Debus tradition from banten

Debus of another tradition from banten

After said the mantra "you touch my skin, you drink my blood, you are forbidden to eat flesh, vein like wire, bone like plate, skin of steel, I come out of the womb of the mother. I say” la ilaha illahu ". So at that moment he thrust the dagger into the thighs, arms, stomach and other body parts. At that time he also grabbed the neck of the attractions of a small child as he drew his machete into the child. Surprisingly the former is missing a bolt machete scar that is very dangerous for the child.

Attractions that are very dangerous we used to know called Debus, Debus said that martial arts originated from al-Madad area. The longer the martial arts is growing and growing in all societies as an art entertainment offerings for the community. Core of the show is still very strong movement or martial arts and weapons use. Debus arts offerings are widely used and focus on a person's immune players against sharp objects, and sort of sharp weapon is called the Debus.

Grow and develop this art since hundreds of years ago, along with the development of Islamic religion in Punjab. In awalna this art has the function as the spread of religion, but in the Dutch colonial period and during the reign of Sultan Agung Tirtayasa. This martial art is used to evoke the spirit of the warrior and the people who made offerings against Dutch colonialism. Because at that power is not balanced, which has a dutch weapons very complete and sophisticated. Continue to urge the fighters and people of offerings, the only weapons they have no other martial arts heritage of Debus, and they take the fight as guerrillas.

Debus in Arabic which means sharp weapons made of iron, has a pointed tip and slightly rounded shape. With this tool Debus injured players, and usually can not be penetrated even Debus was beaten many times by others. Attractions attraction of this body immunity is another variation of existing Debus performed. Among other things, stabbing stomach with a sharp object or cutting, slicing the body with a machete until the injured and uninjured, eating fire, insert a long needle into the tongue, skin, cheeks until translucent and not injured. Slicing limbs to wounded and bleeding, but can be cured at once, flush the body with hard water are attached to clothes dibadan crushed, chewed glass / glass flake, burn the body. And many more attractions that they do.

In doing this attraction every player has a requirement that heavy conditions, before they perform the ritual ritual performances given by their teacher. Usually done 1-2 weeks prior to the ritual performed. In addition they are also required to have a strong faith and be confident with the teachings of Islam. Precepts for whistle players are not allowed to drink liquor, gambling, playing a woman, or steal. And the players also need to be sure and do not hesitate in carrying out such action, violations committed by a player can greatly endanger the lives of these players.

According to some historical sources, Debus has a relationship with the congregation in the teachings of Islam. Which in essence is very thick with religious philosophy, they are in a very happy face to face with his god. They slammed their ketubuh sharps, no effort but because God alone. If God did not allow a machete, machetes and bullets injure them. And they will not hurt.

At this time many warriors living in the Village Walantaka Debus, District Walantaka, Serang District. Which is unfortunate presence diminished the longer whistle, because the young men would rather find another livelihood. And because this attraction is also quite dangerous to do, because not many players Debus who rarely harmed by lack of exercise and there are "ignorant" to show they are doing. So the longer the cultural heritage is increasingly extinct. In the past we can see the attraction of this whistle offerings in many areas, but now there are only Debus attractions at the event - a specific event. So not every day we can see this attraction. Cultural heritage, which is increasingly eroded by the changing times

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PELABUHAN RATU

Palabuhanratu is an isolated fishing village at the south coast of West Java in the Sukabumi Regency, serves as its capital. It is up to 12 hours' drive from Indonesia's capital Jakarta due to traffic jam in Ciawi, Cicurug, Cibadak and Pelabuhan Ratu gate, whose residents love to visit Teluk Palabuhanratu Bay, once named "Wijnkoopsbaai" by the Dutch. The bay is shaped like a large horseshoe and has enormous waves that can be very treacherous. The Sundanese locals tell that the Indian Ocean is the home of Nyai Loro Kidul who reigns along the south-coast of all Java.

Palabuhanratu has become a popular location for surfers in recent years, with its Indian Ocean location providing good waves for surfing. Several spots that are popular with for surfers are Cimaja Beach, Sunset Beach, Karang Sari Beach and Karang Aji Beach.

From June 12 to 18, 2011 the second event of West Java Surfing Championship has been initialized at Cimaja Beach which has 750 meter beach and wave about 1 to 2 meters height. The competition got 6 stars surfing premium (the highest rank) as a part of Indonesian Surfing Championship and also Asian Surfing Championship Tours. Cimaja Beach has many rocks, so sometimes it is called as Beach Without Sand.

