DUSUN EKSTRIM DI JAWA TENGAH | JEJAK PETUALANG (22/05/25) Part 1

Summary

Dusun Tempel, a unique hamlet nestled on the steep slopes of Mount Merbabu in Central Java, offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life. With narrow, uphill roads and houses perched near cliffs, the residents have adapted to this challenging terrain over generations. The community thrives on cattle farming and agriculture, despite the hardships of the land. The hamlet’s breathtaking views of green slopes, mist, and active volcanoes make it a picturesque, though remote, settlement. Life in Tempel is shaped by close-knit family ties, resilience, and a deep connection to the land that sustains them.

Takeaways

• 😀 The village of Dusun Tempel is located in Selo District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, on the slopes of Mount Merbabu, at an altitude of around 1500 meters above sea level.
• 😀 The village is known for its extreme location on a steep slope, with houses built close to cliffs, creating a unique and challenging environment for the residents.
• 😀 Despite the challenging terrain, residents of Tempel village have lived there for generations, with strong family ties, and have adapted to the environment.
• 😀 Children in Tempel village play outside without gadgets, enjoying a more traditional form of entertainment and exercise, which contributes to their healthy lifestyle.
• 😀 Tempel village offers breathtaking views of Mount Merbabu and Mount Merapi, with misty and foggy mornings, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
• 😀 The roads in Tempel village are steep, narrow, and winding, making travel challenging. Residents often rely on motor vehicles or walking to navigate the terrain.
• 😀 The slope of the land in Tempel village ranges from 24 to 33 degrees, making the village's layout resemble a staircase.
• 😀 Residents have developed specific techniques for walking on steep slopes to avoid slipping, including stepping with the front foot first when going uphill and with the heel first when going downhill.
• 😀 Livelihoods in Tempel village are primarily focused on cattle farming, with livestock raised on steep slopes, which makes feeding them more challenging due to limited access to flat land.
• 😀 Despite the tough conditions, farmers in Tempel village raise crossbred 'metal' cows, a resilient breed adapted to cold and highland environments, and the cows are fed fresh, locally-grown grass.

Q & A

Why is the village called Tempel?

The village is called Tempel because the settlements are built on the edge of a cliff on sloping land, making the location unique and dramatic.

What is the altitude and slope of Dusun Tempel?

Dusun Tempel is located at an altitude of around 1,500 meters above sea level with a slope ranging from 24 to 33 degrees.

What is the population of Tempel Hamlet, and how long have the residents lived there?

The population of Tempel Hamlet is about 160 people, and they have been living there for generations, long before the Dutch colonial period.

What kind of lifestyle do children in Tempel Hamlet experience?

Children in Tempel Hamlet grow up without modern gadgets, enjoying outdoor play, and living a life closely connected to nature and their community.

What challenges do residents of Tempel Hamlet face due to the steep terrain?

Residents face difficult uphill roads, which can be physically taxing and dangerous due to the steep and slippery slopes. These conditions require careful navigation and physical endurance.

How do residents manage to live and move in such steep conditions?

Residents have adapted to the steep conditions by developing specific techniques for walking uphill and downhill, such as stepping on the front or back foot depending on the direction.

What makes livestock farming in Tempel Hamlet challenging?

Livestock farming is challenging due to the steep terrain, which makes it difficult to graze animals freely and requires farmers to carry animal feed up the slopes and provide their own feed.

What type of cattle is raised in Tempel Hamlet, and what are their advantages?

The residents raise 'metal cattle,' a crossbreed of European mental cattle and local cattle. These cattle grow quickly, adapt well to cold and highland climates, and are resistant to harsh weather.

What is unique about the cow sheds in Tempel Hamlet?

The cow sheds in Tempel Hamlet are built within the residential areas, usually at the back of houses, due to the limited space available on the steep land.

How do residents manage the daily care of their cattle despite the difficult terrain?

Residents carefully collect grass for their cattle on steep slopes and transport it uphill to the pens, often multiple times a day. They also clean the cowsheds regularly to prevent any unpleasant odors.