History of Mendut Temple - Development, Relief, and Arca

 

The history of the temple is a topic that is also interesting to discuss. Mendut Temple is one of the Buddhist temple that is quite popular in Indonesia. Mendut temple is located in Central Java, precisely in Mendut Village, District Mungkid, Magelang District. Located about 38 km from the city of Yogyakarta. This temple is also not far enough from other famous temple, Borobudur Temple. Viewed from the history of the temple mendut, Borobudur temple has a fairly close relationship with the Borobudur Temple and Pawon Temple. When you look from the map, the location of these three Buddhist temples form a straight line from north to south. This article will give an overview of the history of the temple and the story behind the architecture contained in it.

As mentioned earlier, Mendut Temple is a Buddhist temple that is quite famous both in the national scale or abroad. The word self is derived from the word Venu, Vana, Mandira which means the temple is in the middle of the bamboo forest. The early history of temple development still has several versions and can not be ascertained.

The famous historian named J.G. de Casparis explained that the temple mendut built during the reign of Syailendra dynasty in 824 AD This is based on the contents of Prasati Karangtengah per year 824 AD In the inscription mentioned that Indra King built a sacred building and named it Wenuwana. Wenuwana or bamboo forest is defined by de Casparis as Mendut Temple. By using the assumption, then the history of the shrine has begun before the temple of Borobudur. Temple mendut has an older age than the Borobudur Temple, one of the largest and famous temple in the world that had entered into the 7 Wonders of the World.

Rediscovery of Mendut Temple

The rediscovery of the temple took place in 1836. At that time, it was found that all parts of the temple shrank except the roof of the temple. The Dutch Indies government at that time did the restoration since 1897 until 1904. The result of this effort is good enough to successfully restore the foot and body of the temple through reconstruction. Even so, there are some parts of the temple that still can not be reconstructed again. Four years later, Van Erp became the leader for the reconstruction activities of Mendut temple stage two. The team performed the activity of returning the roof shape of the temple, the installation of stupa stupa and repairs at some roof top of the temple. The purpose of this reconstruction is quite good only had time constrained funds in the middle of the process. This reconstruction activity just started back in 1925. Thanks to this reconstruction effort, we can now enjoy the uniqueness of temple mendut while studying the history of temples mendut and the message behind every architecture.

Mendut Temple Architecture

In general, the temple mendut has a floor plan with a square shape. Temple mendut has an overall height of 26.4 m. The body part of the temple is on a rock with a height of 2 m. On the surface of the stone has a wide hallway. In the walls of the temple mendut, there are approximately 31 panels featuring some relief stories, tendrils and flower sculptures that indicate the pattern of the temple mendut. When you visit this temple, you will see several channels to dispose of water from the hallway along the outer wall of the ledge. This section of the channel is called jaladwara. Jaladwara is a characteristic of temple temples located in the region of Central Java. This type of jaladwara can be found on the famous temple temples in Central Java & Yogyakarta such as Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Ratu Baka Site and Banyuniba Temple. Even so, the form of jaladwara is not the same and has its own characteristics in accordance with the characteristics of the temple.

The staircase of the temple is located on the west side of the temple which is also located in front of the entrance into the body of the temple. At the entrance of this temple, you can see the viewing chamber that juts out. This display booth has a height similar to the roof of the temple so it looks blend with the body of the temple. The entrance of the body of this temple has no garupa or door frame as other temples. This chamber has the shape of how many hallways with a hollow cavity extending cavity with a triangular cross section.

Mendut Temple Relief

As with other temples, the temple also has a relief shrink with a distinctive style. Here are some reliefs that are in the temple mendut:

Relief Kuwera & Hariti

Relief kuwera or Ayataka is a relief engraved on the northern wall in the display booth. Kuwera itself is a human-eating giant who is told to do repentance after meeting with Buddha. This Kuwera has a wife named Hariti. Hariti himself has the same life story with Kuwera. He is a man-eating giant who also ended up repenting after meeting Buddha. Hariti then became a protector for his children with Kuwera.

In addition to the temple mendut, reliefs Kuwera and Hariti is also widely found in other temples such as Sewu Temple, Kalsan Temple and Banyuniba Temple. In the reliefs engraved in the temple mendut, kuwera symbolized sitting on a bench. Around him a child of kuwera is seen playing. Under Kuwera's seat was a purse of money. This picture describes Kuwera as the god of wealth. While in Hariti relief, you can see a similar picture. Hariti is seen sitting in a chair with her son on her lap. There are also some Hariti and Kuwera children who are also playing.

Relief of the Bodhisattva Ayalokitesvara

This relief describes the life of Buddha. The relief is located on the south wall of Sewu Temple. In this relief, the Buddha is pictured sitting on a padmasana or throne from a padma flower. Budha sits under the kalpataru tree. In this relief, Dewi Tara is also seen sitting on padmasana on the left side of Buddha. While on the right side there are also women who sit also on padmasana. On the left and right side of the cloud is visible. In the cloud, the man reading the book. While on the left and right siis this relief painted stone pillars stacked.