The current port will be improved to become Ocean Fishing Port with investment Rp.415 billion ($48.8 million) on 17-hectare area expansion. The project will be initialized in September 2011.

Palabuhanratu beach, or more popular as the Queen's Harbour Beach, is a resort on the Indian Ocean on the south coast of West Java. The location is situated about 60 km to the south of Sukabumi.

This beach is known to have waves that are strong and therefore dangerous to swimmers beach. Topography in the form of a combination of steep and gently sloping beaches, steep cliffs, pounding surf and forest nature reserves.

Because this place has its own charm, resting place of President Sukarno founded in 1960 in the Official Tenjo. In addition, at the initiative of Sukarno also established the Ocean Beach Hotel, one of the first luxury hotel built in Indonesia at the same time with the Hotel Indonesia, Bali Beach Hotel, and Convenience Stores "Sarinah", all of which use the funds war reparations from Japan .

in addition to large hotels and luxury Ocean Beach Hotel, in this area there are also a number of hotels and small inns, cottage resorts resort is one of the luxury villas are quite popular visited by tourists. Not far from the beach Palabuhanratu there are several other tourist locations. Karanghawu beach, which is located about 20 miles from downtown Palabuhanratu, a coastal rock that juts into the sea and holes in some parts of it. Corals form more like the furnace, in Sundanese called "Hawu". Other beaches are located in this area include the Coast Cibareno, Cimaja, Cibangban, Break Water, Citepus, Kebon Coconut, and Tenjo Official.

Approximately 17 miles of beach Palabuhanratu there are hot springs in Cisolok, where the water contains a high sulfur and useful for health.

Around Palabuhanratu, there are at least nine points for surfing locations, namely at Stone Guram, Karang Sari, Ocean Beach, Cimaja, Karang Haji, Indicator, Sunset Beach, Waves Edge Seven to tile. Each beach has waves with its own characteristics.

Community, especially the south coast Palabuhanratu believe there sea south of the ruling Queen of South. That said, he was a beautiful queen like an angel. In the South Seas - another name for the Indian Ocean - south of the island of Java, he is seated on a royal spirits are great and beautiful.

In April the surrounding community usually held ritual ceremonies Palabuhanratu Fisherman's Day. Fishermen's Day is meant as a celebration of sustenance they have earned from the sea and to be kept away from disaster. Usually the ceremony is provided by the offerings of buffalo head that will be dilarung to sea

Palabuhanratu beach is also known as a place to lay eggs and breeding turtles are threatened with extinction, and hence including one of the protected animals in the world. However, the turtles on the beach Palabuhanratu still often rounded to eat meat while his body and his skin was used as souvenirs and eggs were harvested for the community.

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Dieng Plateau in Central Java

 plateau region in Central Java

Dieng Plateau is a plateau region in Central Java, who entered the district of Banjarnegara and Wonosobo district. It lies to the west of Mount Sindoro complex and Sumbing.

Dieng is an active volcanic area and can be said is a giant volcano with a crater crater. The average height is about 2.000m above sea level. Temperatures range from 15-20 ° C in the daytime and 10 ° C at night. In the dry season (July and August), temperatures can reach 0 ° C in the morning and bring frost by the locals called bun upas ("dew poison") because it causes damage to agricultural crops.

Administratively, the Dieng Dieng Kulon Village area, District Batur, District Banjarnegara and Dieng ("Dieng Wetan"), District Kejajar, Wonosobo district. This region is one of the most remote regions in Central Java.

Dieng name comes from the combination of two words Kawi language: "in" which means "place" or "mountain" and "Hyang 'meant (God). Thus, Dieng means mountainous area where the gods and goddesses reside [citation needed]. Another theory states, a name derived from the Dieng Sundanese ("in hyang") as estimated in the pre-Medang (around the 7th century AD) the area is in the political influence of the Kingdom Galuh

Dieng plateau (DTD) is a plateau with volcanic activity below the surface, such as Yellowstone or the Tengger Highlands. This is but a caldera with the mountains surrounding the edges. There are many craters as the discharge gas, water vapor and various other volcanic material. This situation is very dangerous for the people who inhabit the region, evidenced by the eruption of Crater gas Sinila 1979. Not only poisonous gas, but also may be possible earthquakes, mud eruptions, landslides and flooding.

