akan dilaksanakan H-7 sebelum Natal, hingga H+7 sesudah Tahun Baru," ungkapnya.
Guna mendukung polisi dalam menciptakan keamanan selama pelaksanaan Natal dan Tahun Baru, masyarakat diharapkan turut serta membantu langkah tersebut. Diantaranya dengan menciptakan keamanan dilingkungan masing-masing dan tidak melakukan hal-hal yang dapat merugikan orang lain. (*-6)-f

Wayang Sebagai Alat Pemersatu Bangsa

2008-12-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Sabtu, 13 Desember 2008, 12:43 WIB

Wayang merupakan salah satu unsur jati diri bangsa Indonesia dan mampu membangkitkan rasa solidaritas menuju persatuan. Wayang mempunyai peran yang bermakna dalam kehidupan dan pembangunan budaya khususnya guna membentuk watak bangsa. Oleh karena itu usaha untuk melestarikan dan mengembangkan kesenian wayang harus terus menerus ditingkatkan.

Pada tahun 2008 ini Festival Wayang Indonesia ke-2 diselenggarakan di Yogyakarta setelah Surabaya yang menjadi tuan rumah pada Festival wayang Indonesia pertama. Acara ini adalaha sebuah perhelatan akbar dibidang kebudayaan yang diprakrasai oleh PEPADI (Persatuan Pedalangan Indonesia) didukung SENA WANGI (Sekretariat Nasional Wayang Indonesia) dan mitra wayang.

Dalam sambutannya, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X mengatakan bahwa ada empat nilai yang tersirat dalam hakekat wayang yaitu, wayang bernapaskan keluasaan pandangan yang mengedepankan dialog dalam perbedaan, wayang bernapaskan toleransi terhadap pluralitas untuk menerima komunitas lain, wayang mengandung kadar kemanusiaan yang dapat memperlihatkan kenyataan bahwa dalam kelas sosial ada orang baik da orang buruk, wayang bukan sederetan ajaran teoritis melainkan wayang berbicara lewat contoh konkrit. "Wayang adalah wahana untuk meningkatkan harkat dan martabat manusia menjadi lebih bermutu," tambahnya.

Dalam perhelatan akbar ini akan diselenggarakan Sidang APA (ASEAN Puppetry Association) dan MUNAS V PEPADI yang berlangsung pada tanggal 13-17 Desember 2008. Festival Wayang Indonesia ini kan diselenggarakan di Taman Budaya Yogyakarta dengan menampilkan delapan belas peserta dari Komda-komda PEPADI dari Provinsi : Kalimantan Timur, Sumatera Barat, Jawa Barat, Banten, Jawa Tengah, Lampung, Kalimantan Barat, Riau, Bengkulu, Jambi, Nusa Tenggara Barat, D.I. Yogyakarta, Sumatera Selatan, Kalimantan Tengah, Sumatera Utara, Papua, Jawa Timur, Kalimantan Selatan.

Kegiatan ini diharapkan ikut memberi sumbangsih dalam membangun budaya bangsa dan menjadikan wayang menjadi alat persatuan antar bangsa dan membangun budi pekerti bangsa. "Festival Wayang Indonesia ini memiliki peran yang strategis dalam pelestarian dan pengembangan wayang, utamanya untuk para dalang," pungkas Solichin, Ketua Umum SENA WANGI.

SBY Akan Resmikan Taman Pintar Yogyakarta

2008-12-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

Jumat, 5 Desember 2008, 11:03 WIB

Setelah dibangun sejak 2003 lalu, saat ini Taman Pintar Yogyakarta telah memasuki tahap siap untuk diresmikan. Rencananya, peresmiannya akan dilakukan oleh Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono pada pertengahan Desember mendatang.

"Saat ini, Taman Pintar Yogyakarta sudah dalam tahap well prepared. Rencananya sekitar 16 Desember nanti akan diresmikan oleh Presiden SBY," kata Wakil Walikota Yogyakarta, Haryadi Suyuti beberapa waktu lalu.

Taman seluas 1,2 hektar ini, selain berisikan sejumlah wahana bermain yang mendidik bagi anak, juga akan ada memorabilia presiden Republik Indonesia pertama hingga terakhir.

"Selain wahana rekreasi edukatif, di Taman Pintar juga ada memorabilia presiden RI yang pernah menjabat dari Sukarno hingga SBY," ujarnya.

Nantinya, selain menjadi museum, Taman Pintar ini diharapkan akan menjadi wahana pengenalan khususnya bagi anak-anak untuk bermimpi menjadi orang yang berguna bagi nusa dan bangsa. "Tak hanya sebagai museum, tapi juga sebagai pengenalan bagi anam bahwa semua orang bisa saja jadi presiden," katanya.

Tak hanya itu, bangunan yang memakan dana hingga Rp 70 miliar ini juga akan terdapat masing-masing cetakan tangan dan kaki presiden yang pernah menjabat di negara ini.

Terletak di kawasan pusat Kota Yogyakarta, taman Pintar Yogyakarta adalah sebuah wahana wisata baru untuk anak-anakyang dibangun sebagai wahana ekpresi, apresiasi dan kreasi dalam suasana yang menyenangkan. Dengan moto mencerdaskan dan menyenangkan, taman ini ingin menumbuhkembangkan minat anak dan generasi muda terhadap sains melalui imajinasi, percobaan, dan pemainan dalam rangka pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Indonesia yang berkualitas.

Bank in Yogyakarta

2008-11-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

Understanding of the Bank

In general, the bank is a business body that has the authority and functions to raise funds for the general public to the need of these funds. Here below are the various types and banks in Indonesia and its definition of the meaning / understanding of each bank.

Type of Bank:

1. Central Bank

The central bank is a bank that was established by Act 13 of 1968, which has a duty to set the circulation of money, set up funds, manage banking, Perkreditan manage, maintain currency stability, a printing / additions currency rupiah and others. The central bank as there is only one center from which all banks in Indonesia.

2. Commercial Banks

The Bank is the common currency of financial institutions offer various services, products and services to the community as a function of channeling funds directly from the public in various forms, provide credit to the community that need, buy and sell foreign currency / foreign exchange, sell insurance, services, giro, services check, receive care valuables, and others.

3. People's Credit Bank

People's Bank is supporting the bank has limited operational areas, and funds owned by a limited service also provides kridit such as loan amount is limited, accept deposits of the public, provides financing to the principles for the results, the placement of funds in the SBI / certificate bank indonesia, time deposits, certificates / securities, savings, and others.

Bank location in Jogja :
Bank Bukopin
Jl. Mayor Suryotomo 23 Yogyakarta
(0274) 561298

Bank Bukopin Diponegoro
Jl. P. Diponegoro 111 Yogyakarta
(0274) 513525

Bank Bukopin Kalisahak
Jl. Kalisahak 28 Yogyakarta
(0274) 546417

Bank Bukopin Yos Sudarso
Jl. Yos Sudarso No. 9 Yogyakarta
(0274) 546828

Bank Danamon Babarsari
Jl. Babarsari 43 Depok, Yogyakarta
(0274) 485219

Bank Danamon KCP Simanjuntak
Jl. C. Simanjuntak 67 Yogyakarta
(0274) 524872

Bank Danamon KCP Urip Sumoherjo
Jl. Jend. Urip Sumoharjo 123 Yogyakarta
(0274) 560447

Bank Danamon Yogyakarta
Jl. P. Diponegoro 97 Yogyakarta
(0274) 565053

Bank Duta I
Jl. Jend Sudirman 52 Yogyakarta
(0274) 524579

Bank Duta II
Jl. Urip Sumoharjo 103
(0274) 521464

Bank Duta Kaliurang
Jl. Kaliurang Km. 14 Pakem Sleman
(0274) 895911

Bank Niaga
Jl. Jend. Sudirman no. 13 Yogyakarta
(0274) 565338

Bank Niaga Cik DI Tiro
Jl. Cik DI Tiro no. 7 Yogyakarta
(0274) 549291

BCA Cabang Yogyakarta
Jl. Jend. Sudirman 65 Yogyakarta
(0274) 586455

BCA KCP Katamso
Jl. Brigjen Katamso 141 Yogyakarta
(0274) 385184

BCA KCP Magelang
Jl. Magelang 128 Yogyakarta
(0274) 560118

BCA KCP Mangkubumi
Jl. Pangeran Mangkubumi 5-7
(0274) 566725

BCA Urip Sumoharjo
Jl. Urip Sumoharjo 49 Yogyakarta
(0274) 586876
BII Cabang Yogyakarta
Jl. Sudirman 48 Yogyakarta
(0274) 561416, 562269

BNI Kantor Cabang UGM Yogyakarta
Jalan Kaliurang KM. 4 Bulaksumur blok H no. 4 Yogyakarta
(0274) 561019, 561016, 561137

BNI Kantor Cabang Yogyakarta
Jl. Trikora No. 1 Yogyakarta
(0274) 562254

BPD Kantor Cabang Yogyakarta
Jl. Tentara Pelajar 7 Yogyakarta
(0274) 561614

BRI Kancapem Bantul
Jl. Gajah Mada no. 1 Bantul
(0274) 567433, 567312

BRI Kancapem Katamso
Jl. BrigJen Katamso no. 21 Yogyakarta
(0274) 586555, 586119

BRI Kancapem Sleman
Jl. Magelang km 7,2 Sleman Yogyakarta
(0274) 568418

BRI Kantor Cabang Yogyakarta
Jl. Cik Di Tiro No. 3 Yogyakarta
(0274) 561935, 563439

Lippo Bank Yogyakarta
Jl. Jend Sudirman Yogyakarta
(0274) 561361, 562616

Starred Hotel in Yogyakarta

2008-11-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

Starred Hotel in Yogyakarta

Hotel Ibis Malioboro Yogyakarta

Jl. Malioboro No. 52-58, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Saphir Hotel Yogyakarta

Jl. Laksda Adisucipto 38 Yogyakarta, Indonisia

Dusun Jogja Village Inn Hotel Yogyakarta

JL. Menukan 5, Karangkajen, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Grand Mercure Yogyakarta

Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.9, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Grand Quality Hotel

Jl. Laksda Adisucipto 48 Yogyakarta
(0274)565005, Fax : (0274)565009

Hotel Airlangga

Jl. Prawirotaman No. 6-8 Yogyakarta
(0274) 378044

Hotel Cakra Kembang

Jl. Kaliurang Km 5 Catur Tunggal Yogyakarta
(0274)563088

Hotel Ishoro Kencana

Jl. Kaliurang Caturtunggal Depok Sleman Yogyakarta
(0274)520240, Fax : (0274)520240

Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar Yogyakarta
(0274)869123, Fax : (0274)869588

Inna Garuda

Jl. Malioboro No. 60 Yogyakarta
(0274) 566353 Faks: (0274) 563074

Jayakarta Hotel

Jl. Laksda Adisucipto Km, 8 PO BOX 90 Yogyakarta
(0274)448418, Fax : (0274)485415

Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel

Jl. Affandi Gejayan Yogyakarta
(0274)586720, Fax : (0274)584200

Prambanan Village

Jalan Solo Tamanmartani Kalasan Sleman
(0274)496354

Puri Artha

Jl. Cendrawasih No 36 Yogyakarta
(0274)563288, Fax : (0274)562765

River Castle

Jl. Laksda Adisucipto Km, 8
(0274)489626

Sahid Raya Yogyakarta

Jl. Babarsari Depok Yogyakarta
(0274)488888, Fax : (0274)588888

Santika Hotel Yogyakarta

Jl Jend. Sudirman 19 Yogyakarta 5523 Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Sejahtera Family Hotel

Jl. Pringgodani 22 Demangan Baru Yogyakarta
(0274)519339, Fax : (0274)519338

Sheraton Mustika Ratu

Jl. Laksda Adisucipto Km, 8,7
(0274)485085, Fax : (0274)489009

Insurance

2008-11-11T04:09:00.000-08:00

Definitions Insurance

As we know one way of dealing with risk is considered a risk to the insurance company. This is considered as the most important methods in an effort to cope with risk. Therefore many people believe that the same risk management with insurance. In circumstances that are not actually the case.

Insurance means the insurance transactions, which involve the two parties, insured and the insurer. Where is the underwriter to ensure the insured, that he will get a reimbursement of losses that may dideritanya, as a result of an event, which will not necessarily occur or which can not be determined when / when the occurrence. As kontraprestasinya I ask the insured to pay a sum of money to the underwriter, prosen about the amount of the value of the insurance, which is called the "premium".

Viewed from some angles, then the insurance goal and have the technical breakthrough that divers, among others:
a. In terms of economy, then:
The goal:
reduce the uncertainties of the results of the business done by a person or company in order to meet the needs or achieve goals.
Tekniknya:
how to transfer the risk with the other parties and other parties to combine a number of risks that is large enough, so it can be estimated with a more appropriate amount of possible losses.

b. From the point of law, then:
The goal:
The move risks faced by an object or a business activity to other parties.
Tekniknya:
through premium payments by the insured to the insurer in the compensation contract (insurance policy), then switch to the charge of risk.

c. The terms of Commerce, then:
The goal:
share the risks to all participants of the insurance program.
Tekniknya:
move the risk from the individual / company to financial institutions in the risk management (insurance company), who will share the risk insurance to all participants who ditanganinya.

d. From the point of Social Development, then:
The goal:
bear the loss together among all the participants of the insurance program.
Tekniknya:
all members of the group (group members) program to provide insurance contribution (in the form of premium) to help the loss suffered by one / several of its members.

e. From mathematical terms, then:
The goal:
predict the magnitude of potential risk and the results of prediction is used to divide the primary risk to all participants (a group of participants) insurance program.
Tekniknya:
calculate the amount based on the theoretical possibility possibility ( "Probability Theory"), done by actuaries and by the underwriter.

Insurance locations in Jogja :

PT. Asuransi Jasa Indonesia (Persero) Yogyakarta
Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 61
Yogyakarta - 55225
Tlp. : (0274) 561956, 512178
Fax. : (0274) 561956
Email : yogyakarta@jasindonet.com
Bumi Putera Cabang YOGYAKARTA
Alamat : JL.JEND.SUDIRMAN NO.28-30YOGYAKARTA - D.I.Y.55232
Telp : 0274-586357-518591-2
Fax :
E-mail :

PT. Prudential Life Assurance
Kantor Pusat :
Prudential Centre
Menara Thamrin PO Box 1805/JKS
Jl. MH Thamrin Kav. 3 Jakarta 12018, Indonesia
Jakarta 10250, Indonesia E-mail :
Telp : (6221) 398-30-300 customer.idn@prudential.co.id
Fax : (6221) 398-30-207

Giwangan

2008-11-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

Giwangan, the Biggest Type-A Bus Station in Indonesia

When you travel to Yogyakarta by bus, most possibly you will stop at Giwangan terminal. This bus stop that is the biggest type-A terminal in Indonesia is located in an area with the same name of it. Starting to function since 2 years ago, this terminal becomes transit place for buses connecting Yogyakarta with other big cities in Indonesia such as Bali, Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Medan, Riau and Mataram.

This luxurious terminal that was built at tens million Indonesian Rupiah replaces the past Umbulharjo terminal. This new terminal is superior to the past one in many aspects. In addition to wider location, this terminal also has complete facilities. There is subway for passengers to get down from buses, separate parking lot for inter-city and city buses, gift shops, comfortable waiting room and praying room.

Getting down of the bus at the subway, a welcome board will greet you in block C entrance. Entering the block, you will encounter some small restaurants selling various menus, such as gudeg, Padang food, chicken soup, etc. Cleanliness of this terminal is maintained so well that makes you comfortable to have your meals there.

After having your meals, you can go upstairs to the waiting room in the second floor while waiting someone to pick you up, for example. There is a television set accompanying you while you are waiting; or, you can buy either magazines or newspaper in the shops nearby. For Moslems, they can say their prayer in a mosque at the north corner of the waiting room. At certain occasion, you can even get free health check-up.

Close to the waiting room, in block E, you can buy special food of Yogyakarta such as geplak, bakpia, yangko and intip. Telecommunication facility provides you with telephone and facsimile services. If you want to continue your trip, you can reserve your bus or travel tickets in some travel agents in block M. In order to get reasonable prices for either your gifts or your tickets, you need to be keen on selecting appropriate shop or agent.

If you want to go to your hotel or in-town tourism objects directly, you need to turn left after getting down of the bus passing through block C in order to get city bus. To get to Yogyakarta kingdom and Malioboro, you may take line 4 and 9. On the other hand, if you want to find a lodging in Prawirotaman, Sosrowijayan and Sosrokusuman, you can take line 2 and 15. The tariff of city bus is relatively cheap, namely 2,000 Rupiah per route.

Borobudur temple is reachable by bus that is usually available in the parking lot at the right side of block C. There, you can also get the bus to Prangtritis and Samas beaches, Kaliurang and Prambanan temple. For a distance of 30 kilometers, the fare is 15,000 Rupiah maximum. Each parking lot is completed with signboard telling the routes of each bus line.

Exiting the terminal, you will see traditional means of transportation, namely cart and pedicab. Its characteristic is seen from the design of the cart and pedicab that is different from ones in other cities. The horse cart, for example, has four wheels with bigger body compared to the horse cart in other cities with only two wheels. For relax trip, horse cart and pedicab are appropriate choices. One of the tourism objects that you can reach fast by pedicab or horse cart is Kotagede as the center of silver handicraft.

For those who come to this terminal for the first time, they do not have to worry. Clear signboards will guide you which bus to take. You can also ask some officers who are on guard in some points.

Tamansari (Water Castle)

2008-11-05T06:35:00.002-08:00

Tamansari (Water Castle)

Formerly Tamansari was a recreation garden or a resting house for the Sultan and Family. The other resting houses including Warungboto, Manukberi, Ambarbingun, and Ambarrukmo functioned for the vacation and meditation for the royal family. The other function is used as hiding place for royal family to defend against the enemy assault.

Tamansari is located about 2 km south of Yogyakarta Palace. Built by Portuguese architect in European aquatic construction adorned with Javanese Symbolize ornaments. Tamansari was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I period in the end of XVII Century. Tamansari not only just a recreation, but it's also a compound of bathing pool, canals, rooms and extremerly large swimming pool (if the canals opened).