Above the pillar is depicted Gana who is crouching and supporting something. In front of Budha sitting, there is a pond with lots of lotus flowers. The water of this pool is represented as the tears of Buddha due to the sadness of Buddha who is thinking of his miserable people in the world. In front of this pool are also seen two women who emerged from the lotus pond.

Bodhisattva Relief

This relief is located on the east wall of Mendut Temple. Inside this relief, it is seen Buddha with a figure having four hands standing on a phallus. In this relief, Buddha uses the king's great clothes. Buddhas emit the rays of the gods from their heads. The left hand behind the Buddha is seen holding the book while his right hand holds a beads.

The Buddha's forehead depicts the attitude of the yaramudra. Yaramudra is a Buddhist attitude cross-legged with a hand grace form. To the left of the Buddha is seen a lotus flower that seemed to come out of the vessel.

Relief of Tara Goddess

On the north side of Mendut Temple, there is a relief depicting the goddess Tara. Inside this relief, it is seen Tara Goddess who sits on padmasana with both men on her left and right side. Tara's goddess in this relief is depicted as having eight hands. Tara's hand holds some items such as oysters, wajra, chakras, prayer beads, axes, sticks, books and saucers.

Relief Sarwaniwaranawiskhambi

In this relief, depicted Sarwaniwaranawiskhambi standing under the umbrella. This relief is located on the west side of Mendut Temple. Inside this relief Sarwaniwaranawiskhambi is seen wearing royalty greatness.

Mendut Temple statue

One part of the history of the temple is a great statue that is unique. Part of this statue is located in the body part of the temple mendut. There are 3 pieces of great Buddha statue, which consists of:

1. Arca Dyani Budha Cakyamuni

This statue is also known as Vairocana. This statue is located in the middle of the temple by facing the west of Mendut Temple. This statue is seen in a sitting position with both legs menyiku down. Her feet tread on the ground that has a lotus shape. While the hands of the statue dyani budha cakyamuni behave dharmacakramudra. This attitude means Buddhas who are turning the wheel of life.

2. Buddha statue Avalokitesvara

Buddha statue avalokitesvara or Lokesvara terleta on the north dyani budha cakyamuni. This statue is facing to the south side of the temple mendut. In this statue, the Buddha is pictured sitting with his left leg folded inward. While his right leg dangles downward. This avalokitesvara Buddhist statue takes the attitude of the varamudra hand which means that Buddha is teaching. This statue lokesvara is wearing a royal grandeur dress with added jewelry on the neck, shoulders, ears. Not to forget there is a crown that adds to the majesty of this statue.

3. Bodhisattva statue of Vajrapani

This third statue is located on the left of the archae Budha Sakyamuni. Bodhisatva vajrapani statue is depicted facing to uata. In this statue, Buddha is depicted being in a sitting position with the position of the right leg folded with the sole of Budha touch the thigh. While his left thigh is depicted dangle down. Just as the avalokitesvara Buddha statue, the statue of the bodhisattva vajrapani is also depicted in the royal dress of greatness.

From this article, we can see that the history of the temple is quite long and has many stories in it. Temple mendut is quite unique when compared with other Buddhist temple temples in Indonesia. The uniqueness of the temple mendut can be seen from the size of the statue of Budha is somewhat large for the size of Buddhist temples in Indonesia, especially temples around Central Java. Mendut Temple also has many reliefs that explain the story of Jataka. Stories in the reliefs in Mendut Temple many explain the law of cause and effect which is certainly very useful to know together. The relief is scattered on the walls of the temple mendut. Mendut Temple is one of the temples that must be visited when you stop to the area of Central Java and Yogyakarta.

Mendut Temple was founded during the reign of King Indra of the dynasty Syailendra Buddha-patterned at an altitude of 3.70 m asl. As mentioned in the inscription Karangtengah dated May 26, 824 AD, told that the king Indra has built a sacred building wenuwana which means bamboo forest. Furthermore, the archaeologist from the Netherlands named J.G de Casparis defines the sacred building in question is Mendut Temple.

This rectangular temple is furnished with a storied roof decorated by small stupas. This temple was built earlier than the Pawon Temple and Borobudur Temple which is located in a straight line. This temple was built facing to the west different from Borobudur temple which was built facing toward sunrise.

Upon entering the courtyard and foot of the temple, you can see some reliefs that tell about turtles, birds, monkeys and birds, brahmins and crabs. This relief at a glance looks like a fairy tale aimed at children, but actually the story tells the jataka story that gives moral message to all who come to visit this Mendut temple. In the body of the temple, you will get 8 Bodhisattva reliefs that are larger than the reliefs that exist in Borobudur temple.

The smell of hio smelled mixed with fragrant flowers will accompany you as you step into the temple chamber. Next will appear in front of the eye statues as high as 3 meters amounted to 4 yellowish light illuminated. Three large-scale statues located within the cubicle of this Mendut Temple named the statue of Dyani Buddha Cakyamuni or Vairocana, Avalokitesvara statue and Bodhisatva Vajrapani statue.