In addition to the crater, there are volcanic lakes that contain water mixed with sulfur so that it has distinctive yellow-green color.

In biology, volcanic activity at Dieng interesting because it was found in water-hot water near the crater of some species of thermophilic bacteria ("like heat") that can be used to reveal early life on Earth.

Craters

The active crater at Dieng is the crater of volcanic activity beneath the plateau. Monitoring activities carried out by PVMBG through Observation Post in the District Karangtengah Dieng. Here are the active craters are monitored:

Candradimuka

Sibanteng

Siglagah

Sikendang, potentially toxic gases

Sikidang

Sileri

Sinila, potentially toxic gases

Weigh, potentially toxic gases

 Crater Sibanteng

Sibanteng Kulon Dieng is located in the Village. Phreatic crater had erupted in January 2009 (15 / 1), led to the tourist area of ​​Dieng to be closed several days to anticipate the occurrence of gas poisoning disaster. Mud eruption heard up to 2km, damaging surrounding Perhutani owned forest, and causing landslides that block Kali White, son Serayu River.

Sibanteng crater had also erupted in July 2003.

 Crater Sikidang

Sikidang is a crater in the DTD of the most popular visited by tourists because it is most easily achieved. The crater is famous for the gas discharge holes are always moving in a broad region. From this character derives its name because locals see it move like a deer (deer in Javanese).

 Crater Sileri

Sileri is the crater of the most active and has erupted several times (based on records: 1944, 1964, 1984, July 2003, and September 2009). In recent phreatic activity (26 September 2009) appeared three new craters gap accompanied by the emission of material as high as 200 meters.

Crater Sinila

Sinila Wetan Dieng is located in the Village. Sinila crater had erupted on the morning of 1979, precisely February 20, 1979. The quake caused make people run out of the house, but they are trapped toxic gases out of the crater eruption triggered Sinila Weigh result. [4] A number of residents (149 people) and cattle died of gas poisoning of carbon dioxide is released and spread into residential areas.

Crater Weigh

Weigh is a crater that is located near Sinila and active medium. Although less active, this crater is a highly concentrated source of CO2 gas which took hundreds of victims in 1979. The crater was last recorded increased activity in May 2011 with belching white smoke as high as 20 feet, removing CO 2 in concentrations exceeding safe threshold (1,000 ppm, the normal concentration in air near 400 ppm) and display volcanic earthquakes [5]. On May 31, 2011 morning, the crater was re-release of CO2 to reach 1% v / v (100,000 ppm) accompanied by earthquake tremors. As a result, all activities within a radius of 1 km is prohibited and Hamlet and Hamlet Attack Simbar evacuated

The summits

Prahu mountain (2565 m)

Pakuwaja mountain (2395 m)

Sikunir mountain (2263 m), tourist attractions, near Sembungan

Lake volcanic

Colour Lake, a tourist attraction with a place nearby persemadian

Cebon lake, near the tourist village Sembungan

Lake Merdada

Lake Pengilon

Lake dringo

Indigo Lake

Some cultural and natural heritage have been used as a tourist attraction and is managed jointly by the two districts, namely Banjarnegara and Wonosobo. Here are some attractions in the Dieng.

Lake: Lake Color, a lake that often raises shades of red, green, blue, white, and violet, Pengilon Lake, Lake Merdada.

Crater: Sikidang, Sileri, Sinila (erupting and spewing toxic gas in 1979 with 149 victims of the soul), Crater Candradimuka.

Complex of Hindu temples built in the 7th century, among others: Ghatotkacha Temple, Temple of Bhima, Arjuna Temple, Temple Semar, Temple Sembadra, Heroine Temple, Temple Setyaki, Gangsiran Ashwatthama, and Temple Dwarawati.

Cave: Cave Semar, Jaran Cave, Cave of the Well. Located between Lake and Lake Colors Pengilon, often used as a place of spiritual though.

Jalatunda wells.

Dieng Volcanic Theater, a theater to see movies about kegunungapian in Dieng.

Kailasa Dieng Museum, storing artifacts and provide information about natural (geology, flora and fauna), the Dieng (daily, agriculture, belief, art) from the Dieng and archaeological heritage. Having a theater to see movies (currently about archeology Dieng), outdoor stage on the roof of the museum, and restaurants.