The Tamansari complex consist of:

The Sacred Room
There is the sacred place in the complex showing a separated building, which once functioned as a hermitage place for the Sultan and his family
The Bathing Pool
This part was formerly a pleasure place for the royal family. Consists of two bathing pool that are separated with a 2-storey building. From this building the Sultan watched all the women swimming in the outer pool. Then he might ask some of them to accompany him into the inner pool. The water sprouts from a forming animal statue into the pool. The pool is also adorned with some big flowerpot.
Kenanga or Cemeti Island
This part compounds of some building such as Kenanga or Cemeti Island (forming Island), Sumur Gemuling and underground tunnels.

This artificial island is a high building used as resting room and reconnoitering place. This will be the only building surfaced when the canals opened and the water over flew this area. From the higher place it like lotus floating in the middle of big pool.

Sumur Gemuling is building constructed in circle such a well (Javanese: sumur) where some rooms formerly used as praying room.

The tunnels in this area were underground passageways to the Sultan palace. The legend says about secret tunnel connecting to the south sea (Indian Ocean) where Nyai Roro Kidul or the Queen of the South has her palace. The supernatural Queen becomes the wife of Yogyakarta Sultan for many generations. This secret tunnels is gateway to the world where the Sultan meeting is supernatural wife. However the building also functioned as a hiding place for the royal family against the enemy attack.

Tamansari is an interesting place to visit. Besides the location is very closed to the Sultan palace, Tamansari has it owned speciality in attraction reflecting in some unimpaired ancient building and its atmosphere as the main tourist object of Yogyakarta.

There is Masjid Sokotunggal, a unique mosque with a single pillar that is different from Javanese traditional architecture. Although built in the early of XX century, the mosque gives another attraction of this area. Kampung Taman that lies in the Tamansari complex nearby known for the batik craft. Visitor can buy or watch handmade process for both batik painting and batik clothes. Therefore people from all over Indonesia and abroad have visited this village. Not for from Tamansari is Ngasem traditional market, the biggest bird market in Yogyakarta. All of those attractions have made Tamansari become one of main tourist object in Yogyakarta besides Yogyakarta palace.

Tugu Railway Station

2008-11-05T06:35:00.001-08:00

Tugu Railway Station, One of the Oldest Train Stops in Indonesia

It is likely no other railway station that is located as strategically as Tugu railway station. It lies in the center of Yogyakarta city, close to traditional and modern shopping centers; it only takes a little time to reach five-star and budget hotels and it is close to some tourism objects. One other thing that most people neglect is that this station turns to have tourism potential because of its characteristic building and more than a century of its age.

Tugu railway station started to serve transportation need since 2 May 1887, around 15 years after Lempuyangan station, another railway station in Yogyakarta that is located to the east of Tugu station. The construction of Tugu station was part of the efforts by the Dutch government by that time to distribute crops in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Passengers service from this station as one of the oldest railway stations in Indonesia began to function since 1 February 1905 and the first out-of-town line was to Surakarta that was built in 1899.

Starting as a small station, now Tugu station becomes one of the biggest railway stations in Indonesia. With 6 train lines, this railway station serves transportation from almost all big cities in Java. More than 20 train departures and arrivals - economy class, business and executive ones - occur everyday. There are various options for train types and time departures to go to a certain city.

Being built during the Dutch colonial time, the architecture of the building is so close to European nuance. Getting down from the train, you will directly notice it from the big doors in brown color and the high roof accentuated with robust walls painted in white. You can enjoy the original shape of the building from the front view. The building looks so great with big entrance and two high roofs sheltering two platforms on the north and south sides of the main building.

Unlike other big railway stations that function as a place for transit, Tugu railway station still preserves its function as a place of train maintenance. For the reason, you have an opportunity to wander about the corners of the station to see technician activities and to trace the oldness of this railway station. Some of the workers know well about the history of this station so that they can be good sources of information.

If you walk to the west part of the station, you will get to the place for locomotive maintenance. You will admire details of components in a locomotive. You can even observe the lower part of a locomotive since there is a ladder that enables you to reach the lower part of it. An old, black train monument can be another object to enjoy.

Walking a little bit to the south of the place, you will come to an area where compartments are maintained. You can see them from distant through the iron fence painted in blue-white colors. Looking above, you will see a train part that is located on top of a yellow tower. That part that has been utilized since the Dutch time is a crane that functions to connect train compartments. When you walk to the north, you will see workers cleaning the trains.

If you arrive in the afternoon, take your time to stand in between line 4 and 6 and look westwards. Beautiful scenery of the dusk will be seen on bright days, combined with railways that look like lines and finally end as a dot. The train crane and singing street musicians complete the exotic scenery of the dusk.

Then, you can start your tour in Yogyakarta after you are satisfied to enjoy the beauty of this railway station. You can travel by pedicab to go to Yogyakarta Sultan's Palace and to buy bakpia - special cake of Yogyakarta - in Pathuk. For farther travel, you can travel by public bus or taxi. If you want to go shopping directly, you just need to walk along the Malioboro Street that is located right to the south of the railway station.

Sosrowijayan

2008-11-05T06:34:00.001-08:00

Sosrowijayan, a Tourist Kampong in the City Center of Yogyakarta

Walking about 200 meters southwards from Tugu railway station, along Malioboro Street, you will find Sosrowijayan kampong. A plank at the corner of the small street with the same name on it leads you to the area. Connecting Dagen Street and Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan is split into two areas, namely East Sosrowijayan and West Sosrowijayan. Later, East Sosrowijayan is known as the second famous tourist kampong in Yogyakarta after Prawirotaman.

Arriving at the T-junction of the street named after the past authority of the area (Sosrowijoyo), you will be greeted friendly by pedicab drivers. Usually, they will assist you to get lodgings or take a mini tour along Malioboro Street or to get bakpia (the special snack of this city) at Pathok area by riding their pedicab. Many guides will readily assist you to get lodgings, for example. They will tell you many things about places of interests in Yogyakarta, too.

Entering Sosrowijayan area, you will see an old building functioning as a lodging, namely Aziatic Hotel. The building that was built during the Dutch colonization has typical European architecture. The building has white wall with three doors and some supporting pillars on the front side, while the name of the hotel is directly embossed to the wall in black color. Once, this hotel was used as the shooting location of 'Daun di Atas Bantal (The Leaf on A Pillow)' film that was shown in Cannes Film Festival.

Entering the first alley, there are two bookshops. Most of the works sold there are novels in English; some of them are in Indonesian language. You can freely select or just take a quick reading of the content since they are all unwrapped. Even though most of them are used ones, physical quality of the books is preserved so well that they are worth collecting. The prices vary but they are definitely cheaper than those in bookshops.

If you want to be able to make batik, you can take a course offered by a lodging in the second alley. Close to the lodging, there is a batik studio managed by a local inhabitant. The style of the batik in this studio is painting batik, just like the ones you find in Taman kampong, near Tamansari Water Castle. The superiority of painting batik lies of its colors and temporary design.

As a kampong for tourists, there must be many guesthouses there. Different from the ones in Prawirotaman, the guesthouses and lodgings in this kampong are among local people's houses since most of them are in the alleys of the kampong. If you want to stay in more a private lodging, you can choose one among many hotels alongside Sosrowijayan Street. The tariff of the lodgings in this kampong that is located to the south of Pasar Kembang area is not different from that in Prawirotaman.

In the afternoon, while relaxing after wandering about Yogyakarta, you can enjoy the life of local children. Usually, girls will play rope jump or other traditional children games and boys gather in a certain place to have a chat. Meanwhile, the young people play guitar while singing Indonesian hit songs. They are members of Maliboro Art Community that in certain occasions they perform on stages.

Tour travels are also available in Sosrowijayan. Moneychanger, internet connection, telecommunication booth, motorcycle and car rental are all available for your convenience. When you are hungry, you can just go to dining places opened by local inhabitants. At the end of the first alley, for example, there is a simple dining place yet many foreign tourists come to have meals. Traditional cuisine such as fried noodle, stir-fried vegetables with chili and other delicious dishes are served. Some restaurants serve steak and other menus at affordable prices.

In the evening time, Sosrowijayan gets more vivid. Many young people gather at the street sides while some cafes tune live music as an alternative amusement. In combination with the nightlife of Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan becomes vivid. A small warong under an orange tent that local people call angkringan is a nice place to have a talk. While chatting, you can enjoy tea, ginger beverage, or the other delicious menus at very cheap prices.

Sosrokusuman

2008-11-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

Sosrokusuman, from Cheap Logding to Wayang Kancil

Blend of kampong nuance and metropolitan nuance can be found in Sosrokusuman. People's houses that stand close one to each other and small stalls are contiguous with modern Malioboro mall. Located in the heart of Yogyakarta city, Sosrokusuman has been transit place for tourists visiting the second tourism city in Indonesia.

This kampong stretches southwards from Malioboro mall to Mutiara hotel. A simple gate signs that you are entering this kampong. There are two small alleys to enter this area. The first alley is right to the south of Malioboro mall and the other one is further to the south of the first one.

In the first alley, there are many food stalls. Nasi rames, pecel, kupat tahu and soto ayam are examples of the menus available. You only have to pay around 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah including the drink for each menu. Some retails run by local inhabitants also provides you with daily needs.

Entering into the kampong connecting Malioboro Street to Mataram Street, you will find many lodgings most of which form is losmen (inn). The tariff is 250,000 Rupiah per night at most. The atmosphere of the inns is relaxing. One of the inns at the end of the second alley, for example, provides relaxing setting outdoors with wooden chairs and a mini cafe.

If you get to the end of the first ally and you turn right, you will find some gift kiosks. They sell typical snacks and food of Yogyakarta such as geplak, the colorful, sweet snack made of grates of coconut mixed with sugar and flavors), tape ketan (fermented stick rice in green color), ting-ting (sugar caramel mixed with peanut), bakpia (made of flour filled with mung bean, cheese, chocolate or others.

If you want to buy souvenirs, please go to the second alley. On of the local people sell interesting souvenirs such as colorful candles, wooden puppet, etc. In front of the first alley, there is a kiosk selling hat, T-shirt and bandana at reasonable price. The design is quite interesting. T-shirt with the writing Yogyakarta or with picture of Borobudur temple and colorful bandana with batik motif are available here.

In Sosrokusuman, you can also make an acquaintance with an activist of wayang kancil (a kind of puppet of which script originated from Surakarta for development of Islam), namely Mr. Ledjar Subroto. The characters he creates have been kept in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or the beautiful miniature of Indonesia in Jakarta and in foreign countries such as Netherlands, Germany, America, Japan, and Australia. Puppet shows in different countries also involved Ledjar as the conceiver. Wayang Kancil that is developed by this gentleman from Bondowoso has been education curriculum in some countries to embed moral teaching.

Other form of art that you can enjoy is mural painting in some walls of the second alley. The painting gives different nuance from other kampongs. If you want to see other mural painting, you can find it in the north of Malioboro mall. Isn't it strategic to start your tour from Sosrokusuman?

Madukismo Sugar Factory

2008-11-05T06:32:00.001-08:00

Madukismo Sugar Factory and the Iron of Kwai River Bridge in Thailand

Visiting Madukismo Sugar Factory, you will feel the nuance of the early industry era. An old, big building with vast yard, old machineries and the railway track used for flatcar to transport sugarcane will greet you and stress such an impression. This factory offers tour enjoyment that is different from others. You can make an appointment first with the management of the company in order to enjoy Madukismo Agro Tourism is tour package since it is not done anytime.

When you come to the factory area, you will see Madu Chandya building that is located close to the factory. Then, you will be guided to know the making process of sugar from the sugarcane and the methylated spirit as the side product of sugar. The explanation is given by utilizing audiovisual equipments in order to make the presentation interesting.

A short journey on an old train can be made after the presentation. You will be able to feel the nuance of a travel in the past when you are in the compartment of the old train driven by diesel machine made in Germany. The old train will bring you around the factory area and the sugar can plantation close to the factory.

Getting down from the train, you will go to the location of the factory. If you come in May - September, you will be able to see the processes of sugar production directly. The processes include molasses tapping, molasses distillation, molasses evaporation, crystallization, sugar stirring and packaging. While observing the production process, you can look at the old machines used in the factory.

Exiting the location of sugar factory, you can go to methylated spirit factory of Madukismo that is located at the west of the sugar factory. In the factory that was built in the same time as the sugar factory, you will see the processes of the spirit production that include raw material dilution, fermentation and distillation. Methylated spirit and other alcohol products produced by this factory are processed from molasses, side product of sugar production.

If you have completed your tour in the factory, you should not rush home. You can still enjoy many things around the factory area. Tracking the route of sugar cane transportation through sugar cane field and villages in Bantul area is an interesting to do. To the east of the factory, you can also see old train compartments that are not functional anymore.

The used irons from this factory location were brought to Thailand to construct Kwai River bridge, the bride connecting Thailand to Burma as the battle location during the Second World War and was filmed on The Bridge of the Kwai River that won 7 Oscars in 1957, included the Best Movie award. Now, the bridge that was built using the used irons from Madukismo Sugar Factory becomes one of the main tour destinations in Thailand to commemorate the raid by the allied Forces and the forced labors.

If you come at the early time of sugarcane pressing (May-September), you will see the ritual of cembengan done by the workers and the community around the factory. The ritual is intended to wish the best luck for the sugarcane pressing to be done smoothly. During the ritual, you can see the bride and bridegroom sugarcanes, the first sugarcane pressing, jathilan performance, community market, plantation of buffalo's and cow's heads, offerings, reading of Koran holy verses and night-long performance of leather puppet show. If you want to leave for Kasongan village that is located some kilometers from the factory you can travel southwards.

Pecinan

2008-11-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

Chinese Area in Yogyakarta, Historical Trading Area

Many people pass by this area when they walk southwards of Malioboro Street. Its enchantment, however, is sometimes neglected when people are absorbed in shopping. This kampong is named Pecinan or Chinese Kampong of which street name is now changed to Jalan Ahmad Yani. Passing through this street, you will see many shops and kiosks of tens years old.

Your journey can start from the side of the kampong, on the road beside Batik Terang Bulan shop to be exact. Arriving at the first alley, you may turn left to find legendary Chinese medication shop. There used to be a healer in the shop who could cure broken bones only with powder mixed from medication plants that was stuck to the skin surface of part of the body of which bones were broken.

Walking eastwards of the alley, you will find kiosks selling goods and services most of which are painted white. One of them is a Chinese traditional teeth kiosk offering teeth whitening service, teeth accessories installation in order to beautify them and other services to make them more interesting. The kiosk is painted light yellow with picture of teeth on its big front window.

In addition to the teeth kiosk, there are other kiosks selling Chinese cuisine such as noodle, cap cay, kwe tiau and so on. Other kiosks sell cakes materials, clothes materials, accessories and daily needs.

From Terang Bulan shop, if you walk westwards, passing through Jalan Pajeksan, you will find similar kiosks. What special is that at the end of the street, there is a place where members of Fu Ching Organization gather. The members of the organization are Chinese Indonesians who live and trade in the area. At certain occasions, for example on Chinese New Year, the members hold Chinese traditional events.

After walking around the area, you can walk southwards from Batik Terang Bulan shop. You will find a bakery named 'Djoen'. Since almost a hundred years ago, the shop of which complete name is 'Perusahaan Roti dan Kuwe Djoen' has been pride of Yogyakarta citizens. The age of the shop can be seen clearly if you stand across the street while looking at the name of the shop that is on its wall as the characteristic of the shops in the area in the past. Now, the products adapt market taste yet preserving some special cakes such as pillow cake, namely flat, oval unsweetened bread with sesames spread over.

Arriving at the Lor Pasar area or the north side of Beringharjo market, you will find traditional kiosks selling various needs, from electronics, sewing instruments and clothes accessories, cooking utensils to gold accessories. This place is famous with Yogyakarta citizens as the place to get goods at cheap prices. Some of the kiosks sell antique things.

A Chinese area located across Beringharjo market, there is an old medicine store called "Toko Obat Bah Gemuk". Various traditional Chinese medicines with famous efficacy are sold there.

Even though the image of this Chinese area fades a little bit, the presence of some old kiosks make this area still interesting to visit.

Klitikan Market

2008-11-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Pasar Klithikan of Yogyakarta, Hunting Unique, Used Things

A busy trading atmosphere is clearly seen along the west side of Mangkubumi Street at night. The place is central of used things trading named Pasar Klithikan or Klithikan market that was named after the sound 'klithik' of the things when the sellers throw the merchandises. Every night, the sellers spread their merchandises on a cloth or carpet with traditional lamp called teplok as source of the light. Meanwhile, tens of people stand around to select the things they are going to buy.

There is no fixed information of the onset of such a market. However, the name 'Klithikan' was initially known by Yogyakarta people since 1960s when economy was getting worse. The peak of the market that is located close to Tugu Yogyakarta was after the economy crisis in 1998. More sellers offer their merchandises and more people come to buy.

Pasar Klithikan in Mangkubumi is different from other markets for used things. It is superior in that its quality and uniqueness are well maintained. You can find old watches, old spectacles or contemporary items such as disc man, hand phone, motor spare parts, etc. at cheap prices. One watch can sell at 9,500 Indonesian Rupiah and an old hand phone can be bought at less than 100,000 Rupiah.

What attracts people is more that just used goods. Starting at seven o'clock in the evening, people begin to crowd the place. Usually, people look thoroughly at the goods before bargaining. Quite often, a buyer spends much time on bargaining to flatter the seller to give certain good to him.

Unlike in other used markets where you may only see people trade goods, here people may spend much time talking about certain item. Friendly conversation takes place between the seller and buyer. Sometimes, other buyers join in the discussion so that it looks like a social gathering. Big laughter and light curses makes the discussion vivid.

Other uniqueness of Pasar Klithikan is that there is no certainty of who are the sellers and who are the buyers. One person may positions as a seller at one time and a buyer at other time. If you have something unique, you can bring here and offer it to someone at the price you want to sell. Usually, the older the things the more expensive it will sell.

Although this market sells used goods, it does not necessarily determine that the visitors are of middle-below class only. From their appearance, we can see that they are from different social classes. Some of them come in T-shirts and shorts and some are neat and fashionable. They come for different intention from looking for economy-priced items to finding unique things for their collection.

With its entire nuance, Pasar Klithikan is worth judging as a tourism object and a place to spend your night. Second-hand merchandises are insufficient to negatively judge this market. The naming 'market' of this place is an added value since, actually, with no permanent building for trading, this place should be called sidewalk stall.

Please come and feel the characteristic nuance of this market. You might get something you are longing for without spending too much money, or meet with people of the same interest. If that happens to you, you will not forget the memory of visiting Yogyakarta.