Dyani Buddha Cakyamuni statue located in the center, was sitting with legs menyiku down with the hand position twisting wheel dharna. The statues are carved out of solid black material intactly so as to produce the usual masterpieces of luaar. There are rangants of fresh flowers, hiolo and hio located in front of the statues.

After you feel enough to see purwa rupa statues, it's time you leave the gate of Mendut temple by passing a row of souvenir kiosks. Next you will also see Buddist Monastery which is a quiet, open and public place. A number of stupas and lotus flowers in the pond adorn the road to Buddist Monastery.

Starting at 19:20 pm every night, this is held chanting ritual or meditation by looking to listen to music and singing. Anyone can follow the riitual chanting and not necessarily Buddhist.

Location

Mendut Temple is located in Mendut Village, Mungkid District, Magelang Regency, Central Java Province. Located about 38 km to the northwest of Yogyakarta.

Access

Mendut Temple is located 3 km east of Borobudur temple or 1.5 km to the north from Pawon temple. When you go to Borobudur Temple will pass by looking at the board to Mendut Temple. From the highway you can see where it is

Ticket price

The ticket price to enter this place is Rp. 3,000, - per person

Amenities

Facilities contained in this place in the form of parking vehicles, toilets and some food stalls are managed by the surrounding residents.

Solo City, The Spirit of Java Indonesia

The city of Surakarta, also called Solo or Sala, is an autonomous region with city status under Central Java Province, Indonesia, with a population of 503,421 inhabitants (2010) and a density of 13,636 / km2. City with an area of 44 km2, is bordered by Karanganyar and Boyolali regencies in the north, Karanganyar and Sukoharjo regencies in the east and west, and Sukoharjo regency in the south. This city is also the third largest city in southern part of Java after Bandung and Malang by population. The eastern side of this city bypassed the river immortalized in one of the keroncong songs, Bengawan Solo. Together with Yogyakarta, Surakarta is the heir of the Mataram Sultanate which was broken down through the Treaty of Giyanti, in 1755

Name

"Sala" is one of three hamlets selected by Sunan Pakubuwana II on the advice of Tumenggung Hanggawangsa, Tumenggung Mangkuyudha, and the commander of Dutch forces, J.A.B. van Hohendorff, when to establish a new palace, after the war of Mataram succession took place in Kartasura.
At present, the name Surakarta is used in formal-governmental situations, whereas the name Sala / Solo refers more to the general mention of the background of the cultural aspect. The word sura in Javanese means "courage" and karta means "prosper", as a hope to the Almighty. It can also be said that the name Surakarta is a word game from Kartasura. The word sala, the name used for the village where the new palace was built, is the name of the sacred tree of Indian origin, the sala shorea robusta tree).
When Indonesia still adheres to Spell van Ophuysen, the name of this city is written Soerakarta. The name "Surakarta" is given as the name "graduation" for the new Mataram government center. However, a number of old records say, the form between "Salakarta".

History

Pre-independence period

The existence of this city began when Sunan Pakubuwana II, the king of Mataram Sultanate, moved the king's position from Kartasura to the village of Sala, a village not far from the edge of Bengawan Solo, as Kartasura's palace was destroyed by a rebel attack. Sunan Pakubuwana II bought the land from the village head of Sala, Kyai Sala, for 10,000 ringgit (Dutch guilders) to build a new Mataram palace. Officially, the newly named Mataram palace was named Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat and started on 17th February 1745. This date was then designated as the anniversary of Surakarta City. The Giyanti Agreement signed by Sunan Pakubuwana III, the Netherlands and Prince Mangkubumi on 13 February 1755 divided the region of Mataram into two namely Kasunanan Surakarta and Sultanate of Yogyakarta. Furthermore, the area of Surakarta Kasunanan is decreasing, because the Salatiga Agreement which was held on 17th March 1757 caused Raden Mas Said to be recognized as an independent prince with the duchy of duchy, called Praja Mangkunegaran. As the ruler of Mangkunegaran, Raden Mas Said titled Duke of Mangkunegara I.

Independence period

Special Region of Surakarta
The political power of these two kingdoms was liquidated after the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 August 1945. For 10 months, Surakarta was a special province-level region, known as the Special Region of Surakarta.

Surakarta Residency

Furthermore, due to the growing antimonarchy movement in Surakarta and the riots, kidnappings, and murders of DIS officials, on 16 June 1946 the government disbanded DIS and deprived the powers of the kings of Kasunanan and Mangkunegaran. Susuhunan Surakarta and Duke Mangkunegaran status became common people in the community and the palace was transformed into a center of Javanese art and culture development. Then Surakarta is set to be the seat of the resident, who leads Surakarta Residency (Residentie Soerakarta) with an area of 5,677 km ². Surakarta residency consists of Surakarta Municipality areas, Karanganyar regency, Sragen regency, Wonogiri regency, Sukoharjo regency, Klaten regency, Boyolali district. June 16, 1946 is commemorated as the anniversary of Surakarta City Government of the modern era.
City of Surakarta
After Surakarta Residency was abolished on 4 July 1950, Surakarta became a city under the administration of Central Java Province. Since the enactment of the Law on Regional Government which grants many autonomous rights to local government, Surakarta becomes an autonomous city.

