In jogja you can see wayang kulit show, my favourite traditional show
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Yogyakarta or Jogja
Yogyakarta (some people call it Jogja, Jogjakarta, or Yogya) is a city with outstanding historical and cultural heritage. Yogyakarta was the centre of the Mataram Dynasty (1575-1640), and until now the kraton (the sultan's palace) exists in its real functions. Also, Yogyakarta has numerous thousand-year-old temples as inheritances of the great ancient kingdoms, such as Borobudur temple established in the ninth century by the dynasty of Syailendra.
More than the cultural heritages, Yogyakarta has beautiful natural panorama. The green rice fields cover the suburban areas with a background of the Merapi Mountain. The natural beaches can be easily found to the south of Yogyakarta.
Here the society lives in peace and has typical Javanese hospitality. Just try to go around the city by bike, pedicab, or horse cart; and you will find sincere smiles and warm greeting in every corner of the city.
An artistic atmosphere is deeply felt in Yogyakarta. Malioboro, as the center of Yogyakarta, is overwhelmed by handicraft from all around the city. Street musicians always ready entertain the visitors of the lesehan food stalls.
More than the cultural heritages, Yogyakarta has beautiful natural panorama. The green rice fields cover the suburban areas with a background of the Merapi Mountain. The natural beaches can be easily found to the south of Yogyakarta.
Here the society lives in peace and has typical Javanese hospitality. Just try to go around the city by bike, pedicab, or horse cart; and you will find sincere smiles and warm greeting in every corner of the city.
An artistic atmosphere is deeply felt in Yogyakarta. Malioboro, as the center of Yogyakarta, is overwhelmed by handicraft from all around the city. Street musicians always ready entertain the visitors of the lesehan food stalls.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
GAMELAN (2)
gamelan (2)
Indonesia is counted as the most populous Muslim nation in the world, but this is somewhat misleading. Islam is not a "state religion" as it is in many Islamic countries, and there is quite a bit of variety, although the majority of inhabitants do profess Islamic beliefs. Among the larger cultures, North Sumatra is the "most" Muslim; in fact, it was home to a major Islamic University (known, for instance, in China) during the later medieval era. Java is also Islamic, in the sense that the people believe in many of the tenets of Islam and identify themselves as Muslims, but there are also other simultaneous belief systems. Prior to Islam, Java was alternately Hindu and Buddhist (and Bali remains Hindu), and these beliefs continue to be important for Muslim people. There is also an older layer of native religious practice which is still alive and well. Javanese religion is termed "syncretistic" (i.e., combining various influences), and it is generally only our tendency to give priority to the monotheistic religions which yields the Javanese the designation of "Islamic" per se. Of course, the influence of Islam should not be understated either.
The above discussion of syncretism should not give the impression that Java is an area of religious conflict. The different belief systems have been molded into a coherent whole, and the various public rituals (like the calendar with its simultaneous cycles of five and seven days, i.e. these coincide every thirty-five days) are thoroughly ingrained throughout the Javanese population (of course, as we know, the "Europeanized elite" frequently have different ideas). The Sanskrit classic epic Mahabharata continues to be a huge cultural influence on Java (it is easily apparent from the simple fact that many personal names are taken from that text, etc.) and the shadow puppet theater based on episodes from this epic is one of the most distinctive and wide-spread Javanese cultural practices. The gamelan is always used to accompany these plays (wayang kulit). The classical dance forms of Indonesia are also attaining some level of popularity in the USA (you could have seen them regularly in the Rose Bowl Parade, for instance), and much of the court music was written to accompany dance. There is also a large and impressive body of surviving classical literature on various topics, usually written in verse (including a verse encyclopedia, if you can imagine...).
