Surakarta has lots to offer, besides 'keraton' tour<\/p>\n
Kartika Bagus C., The Jakarta Post, Surakarta, Central Java<\/p>\n
Surakarta has long been famous for the richness of its cultural
\nheritage and has become a leading tourist destination in
\nIndonesia. One of the city's landmarks is the Keraton Kasunanan
\nSurakarta Hadiningrat or Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace, which was
\nbuilt centuries ago to mark the birth of the city.<\/p>\n
The old palace building is still well maintained and remains
\nintact despite the clear signs of its age.<\/p>\n
Retaining its magnificence and glory, Surakarta Keraton, along
\nwith the Mangkunegaran Fort, has continued to serve as a symbol
\nof Javanese culture. Both the palace and the fort are frequented
\nby local and foreign tourists interested in history and culture.<\/p>\n
The presence of the Surakarta Keraton is inseparable from the
\ncity's daily life, and its long history has made Surakarta, a
\ncenter of Javanese cultural values and traditions, an influential
\nplace for many people.<\/p>\n
These cultural features have become a major tourist
\nattraction. Its relatively pristine atmosphere makes tourists
\nfeel at home, and the prevalence of local values distinguishes
\nSurakarta from other cities on Java island, including Yogyakarta.<\/p>\n
In terms of facilities, infrastructure and tourism potential,
\nSurakarta can count itself lucky.<\/p>\n
The city has at least 14 homestays, dozens of ordinary and
\nstar-rated hotels, cafes and restaurants as well as various
\ntourist attractions such as the Radyapustaka Museum, Sriwedari
\nCultural Tourism Park, Taru Jurug Zoological Garden, Klewer
\ntextile market, Triwindu antique market and the Depok Bird
\nCenter.<\/p>\n
Surakarta also offers cultural attractions and traditional art
\nperformances such as Wayang Orang (classical dance dramas) in
\nSriwedari, Kethoprak (history and legend based dramas) in
\nBalekambang and various theatrical and choreographic pieces
\npresented by the Surakarta Cultural Park (TBS) and the Indonesian
\nArts College (STSI).<\/p>\n
Wayang Orang has become a favorite option for evening
\nentertainment. However, 70 percent of the spectators are
\nforeigners. The residents of Surakarta themselves seem less
\ninterested in this form of artistic expression.<\/p>\n
Besides its plentiful handicraft and souvenir centers, the
\ncity, which has a population of 520,000, is strategically located
\nas a tourist destination. It offers easy access via various land
\nand air routes.<\/p>\n
One of the tourist sites frequented by foreign visitors is the
\nSukuh temple on the slopes of Mount Lawu in Karanganyar,
\nsoutheast of Surakarta.<\/p>\n
According to Suseno Hadiparwono, chairman of the Surakarta
\nbranch of the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASITA),
\nthis temple possesses something special in the eyes of overseas
\nvisitors.<\/p>\n
\"It's due to the unique features of Sukuh, with its typical
\nJavanese reliefs depicting ancient teachings and erotic images,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
In addition, several places in Surakarta offer facilities for
\nspiritual activities, such as the Lemah Putih boarding house in
\nMojosongo, and Sapta Tirta in Kasunanan Keraton, where visitors
\ncan practice meditation.<\/p>\n
The latest data from the Surakarta tourism office shows that
\nthe number of foreign tourists visiting the city totaled 13,467
\nin 2000, compared to 774,479 domestic tourists from all across
\nthe country.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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