Geography and administration

Hydrogeology

Surakarta is located in the lowlands at an altitude of 105 m above sea level and in the city center 95 m asl, with an area of 44.1 km2 (0.14% of the area of Central Java). Surakarta is located about 65 km northeast of Yogyakarta, 100 km southeast of Semarang and 260 km southwest of Surabaya and surrounded by Mount Merbabu (3145 m high) and Merapi (2930 m high) in the west, and Mount Lawu (3265 m high) in part east. A little far south of the Sewu Mountains. The land around the city is fertile because it is surrounded by Bengawan Solo, the longest river in Java, and passed by Kali Anyar, Kali Pepe, and Kali Jenes. The spring is sourced from the slopes of Mount Merapi, totaling 19 locations, with a capacity of 3,404 l / sec. The average height of the spring is 800-1,200 m above sea level. In 1890 - 1827 there were only 12 wells in Surakarta. Currently underground water taking is around 45 l / sec located at 23 points. Groundwater collection is done by industry and society, generally illegal and uncontrolled.
As of March 2006, PDAM Surakarta has a production capacity of 865.02 liters / sec. The raw water comes from Cokrotulung spring, Klaten (387 liters / sec) located 27 km from Solo city with elevation 210,5 above sea level and from 26 deep wells, among others in Banjarsari with total capacity 478 , 02 liters / sec. In addition, the total capacity of resevoir is 9,140 m3. With the existing capacity, Surakarta PDAM is able to serve 55.22% of Surakarta community including hinterland area with average usage of 22.42 m3 / month.
The soil in Solo is meridy with a high young mineral composition as a result of volcanic activity of Merapi and Lawu. This composition, coupled with the abundant availability of water, causes the lowlands to be very good for cultivation of food crops, vegetables, and industries, such as tobacco and sugarcane. However, since the last 20 years, manufacturing and tourism industries have been growing rapidly, resulting in changes in land use for industrial and residential activities.

Climate and topography

According to Koppen's climate classification, Surakarta has a tropical monsoon climate. Just like other cities in Indonesia, the rainy season in Solo starts from October to March, and the dry season is April to September. The average rainfall in Solo is 2,200 mm, and the highest month of rainfall is December, January, and February. The air temperature is relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. The highest air temperature is 32.5 degrees Celsius, while the terenda is 21.0 degrees Celsius. Average air pressure is 1010.9 MBS with 75% air humidity. Wind speed 4 Knots with wind direction 240 degrees.

Administrative boundaries

The city of Surakarta lies between 110 45` 15 "- 110 45` 35" East Longitude and 70`36 "- 70` 56" South Latitude and is adjacent to Karanganyar and Boyolali districts in the north, Karanganyar and Sukoharjo regencies in the east and west, and Sukoharjo regency in the south. In each of the city limits is the Kasunanan Gate which was established around 1931-1932 during the reign of Sunan Pakubuwana X in Kasunanan Surakarta. Kasunanan Gate was established as a barrier as well as the entrance gate of the royal capital (Surakarta City) with the surrounding area. Kasunanan Gate is not only established on the connecting road, but also established on the edge of the river Bengawan Solo which at that time became a pier and crossing (in Mojo / Silir).
Size Gapura Kasunanan consists of two sizes that are large and small. The large size Kasapanan Gate was erected on a big road. Large size Kasapanan gate can be seen in Grogol (south), Jajar (west), and Jurug (east). While the small size Kasapanan Gap can be seen in the area of Kandang Sapi Hospital (north), Baki road in Solo Baru (south), Makamhaji (west), and in Mojo / Silir. The large Kasunanan arches also have an archaic time stamp.

Administrative division

Surakarta City Hall.
The city of Surakarta and its surrounding districts, Karanganyar, Sragen, Wonogiri, Sukoharjo, Klaten, Boyolali, are collectively still often referred to as Surakarta residency. Surakarta is divided into 5 districts, each headed by a district head and 51 sub-districts, each headed by a lurah. The five sub-districts in Surakarta are:
Kecamatan Pasar Kliwon (57110): 9 urban villages
District Jebres (57120): 11 urban villages
Banjarsari Sub-district (57130): 13 urban villages
District Lawiyan (also called Laweyan, 57140): 11 villages
District Serengan (57150): 7 villages

Satellite city

Surakarta and its satellite cities (Kartasura, Solo Baru, Palur, Colomadu, Baki, Ngemplak) are areas of mutual integration with each other. Solo Raya is unique because of its own area of Surakarta city which is only 44 sq. Km and surrounded by its buffer cities, each of which is approximately half the size of the city of Surakarta and directly adjacent to form a unified central city area.
Solo Baru (Soba) is an expansion area of the city of Solo. New Solo apart from being one of the satellite cities of Surakarta City is also a residential area for the workers or perpetrators of economic activities in Surakarta. In New Solo there are many medium and luxurious housing, therefore New Solo is also an elite residential area. In New Solo there is also a Carrefour supermarket. Pandawa waterboom which is the largest waterboom in Central Java and Yogyakarta is in this area. Although it is included in the Sukoharjo District region but economically and politically Solo Baru is closer to Surakarta City, because its city location is directly adjacent to Surakarta City, there has even been a discourse about the merger of satellite city area around Surakarta including Solo Baru to put in its territory. The total area of Surakarta City and its buffer areas is currently about 150 km² with a population of about 1 million people.