Serayu River springs, often referred to Bima Lukar Tuk (Tuk = spring)

Dieng area is the producer of highland vegetables to the region of Central Java. Potatoes are the main commodities. In addition, carrots, cabbage, onions and various onion-generated from this region. In addition to vegetables, Dieng is also the production centers of the mountain papaya (Carica) and fungi.

However, due to agricultural activity that rapid forest area in the tops of mountains running out of land converted to vegetable cropping

Dieng area is still geologically active and many have a hydrothermal energy sources. There are three main hydrothermal field, namely Pakuwaja, Sileri, and Sikidang. In all three there fumarola (the crater steam) is active, mud pools and steam field. Hot springs are found, for example, in Bitingan, Siglagah, pulosari, and Jojogan, with average temperatures ranging from 25 ° C (Jojogan) to 58 ° C (Siglagah) Sikidang region has begun to be exploited as a source of hydrothermal energy

tags : dieng,plateau,is,a,plateau,region,in,central,java,indonesia,tourisme,recreation,travelling,the,best,spot,wansky82,the adventure

story about mount bromo

story about mount bromo

Mount Bromo (Indonesian: Gunung Bromo), is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in East Java, Indonesia. At 2,329 metres (7,641 ft) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but is the most well known. The massif area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in East Java, Indonesia. The volcano belongs to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The name of Bromo derived from Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god.

Mount Bromo sits in the middle of a vast plain called the "Sea of Sand" (Javanese: Segara Wedi or Indonesian: Lautan Pasir), a protected nature reserve since 1919. The typical way to visit Mount Bromo is from the nearby mountain village of Cemoro Lawang. From there it is possible to walk to the volcano in about 45 minutes, but it is also possible to take an organised jeep tour, which includes a stop at the viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan (2,770 m or 9,088 ft) (Indonesian: Gunung Penanjakan). The best views from Mount Bromo to the Sand Sea below and the surrounding volcanoes are at sunrise. The viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan can also be reached on foot in about two hours. From inside the caldera, sulfur is collected by workers.

Depending on the degree of volcanic activity, the Indonesian Centre for Vulcanology and Disaster Hazard Mitigation sometimes issues warnings against visiting Mount Bromo. The list of outstanding warnings may be consulted at the Indonesian-language website of the Centre.

On the fourteenth day of the Hindu festival of Yadnya Kasada, the Tenggerese people of Probolinggo, East Java, travel up the mountain in order to make offerings of fruit, rice, vegetables, flowers and sacrifices of livestock to the mountain gods by throwing them into the caldera of the volcano. The origin of the ritual lies in the 15th century legend where a princess named Roro Anteng started the principality of Tengger with her husband, Joko Seger. The couple were childless and therefore beseeched the assistance of the mountain gods. The gods granted them 24 children but stipulated that the 25th child, named Kesuma, must be thrown into the volcano as human sacrifice.

 The gods' request was implemented. The tradition of throwing sacrifices into the volcano to appease these ancient deities continues today and called Yadnya Kasada ceremony. Though fraught with danger, some locals risk climbing down into the crater in an attempt to recollect the sacrificed goods that believed could bring them good luck.

On the Segara Wedi sand plain sits a Hindu temple called Pura Luhur Poten. The temple holds a significant importance to the Tenggerese scatter across the mountainous villages such as Ngadisari, Wonokitri, Ngadas, Argosari, Ranu Prani, Ledok Ombo and Wonokerso. The temple organized annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony which lasts for about one month. On the 14th day, the Tenggerese will congregate at Pura Luhur Poten to ask for blessings from Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa and God of Mahameru (Mount Semeru). Then the mass will proceed along the crater edges of Mt Bromo where offerings will be thrown into the crater. The major difference between this temple with the Balinese ones are the type of stones and building materials. Pura Luhur Poten uses natural black stones from volcanoes nearby, while Balinese temples mostly made from red bricks. Inside this pura, there are several buildings and enclosures aligned in Mandala zone composition.

Activity

Mount Bromo erupted in 2004, that eruptive episode led to the death of two people

On Tuesday, 23 November 2010, 16.30 WIB (Western Indonesian Time), the Indonesian Centre of Vulcanology and Geology Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) confirmed the activity status of Mount Bromo at "alert" due to increasing tremor activity and shallow volcanic earthquakes at the mountain. Concerns were raised that a volcanic eruption may be likely to occur. As a precaution local residents and tourists were instructed to remain clear of an area within radius three kilometres from the caldera and refugee encampments were erected. The area surrounding the Teggera caldera of Bromo remained off limits for visitors throughout the remaining part of 2010.

