Hilda Basar's: Time Travelling in Jogjakarta Indonesia (21-23 June 2010)

I have been to Jogja (Short name for Jogjakarta) many times. But my current visit is special, because I have my two kids, Lulu (11) and Lilo (5) to go time travel. Yes, being in Jogja just like being in a time traveling machine.

First, when you drive up north, you will face ‘the mighty’ Mount Merapi. The active volcano have been in there for million of years. On a clear day, we can see the smoke comes out its top.

Then, about one hour drive northwest from Jogja, Borobudur Temple stands. The one of world biggest Buddhist shrine was built in the eight century.

I won't say much about Borobudur. Just surf the internet and we can get all info about it.

Next, we drive across Jogja to visit the ruin of Keraton Ratu Boko (Palace of Queen Boko) which is located on the hill and built in the seventh century. Yes, we could only find little remain of a palace, what actually left is the gate and the rest which has been ruined thru time.

However, even with the ruin, sitting on the higher part of the hill looking down at it gave us the thrill, the thought of how the people live when the palace still standing.

Abount three kilometers north of Ratu Boko, we can find another of Jogja's ‘signature’ temple, the Prambanan

Personally, I like Prambanan better than Borobudur because of its graceful shape and its legend.

It is said that the temples were built by a King who has conquered the Ratu Boko kingdom. It was started when the King wants to marry the Princess of Ratu Boko named Loro Jongrang. The princess, who actually did not want to marry the King, tried to trick the King by asking him to build a thousand temples in one night. Magically, the King was able to build almost as many by the help of night genies. Fearing that he could fulfill the wedding condition, the Princess did everything to get rid of the genies by making the morning came sooner. The King found out that the Princess has cheated and turned her into stone which reside in the 1000th temple and she is still there until now.

It is up to you to belive in the legend or the fact that Prambanan is actually built by Rakai Pikatan, the King of Mataram, in year 850.

Closed to Prambanan, by paying 5000 Rupiah (Or 50 US cents), a carrier will take us to another complex of temples called Candi Sewu (A thousand temples). Don't get confused, these temples are not part of Prambanan.

Our time travel move to the heart of Jogja, to the Sultan Palace (or the local call it Keraton) which is built in 1750s. Currently, the Sultan of Jogja is the only Sultan who still reigns a kingdom in Indonesia. However, the authority is more to ceremonial.

In a walking distance from the Sultan Palace, it would be a pitty if we don't shop in Malioboro Street. The busy street has been there since 1758 as the 1st Sultan of Jogjakarta established it as trading area.

Right in the corner of Malioboro, Vredeberg Fort stands. The fort was built by the Dutch and the Sultan of Jogja in 1760-1787 as a sign or peace and friendship. Ironic isn't it, building a fort for friendship? I don't understand how people think back then.

Finally, at the opposite site of the Vredeberg, there is 'Gedung Agung' or the Great Mansion. The beautiful building is now one of Indonesia State Palace. It is built in the 18th century by the Dutch.

Well, we have seen how Jogja transforms from millions years in Merapi to the 18th century Dutch colonial. How about now?

Look around ..... Indonesian kids are now taking in charge.

One does farming, happily making sure the country is well fed. Lulu is actually learning how to plant rice in one among many traditional villages in Jogja who offer this rare activity.