Government

Surakarta is located in Central Java Province. Prior to joining Indonesia, Surakarta was governed by Susuhunan Surakarta and Adipati Mangkunegaran. When controlled by the Dutch, Surakarta is known as a Vorstenland or royal territory. Surakarta Kasunanan ruler today is Sunan Pakubuwana XIII, and the current ruler of Mangkunegaran Praja is Duke of Mangkunegara IX. The two rulers of this ceremonial monarchy have no political power in Surakarta.
The juridical city of Surakarta was formed based on Government Decision of 1946 Number 16 / SD, which was announced on 15 July. With various considerations of previous historical factors, dated June 16, 1946 set as the anniversary of the Local Government of Surakarta City.

Nickname and motto

Surakarta has the slogan "Berseri". "Serenity" itself is an acronym of "Clean, Healthy, Neat, and Beautiful", as the slogan for the beauty of the city. For the benefit of tourism marketing, Surakarta took the slogan of Solo tourism, The Spirit of Java as an effort to image the city of Surakarta as the center of Javanese culture. Solo The Spirit of Java slogan was obtained from the contest held by the Government of Surakarta on October 4 until November 14, 2005 which was won by Dwi Endang Setyorini (citizen Giriroto, Ngemplak, Boyolali). The logo is performed by the award-winning advertising company, Freshblood Indonesia (Surakarta) and is accompanied by an Optimaxi design consultant team (Jakarta) under the supervision of GTZ in a series of Regional Economic Development (RED) or GTZ-RED programs.
Logo design takes place about six months in Surakarta. During this period a consultation session was held with the Inter-Agency Coordination Board (BKAD) and community leaders, whose socialization peak was held at the Hotel Quality Ballroom (The Sunan Hotel today), attended by various groups as the representation of Solo Raya area.
The designer team works with the provisions of the contest slogan and required to describe the concept of Spirit of Java in a visual form. Visual identity in the form of writing "Solo" along with the slogan underneath it with an accent the letter "O" shaped niches obtained from the extraction of visual concepts that reflect the impression of Java in appearance. Niches in the logo may remind people of keris, batik, or furniture ornaments that refer to the region (Java).
In addition, the city of Surakarta also has several nicknames, including the City of Batik, City of Culture, City Liwet. Surakarta residents referred to as Solo wong, and the term Solo princess is also widely used to refer to women who have characteristics similar to women from Surakarta.

The economy and trade

Batik industry became one of the typical industries of Surakarta. Batik and batik trade centers include Laweyan and Kauman. Klewer market as well as some other traditional batik market became one of the trading centers of batik in Indonesia. Trading in Surakarta is under the auspices of the Industry and Trade Service.
In addition to Pasar Klewer, Surakarta also has many traditional markets, including Gedhe Market (Big Market), Legi Market, and Flower Market. Other traditional markets use names in Javanese, such as market names (days) in Javanese: Pon Market, Legi Market, while Kliwon Market is now the name of the district and the name of the market itself is transformed into Sangkrah Market. In addition there is also an antique market that became a tourist destination, namely Triwindu Market / Windu Jenar (every Saturday night converted into Ngarsopuro Market) and Keris Market and Souvenirs Alun-Alun Surakarta Royal Palace.
Surakarta city business center is located along Jalan Slamet Riyadi. Several banks, hotels, shopping centers, international restaurants, to tourist and entertainment destinations are located along this protocol road, including Graha Soloraya, Loji Gandrung (the mayor's house). On Sunday morning, the streets of Slamet Riyadi are specifically closed for motor vehicles, to be used as a Solo Car Free Day event, as part of the local government's determination to reduce pollution. Some modern malls in Surakarta include Solo Square, Solo Grand Mall (SGM), Solo Paragon, Solo Center Point (SCP), Singosaren Plaza, Solo Wholesale Center (PGS), Beteng Trade Center (BTC), Hartono Mall Solo Baru, Center Shopping Luwes (Queen Luwes, Sami Luwes, Luwes Sangkrah, Ivory Luwes, Luwes Nusukan, Luwes Mojosongo, Luwes Palur), and Palur Plaza.
As one of the advanced cities, of course in Surakarta has also been established lodging business from homestay start, inn, jasmine star class to four-star hotels and 5 (five) of them are Red Planet (2 star hotel, Mangkubumen), Amarelo Hotel (3 star hotel, Kemlayan), Grand Amira Hotel (2 star hotel, Kliwon Market), Amaris Hotel (2 star hotel, Sriwedari), Grand Orchid Hotel (3 star hotel, Timuran), The Sunan Hotel (4 star hotel, Kerten), Hotel Sahid Jaya (5 star hotel, Timuran), Simple In Solo (1 star hotel, Manahan), Novotel (4 stars hotel, Timuran)
Surakarta has several factories that employ large numbers of employees including Sritex, Konimex, and Jamu Air Mancur. In addition there are still many other factories in Palur industrial zone. Batik industry also became one of the typical industries of Surakarta.