Ngasem Market

2008-11-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

Ngasem, the Bird Market in Yogyakarta

Wandering about Ngasem market seems like a must after visiting Yogyakarta Sultan Palace. In addition to its location that is only 400 meters west of the Palace, this market will give important information on what was considered prestige in the past. After horses functioning as means of transportation and kris as a weapon, birds comes the third position as social status measurement. Ngasem Market offers various kinds of birds with their beautiful appearance and voice and the activities of the bird lovers there.

Evidence in the form of a photograph shows that Ngasem market with birds as its main commodity has been operating since 1809. Its location that is not far from the Kingdom was meant for the noblemen to access it easily. In around 1960s, this market was increasingly identical to birds when birds sellers from Beringharjo were moved to this place. It is not surprising that many tourists call this market a bird market since the area for selling birds occupies one third of the market width.

The area for birds trading is on the left side of the entrance. The turtledove that many noblemen bought in the past is still one of the main commodities of this market. Other best sellers are bulbuls, orioles, starlings and minas, parakeet and small local birds such as emprit and prenjak. An interesting bird that people rarely buy is owl of which child is sold at 35,000 Rupiah. One of the bird shops had even recently sold an eagle at 350,000 Rupiah. Besides selling birds, the shops also provide care equipments such as cage and feeds.

Ngasem Market has different nuance from other bird market. Here, visitors do not only enjoy the birds beauty but also animal show performed by birds lovers, for example demonstration of doves that return to its cage from distant flight and birds chirp contest. Sometimes, the visitors decided to spend some amount of money to buy birds by listening to the chirp in the contest first. The sellers use the event to train the birds to chirp or just to discuss about the technique of taking care of birds.

If you go around the market, you will see that many other animals than birds are sold here. Turning right from the birds block, you will come to a kiosk that sells snakes. The seller tells that the snakes were caught directly from its habitat. The snakes range from water snake to cobra and python. To look the animals in detail, please ask the sellers to take them out for you to inspect. In addition to snakes, the kiosk also sells various reptiles such as iguana and turtle. A small iguana is sold at 75,000 Rupiah and when it sells hundreds thousand when it is already big.

Walking westwards of the market, you will see many kiosks selling ornamental fish. The types and prices vary. Small fish that live in a colony is sold 1,000 each. Other ornamental fish are arwana and lou han sold at hundreds thousand. The kiosks also sell equipments for taking care of fish such as aquarium of various shapes, coral reefs, ornamental plants to be put in the aquarium and fish feeds. Some kiosks provide services for setting up sea fish cultivation.

Other animals than fish, bird, and snakes that are sold are dog, cat, civet, various kinds of chickens and rabbits with different fur colors. One kiosk sells hamster complete with its cage designed specifically in order to provide playground for it so that buyers will be able to see the behavior of the hamster that is similar to that of mice. In the middle of the market, many people sell crickets. Crickets are used as feeds for certain birds or by students to listen to its sound.

If you feel tired or hungry, just like other traditional markets do, Ngasem also provides you with traditional snacks. One of the special, traditional snacks is jenang gempol (round in shape, made from rice flour with rich flavor combined with coconut milk sauce and sweet palm sugar syrup) that is usually sold in front of the market. Other traditional snacks are getuk, lupis, thiwul, and gatot that all of which are made of cassava. Close to the bird kiosks, there are small dining places selling soto and nasi rames. For sure, the exploration to Ngasem Market will be enjoyable.

Kotagede Mosque

2008-11-05T06:28:00.000-08:00

Kotagede Mosque, the Oldest Mosque in Yogyakarta

Wandering through Kotagede will be complete only if you have visited the Kotagede Mosque, the oldest building for Moslems to say their prayer in Yogyakarta. This building is often skipped by tourists who are going to the cemetery complex of Mataram Kings, whereas in fact the building is not less enchanting. In fact, there are stories of the instruments in the mosque that was built in 1640s.

Before entering the complex of the mosque - in the parking area - you will see a banyan tree that has been there for hundreds years so that people name it "Waringin Sepuh" that means an old banyan tree. This tree will bring luck to anyone who is praying under it when he or she gets two leaves with one facing up and the other facing down.

Approaching the mosque complex, you will find a gateway. Right in front of the gate, there is wall in the shape of L letter. Some pictures symbolizing the kingdom are carved on it. Such buildings represent Sultan Agung's tolerance to local inhabitants who embraced Hinduism and Buddhism and took part in building the mosque.

Entering the mosque yard, you will see green inscription as high as 3 meters signifying mosque renovation done by Paku Buwono. The base of the inscription is of square form and on top of it is the crown as the symbol of Surakarta Kingdom. A clock functioning as time reference for praying is attached to the southern side of the inscription.

We learn from the inscription that Kotagede mosque was built in two stages. The first work done during Sultan Agung reign was small mosque that was called langgar because of the size. The second building was done by Paku Buwono X, the King of Surakarta Kingdom. The difference of those two building lies on the poles; the one built by Sultan Agung was with wooden poles while the other done by Paku Buwono X was with iron poles.

The main part of the mosque is of Javanese style namely limasan that is characterized by pyramid-form of the roof and two different rooms functioning as main room and verandah respectively.

You will see ditch encircling the mosque before you enter the main building of the mosque. It functions as drainage for the water flowing from a place where people take water from the north part of the mosque to clean them before praying. Now, the ditch functions as fishpond after being renovated with porcelains being fitted to the base of it. In order to ease people to enter the building, small bridge is constructed of woods arranged side by side.

Outside of the main building of the mosque, there is an old drum placed beside a kentongan (traditional Javanese wooden drum that is struck to sound alarm). The drum that is as old as the mosque was a present from Nyai Pringgit from Dondong village of Kulon Progo Regency. Thanks to her presence, her descendents were rewarded privilege to stay in the area around the mosque that later was named Dondongan. The drum is in use this time as time signal for praying.

There is a speaker platform made of finely carved wood inside the mosque, beside the place where imam leads the prayer. The platform was given by Sultan Agung who got it when he visited a Regent in Palembang on his return from Mecca. It is now rarely used in order to keep it from being damaged. For daily uses, people replace it with small platform.

Walking around the mosque, you will see different encircling walls. The left wall was constructed of bigger bricks in size with brighter color and marble-looking stone on the surface with Javanese writings on it. The other wall on the other part is of less bright bricks with smaller size and no decoration on it. The left wall was built during Sultan Agung reign while the other wall was the result of the renovation done by Paku Buwono X. The wall constructed during Sultan Agung reign was cemented by using the juice of sugar palm for stronger bound.

This old mosque still looks vivid to the present time. People make use of it form religious activities. When praying time comes, many people will come to it. After praying, many of them stay there to communicate to each other, to learn Koran or even to take a nap.

Malioboro

2008-11-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

Malioboro, Nostalgia in Souvenirs Paradise

Stretching on imaginary poles connecting Yogyakarta Sultan Palace, Tugu and the peak of Merapi Mountain, this street forms trading locality after Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I developed means of trading through traditional market since 1758. After 248 years, the place still persists as a trading area; it even becomes the icon of Yogyakarta, known as Malioboro.

Located around 800 meters from Yogyakarta Sultan Palace, this place was always crowded with flowers each time the Palace held ceremonies. Malioboro that in Sanskrit means bouquet serves as a basis for naming this street.

Framed by shops, offices, restaurants, star hotels and historical buildings, the street that once functioned as struggling center during the second Dutch military aggression in 1948 was once a place of wandering for the artists joining together in Persada Studi Klub (PSK) community led by Umbul Landu Paranggi since 1970s to around the end of 1990s.

Souvenirs Paradise

Enjoying shopping experience, hunting exclusive souvenirs of Jogja, tourists may walk on foot along the arcades of Malioboro Street. There are many vendors selling their merchandises, ranging from such local handicrafts as batik, rattan ornament, leather puppet, bamboo handicrafts (key holder, ornament lamp, and others) as well as blangkon (Javanese / Jogjanese traditional cap) and silver goods to general little things that you may find in other trading places. Along the arcade, tourists will not only enjoy shopping peacefully on sunny or rainy days but they also enjoy bargaining prices. If they are good at bargaining and have good luck, they will end up buying at third quarter or even half of the prices offered.

Do not forget to save energy. There is still one big traditional market tourists must visit. Well known as Pasar Beringharjo, this market provides complete traditional products in addition to similar goods sold along the arcade of Malioboro Street. In addition to local products of Jogja, products from neighboring areas such as Pekalongan batik and Solo batik are available. There are many choices of hand made batik, printed batik, window curtain with unique motifs and batik bed sheet. This place will satisfy the desire of buying unique goods at reasonable price.

Please make sure that you are not cheated by the offered prices. Usually, the vendors will increase the prices for tourists.

Vredeburg Fort and Gedung Agung

At the end of this "bouquet" street, tourists can drop by at Vredeburg Fort that is located across Gedung Agung. This fort was the Dutch protection basis from possible attacks by Yogyakarta Kingdom troops. Similar to other forts, this place built in 1765 is high, square walls confining the area inside with one monitoring tower in each of the four corners for patrolling purpose. From the tower at the southern part, YogYES took the opportunity to enjoy sceneries of the Sultan Palace and other historical buildings.

Malioboro Cross-Legged Food Vendors (Lesehan, Javanese Language)

When the sun sets in the west and at the same time the lights along the street and the arcade add more beauty to Malioboro, food sellers begin to set the cross-legged eating place. Special menu of Jogja such as Gudeg and Pecel Lele are served in addition to oriental cuisines and sea food as well as Padang cuisine of West Sumatra. The street singers will sing hit songs and memory songs for some small change.

For tourists who are going to try menus served along Malioboro Street, please do not hesitate to check the price list and confirm it to the seller to prevent illogical charge.

Visiting Yogyakarta, the city known as "The Javanese Culture Living Museum" will not be complete unless you pay a visit to the street that keeps various stories of Indonesian Nation struggle and crowded with various souvenirs. It is paradise for history lovers and souvenirs hunters. (YogYES.COM: R. Syah)

Lempuyangan-Flyover

2008-11-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

Mural Park under the Lempuyangan Flyover

The space under bridges or flyovers in many places might be identical with untidiness, disorder, and crime. Nonetheless, you should not consider the same thing when you come to the area under the Lempuyangan flyover since it becomes an alternative public space amid the scarcity of playground and public space in Yogyakarta. The area under the flyover that is located to the east of Lempuyangan (the oldest railway station in Yogyakarta) functions as a place to construct imagination.

It has been common views that little children accompanied by their parents are sitting relax in the area close to the railway crossbar. They hang around in a narrow, paved area to the north of the rails waiting for the train to pass by and spend the time joyfully. While waiting for the train, fathers of the children will lead their children to imagine the comfort making a tour exploring Java island on a train, while listening to the characteristic sound of the rotating wheels of the train.

Even though it is only an imagination, the children seem to be very happy with this activity. When YogYES visited this place a couple of days ago, a son with his father looked very happy when an executive train passed by. The son asked his father in Javanese language, "Pak kuwi sepur opo?" (What train is that, dad?), and the father seemed to guess the name of the train as an answer. After the train passed by, the son played again and asked, "Pak, mengko ono sepur sing liwat ora?" (Will there be another train passing by, dad?). And the son keeps on waiting for the next train to pass by.

Simple yet valuable; that is the imagination of going on a train. The imagination is able to stimulate happiness and sooth weariness. For some people with very limited budget, it can also refrain from the urge to make a real trip on the train, when the expense for such a strip is quite expensive for them, especially when prices of daily needs are increasing. Such an imagination was portrayed by Apotik Komik arts community; it gave an inspiration in the making of the mural work in 2002.

Samuel Indratma, one of the activists in Apotik Komik told YogYES that the murals were created to make the atmosphere of the area under the flyover more vivid, as well as to introduce the art work that is expected to be appreciated by Yogyakarta community and to take care of the neglected city corners. Samuel said that the use of the area under the flyover implies the shortage of children playground.

Now, if you come to the area under Lempuyangan flyover, you can enjoy beautiful murals created by Apotik Komik. The murals are painted from the south end to the north end of the flyover with all beams being painted colourfully as well. Most of the murals are of fun nuance, in line with the place that functions as an area for children to play with their imagination, even though some of them bring quite serious themes.

Some of the murals are related to trains, looking as if they are going to portray the activities done under the flyover every afternoon. One of them is the mural created by Nano Warsono that is located on the beam close to the railway crossbar. It describes a big person and two persons looking like clowns who are depicted to be travelling on a train. The rails are portrayed as bending with two compartments carrying the clowns. Once, there was a child in his karate uniform wanted his picture to be taken in front of the mural because he liked it so much.

Still related to the train, on the other part of the flyover wall, there is another mural depicting the atmosphere of the railway station. Chain of trains look to be parked in the station with the faces of the passengers appear behind the windows. A stewardess stands besides the trains. On her right side, a man stands still. It seems that the mural invites children to imagine the atmosphere of the railway station with all of its activities.

Another mural still carrying fun, children nuance is found on the wall at the north end of the flyover. The pictures of tens of fish looking like mermaids decorate the wall. The fish are painted white while the background is blue that might describe the blue of the ocean. Close to the mural, there is another mural describing a big watermelon with little creatures. This last mural is located precisely to the south of the railway crossbar.

On the west wall of the flyover, a mural presumably comes in a series. At the south end, there are pictures of eyes looking at a gown, and the eyes change into vicious cells in the next part. Next, there is a description of a baby growing as a strong and robust creature but it looks like being gnawed by diseases. The next part is a picture of a cash register and a product with fruits spread. What interesting is that under each frame there is an inset of a stewardess visualizing the way of utilizing life buoy during an emergency. You can catch the message behind this mural, can't you?

Another side of the flyover also has quite serious murals. The mural enclosed with texts containing certain messages, for example. Another mural paints human faces covered with smoke and "smoke" is written on it; it might want to describe the situation of Jogja with the air pollution. Another mural brings the theme of love with the writing "Tebar Pesona Cinta" that means "Share Love Attraction" and a mural with quite long message translated into 3 languages that is dedicated to those who are not forgiving.

The murals on this flyover do not only function as beautiful decoration, but they also contribute to the people who work around the flyover everyday and they are also appreciated by the community surrounding the flyover. A drinks seller acknowledges that after the existence of the murals, the situation under the flyover gets busier and it directly gives extra income for her. The community around the flyover also like the murals that, according to them, give special nuance. Some people express it that the murals are beneficial in that they erase vandalism in the flyover.

The murals on the flyover make it like a park, a playground for children and a mural park at the same time, since they come with various themes created by different muralists. If you wan to enjoy them, you go eastwards from the Grand Post Office crossroad until to get to Sentul and turn left following the line until you get to the flyover.

Kraton

2008-11-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

It lies between Tugu as the north border and Panggung Krapyak as the south border, between Code River in the east and Winongo River in the west; between the Merapi Mountain and the South Sea. In the mind of the Javanese community, kraton is defined as center of the world that is described as center of the universe.

History of the Sultan Palace

After the Giyanti Agreeement, Yogyakarta territory was given to Pangeran Mangkubumi. To run his governance, he built a palace in 1755 in Hutan Beringan area; such a good place flanked by two rivers that protect it from being flooded. The first king of Yogyakarta Palace was Pangeran Mangkubumi with the title Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I (HB I).

Naming and Meaning of the Lay Out

Karaton, Keraton or Kraton, originates from the word ke-ratu-an that means the place where the queen/king lives. Simple explanation of its broader meaning is that all structures and buildings in the Kraton area have significant meaning related to essential Javanese philosophy of life, namely Sangkan Paraning Dumadi that means the origin and the destination of human being.

In general, the Kraton area stretches 5 kilometers southwards to Krapyak village and 2 kilometers northwards until the Tugu monument. In this imaginary line, there is a reversed dualism linear line that tells symbolical philosophy: the direction from south to north symbolizes the birth of human being from the high place to the perishable world, and the opposite direction symbolizes the return of human being to the Dumadi (God in Javanese philosophy). Kraton is physical symbol and the King is the symbol of the real soul that presents into the physical body.

The direction from the Palace to the Tugu monument represents the road of life that is full of temptations. Beringharjo market symbolizes women temptation and temptation of power is symbolized by Kepatihan building. The straight street connecting the Palace to Tugu monument symbolizes close relationship between human being and the Creator (Sangkan Paraning Dumadi).

In short, Tugu monument is a symbol of lingga (male sex organ) and Krapyak symbolizes yoni (female sex organ) and kraton is physical blend of the two.

The Meaning of Yogyakarta Space Arrangement

Hit by the earthquake in 1867, the Sultan Palace was severely damaged. During the reign of HB VII in 1889, the building was renovated. The lay out being retained, the shape of the building was changed to the current look.

Tugu monument and Manguntur Tangkil hall or Bangsal Kencana (where the king is seated), are straight in a line. This means that while sitting on his throne and looking toward the Tugu monument, he will always remember his people.

In general, the space arrangement of the current Sultan Palace is similar to the one of Mataram Dynasty. The center of the Palace is the so called Bangsal Kencana that is adjacent to Bangsal Prabayeksa as the place to keep sacred weapons (in this room, there is an oil lamp called Kyai Wiji that is kept lit by the Palace servants). This hall is surrounded by Kedhaton yard so that people must go through layers of the yard that seem like waves in order to reach the center.

This special arrangement of the Palace looks similar to constellation of mountain and Jambu Dwipa land that is considered to be central archipelago of the universe.

From north part to west part of the Palace area, there are North Square, North Siti Hinggil, North Kemandhungan, Srimanganti, Kedhaton, Kemagangan, South Kemandungan, South Siti Hinggil and South Square (the yard that is protected by high walls).

In order to reach all of the places, there are nine gates (called regol) that must be passed through, namely: gerbang, pangurukan, tarub agung, brajanala, srimanganti, kamagangan, gadhung mlati, kemandhungan and gading.

Brongtodiningrat sees the significance of this number, as the highest number to describe excellence. This is related 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 Sultan activities in the location.

Sultan only visits the Square, Pagelaran, and Siti Hinggil three times a year, namely during the events of Pisowan Ageng Grebeg Maulud, Sawal and Besar and other very special, incidental events such as coronation of the Sultan and the crown prince or Pangeran Adipati Anom.