The gamelan orchestra, based on metallic percussion with some wooden xylophones and drums, is well-known to many readers. In various forms, it is ubiquitous to Southeast Asia. In Java, the full gamelan also adds a bowed-string instrument (the rebab, a name illustrative of Islamic influence), a bamboo flute (suling) and voices. The rebab is one of the main melodic instruments, together with the bronze xylophone "gender," and is often played by the senior musician to lead the ensemble. Voices consist of male (and sometimes female) choruses called gerong, together with female soloists called pesindhen. However, the voices are not used as "lead" instruments in court gamelan (as opposed to wayang kulit, shadow puppet theater) and blend with or complement the sound. More specifically, the chorus is very much a part of the texture, whereas the soloist has an almost-separate improvisatory role, including the use of notes outside of the mode of the piece. In these abstract pieces, mostly "gendhing" on the current list, the words are largely secondary to the music.
Indonesia is counted as the most populous Muslim nation in the world, but this is somewhat misleading. Islam is not a "state religion" as it is in many Islamic countries, and there is quite a bit of variety, although the majority of inhabitants do profess Islamic beliefs. Among the larger cultures, North Sumatra is the "most" Muslim; in fact, it was home to a major Islamic University (known, for instance, in China) during the later medieval era. Java is also Islamic, in the sense that the people believe in many of the tenets of Islam and identify themselves as Muslims, but there are also other simultaneous belief systems. Prior to Islam, Java was alternately Hindu and Buddhist (and Bali remains Hindu), and these beliefs continue to be important for Muslim people. There is also an older layer of native religious practice which is still alive and well. Javanese religion is termed "syncretistic" (i.e., combining various influences), and it is generally only our tendency to give priority to the monotheistic religions which yields the Javanese the designation of "Islamic" per se. Of course, the influence of Islam should not be understated either.
The above discussion of syncretism should not give the impression that Java is an area of religious conflict. The different belief systems have been molded into a coherent whole, and the various public rituals (like the calendar with its simultaneous cycles of five and seven days, i.e. these coincide every thirty-five days) are thoroughly ingrained throughout the Javanese population (of course, as we know, the "Europeanized elite" frequently have different ideas). The Sanskrit classic epic Mahabharata continues to be a huge cultural influence on Java (it is easily apparent from the simple fact that many personal names are taken from that text, etc.) and the shadow puppet theater based on episodes from this epic is one of the most distinctive and wide-spread Javanese cultural practices. The gamelan is always used to accompany these plays (wayang kulit). The classical dance forms of Indonesia are also attaining some level of popularity in the USA (you could have seen them regularly in the Rose Bowl Parade, for instance), and much of the court music was written to accompany dance. There is also a large and impressive body of surviving classical literature on various topics, usually written in verse (including a verse encyclopedia, if you can imagine...).
The gamelan orchestra, based on metallic percussion with some wooden xylophones and drums, is well-known to many readers. In various forms, it is ubiquitous to Southeast Asia. In Java, the full gamelan also adds a bowed-string instrument (the rebab, a name illustrative of Islamic influence), a bamboo flute (suling) and voices. The rebab is one of the main melodic instruments, together with the bronze xylophone "gender," and is often played by the senior musician to lead the ensemble. Voices consist of male (and sometimes female) choruses called gerong, together with female soloists called pesindhen. However, the voices are not used as "lead" instruments in court gamelan (as opposed to wayang kulit, shadow puppet theater) and blend with or complement the sound. More specifically, the chorus is very much a part of the texture, whereas the soloist has an almost-separate improvisatory role, including the use of notes outside of the mode of the piece. In these abstract pieces, mostly "gendhing" on the current list, the words are largely secondary to the music.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
gamelan jogja java (1)
gamelan java jogja (1)
Indonesia is a big country, consisting of many cultures with many musical traditions. The biggest culture, with the most highly refined musical tradition, is that of the Javanese. The island of Bali also supports a distinct classical tradition. The music of other cultures has also been recorded, but I will not be dealing with that, as it has more the character of folk art.