Diversity

The historical building in Surakarta is diverse, reflecting the diversity of beliefs held by the Surakarta community, ranging from the largest and most sacred mosque located in the western part of the Northern Square of Kasunanan Palace, Surakarta, the Surakarta Grand Mosque built around 1763 on the initiative of Sunan Pakubuwana III, Al Wustho Mangkunegaran Mosque, Laweyan Mosque which is the oldest mosque in Surakarta, St. Peter on Jl. Slamet Riyadi, St. Antonius Purbayan, to Tri Dharma Tien Kok Sie Temple, Am Po Kian Temple, and Sahasra Adhi Pura.
In addition to being inhabited by the Javanese Tribe, there are many ethnic Chinese, and Arabs residing in Surakarta. Although there is no exact data on the number of each ethnic and religious beliefs in the last census (2010), they are mixed among the people of Surakarta in general.
Arab settlements occupy three urban villages, namely Kelurahan Pasar Kliwon, Semanggi and Kedung Lumbu in Pasar Kliwon Sub-district The placement of Arab villages in groups has been arranged since ancient times to facilitate the arrangement for foreign ethnic in Surakarta and for the realization of order and security. Ethnic Arabs have begun to arrive in the estimated Kliwon Market since the 19th century. The establishment of the village in Pasar Kliwon, other than caused by the existence of settlement politics in the royal period, is also inseparable from the policy of the colonial government. Warto in his research mentions in 1984, the number of Arab descendants is 1877 inhabitants, while the number of Chinese citizens is 103 inhabitants. Based on the monograph data of Kelurahan Kelurahan Pasar Kliwon in 2005, mentioned that the number of Arab descendants is 1,775 people, while the Chinese descent is 135 soul. From these data can be seen a decrease in the number of people of Arab descent in Pasar Kliwon. This is because the land in Kelurahan Pasar Kliwon increasingly narrow so that there is movement in other areas.
Meanwhile, the Chinese village is mostly focused in Balong, Coyudan and Keprabon areas. This can be seen with the building of temples and places of worship, such as Tien Kok Sie Temple.

Transportation

The city of Surakarta lies in the meeting between the southern route of Java and the Semarang-Madiun line, which makes its strategic position as a transit city. The railway line from the northern route and the southern route of Java is also connected in this city. Currently a toll road - Semarang - Solo Toll Road - which connects to Semarang is in the process of development.
Airplane
Adi Sumarmo International Airport (SOC code, formerly called "Panasan") is located 14 kilometers north of the city of Surakarta. Administratively this air banda is located outside the city limits of Surakarta, precisely at the border of Karanganyar and Boyolali districts. The airport is linked to Jakarta (8-flights a day), Surabaya, Bandung, Denpasar -Bali, Batam, Balikpapan, Lombok, Banjarmasin, Pontianak, Palangkaraya, Makasar, Kupang, Tarakan, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore & Bandar Seri Begawan, (during the Hajj season). Adi Sumarmo Airport is currently one of Lion Air's airline hubs or airport collectors. Air travel time with Jakarta takes approximately one hour. Some of the airlines that serve routes from / to the city of Surakarta include Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air, Lion Air, Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines & Royal Brunei Airlines. Adi Sumarmo Airport is also the center of hajj departure and departure from Donohudan Hajj Dormitory, Boyolali.

Read to : Serimpi dance, a traditional dance from Java, Indonesia

Tourism

Surakarta is also known as a tourist destination that is usually visited by tourists from big cities. Usually tourists who vacation to Yogyakarta will also stop in Surakarta, or vice versa. The main tourist destinations of Surakarta are Surakarta Palace, Pura Mangkunegaran, and batik villages and traditional markets.
In Surakarta there are several citywalk destinations for pedestrians and cyclists, among others in the Ngarsopuro corridor, along Slamet Riyadi Road (6-7 km long and 3 m wide), and along Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan. Places designated as citywalk should not be passed by motor vehicles.

Natural tourism

Nature tourism around Surakarta include Tawangmangu Tourism Area (located in Karanganyar District), Selo Tourism Area (located in Boyolali District), Agrowisata Kemuning Tea Garden, Jumog Waterfall, Parang Ijo Waterfall, Segoro Gunung Waterfall, Grojogan Sewu , and others. In addition in Karanganyar District, precisely on the slopes of Mount Lawu, there are several temples of Hindu-Buddhist cultural heritage, such as Sukuh Temple, Cetho Temple, Monkey Temple, and others.