Yogyakarta Sultan Palace is an old building that was once damaged and restored. In general, it looks like other Kingdom buildings. When we understand the philosophy of them deeper, however, we will understand the symbolical meaning of life philosophy, human nature, how the nature works and human beings live their lives and various symbols of life existence in them.

Kotagede

2008-11-05T06:24:00.002-08:00

Kotagede, Enchantment of an Old City

The victory of Ki Gede Pemanahan over Arya Penangsang who was in opposition to the King of Pajang was the beginning of the foundation of Mataram Islam Kingdom. Thanks to Ki Ageng Pemanahan who helped Pajang, the King of Pajang rewarded him a forest named Mentaok where he built Mataram Islam Kingdom in 1575 with his people called mentawisan.

An Old City as Center of Silver Handicrafts

Located around 10 kilometers at the southeastern part of Yogyakarta city center, the area is now well known as Kotagede as the center of silver handicrafts in Yogyakarta. Keeping around 170 old buildings built in 1700 to 1930, "Kotagede is not only named Silver City but an Old Capital City" as Achmad Charris Zubair, a Kotagede cultural observer, said.

Entering Kotagede from the north through Gedong Kuning, a small street framed with classical buildings along both sides look like an exotic opening for tourists after going through the gate.

Since entering Kotagede area, tourists begin to enjoy various kinds silver handicrafts at various prices sold at the front part of local people's house functioning as the gallery at the same time. Most of the houses are in traditional Javanese architecture called Joglo.

Silver handicraft is a culture descended by the ancestor to the next generations. Initially, handicrafts in Kotagede were made of gold, silver and copper. By the coarse of time, however, silver is most preferred. For the reason, craftsmen make more silver handicrafts until today. This handicraft is exported to foreign countries, mainly to Europe. Order is usually increasing by the year end.

Please drop by at the gallery to see various kinds of handicraft, ranging from jewelry, silver ornament and utensils that are made with artistic touch of Kotagede silversmiths. Warm smile and greeting are pleasant reception to begin the exploration through Kotagede.

The Tomb of Old Mataram Kingdom Founder

To the south village, there is a traditional market named Pasar Gede. Even though the architecture of the building is simple, the traditional market built in Panembahan Senopati time has been one of economy activities of mentawisan community. For this reason, Kotagede used to be known as Pasar Gede or Sargede.

Around 50 meters south of Pasar Gede on Masjid Besar Street, there is a gate with long fort protecting one of Mataraman triumph sites in the past that is still well taken cared of. Some banyan trees with long hanging roots telling its old age looks like the guardians of the sacred place. Passing through the second gate there is two-meter high wall with passages on both sides that cuts off the view of the third gate as the entrance to Masjid Agung (The Great Mosque) complex.

At the center of the complex, there is a Great Mosque surrounded by the houses of the court servants. The mosque was built by Sultan Agung with his local people - most of them were Hindus and Buddhists - so that much of the architecture adopted typical Hindu and Buddha architecture. One of it is the mosque gate that is carved like vihara. Most of the wooden carvings at each corner of the mosque are of Hindu and Buddha style. This is unique to the mosque. There is also a pulpit with unique carving in the mosque as tribute from Palembang Regent to Sultan Agung.

To the south of the mosque there is tomb complex of the predecessors of Mataram Kingdom and their families that used to be dwelling place of Ki Ageng Pemanahan.

Passing through the second gate there is a complex functioning as border as well as connecting line to the tomb and Sendang Saliran (place for bathing). There are office, warehose, bangsal pengapit lor (north framing hall) and bangsal pengapit kidul (south framing hall) in this complex.

To the west of the complex there is a gate leading to the tomb complex. Entering this complex, tourists must wear Javenese traditional clothes and say prayer before opening the tomb gate. Passing by around 720 tombs, tourists will be led to the main building where the Court Big Family was buried. Some of the predecessors are Nyai Ageng Nis and Pangeran Djoyo Prono who were grandparents of Panembahan Senopati, Ki Gede Pemanahan (the father of Panembahan Senopati), Panembahan Senopati and Kyai Wonoboyo Mangir, the son in law as well as enemy of Panembahan Senopati whose tomb is unique because part of it is outside the complex. The story tells that Kyai Ageng Mangir was killed by Panembahan Senopati with his head being bumped to the stone functioning as the throne of Panembahan Senopati. The stone is seen 100 meters away to the south of the mosque.

Muji, one of the court servants, tells YogYES that visitors usually say prayer in each tomb of the King to ask for blessing, safety and success.

Meanwhile, to the south of the tomb there is a place for bathing that is divided into Sendang Kakung for men and Sendang Putri for women. "Bathing in this place can cure some illness and gift of success and prosperity," Muji adds.

Kalang House

After religious visit to the tomb, visitors may visit one of the old houses built by the late Pawiro Suwarno, who was a rich entrepreneur in Kotagede, in 1920s. This house is well known as Rumah Kalang (Kalang House). Kalang are people invited by the King to become carvers of court jewelries.

The uniqueness of this Kalang House is unification of Javanese and European elements, namely joglo as the main building that is located at the back part and European model for the front part. This European building tends to be of baroque shape with Corinthian and Doric styles. The joglo building, especially the hall is not open as the joglo of Javanese house anymore; it is modified as being closed. Green and yellow colors of the relief are not Javanese colors anymore. The presence of colorful glasses as the mosaics connecting the pillars shows that this joglo has received other touch.

This house with mixture of Javanese and European styles now belongs to Ansor family and it is located 300 meters north of Pasar Gede. While enjoying the architecture beauty of the past time, tourists can buy silver handicrafts carved by skillful hands and enjoy delicious meals in Ansor family's house as the biggest silver gallery in Kotagede and a restaurant without changing the original shape of the house.

Special Cuisines and Menus

Talking about delicious meals, it is not complete yet before trying special menu of Kotagede, namely Sate Karang. This name is given after the name of the village that is Karang Village, where Prapto sells this food from evening till night. This is sweet, grilled beef with two uniqueness. First uniqueness is the choice of three sauces, namely peanut sauce, ketchup sauce and kocor sauce. Kocor sauce is chili sauce like the sweet sauce for rujak (mixed fruits). The second uniqueness is the beras kencur beverage (made of rice and greater galingale).

Before leaving Kotagede, do not forget to buy kipo, special food of Kotagede, made from rice flour and filled with sweet coconut grates, shaped as big as human fingers and served on banana leaf. (YogYES.COM: R. Syah)

Kauman Village

2008-11-05T06:24:00.001-08:00

Kauman Village, the Enchantment of Islamic Struggle

At the end of Malioboro road, you will come to a cross section. It seems that people are facing the choices for further destination. Most of them prefer to go straight on to the Palace area; it means that unconsciously they have skipped hidden enchantment in the area, namely Kauman village. An area that you will have encountered had you chosen to turn right, passing through K.H. Ahmad Dahlan Street, and enter a gateway on the left side.

Kauman was a village where 9 ketib or Muslim leaders were living and were authorized by the kingdom to handle religious affairs. Since years ago, this village has been playing major role in terms of Islamic religious movements. During independence struggle time, it is the founding place of Muhammadiyah Islamic movement. By the time, a Moslem named K.H. Ahmad Dahlan as the founder of the movement was apprehensive for the community that was trapped into mystical things. Besides, K.H. Ahmad Dahlan also perfected the direction of Mecca 24 degrees northwestwards(to the direction of al Haram mosque in Mecca) and omitted the habit of holding ceremonial meals for dead persons.

An arching gateway will welcome anybody who is entering Kauman village. The arch form is one of the characteristics of Islamic buildings that are much influenced by Middle East. On top of the gate, there is a depiction of a green circle with yellow sun shining 12 rays in it. The picture is now utilized as symbol of Muhammadiyah organization and other institutions under its auspices.

Wandering about the gangs in Kauman village must be done on foot. The small alleys were purposely designed in such a way that vehicles would be difficult to enter. The design was meant for preventing noise from disturbing the santri (students of Islamic institutions) to study and it was the realization of equity philosophy in Kauman where every body entering the area are obligated to leave his social status by walking on foot.

On both sides of the alleys, you will see various buildings with different architectures. A yellow house functioning as a retail store stands just close to the gate. The house has big window, doors and rooms, and ventilations decorated with color glasses showing European architectural influence. Walking to the end of the ally and turn to right, you will see a white house with window and doorframes of brown color. The arch form of the upper part of window leaf shows strong influence of Middle East. Right in front of the house is a blue house with the design of the roof similar to Kalang house in Kotagede.

At the end of the gang before you turn, you will find a monument surrounded by small garden. There is writing of "Syuhada bin Fisabillillah", year 1945-1948, and list of 25 people. The monument is dedicated for Kauman inhabitants who died during their independence struggle. The word 'syuhada' denotes that Kauman community considers the heroes died a martyr's death.

In addition to read the list of dead heroes, you can also see surviving strugglers; one of them is H. Dauzan Farook who lives near the exit of Kauman village. He told YogYES that he joined the Great Commander General Sudirman during the guerrilla. He still keeps some of his photographs with the Great General, newsletters in independence war, and pieces of news from newsletter.

In Farook's house, you will learn that he is still struggling up to now. He founded a moving library named Mabulir. Everyday, he rides his bicycle to offer his books to the community. People may borrow books from him with one requirement that he or she has to gather at least five other people. To his opinion, the requirement is one form of awareness to other people and invitation to share knowledge to others.

A high school that has been operating since 1919 is also found in this village. Initially, the school was named Hooge School Muhammadiyah and it was then changed to Kweek School in 1923. The school that was founded by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan was divided into two in 1930; one was for male and the other for female students. Boys school was named Mualimin while the one for girls was named Mualimat. Later, his wife also founded Aisyah Foundation for women.

The most well known building in Kauman complex is the Great Mosque. The mosque as the main mosque in the Kingdom area was founded 16 years after the foundation of Yogyakarta Kingdom. The Javanese architecture of the mosque was entirely designed by Tumenggung Wiryakusuma. The building consists of main building, verandah and yard totaling 13,000 m². The verandah building is differentiated from the main building. The supporting poles of the mosque in the main building, for example, were of round, plain form as many as 36 while in the verandah the 24 poles have stone base with cloud motif.

If you have completed your tour to this village, you will acknowledge the intelligence of the community in this small village and believe that Islam has brought improvement. Some Indonesian Islamic leaders such as Abdurrahman Wahid and Amien Rais once were studying here. If you would like to complete your wander, please visit Ahmad Dahlan small mosque. In the past, the building was utilized by Ahmad Dahlan to hold Sidratul Muntaha, the lesson of reciting Koranic verses and preaching. The other legendary small mosque is Putri Ar Rosyad that is the first small mosque (langgar) for women in Indonesia. How was it; quite interesting? If this satisfies you, then you may leave for the Palace complex through the village exit.

Kasongan

2008-11-05T06:23:00.001-08:00

Kasongan, Hunting Ceramics in Kundi Community

In the Dutch colonial time, in one of the areas at the southern part of Yogyakarta there was a shocking and even threatening occurrence with the finding of a dead horse owned by a Dutch detective on a rice field of a villager. Being afraid of punishment, the villager gave up his land ownership and did not acknowledge his land anymore. This was followed by other villagers. This given up land was then possessed by people of other village. Having no more fields to cultivate, the local people ended up with becoming ceramics craftsmen to make toys and kitchen sets until now. This was revealed in an interview by Prof. Gustami at all with local elders in 1980s.

It is that area that we know it as Kasongan until present time; a village in Kajen hamlet that is situated in low mountains with limestone soil. It takes 15-20 minutes drive from the city center.

Kasongan village is the dwelling place of kundis, which means earthenware jugs and later refers to people who make any earthenware jug-like as kitchen tools and ornaments.

"Beginning from our ancestor's habit to knead clay that turns out not to break when it is united, and begin to make some functions for kid toys and kitchen tools. The habit was then descended to current generation," said Giman, one of the workers in Loro Blonyo workshop.

Visiting Kasongan village, the tourists will be welcomed warmly by local inhabitants. They may have a look the showroom crowded with ceramic handicrafts. If they are interested in seeing the ceramics making, tourists can visit some ceramic galleries that produce the special handicrafts at site. The processes are material kneading, shaping, drying that takes 2-4 days and burning before finally being finished using wall paint or roof-tile paint.

Working collectively, a gallery is usually a family business run from generation to the next generation. Even though ceramics making is now involving neighbors of surrounding dwelling place of the gallery owner, the family is still responsible for material selection and production monitoring.

Touch of Modern Design

At the beginning, these ceramics did not have style at all. The legend of the dead horse, however, inspired the craftsmen to create horse motifs on many products, especially the horses carrying earthenware goods or roof-tiles complete with bamboo basket placed on the horseback, in addition to frog, rooster and elephant motifs.

The entering modern influence and culture from outside through various media and the first introduction of Kasongan to public by Sapto Hudoyo around 1971-1972 with artistic and commercial touch and commercially sold in major scale by Sahid Keramik around 1980s enables tourists to see various ceramic motifs. Tourists can even order motifs to their like such as peacock, dragon, rose and others. The types of self production include so many forms. They do not only make kid toys (sounding toys, frog, and money box) and kitchen tools (kuali, pengaron, kendil, dandang, kekep, and others). Entering the gate of Kasongan village, you will see ceramics galleries that sell ornamental items alongside the street. The forms and functions have varied, from small ashtray to flower vase as high as one's shoulder. The ornamental goods either have functions or merely as ornament.

Loro Blonyo Ceramic Statue

One of famous ceramic displays is statue of a couple sitting in polite position. This statue is named Loro Blonyo at the first time by Loro Blonyo gallery owned by Walujo. This statue is adopted from a bridal couple owned by Yogyakarta Kingdom. In Javanese language, Loro means two or a couple, while Blonyo means to be made over through bathing and making up. "The real meaning of Loro Blonyo, however, is still in question among craftsmen in Kasongan," Giman said.

The existing belief of Loro Blonyo statue that brings luck and perpetual family life when located at home, as Giman told YogYES, brings positive impact on the sales of this statue. Some foreigners place order of special statues in certain forms such as dancer, guitar player, models and others. The clothes are not standard Javanese anymore; special clothes of some countries are adopted; statues in Balinese and Thailand clothes are found most. Some ceramic galleries sell this statue in different styles.

Tourism Village

Since the end of the twentieth century, after economy crisis hit Indonesia, tourists may find other products other than earthenware goods. The entering of new comers who open galleries in Kasongan is one of the influences. They sell local products such as handicrafts from coconut tree, dried plants or shellfish. "Business catches up with trend and development, looking at opportunities," Giman adds. Earthenware goods, however, are main means of livelihood of local community. "We have the gift for that; furthermore we have no other skills. Most of us do not finish Senior High School. Only few of them," he adds.

Ceramic handicrafts with various forms and modern as well as artistic motifs and other handicrafts are magnets of Kasongan at present time. Kasongan is a tourism place full of stories and beautiful goods resulted from skillful hands of local community to knead clay.

Two months after the quake, many galleries in Kasongan begin to actively revive although some of them are still in reconstruction stage. By far, there is no more fear of both owners and workers. Local community expects tourists to visit Kasongan as they did before the quake. (YogYES.COM: R. Syah)

Kaliurang

2008-11-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

In the early of the nineteenth century, some Dutch geologists living in Yogyakarta intended to find a place for their family to spend their vacation. They went along the edge of the north area as the high land. Arriving at Kaliurang that is located on 900 meter above sea level, the "meneers" were enchanted by the nature beauty and coolness in that foot of the mountain. They finally built bungalows and decided to make the area their place for vacation.

Nature Enchantment and Historical Buildings

The trip from Yogyakarta to Kaliurang reminds us of the scenery picture we (=Indonesian people) made in the kindergarten. A mountain with the street lying in the middle and the green spread on both sides ornamented with people's houses will release tiredness in the frame of nature painting.

Covered with the breeze, even when the sun is over our head, the coolness is still felt. The air dancing through the trees and slowly going down hill gives fresh feeling to our body.

The view of Merapi Mountain gives special sensation in this area. Just like village girls who will cover their face when we look at them, this mountain will also be covered with fog when we come to see it.

Going along the west side of Plawangan Hill as long as 1,100 meters, traveling cross country, through soil path framed with trees and green slopes, and series of 22 caves as the inheritance of the Japanese colonial are some uniqueness of Kaliurang natural tourism.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kaliurang also has some historical buildings. Some of them are Wisma Kaliurang and Pesanggrahan Dalem Ngeksigondo that is owned by the Sultan Palace that used to be functioned as the meeting place of the Three Nation Commission, and Ullen Sentalu museum which part of the building is under ground. This museum reveals the mystery of the culture and values of Javanese history, especially those related to the princess of Yogyakarta and Surakarta kingdoms in the nineteenth century.

Family Recreation Area

Located 28 kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta city, Kaliurang now has an enchanting cultural and natural tourism area that becomes en enjoyable place for family recreation.

Parents may relax while keeping their children playing in the Play Ground. In an area of 10,000 meter square width, children can play swing, sliding, or swimming in a mini pool. Besides, in the play ground that is ornamented with the statue of a genie a la 1001 night stories and some kinds of animal, children can play mini cars or pass through a dragon statue by entering from its mouth and exiting from its tail.

About 300 meters to the north east of the recreation garden, there is Plawangan Turgo garden. There is Tlogo Putri swimming pool of which water originates from a spring at the slope of Plawangan Hill. Playing swing or behaving playfully with the family in the garden will release tiredness among the green forest of the forestry department.

Walking along the east side, seeing some monkeys jumping and swinging on the branches, enjoying the chirp of birds in the sloping up path of layered stones and stairs as long as 900 meters can be a little tiring, but the top of Merapi Mountain viewed on a bright day from Pronojiwo Hill will replace the tiredness with admiration. On the way to the top of Pronojiwo Hill, YogYES had the opportunity to run race with Nick (47 years old), an English tourist. I won the race, but the feeling of being united with nature was more pleasant. Mineral water sold by the drink sellers will quench your thirst while seeing Merapi that stands amidst the green spread of the forest. Binocular is rent for IDR 3,000 per 30 minutes to see the Merapi Mountain more clearly.

Arriving back to the garden, have relax at Tlogo Muncar to enjoy the waterfall. During rainy season, water will flow down swiftly.

To enjoy the Kaliurang scenery, visitors may go around by a rabbit carriage that is most popularly called sepoer. This vehicle usually stands by in the parking lot in front of the food shops. The route is going around from the east to the west to encircle Kaliurang tourism area, passing through the viewing post on the west side where Merapi can be seen clearly on bright days. For minimum of seven people, each person will be charged IDR 3,000. For exclusive trip, the charge is IDR 20,000 per person with services like those for a nobleman.

