Even though we’re still in early 2024, have you ever made any exciting holiday plans yet? If not, it could be time to think about Indonesia, a captivating travel destination. There are many desirable places in this country which can be worth visiting, one of them is the town of Yogyakarta, which was recognized as one of the best tourist cities based on a study conducted by GoodStats.
In the study, the foremost aspects that influenced respondents’ selection of the town as a tourist destination were the availability of interesting tourist attractions, natural beauty, historical places and culinary offerings.
In this city, you will focus not only on its tourist attractions, but you will even feel the draw of its cultural diversity reflected in its tourist activities and community life.
Yogyakarta plays a vital role as a middle of Javanese culture, where the strength of Javanese traditions is reflected within the presence of Kasultanan Kraton Yogyakarta and Puro Paku Alaman as necessary centres of Javanese culture. Meanwhile, the presence of historical sites such as the Sewu Temple, Boko Temple and Prambanan Temple in Sleman enriches the cultural landscape with the heritage of Hindu religion from precedent days. Moreover, the local people still practise and nurture traditions steep in local wisdom.
Yogyakarta is probably home to the most important Hindu religious site in the country. Candi Prambanan (Prambanan Temple), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interestingly, the Prambanan temple complex consists of three foremost temples surrounded by 244 smaller temples.
This temple complex was in built 778 Saka (856 AD) during the reign of Sri Maharaja Rakai Pikatan of the traditional Mataram Kingdom. The total area of the temple complex is 39.8 hectares. The entire area is split into three courtyards separated by surrounding partitions, with entrances at each cardinal point.
In the primary courtyard, in the middle of the complex, there are three foremost temples, three auxiliary temples, two corner temples and eight smaller shrines. The second courtyard accommodates 224 subsidiary temples, while the third courtyard is the outer area without temple structures.
In the past, the Prambanan Temple served as the foremost temple of the Mataram Kingdom, where necessary royal ceremonies were held. At its peak, it’s estimated that many of the Brahmin priests and their disciples gathered within the outer courtyard of this temple to check the Vedas and perform various Hindu rituals and ceremonies.
Today, the temple is principally used as a spot for traditional ceremonies, including Melasti, Tawur Agung Kesanga and various other rituals. Additionally, the temple complex has turned out to be a preferred place for photo sessions, e.g. pre-wedding sessions and using drones. However, prior approval from relevant authorities – the DIY Cultural Heritage Conservation Center (BPCB) should be obtained for drone flights.
The temple complex also serves as a venue for international musical events such as the Prambanan Jazz. This annual music festival showcases renowned musicians from the local and international scene. This year, the Prambanan Jazz will likely be held over three days, from July 5 to 7, 2024. A major change from previous years is the addition of three stages throughout the Prambanan Temple complex: the Special Show Stage, the Festival Stage and the NAVASRPM Stage. This initiative reflects Prambanan Jazz’s commitment to inviting jazz lovers to enjoy quite a lot of performances in the course of the event.
The decade-long music festival can be called a “family event”, as it also caters to children and other people with disabilities. It is supported by comprehensive facilities, including: toilets, prayer rooms (mushola), breastfeeding rooms, kids’ play areas and smoke-free areas. In addition, the organization complies with UNESCO regulations by designating the Prambanan Temple area as a smoke-free tourist zone.
Meanwhile, along with the musical live shows, visitors can enjoy an array of culinary delights, from traditional to contemporary dishes, in addition to Yogyakarta’s unique handicrafts offered at the festival. This event is a beautiful option for people planning a mid-year holiday. Here, visitors can, not only attend internationally acclaimed music live shows, but additionally immerse themselves in the great thing about Yogyakarta’s history and culture while having fun with delicious cuisine, all at the same time.