Festivals and celebrations

Every year on certain dates the Keraton Surakarta and Pura Mangkunegaran hold various interesting celebrations. The celebration is based on Javanese calendar. The celebrations include:

• Kirab Pusaka Malam 1 Sura

The event was organized by Surakarta and Pura Mangkunegaran Palace on the eve of the 1st Sura. The event is aimed to celebrate the New Year of Java 1 Sura. The route taken by the carnival organized by the Surakarta Palace more or less as far as 3 km namely Keraton Surakarta - North Square - Gladag - Jl. Mayor Kusmanto - Jl. Captain Mulyadi - Jl. Veteran - Jl. Yos Sudarso - Jl. Slamet Riyadi - Gladag then returned to Keraton Surakarta again. The magical heirlooms were brought by the courtiers dressed in Jawi Jangkep. Participants of the procession in the front row is a group of albino buffalo (kebo bule) named Kyai Slamet heritage buffalo, while the ranks of heritage bearers are behind

• Sekaten

Sekaten held every month Mulud to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW. On 12 Mulud Grebeg Mulud was held. Then held a folk party for two weeks. For two weeks this folk party was held in the North Square. The festivities present a night market, a children's playground and art and acrobatics shows. On the last day of sekaten, held back grebeg event in North Square. Sekat ceremony was first held during the reign of Sultanate of Demak.

• Grebeg Sudiro

Grebeg Sudiro was held to commemorate the Lunar New Year with a blend of Chinese-Javanese culture. Festival that started since 2007 is usually centered in the area of Pasar Gedhe and Balong (in Sudiroprajan Village) and Surakarta City Hall.

• Grebeg Mulud

Held every 12th of Mulud to commemorate the day of Maulud Prophet Muhammad SAW. Grebeg Mulud is part of Sekaten celebration. In this ceremony the courtiers in court dressed Jawi Jangkep Sowan Keraton paraded a gunungan (pareden) from the Palace Surakarta to the Great Mosque of Surakarta. The Gunungan is made from various kinds of vegetables and traditional snacks. After prayed by ngulamadalem (clerical keraton), a gunungan will then be contested by the visitors community and one more fruit brought back to the palace to be distributed to the courtiers.

• Living in Jumenengan

Held every 2nd of Ruwah to commemorate the anniversary of the coronation of Sri Susuhunan Surakarta. In this event the king sits on a dampar (throne) in Pendapa Agung Sasana Sewaka by being confronted by the courtiers and nobles while watching the sacred dance, Bedhaya Ketawang Dance, which is danced by nine unmarried young women. The dancers consist of the wayahdalem, sentanadalem, and other kin kings or can also dancers who meet the prescribed requirements.

• Grebeg Pasa

Grebeg is held to welcome Idul Fitri 1 Syawal Day. This event took place after performing Salat Ied. The procession of the show is the same as Grebeg Mulud ie the abdi dalem mengarak mountungan from Surakarta to Surakarta Mosque Surakarta to be prayed by the cleric of the palace then distributed to the visitors community.

• Syawalan

Syawalan started one day after Eid al-Fitr and took place at Taman Satwataru Jurug on the edge of Bengawan Solo. At the peak of the event "Gethek Jaka Tingkir Gethek" held a distribution of ketupat in the visitors community. At syawalan event also held various kinds of traditional art performances.

• Great Grebeg

Takes place on Eid al-Adha (on the 10th). The ceremony is the same as the mountain procession on Grebeg Pasa and Grebeg Mulud.

• Solo Batik Carnival

Solo Batik Carnival or Solo Batik Carnival is an annual festival held by the government of Surakarta City by using batik as the main material of costume making. The carnival participants will create a carnival costume with the themes specified. Participants will wear their own costumes and walk on the catwalk located on Jalan Slamet Riyadi. This carnival is held annually in June since 2008.

• Solo Batik Fashion

Similarly Solo Batik Fashion is an annual batik fashion show organized by the government in open places in order to be enjoyed by all Surakarta residents. This batik demonstration is held every year in July since 2009.

• Culinary tour

A row of traditional Surakarta food vendors in Galabo.
Solo or Surakarta and its surroundings are famous for its many traditional culinary jajanan. Among others: Sate Kambing, Nasi Liwet, Timlo Solo, Nasi Gudeg, Gudeg Ceker, pecel nDeso, Cabuk Rambak, Bestik Solo, Solo Strait, Mie Ayam, Bakso, Srabi Solo, Intip, tengkleng, Mandarin Roti, Saus Solo, Goat Guling, Satay Buntel, Sate Kere, Sop Manten, Bakmi Ketoprak, etc.
Some of Surakarta's unique drinks include: wedang asle is a warm drink with sticky rice, wedang dawet gempol pleret (gempol made from rice flour, while platters are made from sticky rice and brown sugar), herbal rice kencur, which is different from health herbal medicine others because of its sweet taste, etc. Meanwhile, the Gladag corridor is changed every night into the largest hawker center in Surakarta City with the name Galabo (Gladang Langen Bogan)
Architecture and historical relics
Because of its history, there are many historic buildings in Surakarta, ranging from buildings of worship, public buildings, palaces, to military buildings. In addition to Keraton Surakarta (built 1745) and Pura Mangkunagaran (built 1757), there is also Vastenburg Fort Dutch heritage, and Loji Gandrung which is currently used as the residence of the Mayor of Surakarta. Previously, the Colonial relic which is still intact is in addition to being used as the residence of Dutch government officials, is also often used for dance-dansi European style and Javanese nobility, so-called "Gandrung".
In 1997 it has recorded 70 historical heritages in Surakarta that include historic sites, traditional houses, colonial buildings, places of worship, gates, monuments, street furniture, and city parks.
Surakarta city landscape is also known to have no skyscrapers. But since 2010, in Surakarta there is a skyscraper apartment, the Solo Paragon.