If you want to enjoy the coolness of the air and the quietness of the night at Kaliurang, there are many choices of villas, bungalows, and inns. The tariffs vary from IDR 25,000 to IDR 300,000. Some lodgings where you can stay are: Bukit Surya (most recommended), Puri Indah Inn (3-stars), and Wisma Sejahtera.

Before leaving, make sure that you buy gifts ranging from local fruits to special food namely tahu and tempe bacem (sweet, fried tofu and tempeh) and jadah (made from sticky rice and grated coconut).

The green spread at the foot of Merapi Mountain, cool air and all natural, luxurious packages will release your tiredness and refresh you from the noise of the city. (YogYES.COM)

Galeria - Junction

2008-11-05T06:20:00.002-08:00

The Story of the Mural at Galeria Crossroad

Galeria crossroad is presumably one of the hearts of Yogyakarta city. This crossroad connects the busiest areas in this gudeg city, namely Jalan Jendral Sudirman with the old Bethesda on it, the busy Jalan Sagan, Jalan Solo as the shopping centre and Lempuyangan area that is famous for its Lempuyangan railway station, the oldest station in Yogyakarta. The crossroad now becomes one of the most crowded areas with the busiest traffic.

If you only look or pass by the crossroad, it will be meaningless. However, when you know the history further, you will find it more meaningful. To the north east of the crossroad, there used to be a gambling centre. The place was always busy every night; it seemed like the Las Vegas in the small Yogyakarta city. As the story tells, whosoever got into the gambling centre would certainly be addicted and would be trapped into the gambling network in it.

In the past, in the west part of the gambling centre, there was a small warong. The small food stall witnessed the losers who lamented over their fate after loosing their belongings in the gamble. Those who got their fortune in the gamble rarely dropped by in this warong since they would spend their money for luxurious things. It was in that small warong that the losers would stare at the luxurious thing, Galeria Mall.

Now, the gambling centre has disappeared. Nonetheless, the trace of its existence is represented by the mural inspired by Farhanski and Apotik Komik with the theme of "Buying Dreams". The mural is painted on the west wall of the gambling centre. The idea of the mural originated from Farhanski's experience when he saw the losers lamented over their fate in the warong. The mural seems like teasing the gamblers who depend their entire life on fortune.

The description of the murals intending to satire the gamblers who used to gamble in the east area of the wall is clear. The big writing, for example, says "Urip Waton Ngglindhing", meaning life just goes on. The text satires the life of gamblers that seems lying on the dice, or just rotates like wheels, without planning or efforts to achieve better life. When they win, they become rich at once; when they lose, they become poor at once, too.

Another text still satires the gamblers, saying "Ngglindhinge wong ndhuwur iso mabur, ngglindhinge wong ngisor mundhak ndlosor", which means the winning of the rich will make them fly even higher but the lose of the poor will make them even worse. Another text reminds people of the livelihood, "Rejeki iku Gusti allah sing ngatur, ora usah ngoyo lan nggresulo", which means God has determined how much we get; we do not have to exert and to complaint.

The pictures in the murals highlight the messages of the text. There are pictures of 'king' and 'queen', the characters in the cards used in gambling. Pictures of luxurious goods such as diamond are also depicted in the murals. There are also pictures of wheels and feet that might symbolize the message of the text that the life of a gambler is like the wheel that must always rotate without anyone can predict what is going to happen.

Initially, the murals teasing the gamblers cover the entire wall, but now only some parts of them can bee seen. The other parts, especially the bottom part, are decorated with other murals by different muralists. The latter might be considered to damage the previous pictures, but actually they response to the previous ones by depicting other activities done at this crossroad. Again, murals can tell daily activities of Galeria crossroad.

The daily activities include posters sticking on the wall. Galeria crossroad with its crowdedness is certainly a strategic place to promote different products. Unfortunately, the posters seem do not care of the murals existence on the wall that are intended to take care of the neglected wall. As a result, some people paint the posters covering the murals as form of protest.

The protest against posters sticking is clear. The murals in the form of texts are made directly on the posters. When YogYES took a close look, the surface of the murals were not smooth; that indicated the posters underlying the murals. With such a protest, the sticking of the posters is still done until now.

So special the murals in this area that people in the location that make their living as vendors were involved in the making process. hus, the murals are not exclusive work of the artists but they were made by local community because what were described in the murals were discussed and made together with the people. During the completion of the works, they even had to change the themes three times.

Gabusan Market

2008-11-05T06:20:00.001-08:00

Gabusan Market, Handicraft Paradise in Bantul

There is another way to enjoy art works of Bantul people without having to wander about villages that produce them, namely by visiting Gabusan Art Market. The market that is located on Jalan Parangtritis km 9 has been the center of handicrafts trading for the last 2 years. Other facilities such as cafeterias, information technology access and groceries are there for you, too.

Gabusan was designed to open access for craftsmen to international market. For the reason, the design of the market accommodating around 444 craftsmen is of international standard. The design of the market was done by both domestic and foreign architects by, of course, accentuating local architecture. Divided into 16 stalls, Gabusan sells handicrafts of various raw materials, ranging from leather, metals, wood, clay to water hyacinth.

Arriving at the area of Gabusan market, you will be greeted by an interestingly designed gate. On the gate, there are restaurant, crossing bridge and ramp. Having your meals in that restaurant, you will be able to see the entire market from the top view. Close to the area, there is a shop as an information center as well as the place for visitors to get their stuff. This shop is designed so artistically that it has its own interest.

Entering the first stall, you will enjoy bag handicraft made from rattan. Neat woven of the bag gives durable image and combination of the cloth and accessories gives meaningful added value. Various unique, elegant designs produce multifunctional bags for multi purposes. Other handicraft that is available in that stall is a box made from woven bamboo. Despite its simple design and function, the box still looks unique in various bright colors.

If you want to buy candle stands for your guest rooms, you will find them in stall eight. Many types of candle stands from different materials are available. There is a candle container forming like a small, brown bowl with string decoration around it. Another candle stand is made from bamboo some part of which sides are split to make stands with string ornaments on them. In addition to functioning as stand for the glowing candle, the beautiful design of it will attract your guests in your guest room.

Still related to home decorations, you will find interesting masks of various designs in stall six. Some leather masks are carved beautifully in enchanting colors. If you like artificial flowers included the vases, you will get them in stall thirteen. The vases are made of wood or clay with special ornaments of the surfaces. Plain vases without ornaments are not less interesting as well.

Small functional items with artistic designs give valuable added value for you and your family. A standard photo frame, for example, is designed so beautifully with special ornament such as dragon. Pencil case is also available in different variations. There is a pencil case in the form of a sitting man with his white hair as the ornament and the pencil holes are in the front part. Many other items are beautifully designed by the people in Bantul area such as tray in various enchanting designs.

The information center will help to find any kinds of product that you can find in the market. Details of products, prices, location of the stall where you are going to put your orders are all available there. Connected to Internet network, this information center indicates that you can put your order on line. Gradually, this market will accommodate 8,015 handicraft units. The earthquake on 27 May 2006 hit this market mildly but it is being recovered now.

Beringharjo, Traditional Market in Yogyakarta

2008-11-05T06:19:00.001-08:00

Beringharjo, a Complete, Traditional Market in Yogyakarta

Beringharjo market becomes part of Malioboro that is worth visiting. This market has been center of economy activity since years ago and its existence has philosophical meaning. The market that had been renovated several times symbolizes stages of human life that is busily engaged in its economy fulfillment. Furthermore, Beringharjo is also one of the 'four in one' poles (consisting of South Square, Sultan Palace, North Square, and Beringharjo market) symbolizing economy functions.

The area where current Beringharjo market lies used to be forest of banyan trees. Soon after the foundation of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, i.e. in 1758, the area was used as a place for economy transaction by the people of Yogayarkta and its vicinities. Only hundreds years later, namely in 1925, the transaction place had a permanent building. The name 'Beringharjo' was given by Hamengku Buwono IX, meaning that the place where banyan tree (bering) used to grow is expected to bring welfare (harjo). Now, tourists define this place as an enjoyable shopping place.

The front part and the western part of the market are the right places to find delicious traditional snacks. At the north side of the front part, you will find round brem (a kind of snack made from the extract of fermented tubers) that is softer than that of Madiun city and krasikan (sweet cake made from glutinous rice and palm sugar). In the south part, you will find bakpia cake filled with mung bean that is sold warm and wet snacks such as hung kwe and nagasari. Meanwhile, at the back part, usually they sell durable snacks such as ting-ting made of caramel mixed with peanut.

If you want to buy batik, Beringharjo is the best place because of its complete collections; ranging from batik cloth to batik clothes made of both cotton and silk materials, with the prices ranging from tens thousands to a million. Collection of batik cloth is available in west and north parts of the market, while batik clothes collection is available almost everywhere in the west part of this market. In addition to batik clothes, the west part of the market also offers traditional clothes: surjan, blangkon, and sarong both woven and batik printed ones. Sandals and bags sold at reasonable prices are available around the escalator of the west part of the market.

Stepping upstairs to the second floor, you will smell the aroma of Javanese herbs. Herbs such as turmeric that is usually blended with tamarind to produce special drink and temulawak to make bitter drink for medication purpose are sold here. Spices such as ginger (to make ronde drink or merely to be baked, boiled and mixed with crystal sugar) and cinnamon (to enrich the flavors of such drinks as ginger drink, coffee, tea and sometimes to substitute chocolate in cappuccino).

This is also the right market to hunt antiques. The center of antique goods is in east part of the third floor. There, you can get old typewriter, helmet made in 1960s with the front part of which is mica as high as one's nose and some other items. On the same floor, you can get used items of good quality if you want. Various kinds of good quality used imported goods such as shoes, bag, and even clothes are sold at much cheaper prices compared to the original prices. Of course, carefulness in choosing is needed.

After completing your going around in the market, it is time for you to explore the area around the market with not less interesting offers. The area at the north of the market that used to be popular as Chinese Kampong is the most popular place. You can find oldies cassettes of musicians in 1950s that are rarely found in other places at the most expensive price of 50,000 Rupiah. Besides, there are Buddha effigies in different poses costing 250,000 Rupiah. For collectors of old money, they can get the ones from various countries, even the ones utilized in 1930s.

To quench your thirst, special cold drink of Yogyakarta, namely cendol ice, is the right choice. This cold drink from Yogyakarta has richer flavor than the ones from Banjarnegara and Bandung. The contents are not only cendol (jelly-like substance made from glutinous rice but also cam cau (jelly-like substance made from cam cau leaves). Other drinks you can try are young coconut ice with palm sugar and the drink made from turmeric-tamarind and rice-great galingale mixtures. The price of the drink is cheap, namely 1,000 to 2,000 Rupiah.

Even though the market is closed at 05:00p.m, the dynamics of the merchants does not stop by that time. In front of the market, there are still many food sellers offering many kinds of special food. Martabak with various fillers, the sweet terang bulan mixed with chocolate and peanut, and the delicious klepon filled with palm sugar are sold every evening. At around 06:00p.m. until late at night, there is usually gudeg seller who also offers special cuisines of cow skin and variant of stir-fried vegetables with chili. While having your meals, you can listen to Javanese traditional music or have a talk with the seller who will address you friendly. It is just complete!

Adisutjipto

2008-11-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

Adisutjipto, an International Airport in Yogyakarta

If you choose to enter Yogyakarta by air, Adisutjipto International Airport will be the first place for you to step on. Having been operating for more than 50 years, this airport serves international flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and domestic flights to some big cities in Indonesia. Not less than 10 airplane arrivals and departures occur daily in this airport.

This 88,690 m² airport keeps both happy and sad stories. Here, Guntei and Curren aircrafts that attacked the Dutch troop in Semarang and Ambarawa on 29 July 1947 took off and landed. It was also in this place that Dakota VT-CLA aircraft owned by Indonesia was shot by two Dutch P-40 Kitty Hawk fighter planes just before it landed in the afternoon on the same day.

The name of this airport changed from Maguwo airport to Adisutjipto airport a couple of years after the fall of Dakota VT-CLA airplane. The name Adisutjipto was taken from the name of Commodore Adisutjipto who demised in the attack. He was the member of Indonesian Air Force who was sent to India for a duty and he took medicine aids in Singapore by that time. In addition to Adisutjipto, other soldiers who passed away in the attack were Abdurahman Saleh and Adi Sumarmo whose names are used as names of airports.

Arriving in this airport, you can see westwards to see your relatives who come to pick you up. You can wave to them while walking to the meeting point to continue your trip to tourism objects or to your hotel. It will be romantic to meet your relatives that have been waiting for your arrival.

You can spend a bit of your time to see eastwards when you get down from the airplane. The area of Seribu Mountains with the green trees will become cool scenery on a sunny day. It is in this area that you can visit some tourism objects; one of them is the Kingdom of Boko Queen. You can also see the Ijo temple that is located on the highest place in Yogyakarta that prevents the taxiway of this airport from lengthening eastward.

Arriving at the vestibule of this airport that has two arrival terminals, domestic and international, you can enjoy gudeg, the special cuisine of Yogyakarta. This restaurant is located at the back part of the waiting room. If you prefer to have your meals in a Padang restaurant, you can go to a restaurant close to the parking area. A waiting room is also a comfortable place for people who are waiting for their relatives to come.

If you arrive in the morning or evening time, drinking some coffee or having some snacks can be an option. Small shops that sell coffee, pastry and donuts are located in the eastern part of the airport. Fast food restaurant in the area will also serve meals at your choice.

Other facilities such as moneychanger and hotel reservation points will ease your travel. Besides, you can get clothes or T-shirts easily when you have to get ones.

Look at the architecture of the airport in details and you will notice Javanese characteristics of it. You will especially see it at an area close to the car stop where there are two statues on both sides of the place. The Javanese architecture can also be judged from the shape of the limasan roof that is supported by four columns. The other architectural enchantment is the high, wide, green entrance gate with the writing "Adisutjipto International Airport" on it.

Adisutjipto is a strategic airport for you to begin your trip since it is located close to some tourism objects. Prambanan temple, Kalasan temple, and Queen Boko Kingdom complex are located around 10 kilometers from this airport. Center of silver handicraft and the complex of Yogyakarta Kingdom are just 25 minutes drive away.

Angkringan Lik Man

2008-11-05T06:13:00.001-08:00

Angkringan Lik Man, Spending Your Night in Yogyakarta with Kopi Joss

Do you know a famous place in Yogyakarta where university students, cyber communities such as bloggers and chatters, journalists, artists, pedicab drivers, and even hookers get relax and involved in a warm conversation? When you studied in this student city, where did you usually hold a discussion with your friends about your paper's themes of tasks? One of the places you mention must be angkringan Lik Man that is located at the north of Tugu railway station. It is understandable since the place is famous with Yogyakarta communities. No formal rules apply in this place but tolerance where people are willing to shares space, for example, and to aware of each other's feeling.

YogYES invites you to enjoy the nuance of angkringan Lik Man as many other people has experienced as well. From Malioboro Street, you can walk northwards until you reach an alley right to the north of Tugu railway station. If you turn left, you will directly find this famous place on your left side. To identify it, just look at two big containers connected with a bamboo, brazier with burning charcoals, and rows of neatly arranged glasses.

Angkringan Lik Man is legendary because the seller is the first generation of the angkringan sellers in Yogyakarta most of whom come from Klaten. Lik Man or uncle Man whose original name is Siswo Raharjo is the son of grandpa Pairo, the first angkringan seller in Yogyakarta who has been running this business since 1950s. The stall with angkringan concept that used to be called 'ting ting hik' was inherited to Lik Man in 1969. Since then, other angkringans mushroomed in Yogyakarta.

When you arrive in this angkringan that starts to open at six o'clock in the evening, you can order hot or cold drinks. The favorite beverage is Kopi Joss, coffee served with hot charcoal plunged in it. The superiority of such coffee is lower degree of caffeine after being neutralized by the charcoal. Such finding was resulted from a research done by some students of Gadjah Mada University who often hang around there.

The main menu is sego kucing that consists of some rice and stirred-fried tempe and tiny sea fish cooked with chili. Other food such as fries and fried jadah (made of sticky rice) are also available. The delicious sego kucing is sold at 1,000 Rupiah per portion. Sego kucing that is served warm goes well with fried tempe or others like skewered quail's eggs. It does not have to spend much money to taste delicious menu.

Most of the foods can be served warm if you want them to be. Just ask Mr. Man to warm them on the charcoal for a while. Some side dishes such as mendoan (tempe fried with flour), filled tofu, sweetened tempe, chicken head, and of course jadah are more delicious when they are grilled before being served. Usually people eat sego kucing on banana leaf as the packaging of it. Otherwise, you can ask for plates to put more than one portion of sego kucing.

Two seat arrangements are available for you to enjoy your meals. If you want to seat near the seller in order for you to chat with him or to ease you add some more dishes, you would better sit beside the brazier. However, if you want to be able to have a chat with your friends, it is better for you to sit on the mat spread on the pavement across the street. The spread of the mat reaches as long as 100 meter. So, don't worry of shorting of space!

The South Square ( Alun-Alun kidul )

2008-11-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

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.

Prambanan Temple

2008-11-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

Prambanan, the Most Beautiful Hindu Temple in the World

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 as Krut 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.

Plaosan Temple

2008-11-05T06:07:00.002-08:00

Plaosan Temple, the Twin Temple in Yogyakarta

After visiting Prambanan temple, you should not rush to your hotel, because close to the beautiful Hindu temple, you can also see other interesting temples. Moving 1 kilometer northwards, you will find Plaosan Temple; a temple constructed by Rakai Pikatan for her wife, Pramudyawardani. The architect of the temple that is located in Bugisan village of Prambanan sub-district is combination of Hindu and Buddha.

Plaosan complex is divided into 2 groups, namely the North Plaosan Temple and the South Plaosan Temple. Both of the temples have square terrace that is encircled by wall, a pillbox for meditation at the west part and dome on other side. Because of that similarity, the appearance of both temples are the same when they are seen from distant so that Plaosan temple is also called the twin temples.