Bromo started to erupt ash on Friday 26 November 2010.

On 29 November 2010 Transport Ministry spokesman Bambang Ervan announced that Malang's domestic airport, would be closed until 4 December 2010. Malang a city of about 800,000 people is about 25 km (16 mi) west of Mount Bromo. Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport IATA:MLG normally handles 10 daily domestic flights from the capital Jakarta. Government volcanologist Surono reported that the volcano was spitting columns of ash some 700 metres (2,300 feet) into the sky.

The Tengger Caldera was still active in late January 2011, the activity being characterised by fluctuating ongoing eruptions. On 23 January 2011 the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) (Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi) reported that since 19 December, 2010 volcanic ash and incandescent material had been thrown up by eruptive activity resulting in a heavy rain of material that fell around the crater. Continuous eruptions on 21 January caused a thin ash fall mainly in the village areas of Ngadirejo and Sukapura Wonokerto in Probolinggo district. The impact of a heavy rain of volcanic ash from eruptions since 19 December 2010 resulted in disruption of normal activities. By early 2011 concerns were being raised concerning the effect upon the local economy and the potential for long term environmental and health problems amongst the residents in the locality surrounding Mount Bromo. Due to high seasonal rainfall in January 2011 the potential for lahar and lava flow was raised due to the deposits of volcanic ash, sand and other ejected material that had built up. Seismic activity was dominated by tremor vibration and reports of visual intensity and sounds of eruption continued to be reported from the mountain monitoring facility, Bromo Observation Post. People living on the banks of the Perahu Ravine, Nganten Ravine and Sukapura River were alerted to the possibility of lava flows, especially when it was raining heavily in the area around Cemorolawang, Ngadisari and Ngadirejo. Eruptions and volcanic tremors were reported on 21 January and 22 January with activity subsiding on 23 January 2011. On 23 January, 2011 at 06:00 am the alert status at Mount Bromo remained at (Level III).

On 23 January 2011 an exclusion zone was recommended for communities living around Mount Bromo. Tourists and hikers were to advised not to come within a radius of 2 km from the active crater. CVGHM stated that they expected warning signs to be installed stating the limit radius of 2 km from the crater. Operational caution was recommended for flights into and leaving Juanda International Airport IATA:SUB in Surabaya. CVGHM recommended the establishment of public areas for the provision of face masks and eye protection. CVGHM also issued a warning to residents to be cautious of ash build up on roofs and other places that may give cause for collapse under the burden of ash.

Further eruptions and the issuing of Aviation Ash advisories on 27 January and 28 January 2011 led to concerns being raised regarding a volcanic ash plume, reported to be drifting eastward toward the air corridors used to access the Ngurah Rai International Airport IATA:DPS in Bali. Airport official Sherly Yunita was reported at the time as stating that concerns about visibility had prompted Singapore Airlines, Jetstar-ValueAir, Air France-KLM, Virgin Blue and Cathay Pacific to cancel several flights to Bali, 340 km (210 mi) to the east.SilkAir also cancelled flights on the 27 January between Singapore and Lombok, an island to the east of Bali. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Darwin, Australia released several Code Red Aviation Ash Advisories pertaining to Mount Bromo (Tengger Caldera), on 27 January. They indicated that ash was observed at altitudes up to 18,000 ft (FL180) extending 200 nautical mi to the south east of the caldera. In other ash advisories of that day the cloud was reported as at times having a 10 km/h drift, both to the east, and to the south east.

Tiltmeter

The Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) reported on 13 January 2011, that deformation using tiltmeter measurements indicated an inflation at rate of 5 micro radians between 25 November 2010 and 14 December 2010 and a relatively stable since 15 December, 2010 both on Radial Components and Tangential Components.

EDM

Deformation measurement using EDM compared observations at designated measuring points; POS-BRO, POS-KUR and POS-BAT during the period 25 November 2010 - 20 December 2010 with observations from the period 21 December 2010 - 30 December 2010 indicated the shortening of the distance from the POS-BAT, or inflation. Observations between 30 December 2010 to 23 January 2011 were reported as relatively stable.

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KOTA GEDE YOGYAKARTA

Kota Gede also known as Pasar Gede is an area in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta. One of the old capitals of Mataram, the area now has an archaeological site which contains the remains of the kraton (palace), the royal cemetery, and royal mosque of Mataram, dated from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The honorable name of this location in a higher and more respectful level of Javanese language (Kromo) is Pasar Gede.

