Special Region of Yogyakarta (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta) Indonesia
Special Region of Yogyakarta – Yogyakarta, or usually called Jogja, is a special region in Indonesia that has rich history and culture. Jogja is located on the island of Java and is the only region that still retains its sultanate status. This special region has its own government headed by a governor also known as the Sultan.
The Sultan of Yogyakarta was the spiritual and political leader of the region. He is considered the heir of Mangkunegaran, a feudal state in Indonesia. The Sultan also plays a role in efforts to preserve the culture and historical heritage in Jogja.
Jogja is famous for its rich culture which includes art, music and traditional dances. One example is the art of batik which has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Jogja batik has a distinctive style that distinguishes it from batik from other regions in Indonesia. Beautiful ornaments and colors adorn Jogja’s batik cloth, attracting local and foreign tourists.
Apart from that, Jogja is also known for its culinary specialties. Gudeg is the most popular traditional food here. Gudeg is a food made from young jackfruit cooked with Jogja’s typical spice. The taste is sweet and savory, often served with rice, chicken, eggs and chili sauce. Apart from gudeg, there are also foods such as bakpia (dry cake filled with green beans) and wedang ronde (a warm drink made from sticky rice balls).
Nature tourism is also an attraction for Jogja. Mount Merapi, located north of the city, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Even though it is dangerous, the beautiful surrounding scenery makes Mount Merapi a popular tourist destination. There are also beautiful beaches in Jogja, like Parangtritis Beach and Depok Beach. These beaches are known for their white sand, high waves, and stunning sunset views.
For historical tourism, Jogja has many temples spread out around it. Famous ones include Prambanan Temple and Borobudur Temple. Prambanan Temple is the biggest Hindu temple in Indonesia, while Borobudur Temple is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. These two temples are UNESCO world heritage sites and are popular tourist destinations for tourists interested in the history and art of ancient architecture.
In Jogja, tourists can also visit the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace, the palace where the Sultan held ceremonies and cultural activities. Inside the palace complex, tourists can see various art collections and historical artifacts related to the Yogyakarta Sultanate.
With its rich culture and history, Jogja has become a very popular tourism destination. Many tourists come to this city to experience the warmth and friendliness of the local people, as well as to enjoy its natural beauty and extraordinary cultural riches. By becoming a special region, Jogja has managed to maintain its cultural and historical heritage, making it one of the unique and interesting regions in Indonesia.