The North Plaosan Temple has middle courtyard encircled by wall with the entrance at the west side. In the middle of the courtyard, there is a hall as wide as 21.62 m x 19 m. At the eastern part of the hall, there are 3 altars, namely north, east and south altars. The pictures of Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, and Aksobya are at the east altar. Samantabadhara statue and Ksitigarba figure is at the north altar, while Manjusri picture is at the west alter.

The South Plaosan temple also has a hall at the center that is encircled by 8 small temples that is divided into 2 ranks and each rank consists of 4 temples. There also pictures of Tathagata Amitbha, Vajrapani with vajra attribute at the utpala and Pranjaparamita who was considered "the mother of all Buddha". Some other pictures can still be found but not at their original places. Manujri figure that according to a Dutch scientist named Krom is significant can also be seen.

Part of this bas relief has unique picture of man and woman. There is a man described as sitting cross-legged with worshipping hands and a figure of a man with vara mudra and vse at his leg encircled by six smaller men. A woman is described as standing with vara mudra hands, while there are book, pallet, and vase around her. Krom explains that figures of those man and woman are descriptions of supporting patron from two monasteries.

The entire complex of Plaosan temple has 116 ancillary domes and 50 ancillary temples. Ancillary domes can be seen on each side of the main temple, as can smaller ancillary temples. Walking northwards, you can see open building called Mandapa. Two inscriptions can also be found; they are the inscription on gold coin at the north of the main temple and an inscription written on a stone in the first line of the ancillary temples.

One of the characteristics of Plaosan temple is the smooth surface of the terrace. Krom explains that such a terrace is different from other temples of the same time. To his opinion, it is related to the function of a temple by that time that is predicted to keep canonical texts owned by Buddhist monks. Other prediction by Dutch scientists, if the number of monks in that area is small then the terrace might be used as a place for Buddhists to pray.

If you go around the temple complex, you will notice that the complex of Plaosan temple is wide. That can also be noticed from long fence stretching 460 meters from north to south and 290 meters from west to east. There is also moat inside stretching as long as 440 meters from north to south and 270 meters from west to east. The moat can be seen by walking eastwards through the middle part of this historical building.

Candi Pawon (Pawon Temple)

2008-11-05T06:07:00.001-08:00

Candi Pawon (Pawon Temple)

Pawon Temple is one and half kilometers westward from Mendut Temple and eastward from Borobudur Temple, it is also a Buddhist temple. When appreciating in detail, its sculpture is the beginning of Borobudur sculpture.

Pawon Temple is not a grave but as a place to keep King Indra's weapon namely Vajranala. This temple was built with volcanic stones. Architecturally it is a blend of old Javanese Hindu and Indian art. Pawon temple is exactly in the central point of the straight line stretched from Borobudur to Mendut Temple.

Perhaps it was built for kubera. It is on a wide rather terrace with steps. All parts are decorated with stupa(s) on dagoba(s) and its outside walls with symbolic pictures.

Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple)

2008-11-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple)

Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple) is 3 kilometers eastward from Borobudur Temple. It is a Buddhist temple, built in 824 A.D. by King Indera of Cailendra dynasty.

There are three big statues inside, they are:

Cakyamuni sitting in cross legged pose with dharma cakra mudra (= turning the wheel of dharma hand pose)
Awalokiteswara, a bodhi satwa as human being helper.
Awalokiteswara is a statue with Amitabha on her crown, Vajrapani. She is holding a red lotus and put on her palm.
Maitreya, a savior of human beings in the future.

There are stories for children on its walls.

Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple) is frequently used to celebrate the Waisak day every May full moon and the pilgrims from Indonesia and all parts of the world come to this ceremony.

It is older than Candi Borobudur. Its architecture is square, and having an entrance on its steps. Its roof is also square and terraced. There are stupas (= bell-shaped structures) on it.

Borobudur

2008-11-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

Borobudur, the Biggest Buddhist Temple in the Ninth Century

Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the World Wonder Heritages. It is not surprising since architecturally and functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayer, Borobudur is attractive.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was a place for praying that was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The name of Borobudur, as some people say, means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.

Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The height before being renovated was 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as supporting base. The first six terraces are in square form, two upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha statue is located facing westward. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. In line with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha's must go through each of those life stages.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizes human being that are still bound by lust. The upper four stories are called Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but are still bound to appearance and shape. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space; while the other upper three terraces where Buddha effigies are confined in domes with wholes are called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance and shape. The top part that is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful the sculptors were. In order to understand the sequence of the stories on the relief panels, you have to walk clockwise from the entrance of the temple. The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. Besides, there are relief panels describing the condition of the society by that time; for example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of navigation in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. For the reason, this temple functions as educating medium for those who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES suggests that you walk through each narrow passage in Borobudur in order for you to know the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the tenth century once visited this temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.

Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having supply of Buddha teaching script from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to improve Buddha's teachings after his return to India and he built a religion institution, Vikramasila Buddhism. Later he became the leader of Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six scripts from Serlingpa were then summarized as the core of the teaching called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or well known as Bodhipathapradipa.

A question about Borobudur that is still unanswered by far is how the condition around the temple was at the beginning of its foundation and why at the time of it's finding the temple was buried. Some hypotheses claim that Borobudur in its initial foundation was surrounded by swamps and it was buried because of Merapi explosion. It was based on Kalkutta inscription with the writing 'Amawa' that means sea of milk. The Sanskrit word was used to describe the occurrence of disaster. The sea of milk was then translated into Merapi lava. Some others say that Borobudur was buried by cold lava of Merapi Mountain.

With the existing greatness and mystery, it makes sense if many people put Borobudur in their agenda as a place worth visiting in their lives. Besides enjoying the temple, you may take a walk around the surrounding villages such as Karanganyar and Wanurejo. You can also get to the top of Kendil stone where you can enjoy Borobudur and the surrounding scenery. Please visit Borobudur temple right away...

Tugu Jogja

2008-11-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

Tugu Jogja, the Most Popular Landmark in Yogyakarta

Tugu Jogja is the most popular landmark of Yogyakarta. This monument is located right in the center of the crossroad between the Mangkubumi, Soedirman, A.M. Sangaji and Diponegoro roads. The Tugu Jogja that is almost 3 centuries old has a very deep meaning and it keeps some history records of Yogyakarta.

Tugu Jogja was built around one year after the construction of Yogyakarta Kingdom. At the early time of its construction, it clearly described the philosophy of the unity of God's creatures that means the spirit of togetherness of lay people and authorities to fight colonials. In Javanese term, the spirit of togetherness is called golong gilig that is clearly described in the construction of the monument: the pole is of gilig (cylinder) form and the top part is golong (rounded). This monument was known as Tugu Golong-Gilig.

In details, the monument was originally constructed in the form of a cylindrical pole with conical form upwards. The base is an encircling fence while the top is rounded. The preliminary height of the monument was 25 meters.

Everything changed when on Monday, 10 June 1867, a big earthquake in Yogyakarta ruined the monument. The collapse of the monument was the transition time when the unity was not really reflected on the monument.

The situation changed totally when in 1889 the Dutch government renovated the monument. The monument was constructed as a square with each side being decorated with a kind of inscription containing the names of people who were involved in the renovation. The top portion is no longer rounded but a pointed cone. The height of the monument is also lower, namely 15 meters. Since then, this monument was also called as De Witt Paal or Tugu Pal Putih (white pole monument).

The renovation of the monument was actually the tactic used by the Dutch colonial to erase the philosophy of togetherness between lay people and the king. Learning from the result of the struggle afterwards, however, the effort did not seem to be successful.

If we want to look at the monument satisfactorily while remembering its philosophical meaning, there are benches facing the monument on the corner of Mangkubumi Street. At 05:00 a.m. - 06:00 a.m. is the right time since the air is still fresh and not much passerby yet. Occasionally, the newspaper boy will greet us politely while riding his bicycle to go to the distribution office of the biggest local newspaper, the Kedaulatan Rakyat.

In the evening, we find the seller of gudeg (traditional menu cooked from young jackfruit) at the corner of Diponegoro Road. The gudeg sold here is delicious at reasonable price. You may have it in crossed-legs seating arrangement while looking at the view of the Tugu Jogja that is bathed with lights.

Being so identical of the Tugu Jogja to Yogyakarta makes many university students from outside of Yogyakarta to express their happiness after the graduation day by hugging and kissing the Tugu Jogja. That may also express their love to Yogyakarta that they will about to leave soon and at the same time say their promise to return to this city.

Sonobudoyo Museum

2008-11-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

Sonobudoyo Museum, Admiring the Keris Collection

Visiting Sonobudoyo Museum is an alternative to see keris and other related items to it from all parts of Indonesia. The museum that keeps around 1,200 keris (most of them were donated by Java Institute) will satisfy your curiosity about keris since the Kingdom of Yogkarta that keeps sacred keris does not allow public to see its keris collection.

Sonobudoyo Museum is within easy reach from Yogyakarta Kingdom; it is located across the North Square of Yogyakarta. To get into it, you only have to pay the entrance ticket as much as IDR 3,000. Meanwhile, in order to see various kinds of keris, you have to go through quite long procedures because you have to get permission from the museum chief officer. This is because many of the keris collection are still kept in the collection room; they are not shown to public.

The first thing you will see that is related to keris is wesi budha (Buddha Iron); it is the main material to make keris that was used in around the year 700s AD, or during the triumphant of Hindu Mataram Kingdom. Wesi Budha can be seen in the middle room that also keeps some collections of the triumphant of Buddhism civilization in Indonesia. In addition to the wesi budha, there are various household furnishings, weapons and handicrafts of the same period.

Entering further, you can see some keris, even though the number is relatively small. Some of the exposed keris are straight keris, keris with 7 curves, 11 curves and 13 curves. Most of the keris displayed in this room are those from Jave. In addition to the keris, batik cloths with different patterns are kept there.

Another room behind the library of the museum, displays more types of keris. The museum attendant explained to YogYES that the room keeps various kinds of keris from all parts of Indonesia and it keeps collection of accessories such as pendok of Yogyakarta and Solo and the keris blade . More collection originates from outside of Yogyakarta since there was prohibition to collect keris with the quantity exceeding those of the collection of Yogyakarta Kingdom.

The Javanese keris kept in the museum are those with 7, 11, 13 curves or called luk and straight keris with various pamor (pattern), such as beras wutah / the spoiled rice (pamor that was accidentally resulted from the forging process, in the form of connectiong circles), sekar pakis (in the form of the fins flower) and so on. The keris from outside of Java that are kept there are, among others: the unique rencong Aceh, mandau from Kalimantan, keris from Madura and Bali, and keris from Sulawesi or Celebes.

In that collection room, you can also see many old keris handles with interesting designs. There are keris handles in the forms of human head, human full posture, dragon, lion, and so on. There are hundreds of pendok that are classified into two categories, namely Yogyakarta and Solo styles. Different from the keris handles with various designs, the shapes of pendok are relatively the same.

Thousands of the keris collection pay the difficulty to get in this collectio room. The museum attendant explained to YogYES that all the keris in the collection room will be displayed in an exhibition room that will be constructed in the future. You may hope that at your visit in the future time, you can see all of the collections without sophisticated permit.

Monjali Monumen

2008-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

The sound of serene signaling break time sounded from the Dutch defense post. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Suharto, Commander of Brigade 10 of Wehrkreise III area, an attack to the Dutch defense was started after getting an agreement from Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX as initiator of the attack. The Dutch troop that since the Dutch Military Aggression II in December 1948 was distributed to small posts was separated and weakened. During six hours, Indonesian National Army succeeded in occupying Yogyakarta, after hitting the Dutch troop. Right at 12.00 in the afternoon, as it was planned, all Indonesian army drew back from the city center when the Dutch support came; total loose at the Dutch side.

Indonesia Had Been Independent

This battle known as Serangan Umum 1 Maret was initial authentication to the international world that Indonesian National Army still had power to fight and to state that the Republic of Indonesia still existed. This was triggered by the capture and the exile of Bung Karno and Bung Hatta to Sumatera setting propaganda that the Republic of Indonesia had not existed.

This news about the six-hour attack was then sent to Wonosari, continued to Bukit Tinggi, then Burma, New Delhi (India), and finally in the main office of the UN in New York. With this news, the United Nations that considered Indonesia to have been independent compelled the execution of KTN (Komisi Tiga Negara / Commission of Three Nations). The meeting held in Des Indes Hotel Jakarta on 14 April 1949, where Indonesia was represented by Moh. Roem and representatives of Netherlands led by Van Royen, resulted in an agreement signed on 7 May 1949. This agreement was later called Roem Royen Statement. In this agreement Netherlands was compelled to withdraw its troop from Indonesia, and to return President and the Vice President, Soekarno-Hatta to Jogja. Finally on 27 December 1949 Netherlands officially handed over the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.

Implied and Explicit Meaning of History Hallmark

In order to commemorate the struggle history of the nation, Yogya Kembali monument was built on 29 June 1985. The placement of the first stone of the 31.8 meter-high monument was done by HB IX after planting buffalo head as traditional ceremony. Four years later, on 6 July 1989, this building was finished. The opening was done by President Soeharto by signing the inscription.

The monument that is located in Jongkang village, Sariharjo Sub-District, Ngaglik District of Sleman Regency is of a mountain shape, symbolizing fertility and preservation of pre-historical ancestor's culture. The location of the monument was based on local culture that is located on imaginary axis connecting Merapi, Tugu, Sultan Palace, Panggung Krapyak, and Parang Tritis. "Macrocosmic Axis or the Great Axis of Life", as Gunadi told YogYES. The imaginary point in the building standing on 5.6 hectare land can be seen on the third floor where the flag pole is standing.

The name Yogya Kembali that means Yogya Returns symbolizes the return of the function of Indonesian Republic Government and historical hallmark of the Dutch troop withdrawal from Yogyakarta as the capital on 29 June 1949 and the return of President Soekarno, Vice President Mohammad Hatta and other officers on 6 July 1949 to Yogyakarta.

From Aircraft Replica to Quiet Room

Entering the monument area that is located about three kilometers north of Jogja city center visitors will be welcomed by replica of Cureng Aircraft close to the east gate and replica of Guntai Aircraft close to the west entrance. Stepping up the podium at west and east sides, visitors can see two wheeled-machine guns complete with the seats, before stepping down to the open space in front of the foot of the monument mountain. At the south end of the yard stands a wall containing 420 names of the strugglers who died between 19 December 1948 and 29 June 1949 and the poem entitled Karawang Bekasi by Chairil Anwar that is intended for unknown patriots.

The monument is surrounded by fish pond that is divided by four alleys going to the main building. West and east alleys connect to the entrance of the first floor that consists of four rooms presenting at least 1,000 collections of the attack on 1 March, the struggle before the independence until Yogyakarta became the capital of Indonesia. Uniform of Student Military and the sedan chair used to carry the Great General Sudirman are kept there. There is also the main meeting room, which is located adjacent to room I. This rounded room of 25 meter diameter is a functional room that is rented for seminar of even feasts.

North and south alleys are connected to the stairs leading to the second floor at the outdoor wall that circles the building that is carved with 40 reliefs picturing the struggle of Indonesian nation from 17 August 1945 until 28 December 1949. Some historical events such as physical struggle and diplomacies since the proclamation of Indonesian independence, the return of the President and Vice President to Yogyakarta and the formation of People's Security Army are pictured in the relief. While in the building, there are 10 dioramas encircling the building and picturing situations when the Dutch troop attacked Maguwo on 19 December 1948, 1 March attack, Roem Royen Statement, and ceremony of Independence Day on 17 August 1949 in Gedung Agung Yogyakarta.

The uppermost floor is a round, quiet room with a flag pole with the red and white flag on it at the center of the room, and relief of a fist on the west wall symbolizing physical struggle and diplomacy struggle on the east wall. The Garbha Graha room functions as a place to say prayers for the heroes and remember their struggle.

By far, the history of the nation struggle is heard only from the history teachers at school, or from the story told by the grandfather to his children in law. Yogya Kembali monument gives clearer description of how the independence was achieved by looking at the dioramas, carved reliefs or collection of clothes and weapons used by the strugglers of the independence. One place that will satisfy your desires of knowledge about the road that Indonesian nation had to take to get its independence.

Affandi Museum

2008-11-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

Affandi Museum, Visiting the Palace of a Maestro

Visiting Affandi Museum that is located on Jalan Raya Yogyakarta - Solo, or by the west bank of Gajah Wong River, give an opportunity for you to trace all meaningful parts of Affandi's life. You can see the great works when he was alive, the works of other painters that he kept, the vehicles that he used in the past, the house where he used to live and a gallery that now functions as a place to educate gifted children in painting.

The complex of the museum consists of 3 galleries with gallery I as the ticket box and the starting point of your exploration. Gallery I that was personally opened by Affandi in 1962 and was inaugurated in 1974 contains some of his paintings from the early time of his work to the late time of his life. The paintings most of which are sketches and reproductions are placed in two rows - upper and lower - that fill the curved room.

Still in Gallery I, you can see valuable things belonging to Affandi. At one corner of the room, there is a 1976 Colt Gallant car in greenish yellow color that was modified to form a fish, and an old wind-cycle as his means of transportation. The reproduction of the statue of Affandi and her daughter, Kartika, is shown as well.

Entering Gallery II, you will see paintings by different painters, both junior and senior ones. The gallery that was inaugurated in 1988 consists of two floors with paintings that you can see from different angles. The first floor is full of abstract paintings and the second floor contains realist-style paintings.

Gallery III as the next destination is a unique building of which roof resembles banana leaf. The three-stories floor is a multifunction gallery with the first floor functions as an exhibition room as well as the location of "Gajah Wong Gallery" for children who sharpen their painting ability, the second floor functions as paintings treatment and restoration room, and the room underground is utilized to keep painting collections.

There is a tower close to Gallery III where you can see the scenery of the entire museum, Gajah wong River and the hurly-burly of the main street. Walking to the west, you will come to a house with unique architecture where Affandi and his family used to live.

The house was built with the concept of a stage-house with concrete as the main pillars and other poles are from wood. The roof is shingle roof forming banana leaf and the shape of the building is uniquely curving. The ground floor is used for Kafe Loteng where you can buy foods and drinks and the upper floor is personal room of Affandi's.

At the left side of the house, there is a cart functioning as a place for praying. The cart used to be the resting place for Affandi's wife, Maryati. Initially, Maryati wanted a caravan as the ones used by many Americans as a mobile living place. Affandi agreed to the concept but with more Indonesian style, namely a cart.