There are many legends and local tales connects the site to the Mataram palace, however much of the physical remnants of the palace and the capital city are already destroyed. The only parts that remains quite intact are the Kota Gede royal mosque, the royal cemetery (precursor to Imogiri), and a few sections of the original palace walls.

The city lost its prestige when the center of power was shifted to Kartasura near modern Surakarta. The city further lost its political and cultural significance after replaced by Imogiri as the royal cemetery for the sultanates. Later sultanate of Mataram was split between Yogyakarta Sultanate and Surakarta.

The Royal Graveyard holds important graves that trace connections of Mataram with earlier kingdoms, and the placement of the graves within the covered area of the graveyard can be considered as a physical representation of 'silsilah' or genealogy of the rulers and their progenitors. It is guarded and maintained by Juru Kunci who are employed by the two palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta.

In mid-twentieth century, Kota Gede became synonymous with silverworks and silver handicrafts, since the area has become the home of silversmith in Yogyakarta. At the time of Indonesian independence in the 1940s, and after considerable promotion and publicity to the silverworks within this locality, Kota Gede gain popularity as the center of Javanese silver handicraft.

During the expansion of Yogyakarta city in the late twentieth century, Kota Gede was absorbed into Yogyakarta and has become merely a suburb within the city.

In the 8th century, the area of Mataram (now is known as Yogyakarta) was the center of Old Mataram Kingdom that ruled the entire Java. This kingdom had an extraordinary prosperity and civilization, so it had the ability to build ancient temples with an extravagant architecture, such as Prambanan Temple and Borobudur Temple. However, in the 10th century, with an unknown reason, the kingdom moved the center of the government to East Java area. The great numbers of citizens left Mataram and gradually this area became a woodland or forest.

Six centuries later, Java was ruled by The Sultanate of Pajang which is centered in Central Java. Sultan Hadiwijaya, who ruled in that time, gave Alas Mentaok (Mentaok Forest), which was very large in area, to Ki Gede Pemanahan for his achievement in defeating the enemy of kingdom. Ki Gede Pemanahan with all of his family and followers moved to Alas Mentaok, a forest that used to be the Old Mataram Kingdom.

The small village that was built by Ki Gede Pemanahan in that forest became prosperous. After the death of Ki Gede Pemanahan, his throne was replaced by his son who was titled Senapati Ingalaga. Under the rule of the wise Senapati, the village turned into a city that was more crowded and prosperous, therefore it is known as Kotagede (a big city). Afterwards, Senapati built an inner fort (cepuri) around the palace and an outer fort (baluwarti) that surrounded the area of ±200 acres. In the outside of these two forts, they are also equipped by a moat that was as wide as a river.

Mean while, in the Sultanate of Pajang there was a power struggle for the king throne after the death of Sultan Hadiwijaya. The crown prince that was known as Pangeran Benawa (Prince Benawa), was shoved aside by Arya Pangiri. Afterwards, Pangeran Benawa asked Senapati for a help since the Arya Pangiri’s government was judged to be unfair and disadvantageous to the people of Pajang. The war started. Arya Pangiri was conquered, but he was forgiven by Senapati. Then, Pangeran Benawa offered the throne of Pajang to Senapati, but he refused the offer politely. A year after, Pangeran Benawa passed away, but he had given a will that said Pajang must be ruled by Senapati. Since then, Senapati became the first king of Islamic Mataram and was entitled Panembahan. He didn’t want to use his title, Sultan, in order to honor Sultan Hadiwijaya and Pangeran Benawa. His palace was located in Kotagede.

Then, Panembahan Senapati expanded the area of Islamic Mataram Kingdom to Pati, Madiun, Kediri, and Pasuruan. Panembahan Senapati passed away in 1601 and was buried in Kotagede next to his father’s tomb. Afterwards, the Islamic Mataram Kingdom conquered almost the entire island of Jave (except Banten and Batavia) and reached the highest prosperity under the rule of the third king, Sultan Agung (the grandson of Panembahan Senapati). In 1613, Sultan Agung moved the central of the kingdom to Karta (next to Plered) and ended the era of Kotagede as a central of Islamic Mataram Kingdom

In the later development, Kotagede remained to be crowded although it was no longer as the capital of the kingdom. Many historical remains such as the cemetery of the kingdom forefathers, Kotagede Mosque, traditional houses with Javanese architecture, the topography of the villages or kampongs that using the ancient city’s system, and the fort ruins can be found in Kotagede.