Since many readers are apparently less familiar with the Javanese cultural setting (as opposed to India, China or Iran), I will discuss this background before proceeding to the list of recordings. The language we call Javanese is spoken in the central and eastern parts of the island of Java. The western part is Sundanese (from which there are also a few recordings, not to be discussed). Javanese is a very complicated language, consisting of three distinct vocabularies and grammars to be used with those in superior, equal, or inferior social positions with respect to the speaker. The national language of Indonesia is a modern construction, designed for simplicity and easy use by the wide array of different cultures within its boundaries.
Prior to the European period, Javanese was the dominant culture of the region, at times holding hegemony in parts of the Asian mainland. For instance, in the early-medieval history of what is now Cambodia, a restoration of the traditional monarchy was heralded by the arrival of a prince from Java to take the kingship. During the Mongol era, a large invasion fleet (much larger than that sent to Japan) was sent to Java, only to be soundly thrashed at sea, without a landing. This will give the reader some idea of the Javanese strength, but it should also be noted that this hegemony was generally not expressed through military means (at least insofar as we understand it), but rather as cultural and trading superiority. Of course, this situation was drastically modified by the arrival of the Arab traders.
Indonesia is a big country, consisting of many cultures with many musical traditions. The biggest culture, with the most highly refined musical tradition, is that of the Javanese. The island of Bali also supports a distinct classical tradition. The music of other cultures has also been recorded, but I will not be dealing with that, as it has more the character of folk art.
Since many readers are apparently less familiar with the Javanese cultural setting (as opposed to India, China or Iran), I will discuss this background before proceeding to the list of recordings. The language we call Javanese is spoken in the central and eastern parts of the island of Java. The western part is Sundanese (from which there are also a few recordings, not to be discussed). Javanese is a very complicated language, consisting of three distinct vocabularies and grammars to be used with those in superior, equal, or inferior social positions with respect to the speaker. The national language of Indonesia is a modern construction, designed for simplicity and easy use by the wide array of different cultures within its boundaries.
Prior to the European period, Javanese was the dominant culture of the region, at times holding hegemony in parts of the Asian mainland. For instance, in the early-medieval history of what is now Cambodia, a restoration of the traditional monarchy was heralded by the arrival of a prince from Java to take the kingship. During the Mongol era, a large invasion fleet (much larger than that sent to Japan) was sent to Java, only to be soundly thrashed at sea, without a landing. This will give the reader some idea of the Javanese strength, but it should also be noted that this hegemony was generally not expressed through military means (at least insofar as we understand it), but rather as cultural and trading superiority. Of course, this situation was drastically modified by the arrival of the Arab traders.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
How It works
How It Works
Site preparation, identification of batik crafters, and construction of temporary market and batik eco-museum are conducted by Jogja Heritage Society. Friends of Indonesian Batik “Sekar Jagad” manage the workshop and the market of batik in collaboration with Losari Foundation and Mayasari Indonesia. Community Service of Yogyakarta Agricultural Institute and Nila Jogja will organize the using of natural materials for the whole process of dying. All parties will market all batik workshop products.
Bantulan
Emergency Relief Activities
The May 27 earthquake had shaken Bantul district as well as Bantulan batik crafters’ life. Imogiri, Bantul was among the hardest hit region where the city literally lost its capacity to function. Most of the residents are still mourning from losing their family members, or their house, and their life. Imogiri Eco-museum Batik also hardly collapsed.
Jogja Heritage Society in collaboration with Friends of Indonesian Batik “Sekar Jagad”, Indonesian Heritage Trust, Losari Foundation, Mayasari Indonesia, Community Service of Yogyakarta Agricultural Institute, and individual donators, are preparing “Revive Imogiri Folk Batik” program to help rebuild the city and the residents based on their most potential intangible heritage.
This activity is part of the program called “Give Back Jogja Folk Heritage”, an integrated conservation effort of tangible and intangible heritage by rebuilding the economy through utilizing their potential assets. This program is aimed to assist the crafters to be independent in the future. from http://heritage.com
The May 27 earthquake had shaken Bantul district as well as Bantulan batik crafters’ life. Imogiri, Bantul was among the hardest hit region where the city literally lost its capacity to function. Most of the residents are still mourning from losing their family members, or their house, and their life. Imogiri Eco-museum Batik also hardly collapsed.
