Merapi and Jogja

Though Jogjakarta is known as the city of students (Kota Pelajar-many students from all over Indonesia goes here to study) which guarantee our updated knowledge about technology, we preserve our traditional values daily. Living in Jogja feels like living the NOW in details. Everything is calming and (feels like Javanesse) musical, like a heart beat.

If you have plans visiting Jogjakarta, you really should see Merapi. You can google about merapi and see further info regarding the volcanic mountain. This place is not only known for its scenary, but also as a traditional and historic symbol.

This is the pic of Mount Merapi, around two years a go. Taken from around Kinahrejo.

This placed in known as the resident of former Mount Merapi Spiritual Guardian, Mbah Maridjan. He was known for his love, loyalty, respect and faithful guards over Merapi Mountain. Mbah Maridjan even refuses leaving Merapi, though goverments have frequently asked him to move due to the Merapi's erruption. He died with the believe that his duty was to prevent Merapi from exploding (Merapi can only errupt but not expode) and therefore he will not leave his place what so ever. From wikipedia page about Mbah Marijan we could read more about him and his beliefs regarding his duty.

While visiting Kinarejo few months after the big erruption on 26th of October 2010, I found new kinds of tourist objects around Merapi. Merapi which once known for it's cool and relaxing air has now turned into a huge museum of lava trace. Every where we look was burnt trees, houses and landscapes. These are few pics of the scene back then.

There were also salesmen selling food and other items.

My friend even once took a lava tour. This is a tour, riding jeep, around areas which were flood with lava. These area can only be reached using out door specialized vehicle with special tour guides. Many of them are provided around the area. My friend got a rate around Rp 450.000 for four people per ride.

Due to works, I haven't got the chance visiting Merapi again lately, so I really can't tell much about it's nowadays condition. I don't think I can go there soon because this volcanic mountain is once again active. It starts making small erruption since few weeks a go and I don't think tourists are now allowed to come. I will update other pics once I have chances to go there.

Fyi, Jogjakarta Palace, Parang Kusumo Beach (on Southern Beach) are lined in one imaginary line, centered in Tugu Jogja (tall monument built in the middle of the city). The line and these objects are Jogja's well known symbol. Knowing our daily life and our beliefs will help you catching the heart of Jogja. The calm, musical and relaxing ones.

I will tell you about them on my later posts. Hopefully soon.