    Pasar Kotagede (Kotagede traditional market)

The city system of Javanese kingdom usually places the palace, the roundabout, and the traditional market on the line that stretches from South to North. The Book of Nagarakertagama that was written in the era of Majapahit Kingdom (14th century), told that this pattern had been used since that time. The traditional market that had been there since the era of Panembahan Senopati, is still exist until now. Every legi morning in Javanese calendar system, sellers, buyers, and trading products are spread all over the market. The building has been renovated, but the position remains the same. If you want to explore Kotagede, you can start it from the traditional market by walking to the South heading the graveyard, the ruins of inner fort, and the fenced banyan tree.

The kingdom forefathers’ graveyard

Walk 100 meters to the South of Kotagede Traditional Market, we can find the graveyard area of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom’s forefathers that is surrounded by a tall and strong wall. The portal to the graveyard area has the feature of Hindu architecture. Each portal has the thick wooden handle and is decorated with beautiful carvings. Some kingdom servants dressing up in traditional Javanese outfit guard the graveyard complex for 24 hours a day.

 We can pass through 3 portals before getting to the last portal that heads to the graveyard area. For getting into the graveyard area, we have to dress up in traditional Javanese outfit (it can be rented there). The visitors are only allowed to enter the graveyard on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday at 08.00 to 16.00. For honoring the Mataram Kingdom’s forefathers here, the visitors are not allowed to take pictures or bring a camera and wear golden jewelries inside the graveyard. The important people that were buried in here: Sultan Hadiwijaya, Ki Gede Pemanahan, Panembahan Senopati, and their families.

 Kotagede Mosque

 The exploring of Kotagede will not be completed without visiting the Masjid Kotagede (Kotagede Mosque), the oldest mosque in Yogyakarta that is located in the area of the graveyard. Afterwards, you won’t be disappointed walking through the narrow passage way behind the wall around the graveyard area to see the architecture thoroughly and observe the daily activities of the people in Kotagede.

    Traditional House

Right across the graveyard area, we are able to see a Javanese traditional house. However, if you want to walk for 50 meters away to the South, you will be able to see a portal with a low hollow space and a sign that says "cagar budaya" (=cultural preservation). Get into the portal you will see some Kotagede Javanese traditional houses that are still preserved well and truly used as a place to live.

    Kedhaton (The Royal Palace)

Walking to the South a bit, you will see 3 banyan trees located right in the middle of the road. In the middle, there is a small building that is used for keeping the "watu gilang" (a special stone). It is a square-shaped black stone that has some written words on its surface. The written words are arranged in a circle-like shape. It says: ITA MOVENTUR MUNDU S - AINSI VA LE MONDE - ZOO GAAT DE WERELD - COSI VAN IL MONDO. In the outside of the circle, there are some words that say: AD ATERN AMMEMORIAM INFELICS - IN FORTUNA CONSOERTES DIGNI VALETE QUIDSTPERIS INSANI VIDETE IGNARI ET RIDETE, CONTEMNITE VOS CONSTEMTU - IGM (In Glorium Maximam).

    Inside the building, there is also "watu cantheng" (another special stone), three balls that are consist of yellowish stones. The local people had thought the stone "balls" were the toys of Panembahan Senapati. But there is also a possibility that the stones are the bullets of old cannons.

    The ruins of the fort

Panembahan Senopati built the inner fort (cepuri) completed with the moat around the palace, the area covered more or less 400x400 meters. The real ruins of the fort are still seen on the corner of Southwest and Southeast. The wall was 4 feets thick and made of stone blocks. The rest of the moat will be seen on the East, South, and West.

Walking through Kotagede will enrich our knowledge about the history of Islamic Mataram Kingdom that was successful in Java. Furthermore, you can see local people’s daily routines closely. They have been staying inside the strong wall and doing the activities since hundreds years ago.

It is different with other places, the local people are so friendly with the Javanese characteristic, polite, and not too commercial. In Kotagede, you won’t be bothered by the hawkers who like to force people to buy their things. It’s a bit surprising, or pleasing will be the right word. Who miss the hawkers anyway?

tags : kota,gede,yogyakarta,silver's.city,jewerling,craft,java,indonesia,tourisme,recreation,travelling,the,best,spot,iwansky82,the adventure