Yogyakarta (pronounced as Jogjakarta) is literally the centre of the island of Java. From Wayang Kulit shows to traditional silversmithing, Jogja is known as the heart of Javanese culture. It is also home to the Yogyakarta Sultanate, the last Indonesian monarchy. Here are some places to visit for a crash course in Javanese heritage.
Watch Wayang Kulit
Watch a wayang kulit performance for a truly enchanting evening in the heart of Central Java. Wayang kulit (meaning leather puppet show) is the most iconic Javanese performance art; it's not surprising that it was designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2008.
The performance features not only the shadow puppets that dance on-screen, but also a gamelan orchestra backed with a female choir. Most performances are inspired by the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Battling evil is a recurring theme.
Catch a performance at Sonobudoyo Museum or Keraton, the Yogyakarta Sultanate’s palace complex.
Keraton
Time: Every Saturday, starts at 9.30 am (typically ends after 2 hours)
Price: The performance is free, entrance to the Keraton is IDR 15,000 (SGD 1.49)
Sonobudoyo Museum
Time: Every night, 8 pm to 10 pm
Price: IDR 20,000 (SGD 1.99)
Check out the Local Handicraft Industries at the Kotagede District
Kotagede is an ancient district in Jogja. It was once the capital of the Mataram Kingdom, the last independent kingdom before Dutch colonisation. Today, the district is home to some of the most prolific artisans and performers.
The silversmith industry boomed during the Mataram era as it catered to the household and ceremonial needs of the royal family. Kotagede’s silverware is characterised by its floral motifs - a sign of its Hindu and Islamic influence. Some of the silverware include tea sets, necklaces, and brooches among many others.
The district is also known for its batik production. Lines are drawn with wax to resist dyes, this allows the artisan to selectively colour the cloth; the wax is then removed by boiling or scraping. You’ll get an opportunity to witness the iconic cloth dyeing technique at Kotagede.
Visit the Local Markets
The local markets offer the greatest insight into Jogja’s everyday culture. You’ll be able to try local food and buy traditional handicrafts at some of these markets.
You shouldn’t miss Beringharjo Market on your Jogja trip. Beringharjo is Jogja’s busiest market, it carries everything that you’ll want to see and buy. On the first floor, you’ll find rows of batik shops and other traditional clothing like painted sarongs and blangkon. An assortment of local herbs and spices are on the second floor. The most unique of all is the antique shops that sell old cassette tapes and traditional handicrafts. They also carry batik stamps, the tool used to stamp the wax designs onto the cloth. The antique stores can be found on the third floor as well as areas outside the building.
While Beringharjo is certainly the more tourist-friendly market, Kranggan Market is more catered to the locals. Kranggan mostly carries fresh produce and street food stalls. You’ll find gudeg sold at a cheaper price than the more touristy spots. Visit Kranggan if you want out from the tourist crowd!
Visit Ullen Sentalu
Ullen Sentalu is a museum like no other. It aims to showcase Javanese culture through a comprehensive tour of the early royal families in the Jogja and Solo region of Java. One section houses heartwarming and heart-wrenching letters from Tineke, Pakubuwono XII’s sister. The batik showrooms are thorough where the guide will compare the difference between Solo and Jogja designs and motifs. If you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of Javanese heritage in a modern lush space, a visit to Ullen Sentalu won’t disappoint.
Visitors are accompanied by a guide. Expect to wait around half an hour before a tour starts. Each tour takes about 50 minutes.
Visit the Keraton palace
As mentioned earlier, the Keraton is the seat of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta. The Keraton comprises grand halls and pavilions. A collection of royal heirlooms are also housed along with displays of traditional regal clothes. The palace is maintained by elderly keepers who have long been under the royal family’s employment.
While the palace grounds are fairly limited, as many are closed to visitors, the daily performances are the highlight of the Keraton. The performances reflect the royal family’s appreciation of Javanese art, ranging from wayang kulit to Javanese poetry. Here are the details of the performances:
Monday and Tuesday: Gamelan orchestra, 10 am
Wednesday: Wayang golek menak (wooden puppet show), 10 am
Thursday: Classical dance, 10 am
Friday: Macapat (poetry), 9 am
Saturday: Wayang kulit, 9.30 am
Sunday: Human puppet show and palace dance, 9.30 am
