Exploring 'Made in Indonesia' Yoga Steeped in Javanese Philosophy

At a weekend session in Sleman, Yogyakarta, over a dozen participants sat cross-legged on mats, their movements resembling yoga but with distinct modifications incorporating local wisdom. Agustin Sulistyawati, a certified E-RYT 200, YACEP yoga practitioner leading the session, explained that Sulur Yoga is her creation. “Sulur Yoga can be understood as movements that make the body move like a plant tendril—flexible, flowing, yet strong and connected to breath and the environment, rich in Javanese philosophy,” she said. Agustin noted she has received positive appreciation for Sulur Yoga. “Initially, I only shared it with private clients and students, but they were enthusiastic because they directly felt the benefits,” said Agustin, who also teaches yoga at the world-class Amanjiwo resort near Borobudur, Central Java. Sulur Yoga movements appear gentle, flowing, and organic, not rigidly following classical yoga poses, and emphasise breath awareness, body sensation, and connection with nature. “Sulur Yoga combines somatic movement, meditation, relaxation, and sometimes dance or sound healing, making it suitable for muscle stretching, releasing body tension, and mental relaxation,” said Agustin, who holds 200-hour Hatha and 300-hour Yin yoga certifications. The journey of Sulur Yoga began in 2018 when GKR Bendara of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace sought to develop a body movement practice for internal needs. Agustin was asked to create a distinctive yoga style with dominant local wisdom elements. “After receiving that mandate, I met various dance practitioners, but the momentum truly came during the pandemic, which became a catalyst to realise Sulur Yoga,” Agustin recounted. A series of memorable moments followed, starting with an online class from Jakarta Institute of the Arts lecturer Maria Darmaningsih in 2021. Her explorations then led her to meet Rianto, a renowned Lengger Banyumas dancer, and to visit the Osing community in Banyuwangi, East Java, before returning to Yogyakarta’s traditions. In 2024, Agustin collaborated with veteran dancer Kinanthi Sekar Rahina at her studio in Minggir, Sleman, where she also learned from Yessy Yoanne, a dance and film artist. Over six months at the studio, Sulur Yoga matured, supported by the conducive environment. “The pure, calming rural nature and interactions with mindful individuals allowed Sulur Yoga to crystallise into its final form,” Agustin said. Sulur Yoga was officially introduced at the Jogja Culture Wellness Festival 2025 and received a warm public reception. Agustin recalled that even first-time yoga participants were moved to tears, indicating a release of blocked energy in body, mind, and spirit. The practical health benefits have made Sulur Yoga accessible across all societal layers. Utilising technology, classes are also held online, reaching individuals like Anditta, an Indonesian living in Australia who was previously advised against pregnancy due to acute lower-back pain. “Practising Sulur Yoga, I feel an awareness of my body during daily movements to prevent injury, given my special condition which could be more fatal than for a normal person,” said Anditta, who has since had a successful natural birth. Positive guest reviews have increased the programme’s value at resorts and hotels, with high demand leading to daily classes and Agustin having almost no days off for the past year. Anditta added, “It is about body exercise and sensory exercise, because even healthy people must maintain their health, let alone someone with my condition. Body exercise helps manage pain to a minimum so it does not disrupt functioning as a normal human being.”