Museums and libraries

The most comprehensive batik museum in Indonesia, the House of Danar Hadi, and the oldest museum in Indonesia, the Radya Pustaka Museum, located on Jalan Slamet Riyadi, Surakarta. Museum Radya Pustaka built on 28 October 1890 by KRA. Sosrodiningrat IV, pepatih dalem during the reign of Sunan Pakubuwana IX and Sunan Pakubuwana X, this museum has ancient artifacts of Javanese culture and located in the complex of Taman Budaya Budaya Sriwedari. [49] There are also Surakarta Palace Museum (including Sasana Pustaka library), Mangkunegaran Temple Museum (including library of Reksa Pustaka), Press Museum, Sangiran Museum (located in Sragen Regency), and Dullah Painting Museum.
In addition to the museum, there is also a cultural site named Balai Sudjatmoko. This building is Sudjatmoko's house which in it can still be seen the works and relics of Sudjatmoko both in the form of books, glasses, toga, and original photographs of the personal collection of the Sudjatmoko family. Hall Sudjatmoko functioned by the organizers as a center of appreciation both staging, performances, exhibitions, book review and workshops. The artists are also given wide opportunity to utilize Hall Sudjatmoko to perform art appreciation in the form of exhibition exhibition either painting, sculpture, craft until educational exhibition. In addition, this Hall can also be used as an alternative vehicle for non-art learning.

Culture

Surakarta is known as one of the core of Javanese culture because it is traditionally one of the center of politics and development of Javanese tradition. The prosperity of this region since the nineteenth century has prompted the development of Javanese literature, dance, culinary arts, fashion, architecture, and various other cultural expressions. One knows the cultural "rivalry" between Surakarta and Yogyakarta, giving birth to what is known as "Surakarta Style" and "Yogyakarta Style" in fashion, dance, batik,

Language

The language used in Surakarta is the Java language dialect Mataraman with Surakarta variant. Mataraman dialect is also spoken in Yogyakarta, Semarang, Madiun, up to most of Kediri. Nevertheless, this local variant of Surakarta is known as a "subtle variant" because of the use of widespread krama words in everyday conversations, wider than those used elsewhere. The Java language of the Surakarta variant is used as a national Javanese language standard (and internationally, as in Suriname). Some words are also subject to specifications, such as the full pronunciation of the word "inggih" ("ya" form krama), different from some other variants that pronounce "injih", such as in Yogyakarta and Magelang. In many ways, the Surakarta variant is closer to the Madiun-Kediri variant than any other variant of the Central Javanese region.
Although in daily life, the people of Surakarta use the Indonesian language, but since the leadership of Joko Widodo's mayor, the Java language has been re-enforced in public places, including the names of street names and the names of government agencies and private businesses.
Surakarta also plays a role in the formation of Indonesian language as the national language of Indonesia. In 1938, in commemoration of the ten years of the Youth Pledge, the Indonesian Congress of I in Surakarta was held. This congress was attended by leading speakers and culturalists at the time, such as Prof. Dr. Hoesein Djajadiningrat, Prof. Dr. Poerbatjaraka, and Ki Hajar Dewantara. In the congress was generated some very big decisions for the growth and development of Indonesian language.

Batik

Batik is a fabric with a specific pattern or motif produced from special wax material written or stamped on the cloth, although now many batik fabrics are made with the print process. Surakarta has many typical batik patterns, such as Sidomukti and Sidoluruh. Some famous batik business is Batik Keris, Danarhadi Batik, and Batik Semar. While for the middle class can visit the batik trading center in the city are in Klewer Market, Solo Wholesale Center (PGS), Beteng Trade Center (BTC), or Ria Batik. In addition there are also Laweyan Village Batik Village, which is the area of batik industrial center that has existed since the time of the Kingdom of Pajang in 1546. Another famous batik kampun for tourists is Kampung Batik Kauman. Kauman Kampung batik products are made using natural silk material and silk weaving, premise and prime cotton, rayon. The uniqueness offered to the tourists is the ease of transactions while looking at the production house where batik activities take place. That is, visitors have a wide opportunity to know directly the process of making batik even to try to practice batik activities themselves.
Batik Surakarta has typical processing characteristics: brownish color (sogan) that fill the free space of color, different from the style of Yogyakarta, the free space is brighter color. Color selection tends to be dark, following the tendency of inland batik. Types of batik materials vary, ranging from silk to cotton, and the way of work is also various, ranging from batik tulis to batik cap.