Jogja Heritage Society in collaboration with Friends of Indonesian Batik “Sekar Jagad”, Indonesian Heritage Trust, Losari Foundation, Mayasari Indonesia, Community Service of Yogyakarta Agricultural Institute, and individual donators, are preparing “Revive Imogiri Folk Batik” program to help rebuild the city and the residents based on their most potential intangible heritage.
This activity is part of the program called “Give Back Jogja Folk Heritage”, an integrated conservation effort of tangible and intangible heritage by rebuilding the economy through utilizing their potential assets. This program is aimed to assist the crafters to be independent in the future. from http://heritage.com
jogja Heritage
REVIVING IMOGIRI FOLK BATIK YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Bantulan Batik, One of the Biggest Potential of Imogiri DistrictImogiri District in Bantul Regency, 12 kilometres south of Yogyakarta is an important cultural landscape heritage where the Royal Cemetery Complex located the hill since 15 C, many traditional houses, and the home of the batik craft small scale industry.
Traditional batik painting Bantulan is one of the biggest potential of the Imogiri district in Bantul, Yogyakarta. Most of the crafters inherited the skills from their family for hundreds of years. There were about 900 groups of batik crafters in Imogiri, consist of both old and young people organized in groups of crafters; overall there were 4,500 crafters in Imogiri. Since ancient time, the Bantulan batik from Imogiri had influenced in many parts of Central Java region such as Tegal, Bayat, Semarang.
Two decades ago Bantulan batik declined. Most crafters have shifted batik painting as their second job instead of their main occupation. There were only several active batik crafters group. The declining batik market had slowed the crafters down, as well as the skills. The younger generation had lost their interest in batik craft.
The condition slightly changed when Ms. Jogopertiwi kept trying to develop the existence of Imogiri batik in 1990s. Young generation interests were increased. She received an Upakarti Award from the President of Indonesia for her efforts. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2002. In the year 2005, the Friends of Indonesian Batik “Sekar Jagad” established the Imogiri Eco-museum Batik “Joglo Ciptowening” dedicated to Ms. Jogopertiwi. The museum was opened by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, and has exhibited various types of batik patterns from Imogiri and its surrounding areas since then.
Bantulan Batik, One of the Biggest Potential of Imogiri DistrictImogiri District in Bantul Regency, 12 kilometres south of Yogyakarta is an important cultural landscape heritage where the Royal Cemetery Complex located the hill since 15 C, many traditional houses, and the home of the batik craft small scale industry.
Traditional batik painting Bantulan is one of the biggest potential of the Imogiri district in Bantul, Yogyakarta. Most of the crafters inherited the skills from their family for hundreds of years. There were about 900 groups of batik crafters in Imogiri, consist of both old and young people organized in groups of crafters; overall there were 4,500 crafters in Imogiri. Since ancient time, the Bantulan batik from Imogiri had influenced in many parts of Central Java region such as Tegal, Bayat, Semarang.
Two decades ago Bantulan batik declined. Most crafters have shifted batik painting as their second job instead of their main occupation. There were only several active batik crafters group. The declining batik market had slowed the crafters down, as well as the skills. The younger generation had lost their interest in batik craft.
The condition slightly changed when Ms. Jogopertiwi kept trying to develop the existence of Imogiri batik in 1990s. Young generation interests were increased. She received an Upakarti Award from the President of Indonesia for her efforts. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2002. In the year 2005, the Friends of Indonesian Batik “Sekar Jagad” established the Imogiri Eco-museum Batik “Joglo Ciptowening” dedicated to Ms. Jogopertiwi. The museum was opened by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, and has exhibited various types of batik patterns from Imogiri and its surrounding areas since then.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Jogja City of Tourism
Jogja the City of Tourism
Traveling to Jogja might be incomplete without visiting the legendary Malioboro and dining together at the Lesehan. However people says so in the same line.
