SOLO, THE Cradle of Javanese Culture

Javanese Classical Dance

As the cradle of Javanese culture, Solo or Surakarta is the most interesting tourist destinations in Indonesia. It is situated on a fertile plain amidst volcanic mountains, along side the longest river in Java, Bengawan Solo. Solo is generously endorsed with varied geographical features and in numerable scenic spots. The numbers of the City`s two royal courts, the oldest direct descendants of the Mataram empire (1586-1755), have made it their duty to preserve and foster knowledge of the classical Javanese culture. The classical performance arts like Gamelan (percussion) orchestral music, dance and Wayang (leather puppet and "live" puppet) plays are remain an integral part of daily life. Solo is also the centre of the production of Javanese batik, popular all over the world. The ancient process of making this exquisite cloth, once used exclusively by Javanese nobility, is one of the most highly prized arts. Batik craft is a traditional art from which has been practiced for centuries in the production of material for traditional dress. Batik can be drawn by hand or made by using special stamps. The traditional costume is called Kain Kebaya. But nowadays batik is also used for modern clothing, table cloth, napkins, bed covers, modern and traditional wall hangings and curtain. The batik process is also used in modern painting.

Bengawan Solo River

In 1745, King Pakubuwono II chose the peaceful village of Solo as a favorable site to build his luxuriant new palace, the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace. The king had been forced to flee his old palace at Kartasura,15 kilometers east of Solo, due to a rebellion. After regaining his throne, he established the new court city on the lush eastern bank of the Bengawan Solo River, the longest river in java. This new haven soon became the capital of the Javanese kingdom. Two centuries later, in 1946, shortly after the establishment of Indonesia as Republic, Surakarta relinquished its status as a kingdom to become a municipality. The two names, Solo and Surakarta, are interchangeable and both reflect the historical beginnings of this rich cultural centre. The Municipality of Solo, officially designated on June 16, 1946 is located in the Province of Central Java, lying on a verdant tropical plain, ringed by the Merapi, Merbabu, and Lawu Volcanoes. Solo has an area of 44.37 square kilometers and is 96 meters above sea level. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celcius during the day and 23 degrees Celcius at night.

Mount Merapi

The population of Solo is slightly over 500.000 people, a vast majority being Javanese, with the major minority ethnic groups being Chinese, Arabs, Indians and Pakistans. The Solonese believe in the existence of one God and worship Him according to their respective faiths, with amazing tolerance towards people of other religions. Muslims by far outnumber members of other denominations, but live in harmony with Catholics, Protestants, Hindus, Buddhist, and Confucians. Beautiful Mosques, churches, and temples reflect a centuries - old spiritual heritage. The growing interest in spiritual and mystical knowledge has brought thousands of people from all over the world to Solo to study variuos types of meditation.