Yogyakarta is the hub of art and education and also offers some good shopping. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Borobudur and Prambanan (more about that in the next post).
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| Batik - one of the main artistic heritage of Yogyakarta |
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| Drawing the design of the Batik |
Unlike other parts of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is still headed by a sultan (king). the Sultanate of Hamengkubuwono has ruled since 1755. Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX played a major role in Indonesia's independence from the Dutch. During the Indonesian war of independence, Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX offered Yogyakarta as the capital city to the fledgling Indonesian government. Hence, Yogyakarta became the revolutionary capital city of Indonesia from 1946 to 1949 when Jakarta was still occupied by the Dutch. He was also heavily involved in the independence negotiations.
Due to this, the central government recognized the Sultan of Yogyakarta as the appointed governor of Yogyakarta Special Region; the only one in Indonesia that is not elected directly by the people. The Indonesian central government has tried to weaken the sultan's power by calling for direct election for the governor, however, the people of Yogyakarta love the sultanate and the present Sultan Hamengkubuwono X was chosen by an overwhelming majority.
Whilst in Yogyakarta, do visit the palace where the Sultan still resides in. It is very unlike European palaces.
The palace is very typical Asian - a courtyard with buildings surrounding it.
Indonesia (and most of the Malay Archipelago) was founded by South Indian influenced kingdoms, (Srivijaya, Shailendra, Mataram, and Majapahit) which brought along Buddhism and Hinduism, from 7th century CE to the late 13th century, before the influence of Islam.
What I like about Indonesia is that they treasure and cherish their Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic influences and assimilate them into their rituals, everyday lives and the palace even - although the majority are now practising Muslims. One example: the carvings in the palace have a blend of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
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| Gamelan and Wayang Kulit performance area |
Another example: till this date, the Indonesian Wayang Kulit (traditional puppet-show) is about Ram and Sita (from Hindu mythology).
They know how to separate culture from religion... #justsaying!
During our visit at the palace, we were lucky enough to witness the main tea-serving ceremony. This tradition has carried on till this date! Tea is served to the sultan and his wife at certain timings, throughout the day, every day! The main tea-serving ceremony takes place at 11am.
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| The 'head tea lady' carrying the teapot |
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| To serve the sultan |
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| The 'tea-lady' in the traditional outfit |
Hungry from all the exploring? Food time!
When one thinks of Indonesia, in terms of food, one thinks of a lot of meat and sambal (Asian chili pesto). However, my aunt and I found food paradise at Milas - a vegetarian restaurant serving local Central Javanese dishes, in a peaceful and lush surrounding.
I honestly had the best food here - during my entire trip! Central Javanese food is known to be a bit sweet - which I absolutely despise! At Milas, however, it is not!
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| Brown rice with tempe (fermented tofu) and sambal aubergine/ eggplant/ brinjal |
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| Gado-gado (Indonesian salad served with peanut sauce) |
They also serve exotic blends of smoothies (like avocado and lime smoothie) and traditional herbal drinks (like the turmeric and tamarind drink).
Other than the food and drinks, I love the 'hippe-esque' ambience. The people running Milas are also into organic items and saving the environment. Double love!
I recommend, for both meat lovers and non-meat eaters, to have lunch in this restaurant whilst in Yogyakarta. It is truly a treat!
If time is on your side, do explore and soak in the heritage of Yogyakarta!
See you in Prambanan.....
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