Central Java with the Majesty Beauty

Central Java has an area of 34.966 km2 with the capital in Semarang. Its people consist of the indigenous Samin, Javanese, Kangean, Karimun groups. A large number of Arab and Chinese descendants have also settled in and around the city. Central Java is an area rich in culture and tradition descending from a powerful Hindu and Buddhist past. One of the Seven Wonders Borobudur,Temple One of the Seven Wonders, is a witnesses of the great  Buddhist belief in this island which traces back to ancient time.

Sites

Borobudur Temple

Borrobudur, built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty, is well known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the biggest ancient temple in the world. It was and designed in terraces, each holds numerous stupas and the top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. Its location surrounded by a chain of hills has made the monument looks prominent.

The walls of the Borobudur are sculpted in bas-relief, a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit, each scene is an individual masterpiece.

New Zheng He Temple in Semarang

A new temple was unveiled in Semarang for local people and tourists to worship Chinese navy explorer Zheng He, who visited this capital city of Central Java Province 600 years ago during his navigation of the West Ocean. Zheng He once navigated the West Ocean for seven times. He and his fleet stopped at Semarang for three times, leaving several historical sites for the port city, among which the Zheng He Temple was the most significant one in terms of religious, academic and economic values.

The inaugurations for the new temple fueled the traditional friendship between Chinese and Indonesian peoples and further promote the economic and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Solo—The City That Never Sleep

A pleasant city with a lively character, solo is also called “The City That Never Sleep”. One can always find something to eat or buy, as vendors of all kinds and small food stalls remain open 24 hours. Although no longer the seat of power it used to be , the descendants of the royal houses of Solo are regarded as leaders of Javanese culture and traditions, upholding standards of sophistication. It is one of the major centres of batik and other Javanese fabrics and souvenirs. You may find exquisite “objects d’art” and ornate trinkets in the local market. Those interests in old Javanese culture and art should not be missed in Solo.

Attractions

Wayang Kulit / Leather Puppet Shadow Show

The show is held at RRI Semarang, Jalan Achmad Yani, from 9 pm – 5 am the following morning at the third week of each month on Saturday night. The plays are based on some episodes of Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.