Before leaving the museum, take a little time to visit the tomb of the maestro who passed away on 23 May 1990. The tomb lays between Gallery I and II. The eternal home of Affandi's lays beside his wife's eternal home. The yard of the homes is decorated by lushness of rose trees.

In order to visit Affandi Museum, you only have to spend IDR 10,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 20,000 for foreign tourists and additional IDR 10,000 for taking photographs.

Wediombo

2008-11-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

Wediombo Beach, Fishing from the Coral Hill

The imagination of very wide, white-sand beach that enables you to see different angles of the beach will rise when you hear the mention of Wediombo (wedi=sand, ombo=wide) Beach. Nonetheless, Wediombo Beach actually does not have such wide spread of sands. The west and east parts of the beach are planked by coral hills so that the spread of the sands is not as wide as the one in Parangtritis, Glagah, and possibly Kuta beaches.

In fact, local people tell that the name of this beach that was given by the predecessors does not represent the real situation. Some people say that more appropriate name for this beach is Teluk Ombo (The Wide Bay), since the beach looks like a wide bay. There are two flanking coral hills with the seawater protrudes to the land but it is wider that common bays.

Apart from the inappropriate name, however, Wediombo still provides extraordinary beach view. The seawater looks clear blue; it is different from other beaches of which seawater looks greenish resulted from water pollution. The white sands with ornaments of the seashells are maintained well. The atmosphere of the beach is quiet so that it becomes the right place to get out of noisiness.

Wediombo is located in Jepitu village of Girisubo Sub-District in Gunung Kidul Regency. If you have come to Siung Beach, you will easily reach this beach. You only have to get back to a T-junction in Tepus before the road leading to Siung Beach, then turn right following the road until you get to a sign board asking you to turn right to get to Wediombo.

The location of this beach is far lower that the surrounding lands. You have to get down by the stairs in order to reach the beach and enjoy the panorama. While descending the stairs, you will be able to see the field, houses and mangrove vegetation on your left and right sides. Some people are seen carrying herbs for their cattle or taking care of the cattle in its stall.

In addition to the enchanting coastal panorama, Wediombo offers a unique tour experience, if not an extreme one, namely fishing from the height of the coral cliff. This kind of tour originating from the fishing habit of local people is popular with fishing hobbyists from Yogyakarta and Wonogiri. The main objective is, according to local people to YogYES, to catch big fish.

It is not easy to reach the fishing location at the top of the coral cliff. We have to walk eastwards through the shore; climbing steep and slippery cliff and sometimes the waves will hit us before arriving at the cliff that directly faces the deep ocean. For those who have been familiar with the route, it will take them one-hour walk.

The difficult way to the cliff, however, is paid well. Big fish are sometimes caught by the hobbyists. At least they will catch fish that local people name it panjo fish. The fish of which size is as big as man's arm are of two kinds, the cylindrical one that exist more during dry season and the flat one during the rainy season.

The baits are small fish that can even be collected at the seashore. We can use either fishing pole or fishnet to catch the small fish. It's cheap and easy, isn't it?

For those who do not dare to get to the top of the cliff, they might just buy the fish they the fishermen catch. They sell the panjo fish at IDR 3,000 one fish, or IDR 20,000 for a string of fish containing 5-6 fish. Some local people are willing to cook them for you if you wish. Otherwise, you can take them home as a gift for your family.

Cooked panjo fish are also available. Served with rice and condiment from chili pepper, fried Panjo fish is sold at IDR 7,000 only. The rice is served in the traditional container called bakul and the condiment is on traditional saucer called cobek. The portion is big enough for two persons. YogYES tried this menu in a warong located close to the parking area. Fried sea urchin that tastes like fried chicken is also available if you want to try.

At certain occasions, you can see Ngalangi ceremony that is held by local people. This ceremony takes place once in a year, just like the labuhan besar ceremony, of which objective is to express the gratitude to God for what have been granted and asking for good fortune for the future. The fortune is mainly good catches in sufficient quantity to fulfill daily needs.

The procession of the ceremony is unique; it begins by spreading gawar - the fishnet made from wawar tree. This kind of fishnet was used to catch fish before the present nylon fishnet. The gawar is spread out from Kedongkowok hill to the area of the rise and fall of the tides in order to trap the fish that are washed away by the waves and that cannot get back to the sea.

When seawater falls, the fish are collected. People are then busy cleaning and cooking the fish. Some of the fish are returned to the sea with some rice ans offerings. Most part of the dish is shared to the families. This ceremony is known as kenduri besar or great shared-meals as the form of local wisdom that fish are livelihood for all people.

In addition to Ngalangi ceremony, the enchantment of the beach can be enjoyed everyday. The entrance fee is only IDR 5,000 for two persons. If you want to spend the night and gather with some of your friends, you can use a small hut located close to the warongs alongside the beach. It is so refreshing to be in this beach.

Sundak

2008-11-05T05:41:00.001-08:00

Sundak Beach, Dog and Sea Urchin Fight which Result a Blessing

Sundak Beach does not only have enchanting natural view but it also keeps story. The name Sundak turns to experience evolution of which evidences can be traced geologically.

In order to know its evolution, visitors must know first the condition the sea sides of Sundak Beach in the past and at present time. At the west side of the beach there is a mosque and a vacant space that is now utilized as a parking area. On the east side, there is a cave made of coral reef as high as around 12 meters. Entering the cave, there is a spring from which local people get fresh water.

Before 1930 the above area was still under sea water. The story tells that sea water reached the area where the mosque stands now and the cave was submerged in sea water. In line with geological process in the south sea, the sea water level decreased and sea water stood out more to the sea. The coral reef and the area around the mosque became new land that later coastal people used it for economy activities until today.

There was unique, natural phenomenon of the activity that finally served as starting point of naming this beach. When rainy season came, there was much water from the land flowing to the sea. Consequently, the land on east side of the beach split to make a river-look form. The flowing water looked like splitting the sand. When dry season came, the crevice disappeared since the sea water came ashore and drag away the sand. The name Wedibelah (the split sand) originated from this natural phenomenon. When YogYES visited the place, the crevice did not exist.

Tens of years later the name changed. In 1976, there was an interesting occurrence. In an afternoon, there was a dog running about the seaside and entered the cave where it met a sea urchin. Being starving, the dog tried to prey on the sea urchin but the sea urchin avoided. Then, the fight happened and finally the dog succeeded in eating half of the sea urchin body and the dog got out of the cave proudly. The owner of the dog, Arjasangku, saw half of the sea urchin body was still in the dog's mouth. Since then, the name Wedibedah was changed into Sundak as an abbreviation of asu (Javanese language for dog) and landak (Javanese language for sea urchin).

The quarrel turned to bring fortune for local people. After being short of water for years, local people finally found a spring. Initially, the owner of the dog was astonished that his dog was soaking wet after getting out of the cave. The hypothesis was that there was a spring inside the cave and the dog might fall in it while hunting the sea urchin. After some investigations, the prediction turned out to be true. Now, the spring functions as source of fresh water for local inhabitants. Pipes are now installed from the cave to distribute water to the community. The finding of the spring consoled the community who were disappointed because the wells that they dug were inundated by sea water.

Just imagine the condition of the area hundreds of years ago when we know its condition in 1930s. There had to be many organisms that utilized the lower part of the coral reef that now functions as a cave. For the reason, many archeologists believe that as the consequence of the occurring geological process, there were many sea organisms were left and piled up as fossils. Not many researches reveal what fossils exist in the area.

In addition to offering its silent historical witnesses, Sundak also offers enjoyable night atmosphere. You can enjoy the breeze of the night wind while ordering fresh fish to be grilled together with your friends. You only have to pay some thousands Rupiah for the firewood. If you are reluctant to do so, just order ready-to-eat grilled fish. To spend the night, you can just sleep anywhere; you can put up your tent or just lying on the bench of food sellers that are not used at night. Darkness can sometimes be more enjoyable than brightness. Don't worry about it.

If you want it, interact with local people can be valuable enlightenment. You can understand how people live their lives, their culture, and they might change your life point of view. To see Grandpa Tugiman who usually keeps the parking area or Grandpa Arjasangku can be another option. They are examples of the leaders of Sundak Beach. To have a talk with them does not only make you merely see the history witnesses but it enables you get direct story from the witnesses of how the story was carved. Please come, they all are waiting for you!

Siung

2008-11-05T05:40:00.001-08:00

Siung Beach, Having 250 Routes for Cliff Climbing

Siung Beach is located in a remote area in Gunung Kidul Regency, to the south of Tepus Sub-Regency to be exact. The distance is around 70 kilometer from the center of Yogyakarta city or it will take you around 2 hours drive. Since it is difficult to get public transportation to go the beach, it would be easier if you make your travel with your own vehicle. Public bus or mini van from Wonosari city will stop at Tepus area only and you have to wait long to get one.

When you plan to make your travel by your car or motorcycle, make sure that they are in a very good condition. The reason is that you are going to go through challenging road with climbs, sharp bending and sometimes slopes under the hot sun in between limestone hills and vegetable fields. You will have to overcome all the hindrances since you come to Pathuk area (the first Sub-Regency that you will pass by in Gunung Kidul Regency) until you get to the beach.

You cannot escape from the hindrances. The easiest route with smooth asphalted road you best take is Yogyakarta - Wonosari continued with Wonosari - Baron - Tepus route. Another route, namely Yogyakarta - Imogiri - Gunung Kidul, has harder challenges with road full of holes, while Wonogiri - Gunung Kidul route is to far to take from Yogyakarta city.

Suffering before getting the happiness seems to represent your journey to Siung Beach. You will fee happy, released and peaceful after you get to the beach. The blue ocean and white, clean sands will cure tiredness. Some wooden houses are available for visitors to take shelter or to have a chat with friends while enjoying the beauty of the beach panorama.

One of the prominent enchantments of Siung Beach is its coral reef. The huge coral reefs at the west and east parts of the beach have important function to add the beauty of the scenery and to border with other beach.

The coral reef of which form resembles the fang of a monkey protrudes little bit to the ocean. The name of the beach was - according to Wastoyo, the local senior leader - taken from the form of the coral reef that resembles the shape of a monkey's fang. The coral reef remains beautiful to enjoy with the waves sometimes hit it and the seawater permeates through its cavities (look at the photograph).

The monkey's fang coral reef that still stands firmly despite eroding waves becomes the witness of the triumph of Siung area in the past. Wastoyo tells that Siung area was one of the trading centers during the time of Islamic leaders in Gunung Kidul area. Close to the beach, in Winangun area, there is a traditional market. Here, Mrs Kami and Mrs Podi, the widows of the servants of the Yogyakarta and Surakarta Kingdoms lived.

Most of the people in Siung area make their living by producing salt. They rely their lives on the seawater that is rich in rich content. The salt produced by the local people becomes the main commodity in Winangun market. Even though the sea is rich in various kinds of fish, not many local people dare to go sea by that time. Most of them just catch fish at the shallow waters.

The trading in Winangun market was decreasing when the market was "moved" to Yogyakarta. The new market in Yogyakarta that used to be the Winangun market in Siung area was named Jowinangun that stands for Jobo Winangun, meaning outside the Winangun area. Local people lost their livelihood and not many people come to this area. There is no history telling what local people did to keep alive.

It was during the vacuum time that the beauty of the coral reefs in Siung Beach regained its popularity. In around 1989, a group of nature lovers from Japan utilized the coral cliffs to the west of the beach as an arena for cliff climbing. Then, in 1990s, there was a competition of Asian Climbing Gathering utilizing the coral cliff at Siung Beach. Since then, the popularity of Siung Beach began to come back.

As many as 250 climbing routes are now available at Siung Beach to facilitate the lovers of cliff climbing sport. Referring to the rule that the existing route can be added with the consent from the maker of the previous path, the routes can possibly be added. Many groups have made use of the climbing routes in this beach, such as a group of students from the State University of Yogyakarta that was about to climb when YogYES came to visit this beach.

The other facility supporting the cliff climbing activity is the camping ground in the eastern part of the beach. Tents are erected in the camping ground and fire can be set to spend the night. The only requirement to go camping there is destroying the environment and disturbing the turtle habitat as the sign board there says.

Close to the camping ground, a wooden stage-house can be functioned as the base camp as another choice than erecting the tent. It contains 10 - 15 people. The stage-house enables visitors to get wider view of the exotic beach. You only have to get permission from local people and pay some amount of money to use the stage-house.

When night comes or when there are not many visitors, the long-tailed monkeys will get down from the cliff to the shore. The existence of these rare long-tailed monkeys can be one of the reasons why the naming of the coral reef was analogized with the fang of the monkey, not other kinds of animals.

Wastoyo explains, based on what wise men explained, the prosperity and triumph of Siung Beach will come soon. The visit of more people and the increasing popularity as an arena of cliff climbing signal the movement of this beach to its triumph. The visit of tourists, including you, will surely speed up the attainment of the triumph.

Sepanjang

2008-11-05T05:39:00.001-08:00

Sepanjang, The Old Kuta Beach

If you want to enjoy the nostalgia of Kuta Beach in the past time, Sepanjang Beach is the right place. Sepanjang has long coastal lines, clean water sands, and medium waves. You can just choose: sun bathing under the bright sun, surfing, or just enjoy the beach beauty. You can enjoy all the things when you come to the beach that lies some kilometers from Sundak Beach.

Sepanjang Beach is one of newly opened beaches. The name 'Sepanjang' which means 'long' derives from the characteristic of the beach that has the longest coastal lines of all beaches in Gunung Kidul. The atmosphere of this beach is so natural. The seaside is decorated with palm trees and huts roofed with dry leaves. The coral reef in the rise and fall of tides area is kept well. The dashes of waves reflect blue color signaling uncontaminated sea water. With such a situation, it is not false if the local government and investors plan to make this beach the second Kuta Beach.

The natural atmosphere makes Sepanjang Beach superior to Kuta Beach. Sepanjang does not offer such cliché things as beach café and luxurious cottages, but closeness to nature. You can still dig out coral reef to find mollusk and starfish (Echinodermata). You can also pull out seaweed from the coral. However, you must be careful in order not to stick the sea urchin's spines. You will not find those all in Kuta, will you?

The community sticks firmly to the coastal culture. No permanent buildings alongside the beach, only some huts where local people are living. Still on the coastal area, there is field where people plant soy bean. The slope beach that is directly dashed by waves prevents people from going to sea. Looking at the back, there are two hills on which valley where people plant corn as their main food. The land on top of the hill has been bought by an investor to make villa where visitors can stay.

Sepanjang also has a historical site, namely Banyusepuh. 'Banyu' means 'water' and 'sepuh' means to wash. Thus, the name means that the place that used to be a water spring is used to wash or to bathe. Those who used the place were Islamic pious leaders who washed their sacred weapons. You must ask local people to locate this site. When YogYES came to the place, there was only dry trash damp with wild plants around it.

When you get tired, have a rest. Local people usually sell food and drink in the huts alongside the beach. You may sit on bamboo seat while chatting and enjoying the wind of the sea. YogYES had the opportunity to enjoy the cool weather under the hut. When daylight is fading, look westwards where the sun sets. Local people will warmly welcome you to stay in their house because there are no villas yet.

For the souvenirs that you are going to take home, you do not have to worry. You do not have to take food as souvenir, do you? Some people living some kilometers from the beach make handicrafts from seashell that then are sold by coastal people. Even though it is not as commercial as those in Malaysia, the handicrafts vary. The shapes are royal carriage, statue, hair pinch or the dried ones and buried in white sands. Some of them are painted. The price is so fair, only five thousand Rupiah each.

Low price does not necessarily mean low value. Handicrafts made from seashell have precious historical value. If you read articles or books on Conchology Mollusca, you will know that such handicrafts are of high culture developing in coastal community. The people in Hawaii of the United States of America, Melanesia islands, or Maori in New Zealand develop similar handicrafts. They set seashell to become necklace, pant, belt, and carve them to make marvelous fine arts.

If you have no budget for the souvenirs, you can collect the seashell on the seaside. This small thing becomes interesting present with further processing. Take a piece of seashell and put it into plastic bag. Arriving at home, buy some tobacco or mint and mix it with alcohol 90%. After you soak it one night, take it and polish it slowly. The process will eliminate the lime layer on the seashell, leaving the central layer (prismatic layer). Polishing will make the color of the seashell brighter.

Isn't it interesting to make a tour to Sepanjang Beach? What are you waiting for? You can just ride your motorcycle or step on the gas pedal of your car. You do not have to worry about the stony road to this place since the beauty of nature and culture you are going to enjoy pay for it. Trust me, it pays everything and you will agree to a tourist from the Netherlands saying, "This is the real new Kuta. There are many beaches here and there have been so many tourists in Bali; the beach here is so quiet, so enjoyable."

Sadeng

2008-11-05T05:38:00.001-08:00

Sadeng Beach, Visiting the Estuary of the Ancient Bengawan Solo River

Bengawan Solo River used to flow quietly from its upper course in the north area and empty into Sadeng Beach that now is located in Gunung Kidul Regency. Four million years ago, however, a geological process took place. The Australia slab got under Java Island, causing the Java Land to rise slowly. The course of the river could not resist so that it turned northwards. The old line then dried since there was no flowing water anymore. This area is rich in limestone hills that, according to some researches, used to be coral reefs under the seawater.

Now, the ex line of the river that is popular through the keroncong song entitled Bengawan Solo created by Gesang becomes an interesting tourism object. In addition to serving as a tourism object, Sadeng, which was the estuary of the river, is one of the biggest fish harbor in Yogyakarta. Both of them become valuable geological sites. Once, there was a tour package exploring the course of the Ancient Bengawan Solo to its estuary.

On the way to Sadeng, we can see some hundreds meters line of the Ancient Bengawan Solo River. We can see the line after arriving at a blue plank with the writing "Girisubo - Ibukota Kecamatan". Get down from your vehicle and look carefully at the ex line of the river and record it with your camera.

There are two high limestone hills planking a low land that used to be the line of the river. The low land that now functions as a field for local people to grow vegetables bends beautifully as far as 7 kilometers northwards Pracimantoro area in Wonogiri Regency. The bends are so tempting that our eyes will have to see them.

The river line can also be explored southwards to its ex estuary in Sadeng Beach. One of the fishermen told that the estuary of the Ancient Bengawan Solo River was on the east beach, the area that currently is part of the fish harbor. Nonetheless, the explore to the south is not as beautiful as the one to the north because the line going to Sadeng Beach is not in the same direction with the flow of the biggest river in Java.

