What makes Indonesia special? Indonesian people | YOGYAKARTA vlog 1

Summary

This engaging video explores the vibrant and historic city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, known for its unique blend of culture, monarchy, and ancient landmarks. The host introduces the city’s unusual naming history, visits the Sultan’s Palace, and learns about traditional batik art. The journey includes exploring local customs, the challenges of navigating through tourist sites, and the discovery of hidden gems like a mosque and tunnels. The video provides a personal, immersive experience of the city, showcasing its beauty, rich history, and the warm hospitality of its people, while offering insights into lesser-known attractions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yogyakarta is often referred to as 'Jogjakarta,' and while it is officially spelled with a 'Y,' locals commonly pronounce it with a 'J.'
• 😀 The city is known for its unique blend of cultural heritage, including the only officially recognized monarchy in Indonesia, the Sultan's Palace.
• 😀 Yogyakarta is home to Indonesia's largest university, the most active volcano in the country, and the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur.
• 😀 The Sultan's Palace (Kraton) is a major attraction, but access to some parts is limited, and visitors should be prepared for additional costs, like photo permits.
• 😀 The monarchy in Yogyakarta has a special historical significance, as it supported the Indonesian Republic during its struggle for independence against Dutch colonization.
• 😀 Many parts of the Sultan’s Palace were rebuilt after earthquakes, and visitors can explore various sections, though not all areas are accessible to the public.
• 😀 Batik, a traditional Indonesian art form, plays a significant role in Yogyakarta’s cultural identity. Visitors can purchase and learn about batik-making at the palace.
• 😀 The local people are known for their hospitality, offering to guide tourists, but many prefer to explore on their own to discover hidden gems.
• 😀 While exploring the palace and surrounding areas, visitors might encounter local vendors, and negotiating prices can be part of the experience.
• 😀 Yogyakarta is still not overly touristy, which provides a more authentic experience, with opportunities to interact with locals and explore off-the-beaten-path locations.

Q & A

How do you pronounce the name of the city Yogyakarta?

The name is commonly pronounced as 'Jogjakarta' or 'Jogja', despite being written with a 'Y' in English. In the '70s, a linguistic change occurred where the 'J' became 'Y', but the popular pronunciation remained 'Jogjakarta'.

What makes Yogyakarta unique in Indonesia?

Yogyakarta is unique for being home to the only officially recognized monarchy in Indonesia. It also has the most active volcano, the largest Buddhist temple (Borobudur), the biggest university in Indonesia, and a rich cultural heritage.

Why is Yogyakarta's monarchy still recognized in Indonesia?

After World War II, when Indonesia declared independence, the sultan of Yogyakarta played a significant role in supporting the young nation. As a token of appreciation, Yogyakarta was granted autonomy, making it the only region in Indonesia governed by a monarch.

What is the Sultan's Palace in Yogyakarta?

The Sultan's Palace, or Kraton, is the residence of the Sultan and his family. It serves as the center of the royal culture and history of Yogyakarta, and parts of it are open for public visits. The palace is also a venue for official ceremonies.

What is batik, and how is it related to Yogyakarta?

Batik is a traditional Indonesian textile art that involves dyeing fabric using wax to create intricate patterns. In Yogyakarta, batik has deep cultural significance, and visitors can see collections of batiks used by the royal family for special occasions.

What does the 'photo permit' cost at the Sultan's Palace?

At the Sultan's Palace, a photo permit costs Rp 2,000, in addition to the ticket price for entry. This allows visitors to take photos inside the palace complex.

What is the significance of the 'water palace' in Yogyakarta?

The Water Palace, or Taman Sari, was built as a royal garden and a bathing area for the Sultan and his family. It also had special areas where the Sultan could observe his wives bathing, adding a unique historical and cultural element to the site.

What role does Yogyakarta play in Indonesia's history?

Yogyakarta has played a crucial role in Indonesia's history, especially during the independence movement. The city temporarily served as the capital when Jakarta was occupied by the Dutch, and the Sultan's support was vital for the survival of the republic.

How is the city of Yogyakarta related to the largest Buddhist temple in the world?

Yogyakarta is near Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, which is also the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. The temple is an important cultural and historical landmark in the region.

What is the atmosphere like for tourists in Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is a peaceful and culturally rich city, with a friendly atmosphere. It is not overly crowded with tourists, allowing visitors to explore and discover hidden gems such as temples, palaces, and traditional markets.