Well, Indonesia is not only Bali. Even Jogja is not only Malioboro. The City of Gudeg has Kraton, Merapi and Kaliurang until the beach of South Sea.
There are also hotels, entertainment, shopping, health and security services, communication and transportation for your comfortableness with the family whilst in Jogja. from gudegnet
Traveling to Jogja might be incomplete without visiting the legendary Malioboro and dining together at the Lesehan. However people says so in the same line.
Well, Indonesia is not only Bali. Even Jogja is not only Malioboro. The City of Gudeg has Kraton, Merapi and Kaliurang until the beach of South Sea.
There are also hotels, entertainment, shopping, health and security services, communication and transportation for your comfortableness with the family whilst in Jogja. from gudegnet
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Ramayana Ballet
This dance-drama is a marvelous visualization of legendary epos in Javanese culture, Ramayana. Performed in an open stage, Ramayana ballet invites you to enjoy the story in a set of typical Javanese dance accompanied by gamelan music. from yogyes.com
gamelan, the javanese orchestra
Gamelan is the music created by integrating voices of gong, kenong and other Javanese music instruments. Soft music that reflects the life harmony of Javanese people will soon greet and calm the soul down once someone is listening to it. (from yogyes.com)
Kotagede Silver Village
Kotagede is popular as the centre of Yogyakarta silverwork industry since 1930. In Kotagede, there are many shops lined along the main street that sell silver crafts. Visitors are welcome to watch the silversmiths at work in their workshops. Most of the shops offer a wide range of pieces such as candlesticks, bowls, tea sets, boxes, modern jewelry (necklace, bracelet, ring), silver puppets, etc. You can also make an order using your own designs.
Batik
Yogyakarta is also well-known as "Batik City". Many places in Yogyakarta have interesting exhibitions of batiks in classic and modern designs. The process of batik, both the hand waxed and hand stamped, can also be seen in some places.
Kasongan Pottery Village
Kasongan is a small pottery village, about 5 kilometers southern Yogyakarta. It has become famous for its traditional and modern kinds of pottery produced by Kasongan villagers. There are free demonstrations of craft making everyday.
Kraton (The Sultan's Palace
The Sultan's Palace or Kraton, located in the heart of the city, has been established for more than 200 years. It was founded in 1775 by Prince Mangkubumi. The Prince was then called Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. The palace faces strecthes out from north to south, between the Winongo River and Code River. The front yard is called "Alun-Alun Utara" (the North Square), and the back yard is called "Alun-Alun Selatan" (the South Square). The design of the buildings shows that the Palace, the column ("Tugu") and Mount Merapi lie in one line.
Imogiri Nobel Cemetery
Imogiri cemetery is located about 17 km southeast of Yogyakarta. Perched on a hilltop, it is reachable by hiking on 345 stairs of stone. This cemetery was constructed in 1645 by Sultan Agung, the first king of Mataram. Imogiri has been the burial site for the royal descendant since then. However, Javanese people, especially Yogyanese and Solonese still regard it as a holy place of Javanese Culture. Visitors who want to go inside the cemetery have to wear traditional Javanese dress that one can hire on the spot.
Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple or "Lara Jonggrang" Temple is located around 17 km east of Yogyakarta. This largest Hindu temple complex in Java was built in the middle of the ninth century by Sanjaya dynasty. During full moon evenings in the months from May to October, the Ramayana Ballet is performed on the open air platform at the temple complex from 07.30 p.m. - 09.30 p.m.
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is one of the Seven Wonders in the world. This magnificent Buddhist temple was built between 750 and 850 AD. The temple was reconstructed by Indonesian government with the assistance of UNESCO. The restoration project is completed in 1984. It is located in Central Java, 42 kilometres northwest of Yogyakarta, and it is only one-hour driving from the city.
kotagede - SILVER CITY
in jogja there is a village called "kotagede"(big city). almost of the people in the village are create handycraft, art things, acessories, etc from silver.
Cheap and high quality.
Cheap and high quality.
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