When we get to beach, we will see different scenery. The area of the beach also experiences changes like the line of the river that now functions as vegetables field. Sadeng Beach now functions as the most advanced fish harbor in Yogyakarta. This can be seen from the availability of big motorboats, gas station, shelters for fishermen and fish auction center and fishermen cooperative.

The development of Sadeng as a fish harbor has its own story. Around the year 1983, a group of fishermen from Gombong, Central Java came to this place. They considered Sadeng to be a potential place to go sea. The challenges are quite hard, not only the big waves but also local people's belief forbidding people to go sea and the beach that is believed to be mystical.

One of the fishermen, Pairo, told YogYES that the fishermen from Gombong believed that anyone could get into Sadeng Beach. Thus, anyone who dares to live in Sadeng will live. Finally, more fishermen from Gombong lived and made their living with their catches in that place.

Since then, the area keeps developing. In 1986, a center for fish auction was built and a harbor equipped with lighthouse to support the fishery activities were built. In 1989s, a cooperative for fishermen was formed. In 1995, an office that took care of the catches that also functions as a shelter for the transit fishermen was organized.

We will see the development of the fishery in Sadeng by visiting all parts of the beach. We will see fishermen cleaning their boats, carrying the fish to the acution center, grinding ice cubes to be placed in fish box before being distributed, and a number of mothers taking car of children in the shelter. All people are busy with fishery activities.

Besides, we can also explore the seashore in the eastern part and head to the sand dune close to the lighthouse. The scenery of the unlimited ocean will look clearly. Different from other beaches in Gunung Kidul in general, Sadeng does not have huge coral reefs so that our vision will not be obstructed. Sometimes, you can see fishermen's boats are going to sea.

Visiting Sadeng is like witnessing an evolution process. Along the way, we can recall the evolution of the low land of the Ancient Bengawan Solo line from its time when the water was still flowing to the present condition where the line changes its function as a field where local people grow vegetables. Meanwhile, visiting the beach seems like recall the beach that used to be the estuary that was quiet and now it becomes the biggest fish harbor in Yogyakarta.

Parangtritis

2008-11-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

Parangtritis, the Most Popular Beach in Yogyakarta

In addition to being the most popular beach in Yogyakarta, Parangtritis is worth visiting since it is closely related to such tourism objects as the Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta city, Parangkusumo Beach to the west of it, and the Merapi area at the north part of Yogyakarta. Located around 27 kilometers from the city center, Parangtritis Beach is also part of the Queen of South's authority.

The naming of the beach has its own history. Hundreds years ago, someone named Dipokusumo, who was a fugitive of Majapahit Kingdom, came to this area to meditate. When he saw water dripping from the crack of the coral reef, he named this area 'parangtritis', originating from the word parang (stone) and tumaritis (water drops). The beach close to the area was then named the same.

Parangtritis is a beach full of myths, which is believed to be the manifestation of the unity among Merapi Mountain, Yogyakarta Kingdom, and Parangtritis Beach. The legend tells that Panembahan Senopati and Sunan Kalijaga once met in this place after completing their meditation. Panembahan Senopati was reminded of being a humble ruler despite his supernatural powers.

The primary attraction of this beach is its natural view. The enchantment of the coastal scenery can be seen from different angles to give you different experiences. When you are standing at the seashore, you will see the wide ocean with the high waves and steeply mountainside on the east side.

To get the view from the site, just walk or hire the horse-cart westwards and you look southwards when you have reached the place. You may get to the place by riding a horse that you shall rent at negotiable price.

After enjoying the scenery of Parangtritis beach from the seashore, you can leave for Langse Cave for a different experience. On the earth road leading to the cave, you can look westwards to see Parangtritis from different angle. The high waves rushing to the shore will look silvery under the sun, and will look golden by the sunset time. YogYES got the opportunity to see this exotic view during its visit a couple of days ago.

Before reaching Langse Cave, we suggest that you pay a visit to the graveyard of Syeh Bela Belu that will give you spiritual experience. Usually, many pilgrims come on certain days such as certain Tuesday that is called Kliwon on Javanese calendar as one of the five Javanese days of the week.

From the graveyard, you may challenge yourself to continue your journey to Langse Cave that you have to go on foot to get to the cave that is 3 kilometers away through as high as 400 meters mountainside at the slope of almost 90⁰. To get into the cave that is also called the Queen of South cave, you have to get the permission from the tomb guard. According to the guard of Depok Beach several times entered the cave when he was young, we will get beautiful view of the south ocean at the mouth of the cave that directly faces the ocean.

On the fifth day of the fifth month of Chinese calendar, you will be able to see Peh Cun ceremony procession in Parangtritis. Peh Cun, originating from the word Peh that means oar and Cun that means boat, is Chinese expression of gratitude to God. This rite is also meant to commemorate Khut Gwan (Qi Yuan), a loyal patriot as well as a minister who was once betrayed by his colleague so that he committed a suicide.

Peh Cun ceremony is unique since there is no festival of dragon-decorated boats rowing like in other regions, instead there is an attraction of standing egg. The attraction begin at 11:00 a.m. and by afternoon, according to the myth, the egg will stand upright with no means of support are needed. By 01:00 p.m., however, the egg will suddenly fall down and no one can erect it anymore.

To get to Parangtritis Beach, you can take either one of the two routes. One is the route of Yogyakarta-Imogiri-Siluk-Parangtritis with the river and coral reel scenery on the way. The other is Yogyakarta-Parangtritis route that is easier to take with quite smooth road. It is suggested that you do not wear green clothes to respect local people who believe that green clothes will bring misfortune.

Parangkusumo

2008-11-05T05:36:00.001-08:00

Parangkusumo, the Love Beach in Yogyakarta

Upon entering the gate of Parangkusumo Beach, you will immediately feel the sacred nuance of the beach that is located around 30 kilometers south of Yogyakarta city and it is believed to be the entrance gate to the south ocean. You will soon smell the fragrance of flowers and incense as the materials of an offering; the nuance you will find nowhere but in this beach.

The sacredness of the place feels more distinct when you look at the scattered flowers and sets of offerings on the Love Stone that is located in Puri Cepuri complex where Panembahan Senopati and Queen of the South met and made an agreement. At that time, Senopati was meditating on the bigger stone in the north when Queen of the South approached him and sat on the smaller stone in the south.

The meeting between the two authorities had influence on the relationship between Yogyakarta Kingdom and Bale Sokodhomas Kingdom. It began when Senopati was perfecting his supernatural powers by doing the ritual of tapa ngeli or carrying himself away in the river. Arriving at a certain phase of his meditation, suddenly there was storm on the beach, trees were yanked out by its roots, the seawater was boiling and fish were thrown to the land.

The occurrence compelled the Queen of the South to show up on the surface of the ocean to see Senopati. Senopati expressed his ideal to govern Mataram and asked the Queen of South for her help. The Queen promised him the help with the conditions that Senopati and his descendants would be willing to become her husbands. Senopati took the conditions with the request that the marriage should not bear children.

The agreement made Yogyakarta Kingdom as one of Mataram frictions to have close relationship with the Kingdom of the South Ocean. The proof of such a relationship is the labuhan alit (giving an offering by throwing out certain things to the sea) that is done annually. One part of the labuhan ceremony is planting parts of Sultan's nails, hair and clothes in the area of Puri Cepuri. Please check with Yogyakarta tourism calendar in YogYES.com for this labuhan rite.

The meditation of Senopati that bore useful fruits caused many people to believe that any requests will be answered if they are said by the Love Stone. It is not surprising, therefore, hundreds of people from different classes and religions come to the place on certain days they consider sacred. Going in pilgrimage to the Love Stone is also believed to help someone to release heavy burdens from him and to give new life spirit.

In addition to the Love Stone and the labuhan procession, you can also enjoy the beauty of the beach and the breeze of the seashore on a horse-cart. You only have to pay IDR 20,000 for the pleasant ride.

There are many warongs where you can buy meals and drinks. Quite big numbers of visitors makes this area crowded every day, even until late at night. Some of them even spend the night in this beach to say their prayer. If you want to share the spiritual experience in Parangkusumo Beach, you can join the pilgrims praying.

Kukup Beach

2008-11-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

Kukup Beach is a white sandy beach lies in Kemadang village, Tanjungsari sub district, about 1 km away in the east of Baron beach, it has a pathway trough the hill up to Baron beach and also a coral island, which is connected by a senggol bridge.

This beach is rich in sea life and also famous of its various kinds of beautiful fish in sea aquarium or various kinds of beautiful fish sold by the merchants along the beach. There are hall (pendopo), cottage and other facilities in this area. Just like in Baron beach, this beach also performs a sea offering ceremony every Syuro.

Krakal Beach

2008-11-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Krakal beach the longest beach of the junction is located Ngestirejo village, Tanjungsari sub district, about 3 km away in the east of Baron-Kukup-Sepanjang-Drini beach junction, has scratching white hill with blue slopes gently to the sea. The beauty of green lime-scratching hill with blue seawater offers a perfect harmony, which is very natural and ideal for sun bathing.

Glagah

2008-11-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

The Glagah Beach, from Lagoon Scenery to Agro Tourism

When you come to Glagah Beach, you will directly find plain coastal land. This gives you an opportunity to get wide view of all directions. Looking straight ahead, you will see the long horizon uniting the ocean and the sky. The beauty of the bending coastal line will satisfy your view when you look either westward or eastward.

Both the plain coastal land and the long coastal line also give you some alternative locations to see the beauty of the coastal scenery. Every location seems to have different nuance even though they are located in the same area. In each location, you can enjoy the overall view of the beautiful beach without boundaries of huge coral reefs.

The first location to get best view of the coastal area is the one that is planned to become a harbor in the future. You will find the place when you follow a 'PP' sign at the fist turn after the ticket post. The full-of-harmony meeting point between the river stream and the ocean waves can be seen by climbing to the view post in the location.

From the first location to some hundreds meters westwards, you can find a loog with the water flowing to the river estuary. This lagoon divides the coastal area into two, the one with coastal plants and weeds and the other place with the sand dune that directly borders on the sea. You can cross to the sand dune area through a connecting bridge that is located close to the river estuary.

Walking further to the west, you can see the activities of local people and some people fishing. When YogYES visited, they are standing in shoulders along the coastal line holding their fishing rods. The slightly sloping area gives much fish for local fishermen. Some kiosks sell seafood with various menus worth trying.

In addition to the beautiful coastal scenery, Glagah Beach also has various beach tourism facilities. One of them is the motocross circuit that is located at the seaside that will satisfy hobbyists of this sport. Meanwhile, the asphalted road connectiong the Glagah Beach and other beaches can be utilized for fun bike activity.

You can even enjoy the agro tourism facility by visiting Kusumo Wanadri plantation. There, you can observe the cultivation process of medication herbs such as dragon fruit and Roselle flower. Besides, you can also hire the bamboo-boat (in Javanese language: gethek), canoe, and rowing duck that you can use to explore the lagoon or you can just cross the wooden bridge to come to the sand dune area at the seaside.

When you feel tired after taking a long walk, you can take arrest in cross-legged sitting hut in the area of Kusumo Wanadri plantation. Some exotic menus and beverages are worth trying. You can try fresh dragon fruit juice and is famous for its efficacy to heal some illnesses, or you may order Roselle flower syrup that will quench your thirst and neutralize various toxins in your body.

In order to enjoy the entire beautiful Glagah scenery, you can take either one of the two alternatives roads. First, go southwards via Bantul road and turn right to Bantul - Purworejo road after you come to Palbapang. Second, go westwards via Yogyakarta - Wates - Purworejo road and turn left after finding a signboard directing to Glagah Beach. You would better drive your own vehicle to reach the access more easily.

The trip to this beach is not as difficult as reaching the beaches in Gunung Kidul area. The road is flat and not much so climbs that you can reach the beaches while relaxing your mind. The road leading to Purworejo city also connects Glagah beach with other beaches in Kulon Progo Regency. In other words, you can kill two birds with one stone.

Depok

2008-11-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

Depok Beach, Enjoy Seafood Cuisine from Fresh Fish

Among other beaches in Yogyakarta, Depok Beach is apparently the only beach that is designed to become the center of culinary tourism to enjoy various seafood menus. Some of the warongs were intentionally designed to face the ocean so that visitors can enjoy the waves rushing to the shore while having delicious meals.

The warongs and the activities of the fishermen have been improving since 10 years ago. The story tells that around 1997 some fishermen from Cilacap area found Depok Beach to be a good place to put their catches ashore. The fishermen with good catches of fish inspired the local people who made their living as farmers to catch fish.

Some people of the coastal community began to become tekong, local term for fishermen. The tekongs go to sea with their motorboats. Catching fish is done almost throughout the year, except certain days that are considered sacred, namely Tuesday and Friday of Kliwon (one of the five Javanese days of the week). The tekongs make good catches except June to September when fish are rare.

With such big quantity of catches, local people opened a center for fish landing that later was completed with a center for fish trading called Mina Bahari 45. Fishermen from other areas can even sell their catches there. When YogYES paid a visit, this fish trading center was occupied by many visitors.

With the increasing number of visitors to the beach that is located 1.5 kilometers from Parangtritis Beach, seafood warongs were opened accordingly. Generally, the warongs offer traditional nuance. The buildings are simple with traditional shape of roofs called limasan, while the seating is arranged for cross-legged on mats with small tables for eating. Simple, they are clean and comfortable.

Various seafood cuisines are worth trying. The most popular fish dish at reasonable price is tuna, at IDR 8,000 per/kg, consisting of 5-6 fish. Other kinds of fish are white kakap and red kakap that sell around IDR 17,000 - IDR 25,000 per kilogram. Quite expensive fish is bawal that sells at IDR 27,000 - IDR 60,000 per kilogram. In addition to fish, there are also crabs, lobsters and squids.

Seafood is usually served grilled or fried. You can choose fresh fish, other catches yourself, and then you go to one of the warongs to have them cooked. YogYES tried to have half a kilogram of tuna fish cooked and had them with a glass of tea that totally cost IDR 22,000 only.

After having good meals, you may leave Depok Beach for Parangkusumo and Parangtritis Beaches by turning right when you get to the asphalted road. On the way, you will see the amazing sand dunes as the only such a view in South-East Asia and it is rarely found in tropical areas. The wide sandy area looks like desert.

It takes thousands of years for the formation of the sand dunes through unique process. Some forms of them are barchan dune, comb dune, parabolic dune and longitudinal dune. Now, only barchan and longitudinal ones are present. The wind of the sea and the steep mountain slope in the east caused the sands, resulted from the activity of Merapi Mountain, at the bank of the river to blow away to the shore to form the sand dunes.

In order to get the place where you can enjoy having seafood while admiring the sand dunes, you can take the same road leading you from Yogyakarta to Parangtritis. Just before arriving the ticket box to Parangtritis Beach, you turn right through small-asphalted road. The entrance ticket to Depok Beach is IDR 4,000 for two people and one motorcycle. If you go by a car, you pay IDR 5,000 for the car plus additional fare per person.

Congot

2008-11-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

Congot Beach, the Nuance of Fishermen Beach

Congot Beach is the right tourism beach to visit after going to Glagah Beach. Besides, the beach is so close to Glagah Beach and the road is just smooth even for biking. Located in Jangkaran village, Temon Sub-Regency, Kulon Progo Regency, Congot Beach becomes the center of the activities of local people who depend their life on fishing.

The beauty of the scenery can even be enjoyed while you are on the way to the beach. Along the way connecting Wates town and Congot Beach, you can see the green rice field and the activities of local people in Kulon Progo many of them are peasants. Just like the other plain coastal land in other areas, the road is decorated with coconut trees on both sides.

Congot Beach has its own enchantment compared to other beaches because of the strong fishermen and fishery nuances. Along the coastal line, you can see the activities of local people and domestic tourists who are going fishing. On other side, there are also fishermen who are fishing at the seaside, crushing the small crab shells attaching on the net, or cleaning the boat.

You will see the busy activities of the fishermen when you come at the right time. In the morning, fishermen usually go to the sea with their motorboats. In the afternoon, when YogYES came to visit, the fishermen usually bring the fish to be sold at the local fish-trading center.

Walking to the fish-trading center, you can see the wives of the fishermen cleaning the fish and sell to buyers. While fish trading takes place in the trading center, the fishermen are busy cleaning their boats and crush the small crab attaching to the net that will cause the net to tear. The activities are done from the afternoon until about the evening.

If you like fishing, you can express your hobby in this beach. Bringing your fishing equipments you can try your luck to get fish. If you do not have fishing equipments, you can use your small net and walk along the beach to get fish. Visiting with friends or fishing together will surely become an enjoyable activity.

There are some local people run small restaurant business offering seafood as the main menu. Enjoying the dishes while looking at the activities of the fishermen will surely give different nuance compared to enjoying the same menu at a restaurant in town. The delicious smell of fried, grilled fish will get trough your nose, and it evokes good appetite to quickly try it.

After you see the fishermen activities and enjoy the seafood, you can walk westwards to see the scenery of the estuary of Bogowonto River. You can stand on jetty (like dike) on the side of the river or on the stones at the bank of the estuary. The meeting point between the tasteless river water and the salty ocean water makes the area at the side of Congot Beach rich of various fish. At the river estuary, there are various kinds of fish at much quantity.

In order to visit Congot Beach, you do not have to pay extra cost. The entrance fee is included in the entrance ticket to Glagah Beach. The location of Congot Beach that is so close to Glagah Beach serves the reason to visit it. The strong fishermen and fishery nuances make this beach maintain its uniqueness and it cannot be just compared to Glagah Beach.

Baron Beach

2008-11-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

Baron beach lies in Kemandang Village, Tanjungsari sub district about 23 km in the South of Wonosari city. Baron beach is the first beach that would be found in the junction of Baron, Kukup, Sepanjang, Drini, Krakal and Sundak beaches area.
In Baron beach there is a mouth of Underground River that can be used for bathing after playing in the beach. The visitors can also enjoy various kinds of low prices seafood or fresh fish and Baron's special menu namely Kakap fish soup. There is limestone hill on can reach the place by passing through a path. Visitors could have a magnificent view of the beach, about 10 kilometers in the West of Baron beach there are Parang Racuk hill with mountain slopes, it challenge you to do some adventures.
Every syuro month (the first month of Javanese calendar), the fisherman societies organize Labuhan, sea offering ceremony, to express their gratitude to the God for the abundant fish harvest and for the welfare in fishing).

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